‘Audrey’s ready to explode,’ he murmured to Allyx.
Audrey’s grandmotherly face was flushed as she glared at Victor, who seemed unperturbed.
She took a deep breath, but before she could say a word, Rob broke in loudly. ‘Dinner’s up! Come and get it! Don’t let this superbly cooked feast get cold.’
The tension broke as there was a general move towards the food.
‘That was close,’ said Tal to his mother.
‘Look after Victor, will you? I’ll try to calm Audrey down.’
‘Leave it to us,’ said Allyx.
Victor O’Dell was still seated when they came up to him. With a smile Allyx said, ‘Let me get some food for you, Mr O’Dell. All you need to do is tell me what you want.’
‘Nonsense, girl, just get me to my feet. I’m not helpless.’
‘Victor! Great to see you looking so well,’ boomed Carter Renfrew, ‘and still full of independent spirit.’
With a hand under each elbow, Tal and Allyx assisted O’Dell to stand. He straightened to his full height, which brought him only to the doctor’s shoulder. Looking up into Renfrew’s face, he said, ‘I look forward, Carter, to closely examining your research procedures.’
‘Of course, old friend, whenever it suits you,’ said Renfrew heartily. ‘My work is an open book to you, Victor. An open book.’
Uncle Ian suddenly popped into view with his video camcorder. ‘Smile, everyone.’
Renfrew immediately beamed into the lens. ‘I’m running a video diary on my website,’ he said, whipping out his communicator. ‘I’d appreciate it if you transferred a copy to my iZod.’
‘Will do.’ Uncle Ian peered into the little screen. ‘Now, if I could just work out how …’
While Victor and Allyx chose their food, and Uncle Ian puzzled over his camcorder, Renfrew drew Tal aside.
‘I’d like to have a word later with you and your girlfriend. I’ve a proposition that should interest you both.’
‘Is this to do with your research project?’
‘That’s right. I’ll give you the details later.’
Rob Anderson came up to Tal after Renfrew had moved away. ‘Did Renfrew ask you to volunteer to be a research subject?’
‘All he said was he’d talk to me and Allyx later.’
‘Did he mention how much you’d be paid for your participation?’
‘No, but he should have,’ said Tal, grinning. ‘I’m not proud – I can be bought. Of course, it has to be a big payday.’
His flippant tone didn’t lighten Rob’s serious expression. ‘Until today I didn’t know Farront had anything to do with funding Renfrew, but over the last few weeks FinagleAlert’s been picking up details of his new research project. The working title is “Got to be Connected”.’
‘Connected to what?’
‘Connected electronically to everyone else. Renfrew is aiming to develop a three-dimensional schematic of the typical teen brain as it processes the constant stream of electronic communications bombarding it. His theory seems to be that young people must have constant stimulation for mental health.’
‘I don’t get what’s in it for Farront.’
Rob shrugged. ‘I’m not sure, but I can make an educated guess. I’d say it has something to do with the boutique communication companies nipping at the Big Three’s heels.’
‘You mean the ones started in someone’s garage?’
‘That’s right. Small-scale companies with young, talented entrepreneurs who have fresh ideas, understand the youth market, and are developing innovative technology so much faster than gigantic corporations like Farront. Gander Innovations is one; Speed of Infinite Thought another. The major communication companies, particularly Farront, have all at various times tried to buy them out, with no luck.’
‘But how can they compete with the Big Three?’ Tal asked.
‘Because they’ve got a lot going for them,’ said Rob. ‘Raw talent, original ideas, plus a willingness to take big risks, because they haven’t got all that much to lose if it doesn’t work out. Contrast that with Audrey’s position. She has to answer to the board of directors and to the shareholders. She can’t afford to gamble on a long shot and fail. For example, there are rumours flying around that Farront has spent a fortune developing some extraordinary new application for the next generation of iZods. If it doesn’t take the marketplace by storm, Audrey could find herself in danger of early retirement.’
‘So she must be pretty confident Dr Renfrew’s research will pay off for her?’
‘He and Villabona seem to have convinced her of that.’ Rob hesitated, then said, ‘About you and Allyx getting involved in Renfrew’s research project. I doubt you’ll ask me what I think, but –’
‘But you’ve got an opinion.’
Rob half-laughed. ‘I’ve always got an opinion, Tal.’
‘Does he ever!’ said Uncle Ian, overhearing. ‘It’s a fine exposé of Tacitcomm you’re doing for FinagleAlert. Great stuff! Should be more of it.’
He indicated Audrey, deep in conversation with Tal’s mother. ‘Take Farront International, for example. I guarantee they have skeletons galore in their corporate closets for you to find.’
‘I’ve a definite conflict of interest where Farront is concerned,’ Rob said.
Uncle Ian seemed perplexed. Then his expression lightened. ‘Of course, Grace works for Farront.’ He gave Rob a sly smile. ‘Speaking of Grace, do I hear wedding bells in the near future?’ He gestured with his tiny camcorder. ‘I’ll film the entire ceremony for you with a professional soundtrack – all at no charge. So, when are you two getting hitched?’
‘We’ve no firm plans.’
‘Don’t let her get away,’ said Uncle Ian, slapping Rob on the back. ‘If I were you, I’d put the question to Grace quick smart.’ He winked at Tal. ‘What do you think, Tal?’
Put on the spot, Tal felt his ears burn. ‘Whatever.’
NINE
Later, as the barbecue was winding down, Carter Renfrew cornered Tal and Allyx. With warm enthusiasm, he said, ‘I’m making arrangements to speak at your school next week, but in the meantime I’m delighted to offer you a personal invitation to join a team of young people I’m presently recruiting for my exciting new research project. You’ll be very well recompensed for your trouble.’
‘How much?’ asked Allyx.
‘I can’t give you an exact figure, as it depends upon the level of your participation,’ Renfrew said smoothly. ‘All details will be spelt out in the contract you’ll sign once you agree to be part of the project. Of course parental permission is required, but I don’t imagine that will present a problem.’
‘What are you actually researching?’ Tal asked.
The doctor spread his arms wide. ‘I’m offering you a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of a ground-breaking scientific study. What could be more exciting?’
This wasn’t enough for Allyx. ‘But what exactly is involved, Dr Renfrew? I’ve heard of people being harmed by scientific experiments.’
‘My dear young woman, there’s no danger of that at all!’ He ran a hand over the red fuzz on his skull, then said with deep sincerity, ‘There is nothing in the least onerous, I assure you. It’s too complex to explain in a few words, but I’ll give you an overview. You’ll be required to take a number of physical and psychological tests, and also a series of brain scans. At no point is there any chance of harm to your minds or bodies. In fact, I fully expect everyone will find the whole experience great fun.’
‘You’re calling it “Got to be Connected”, aren’t you?’
Renfrew raised his eyebrows at Tal’s question. ‘Why, yes, that’s the popular title I’ve given it – the scientific one is far more complex and dry. May I ask where you heard the name?’
Tal was deliberately vague. ‘Around.’ Curious to know what the doctor would say, he asked, ‘Why is Farront involved in your research?’
‘Involved? Farront isn’t involved a
t all, apart from providing the funding. Businesses frequently invest in projects for largely philanthropic reasons. The company has chosen to be associated with research that will advance scientific knowledge of the unique architecture of the teen brain.’
Tal recalled that when Audrey had announced Dr Renfrew’s association with Farront, she’d mentioned that his work would help the company’s marketing to young customers. He was about to point this out, when Joe Villabona, his expression grave, came hastening over to them.
‘Carter, I’m sorry to interrupt, but Audrey needs to see you urgently.’
‘Something’s wrong?’
Villabona glanced at Tal and Allyx. Obviously not willing to reveal anything in front of them, he said, ‘I’ll give you all the details inside.’
‘Gotcha!’ exclaimed Uncle Ian, suddenly appearing with his camcorder. He pointed it at Villabona. ‘Let’s have one big, happy smile.’
‘This is not a good time,’ Villabona snarled, putting his hand up to block the lens.
‘Only take a moment,’ Uncle Ian protested. ‘I can’t see what the problem is.’
Obviously with an effort, Villabona replied in a much more moderate tone, ‘Forgive me. It’s a little idiosyncrasy of mine. I’ve never liked being photographed. Now, if you’ll excuse us …’
Uncle Ian watched Villabona hustle Dr Renfrew into the house. ‘Bit of an overreaction from that foreign fellow, don’t you think?’ he said to Tal and Allyx. ‘No reason for him to go off the deep end like that.’
‘Uncle Ian, you can be awfully annoying,’ Tal observed with a grin.
‘Wendy tells me that all the time.’ He slipped his little camcorder into his shirt pocket. ‘Anyway, I’ve got a couple of shots of him – what’s his name, Villabona? I had a feeling he wouldn’t cooperate, so I used the zoom to get him full face before I came over to you.’
When Uncle Ian left in search of other photographic prey, Allyx said to Tal, ‘I’d love to know what’s going on with Audrey and Dr Renfrew.’
‘If Audrey’s involved, Mum will know. Come on.’
They found her in the kitchen pouring coffee into mugs set on a tray.
‘Villabona came rushing out to collect Dr Renfrew, but he wouldn’t say why in front of us.’
She gave a short laugh. ‘Typical! Joe likes to be mysterious, but there’s no point keeping it secret – the media outlets are already on it. The Farront PR emergency team alerted Audrey to a possible public relations debacle. Two local kids made a suicide pact and left a note saying they were killing themselves because they couldn’t stand being disconnected any longer. Thank God they were found in time.’
Beside him, Allyx grabbed her BeauBrute comm. ‘It’s out there,’ she said, peering at the screen. ‘Barry Lyons and Ruth Byrne. The guy’s fifteen, the girl’s a year younger.’
‘Why’s Audrey upset?’ said Tal. ‘Do the kids have iZods?’
His mother nodded. ‘Worse than that, in their note they specifically blame Farront for driving them to take their own lives.’ She gestured at the tray. ‘Carry this in for me, will you, Tal? And Allyx, you might as well come too. There’s nothing left to keep confidential.’
Aunt Wendy, eyes wide, came rushing into the kitchen. ‘Grace! Two disconnects – mere teens – got so depressed they killed themselves with sleeping pills! Ian’s just heard it on his Audio Ear.’
The Audio Ear was one of Tal’s uncle’s favourite gadgets, a tiny tube that was placed so it rested gently next to the eardrum. The Audio Ear could transmit a huge range of material – news items, music, educational lectures, recorded novels, bloodcurdling stories, ‘how-to’ advice, and so on. Uncle Ian had his Ear programmed to pick up breaking news, the more sensational the better.
‘The kids didn’t kill themselves,’ said Tal’s mother. They were found in time.’
‘They were? Ian will be so disappointed.’ When the three of them stared at her, Aunt Wendy hastened to add, ‘Not disappointed about them being alive. That’s wonderful. It’s the accuracy of the Audio Ear’s breaking news. Ian’s been complaining about it for ages. They so often get it wrong.’
‘It’s not just Audio Ear,’ said Grace. ‘None of the media outlets take the time to check their facts thoroughly – they all want to be first with the news. And then the item’s picked up and repeated, accurate or not. The problem is that when people are told something often enough, they assume it’s true.’
Joe Villabona appeared in the doorway. ‘Grace, where’s the coffee? Audrey’s waiting.’
‘Coming right up. And Joe, the story’s all over the internet, so don’t worry about keeping it from anyone here.’
Villabona swore under his breath and disappeared back down the hallway.
Tal, followed by his mother and Allyx, carried the tray into the study. Villabona and Renfrew stood listening to Audrey. ‘… and the video will be rush-released through every possible outlet, online or off-line. Audio and print versions will also be made available.’
‘But what am I supposed to say?’ Renfrew looked anxious.
Audrey tapped her foot impatiently. ‘It’s all under control. Gus Willis, head of our PR department, is on his way with a video team. Your job is to put the best possible spin on the situation. We simply cannot have the Farront name associated with teen customers who attempt suicide and blame it all on disconnection from our network. Willis recommends you imply it’s Commdat’s fault. The kids became disconnects because of problems with the government databanks.’
Renfrew gave a reluctant nod. ‘Okay, I suppose I can handle that.’
‘In addition, you can take this excellent opportunity to publicise Farront’s support for your research project. And Willis strongly suggests you also mention our new joint venture, the Farront clinics. He thinks the timing’s right.’
Tal caught his mother’s eye. ‘Clinics?’ he mouthed. She shrugged and shook her head.
‘Audrey has hers black, no sugar,’ said Villabona to Allyx. She handed a mug of coffee to Audrey, who took it without thanking her.
‘Willis had another valuable suggestion,’ Audrey continued, ‘namely that we put Dr Howard Unwin on the Farront payroll. I presume you’re familiar with his work?’
‘Naturally I’m very familiar with my colleague’s work, particularly in child psychiatry,’ said Renfrew, clearly pleased to air his knowledge. ‘Howard Unwin’s built quite a name for himself in the area of communication deprivation. As an authority in this field – although I might mention I too have delved extensively into the topic – Unwin has named a specific syndrome –’
‘Spare me the details,’ interrupted Audrey. ‘I’ll be speaking with Dr Unwin shortly, and if he accepts our offer, you can include his name in your remarks.’
Tal saw a flash of annoyance cross Dr Renfrew’s face. Like most people, he didn’t appreciate being interrupted.
Eyes narrowed, Audrey was now checking out the study. ‘Grace, if you clear this side of the room and put your desk in the centre – minus the clutter, of course – and move that stuff on the wall behind, so it provides a neutral background …’
After musing for a moment, she went on. ‘Yes, I believe that will work well enough.’ She gestured at Tal and Allyx. ‘You two can make yourself useful and help.’
Renfrew said, ‘We’re making the video here? Now?’
‘We haven’t got time to relocate to a studio.’
‘But I haven’t got a script, and my clothes …’
Audrey’s iZod delicately chimed. She glanced at its screen. ‘It’s Willis with some problem. Grace, go ahead and get the room set up. Joe, calm Carter down.’
As she moved away to take the call, Villabona smiled reassuringly at Renfrew. ‘Audrey’s right. There’s not a thing for you to worry about. The video team always turns out a polished product. A PR catastrophe specialist is writing your script, but you’ll have the final say. Make-up and wardrobe people will work their usual magic. All you have to do is look and sound sincere
. And we all know how well you can do that.’
‘The doctor will have to reach new heights of sincerity,’ said Audrey dryly, as she slipped her iZod into its discreet holster at her waist. ‘Gus Willis called with disturbing news, Carter. It’s spreading like wildfire that Ruth and Barry’s names appear on the list of kids who’ve applied to take part in your research – a project with which Farront is now closely associated.’
Tal was puzzled to see Renfrew glare hotly at Joe Villabona, as though he had something to do with the issue.
‘Why am I finding this out now?’ Audrey demanded of Renfrew. ‘I would expect you to have warned me.’
‘I had no idea their names were there,’ Renfrew blustered. ‘Hundreds have applied. I can’t be expected to remember every one of them, can I?’
Audrey began to pace up and down. ‘Find out every detail of their applications.’ She halted to glower at him. ‘Let me make it very clear to you that Farront’s financial support entirely depends on how effectively you avert a public relations disaster.’
TEN
Rick learned about the attempted suicides when his grandmother exclaimed, ‘Oh, my God!’ while watching television. Rick heard her from the kitchen, where he was listlessly making himself a cheese and lettuce sandwich. He wasn’t hungry, but Thelma would fuss if he didn’t eat something.
‘What’s happened?’ he called out, knowing it had to be important. Thelma had strict rules about swearing and taking the Lord’s name in vain. When she didn’t answer, he walked from the kitchen into the living room. ‘What’s happened?’ he said again.
She turned a shocked face to him and relayed the news. Tears filled her eyes. ‘Oh, their poor families!’
‘Why did they try to kill themselves?’
Thelma shook her head. ‘They didn’t say in the newsflash, but it’s the lead story, so it’ll come up next.’
On the rare occasions Rick watched live television, he usually used his iZod to view it, but that wasn’t an option at the moment. Basic programming on home television sets could be used without logging in, so Rick being a disconnect wasn’t a problem. He slumped into the lounge chair beside Thelma’s. His grandparents didn’t have the latest paper-thin giant screens – their older set took up only half the wall.
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