The chip can be activated by remote control. When a four-digit code is entered, the chip heats up and Mr. Payne’s brains will liquefy. How many of you knew that, raise your hands.”

No one does.

“George?” I say.

George reluctantly raises his hand. The others appear shocked.

“Your company, Ropic Industries, manufactured the chip.”

“That’s ridiculous!” William Wadsworth says.

“Tell them, George.”

“You know it’s true, William,” George says. “You signed off on it.”

Mary’s jaw drops. She looks at William like he’s a child molester.

“There’s more. Phyllis was having an affair with Gwen’s husband. When she performed Gwen’s breast augmentation…” I pause so they can all take a moment to check out Gwen’s boobs. They do, and continue staring at them until she finally crosses her arms over her chest. Then I say, “Phyllis placed a small ceramic device behind one of Gwen’s implants. This device can kill Connor Payne, and he knows it. Which puts Gwen’s life in danger, which means if she files a lawsuit, you’re out of business.”

I press a button on my cell phone. When Jeff answers, I ask, “How’s the patient?”

“Sleeping.”

“Tie him down and bring me Gwen’s body scan.”

Moments later I hold up the body scan we took of Gwen when she entered the security cubicle. Sure enough, behind her right boob, the device is visible.

“Hey!” Gwen says. “That was a dirty trick, telling me I was going through security.”

I shrug. “It gets worse. This morning a bomb went off on Trace Street.”

“That’s common knowledge,” George says.

“It’s all you see on the news,” William adds. “Apparently a suicide bomber was heading toward the convention center when her vest exploded.”

“Her vest?” I say. “I don’t recall the police releasing that information.”

William looks down. Mary walks over to him and stands there until he looks up. When he does, she slaps his face.

“We’re through!” she says, and makes a move for the door. I wonder if anyone knew before today that William and Mary were having an affair.

I put my arm out to stop her, and say, “Stay put, Mary. We’re all family here. This room may not be soundproof…”

I wink at Gwen.

She gives me the finger.

“…But it’s safe for conversations.”

Mary reclaims her seat.

“You folks have been breaking the law,” I say.