Chapter 46 Summary

Special Agent Javon Morris arrived at GenaSeed’s executive reception area on the twenty-second floor of the Met building to follow up on last week’s media event. Sandra Brown greeted him, apologized for the delay, and confirmed that she, Daniel Bruner, and Roger Cortez had attended the event. While she could explain her own attendance and Bruner’s within their official roles, Sandra admitted she was unsure why Cortez had been present, suggesting his participation was personal rather than professional. Javon asked that Sandra escort him to Cortez’s office for his scheduled meeting.

While waiting outside Cortez’s office, Javon was offered a cup of Cortez’s specially blended coffee and was impressed by its exceptional flavor. Cortez soon emerged, greeting Javon with confidence, charm, and an air of sophistication, then invited him into his office. Cortez explained that his presence at the media event was to offer physical and emotional support to Bruner and Sandra rather than for any official company business. He clarified that his relationship with Walter Jenkins had been limited to occasional professional interactions.

During their conversation, Cortez also explained GenaSeed’s role in revitalizing a coffee plantation, enriching the soil, improving irrigation, and protecting the land, all of which contributed to the exceptional coffee Javon had tasted. Despite Javon’s questions, Cortez provided little new information about the event or any personal involvement with Jenkins.

After Javon left, Cortez went back to his office, locked the door, and grabbed a burner phone. His actions showed he was taking steps to make sure the FBI agent’s questions wouldn’t interfere with his plans.