Page 113 of Code 6

“It doesn’t exist anymore?”

“No. Thank God.”

“Then what are you going to deliver to Patrick’s kidnappers to make the exchange?”

“That’s not my problem. That’s Jeremy Peel’s problem.”

“How is it his problem?”

“You’ll see. I have a plan.”

Enrique looked confused. “Does Mr. Peel know what Code Six is? Or was?”

“He has no clue.”

Enrique seemed even more puzzled. “But Patrick Battle knows?”

“Yes. Patrick knows.”

“How?”

The mist was turning to rain. Thewhump-whumpof the wipers quickened. Kate decided that if Enrique was willing to risk his life to protect her, he deserved to see at least part of the bigger picture.

“I wrote a play.”

“Your father told me. He’s very proud of you.”

It warmed Kate’s heart to hear that. She wouldn’t have guessed it.

“What’s the play about?” asked Enrique.

She gave him the short version.

“What’s it called?”

“It doesn’t have a title. But I think I’m going to call itCode Six. It was Patrick’s idea.”

“He read your play?”

“No. Right before Patrick disappeared, the director took me on a research trip to the Holocaust Memorial. They have a Hollerith machine on display there. I thought Patrick would find it fascinating, so I went back a second time and brought him with me.”

“Why is there a Hollerith machine at the Holocaust Memorial?”

“Because virtually every aspect of the Holocaust was automated. It was the old punch-card technology, but it was technology, nonetheless.”

“And Code Six was part of that technology?”

“Yes.”

“So, when Patrick told you to deliver Code Six as his ransom, he was—”

“He was effectively saying, ‘Don’t give my kidnappers shit.’”

“Why would he do that? I mean, it’s nice to see an employee who is loyal to his company. But company loyalty has its limits.”

“Patrick has the highest level of clearance at Buck Technologies. Higher than my father’s. My guess is that the technology these peoplereallywant is a matter of national security.”

Enrique’s eyes brightened. His chest swelled like a proud veteran. From where Kate was sitting, this man who’d put his own life on the line in service to his country was having a “lightbulb” moment.