by Darin Gibby
How he interrogated Quinn depended on what he found in his luggage. Long had learned from HydroGen President Jerry Wilcox that Quinn’s research there focused on the development of a catalytic reaction that facilitated the separation of hydrogen from oxygen. Wilcox and Quinn had worked side by side for months on the project, although their working relationship was anything but collegial. They constantly disagreed over their research protocols and possible catalytic materials. According to Wilcox, Quinn was so competitive that it was his way or no way. It was as if he’d brought a fencing competition to the research lab. But he put up with Quinn because of his raw talent, or as Long surmised, because Quinn had better ideas than his own.
The reason for Quinn’s sudden departure to Korea was still unclear. At first, Wilcox claimed he’d fired Quinn because of an unprofessional working relationship, but he later changed his story, saying Quinn had left in a huff once Wilcox had invented the catalyst and refused to place Quinn’s name on the patent application, because Quinn didn’t invent anything.
Whatever the reason, being fired or leaving on his own initiative, Quinn’s employee agreement required him to assign all of his inventions to HydroGen, who in turn was obligated to assign its rights to the Department of Energy. Even if Quinn was disgruntled because Wilcox wouldn’t put his name on the patent application, that was no reason to steal the idea. He didn’t own it anyway.
Long’s phone beeped, a signal that Quinn was on his way. Long jumped behind the large X-ray machine. While Long was under immense pressure to obtain enough evidence to arrest Quinn for theft of trade secrets, the Justice Department wanted Long to stop Quinn without any publicity.
The official story was that the DOE felt that the technology wasn’t fully developed and did not want a premature announcement of any so-called water cars until they were sure it really worked. Being embarrassed on the international stage if they couldn’t make good on the outlandish claims was political suicide for anyone at the Energy Department. Long privately surmised it was because of the politics behind protecting a massive investment in US oil production, but that was all way above his pay grade.
From his hiding place, Long observed Quinn being escorted by a single customs agent to the luggage scanner. “Throw all your stuff on the conveyor belt,” the agent said placing his hands on his hips, above his holstered handgun.
“I’ve got computer equipment in there. Can I pull that out?” Quinn said.
“Computer equipment?”
Quinn hesitated. “Couple of flash drives.”
“Your data will be safe. If it doesn’t go through our scanner, we’ll need to download the data. Choice is yours.”
Quinn’s jaw muscles flexed. Long leaned his ear closer to hear Quinn’s response.
“Put ‘em through, then.”
“And we’re going to need to search your person.”
“Meaning?”
“We’ll start with a pat down.”
“And if I refuse?”
“We take your computer equipment and send you back to Korea.”
Long peeked around the corner to catch Quinn’s reaction. Quinn hesitated, then held up his hands and beamed a smile. “If you put it that way, I’m all yours.”
Long pounded his fist against his leg. If Quinn had the catalyst, there was no way he would consent to the search. While Long could run to a judge and try to get a search warrant for the drives, he knew the DOJ wouldn’t want that sort of public record. Besides, the drives were probably encrypted at so many levels that he’d never be able to uncover the information in his lifetime.
He knew he had struck out again.
16
“THIS WAS A GIANT mistake,” Janice said, her feet perched on Addy’s desk while she studied her cracking fingernail polish. “I should have never let you talk me into leaving Wyckoff.”
“Give it some more time,” Addy said.
“More time isn’t going to fix the problem. You told me that working for a start-up would be fun. No more policies, as I recall. I now have four different passwords to get my computer to work, my Android doesn’t get a signal unless I go outside, and that requires squeezing through a scanner. Before long, one of these Koreans will be patting me down.”
“I admit, it’s a real pain, but that’s only because the technology is so valuable.”
“And what technology would that be? We haven’t seen anything that resembles a patent application since we walked through those doors. I haven’t done a single thing I’m trained to do, unless you consider teaching a bunch of tech geeks about how to use the Patent Office website. These guys can barely speak English.”
“I take it you didn’t hit it off with Sung-soo?” Addy said, referring to the tech guy that Jeyhu, the VP over green technologies, had sent to the States to set up Addy’s computer network.
Janice burst out laughing. “I call him Gawk-soo, because that’s all he does—gawk at me.”
“You and me both.”
Addy had the same concerns about the idleness. She had heard nothing about the catalyst, and received no word from Quinn. He’d told her to expect radio silence, but the lack of activity was nerve-racking. She was accustomed to scrambling nearly all day, billing every possible minute. After setting up her computer, arranging her office, and meeting with the new staff, there was nothing left to do. The most exciting event during the past week was going to lunch with her favorite former client and explaining why she’d left the partnership.
“All I can say is that we’re all set to file those applications whenever they come in,” Janice said. “We’ve registered with the Patent Office, even got an account with two hundred grand in it to pay the filing fees.”
“Two hundred thousand?” Addy gasped.
“That’s how much Gawk, or Sung-threw, or whatever his name is, put into it. Must be planning on a lot of filings.”
“Sung-soo,” Addy reminded her.
When Janice left, Addy pulled out her cell phone and checked email. Lynda had replied, telling Addy they would love to have her come whenever she had time. She said they had an extra room, and suggested that she stay a weekend. If Billy, her stepbrother, was playing soccer that weekend, they could even see his game. Cassandra, the result of her father’s affair, would be there as well.
Addy wondered if she should go this weekend. Heaven knows she had enough free time. But she didn’t want to leave before Quinn arrived with the patent applications. She decided to wait before suggesting a date.
The idleness changed later that day when Addy’s office door flew open. Janice, half asleep in the guest office chair, startled Addy who nearly jumped to attention. Panting, Quinn barged in and loosened his necktie. He was holding a package like he was carrying a football.
“Good to see you both.” Quinn set the package down on Addy’s desk and held out his hand as he introduced himself to Janice. After some small talk, he asked if he could be alone with Addy.
Janice huffed, folded her arms and pushed her way past Quinn. “I’ll be in my office if you need me.”
“Sorry, I’m late,” Quinn said when the door clapped shut. “Got delayed at customs.”
“For three days?”
“Long story. Anyway,” he said as he pointed to the package, “that is the flash drive with all the patent applications. I’m going to have Sung-soo—you’ve met him, right?” He continued before Addy could answer. “I’m going to have him load all these on your computer. They’ll be password-protected, encrypted, and require a biometric scan to gain access.”
Addy raised her hand. “Before you go any further, do you mind if we go over a few things?”
“Like?”
“The office. Janice is about ready to walk—either that, or she’s going to scratch Sung-soo’s eyes out. Nobody here knows anything about running a law firm, much less anything about patent filings.”
Quinn rolled his eyes. “What else?”
“All this security stuff. I appreciate your concern, but this is ridi
culous. Body scanners. Really?”
“Company policy. I can’t change it.”
“But you are the company. You can change anything.”
Quinn sat on the corner of the desk and swung his leg. “I thought you’d appreciate the safety aspect. And speaking of safety, I understand you’ve been riding your bike to work.”
“My car’s in the shop, remember?”
“You told me it was impounded.”
“Same thing. I can’t use it.”
“I’m going to arrange for a driver.”
“I’m okay,” Addy said. “I need the exercise. Besides that, we’re a renewable energy company. Why would I drive a gas guzzler?”
Addy watched Quinn’s jaw muscles flex as he gritted his teeth. “The driver will take you in a Tesla.”
“Please.” Addy knew she was being obstinate, but that was her nature.
Quinn’s tense face relaxed and he smiled. He too knew that electric cars relied on fossil fuels to generate their electricity because nearly two-thirds of power plants in America used coal and natural gas to produce electricity used to charge the car batteries. There wasn’t much difference between that and a gasoline-powered engine.
“Get Hindy back for me.”
“I have a lot of connections, but not that many. I’m afraid I can’t impose on the US legal system. I’m Korean, remember?”
“I’m not finished with my demands,” Addy said, ignoring him. “We need an office manager. Someone who speaks English without an accent.”
“You’re changing the subject. I need to have someone look after you. Remember what happened in Vietnam?”
Quinn was right. The threats in Vietnam had terrified her. America had provided her with a false sense of security. The fact that she wasn’t driving Hindy was evidence enough that she was vulnerable to anyone who didn’t appreciate her “green” activities.
“Really, I’ll be okay. I need the exercise, and I do my best thinking when I’m outside. And, it’s much safer here. I’ll promise you that if I ever suspect anything, I’ll let you take over my life. Okay?”
Quinn scooted himself off her desk. “I thought I was the most stubborn person on the planet. This one is non-negotiable. I’ve got a security detail who is going to escort you, and if the weather’s bad, you’re in the Tesla.”
“Will the driver have a California license?”
“Funny,” he said snatching up the package. “You handle the patents, I’ll handle security. Trust me on this one.”
“Famous last words. And I’m going to hire an office manager. If we can’t leave this prison, somebody’s got to order lunch. And it’s not going to be Sung-soo. We can’t live on kimchi.”
“I’ll give you that one. I’d much rather have a burger. I’ll get someone to run this place. And, you’ll be glad you had this brief vacation. Tomorrow I’ll have you so busy you can’t think straight.”
* * *
The security guard rushed to the door while Addy struggled to yank it open. With one hand stabilizing her bicycle, she didn’t have enough strength to pry it ajar. The Korean man, dressed in a dark blue uniform with a yellow security badge embroidered on the shoulder, swung the door open, grasped the handlebar and chaperoned the bike into the lobby. Addy wiped the sweat from her brow.
“You’ll be glad this is the last day you have to help me,” she told the guard.
Quinn insisted that they all be in the office by six, which meant the sun was still down and the cool, damp air required her to wear a sweatshirt. After the vigorous ride, she was drenched. Still, the guard asked her to walk through the body scanner while he inspected the bike.
As she passed the conference room, she saw Quinn tapping furiously away at his laptop. He jumped to his feet. “You’re punctual.”
“Always the dutiful employee.”
“Let’s meet in your office. I’ve got everything loaded on your computer.”
“Sure. Is Janice here yet?”
“Yes, but I need to meet with you first.”
Addy frowned. “She’s not going to be happy. And when Janice isn’t happy—”
Quinn sighed. “Any suggestions?”
“You’ve got to do something to make her feel a part of the operation. Somehow get her invested. For starters, how about letting her know what we are trying to accomplish?”
He folded his arms. “All right,” he said after a moment of reflection. “Have her come in and I’ll give her a primer on hydrogen and fuel cells. It will be a good test. If she can understand my simplification, I know it will work for a patent examiner.”
“Just don’t tell her that’s what you’re doing. Talking down to her isn’t a good idea.”
“Got it.” Quinn turned and asked Sung-soo to invite Janice to join them, then made his way to Addy’s assigned room, one with four bare walls and no windows.
“It’s like a prison in here,” Addy said wiping her face with the back of her arm.
Quinn shook his head. “If you’re not going to let me drive you, can I at least ride with you? I can get a bike.”
Addy tapped her chin. “That I would like to see. Sure, any time.”
“Let’s get this show on the road,” Janice said, interrupting them as she nudged her way through the door while sipping her coffee.
Quinn scooted up a second chair next to the monitor, motioned for Janice to have a seat, and hit the keyboard to illuminate the screen. “I think it’s a good idea for all WTG employees to understand how we plan to run a car on water. For that, you need to understand the basics of fuel cells.”
Janice put down her cup and scooted her chair closer, scanning the screen over his broad shoulders. “Now we’re talking.”
Quinn tapped a few keys, and soon they were all staring at Water to Gold in bold styled letters. Addy grinned. Now she understood the acronym, WTG. Quinn spun on his chair to face Janice. “I’m going to present a summary of what we tell our investors. If you have any questions, or I’m going too fast, just stop me.”
“I will,” she said, leaning toward him eagerly.
“All right, water to gold. WTG is all about producing cars that run on water or, more correctly, about making cars that will run on electricity that is generated from hydrogen that we extract from water. Instead of a gasoline engine, our cars will use fuel cells.”
Janice nodded. “What’s a fuel cell?”
“Fuel cells are similar to biological cells,” Quinn continued. “They take in fuel, like hydrogen, and convert the fuel to electricity, which is then used to run the car’s motor. But the beauty of a fuel cell is that it uses hydrogen that we get from ordinary tap water—not gasoline. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about pollution, greenhouse gases, and all those things.”
“But you didn’t invent the fuel cell, right?” Janice said.
“No, they’ve been around for a long time. In fact, a Welch scientist, Sir William Grove, came up with the concept in 1839.”
“And he was a patent attorney,” Addy added.
“That long ago?”
“Surprising, isn’t it? We’ve come a long way in one hundred and fifty-plus years, haven’t we?” Addy said.
“I love your sarcasm,” Quinn said.
“So,” Janice said, “you put in hydrogen and out comes electricity. How does that work?”
“Let’s start from the basics,” Quinn continued. “Everyone knows that a water molecule is made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.”
This time Janice smiled. “Yes, H2O.”
“The simplest way to break apart the water molecule is a process called electrolysis, which involves running an electric current through water. This splits the water into hydrogen and oxygen. That’s what Sir William Grove was doing when he made his fuel cell discovery. He wondered what would happen if he reversed the process, and instead of trying to make hydrogen from water, he combined hydrogen and oxygen. Would it produce electricity? He tried the experiment, and it worked.”
“What Quinn is saying,” Addy said, “is that you take water, or H2O, and do a process to split the water molecule into hydrogen and oxygen. Then, do the reverse process in a fuel cell where you combine the hydrogen with oxygen to get water and electricity. We use this electricity to run the car’s motor.”
Quinn spun back around and hit another key and a photograph of a sandwich appeared on the screen. “Think of a fuel cell as a ham sandwich—you know, a piece of ham smashed between two pieces of bread. Now let’s define some terms. One piece of bread we’re going to call a cathode, and the other one we’ll call an anode. The slice of ham is the membrane.
“Okay, you already know that to produce electricity we’re going to need to combine some hydrogen and oxygen, and that will turn into water and electricity.”
“I got that much,” Janice said.
“What we need to do is to put some hydrogen in the cathode, and the oxygen in the anode.”
“So the piece of ham separates the hydrogen and the oxygen, right?”
“Exactly. But here’s where it gets tricky. The hydrogen is really a bunch of positively charged ions, and they want to move through the piece of ham toward the other piece of bread—the one that has the oxygen. When the hydrogen comes into contact with the oxygen, water is produced.
“At the same time, negative ions—or electricity—are produced, and they leave the piece of ham and go into some kind of electrical conductor, like a copper wire. From there, the electricity can go to a motor and then back to the fuel cell. The negative ions—or electricity—that are pumped back into the piece of ham make the hydrogen want to keeping moving through the ham toward the oxygen on the other side. Remember the hydrogen is positively charged, and opposites attract. So, as long as you keep feeding the fuel cell with hydrogen and oxygen, you’ll always get electricity to run your motor.”
“Believe it or not, I think I’ve got it.”
“Now, to finish things off, you get a whole bunch of ham sandwiches, put them side by side in a bread bag, and run them all at the same time so you get lots of electricity—that’s a fuel cell.”