Lost in thoughts, John had made his way back to LabTech. Not being able to say why he had asked Danielle such a personal question -a question to which the answer was none of his business- he rubbed his cheeks in a unsure gesture. Even more uncertain why he had also opened up to her, he took his position across from Brianna Hastings' office.
Sometimes it's easier to open up to someone uninvolved, he reflected his own words during one of their first encounters. Perhaps, he thought, this was also the true motive of verbalizing what he usually kept to himself. Unconcerned about his personal situation, but paradoxically understanding what he was talking about. It was a rare combination that, so far, he had only associated with Harold. He had seen no judgment in her eyes. Instead, it was her belief that there may be was this one person which it suddenly would all make sense with, that gave him a strange hope; a hope he had lost more and more over the years, but especially since Jessica's death. Watching through the lens of his camera as Brianna Hastings left her office, his thoughts snapped back to Danielle's career plans, which she seemed all enthusiastic about.

Even though he was aware of the dangers that would come along with them inevitably, he hadn´t shown his concerns. While he had already crossed a line by asking about some part of her private life, he had no right to question a decision for which, alongside her fears, she seemed to have a similar motivation as he had for his own work. Nonetheless, he wasn't able to ignore the queasy feeling that came with concerns about the possible consequences. There were reasons why barely anyone aimed for positions of this nature. Knowing too well that new employees were being placed in neighborhoods that were avoided by most people, and places that were known for spontaneous excesses of violence, there was no guarantee that Harold´s machine would be able to recognize a danger early on.

"Hey Finch", he made the connection to his employer to match the thought.

"Mr. Reese, I was already expecting your call. Were you able to learn anything new?"

"Looks like we haven´t been wrong about Cartright. Apparently, he's causing a lot of trouble at LabTech and, according to Danielle, he´d be willing to do anything to make a scientific breakthrough. How about you?"

"Mr. Svensson is back in our save house. I guess I'll take a closer look at Mr. Cartright next. Maybe I can find further clues to what he´s up to by his accounts."

"And I'll make sure Ms. Hastings gets home safely."

Already about to cut the connection, it was Harold's unexpected intervention that stopped him.

"Before I forget, John", he began in a tone that reminded him of a father's loving severity. "I´ve noticed you borrowed a book on counterintelligence a few days ago. It would be nice if you could return it after finishing it", he let him know, before the click of the line indicated that he wouldn't get a chance to reply.

MEANWHILE IN THE HEADQUATERS

Contrary to Harold's estimation of a scientists significantly high security standards whose focus should be on protecting his data, he wasn´t challenged to gain access to Cartright's accounts. Examining the files of the 45-year-old, who based on his e-mail correspondence has apparently been largely unsuccessful in publishing his articles, he found a steadily increasing potential for aggression in addition to his doggedness.

It was a simple folder named after GeneX, in which he found the confirmation for his foreboding.
Adjusting the black-rimmed glasses on his nose, he activated the speed dial button to his coworker.

"Morning Finch. Don't say you worked all night", John accepted the call with an ease that gave no indication of whether he had just interrupted him at breakfast or during a morning workout.

"I think we have a problem, Mr. Reese", he didn't take on his allusion. "It appears that Ms. Hastings is using a second unregistered cell phone which she uses to unknowingly communicate with Mr. Cartright.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, apparently Benjamin Cartright is posing as a background business partner of the manufacturing company ProPharm, under whose umbrella GeneX will bear his name. Some e-mails mention an additional profit share if Ms. Hastings discloses her complete research data for publication in scientific journals in the original version. It seems as she accepted the offer."

"Except that it´s not a senior business partner, but Cartright, who wants to use the information for his own purposes."

Finch nodded.

"Furthermore Mr. Cartright´s e-mails show correspondence and a money transfer with a group that is known for letting people disappear. Probably we can tie the attack of Mr. Svensson to them. Due to the underlying data, to which he now has complete access, it would be easy for Cartright to present himself as the actual initiator of GeneX, who now appears as the actual chairman. Since the launch is in two days already, I assume that Ms. Hastings is in imminent danger. You urgently need to find out the further details."

"That could be difficult."

"What exactly are you trying to imply?"

"After her shift I tried to talk to her again. Unfortunately, she refused the attempt in a harsh way by letting bystanders know that I would be bothering her in inappropriate ways, so I had no other option than to keep my distance."

Harold frowned.

"That actually is a problem."

"Which is why I could use your help. Since I stick with Ms. Hastings, I need you to look around Cartright's apartment for me. Maybe you can find out more of whatever he's planning."

Harold took a deep breath. In contrast to his employee, field work was still not one of his favorite tasks. However, it was a necessary commitment that he had to be willing to endure to protect the target.

"I'll take care of it", he let John know. "In the meantime, what do you intend to do about our little problem with Ms. Hastings? I'm not sure we'll be able to guarantee her protection unless we get the whole truth."

"I think I have a solution for that. I'll get back to you as soon as I know more", John ended the connection to his employer before activating another speed dial button hoping that the person he wanted to call would answer.