Chapter 10 Summary

Jennifer finalizes her article on the LAB Conference, but her attention quickly shifts to the troubling case of Walter Jenkins. News updates remain sparse, with GenaSeed insisting he is merely on vacation, though their carefully worded statement does little to quiet suspicion. Sandi Brown, the company’s polished spokesperson, stresses Jenkins’ importance while downplaying concerns, framing GenaSeed as a benevolent force in global food production.

Curious, Jennifer digs deeper online and uncovers the extent of Jenkins’ influence. His research had revolutionized crop resilience and boosted yields worldwide, making him one of GenaSeed’s most valuable assets. Yet, in interviews, Jenkins appeared anything but loyal to the corporate line. Muscular and outspoken, he defied the stereotype of a reclusive scientist. He openly criticized GenaSeed for abandoning its mission to feed the poor, accusing the company of prioritizing profit over people.

In contrast, Sandi Brown’s public rebuttals painted GenaSeed as a philanthropic powerhouse, deflecting criticisms with charm before abruptly ending interviews when pressed. The clash between Jenkins’ principles and the corporation’s polished image raised an unsettling question for Jennifer: could internal opposition have led to his disappearance?

Resolved to pursue the lead, she books a flight to St. Louis to probe GenaSeed headquarters directly. After a quick stop to pack, she leaves her apartment with Neil’s warning echoing in her mind: if the video of Jenkins is authentic, those responsible won’t welcome a journalist’s questions. Doubt lingers as she steps into the elevator, caught between caution and determination, yet moving forward all the same.

Chapter 9 Summary

Tony follows the GPS in his rental car to a country-style restaurant and stops for breakfast after an early morning of travel. He exchanges lighthearted banter with Susan, the counter clerk, whose humor momentarily lifts his spirits. As he eats, Tony checks the news on his phone and is stunned to see reports about the alleged kidnapping of Walter Jenkins and GenaSeed’s involvement. Concern grows that his planned visit to St. Louis may now be poorly timed. After finishing his meal, Tony returns to his rental car and considers his options while waiting for word on his aircraft repairs. Deciding he may need to stay longer, he books a room at a nearby Embassy Suites. The clerk arranges a premium suite, and Tony checks in, planning to shop for essentials in case his stay extends overnight.

Chapter 8 Summary

Javon Morris arrives at One Metropolitan Square in St. Louis for a meeting with GenaSeed executives. After presenting his FBI credentials to the lobby guard, he makes his way up to the company’s opulent reception area on the twenty-second floor. The luxury and artificial nature of the environment with an indoor waterfall, artificial birdsong, and sunlight impress him but also underscore the company’s wealth and image management. Javon checks in with the receptionist, who, flustered by his credentials, arranges for someone to escort him.

Sandra Brown, GenaSeed’s Vice President of Communications, greets him instead of Daniel Bruner, the executive Javon had requested. She explains Bruner is unavailable but will be free shortly. Javon insists on speaking with Bruner as soon as possible and persuades Sandra to take him to her office on the thirty-ninth floor while they wait. The office, like the rest of the building, is lavishly decorated with teak paneling, marble flooring, and high-end furnishings.

Javon questions Sandra about the company’s awareness of the video and news story concerning Walter Jenkins. She explains that Bruner and Jeffrey Kruger, the COO, first learned of it around seven in the morning and informed her shortly after. Javon presses her about ransom demands, attempts to gather personal information, or other suspicious contacts, but Sandra denies any such incidents.

Their discussion shifts to Jenkins’ recent activity. Jenkins' last communication was an email sent two days earlier. While his lack of contact isn’t unusual when on vacation, Javon requests further details about his travel plans. Sandra admits she doesn’t know specifics but promises to ask Jenkins’ staff. When asked if Jenkins had enemies, Sandra described him as a passionate researcher who occasionally clashed with Bruner and Kruger over how the company applied his work. Despite frequent threats to quit, Jenkins never left, as GenaSeed owns the patents to his research, effectively tying him to the company.

Sandra portrays Jenkins as frustrated by the company’s profit-driven methods but not deeply unhappy with his research itself. Javon records her responses, sensing tension in GenaSeed’s internal dynamics, and provides her with his contact information in case additional details emerge. Finally, he requests to be taken to Daniel Bruner’s office, intent on speaking directly with the executive.