Game of Love Read Online Free PDF Page A

waste time. System-by-system, hundreds of functional schematics were analyzed, and after some time, the logical flow of the video stream emerged. The spaghetti of connections evolved from a mess into a structured mesh. Five hours later, the overall ecosystem was represented visually, from start to finish.
    “I think we got them all, Dr. Reyes,” Franck said.
    Andre rose, studying the system architecture in quiet contemplation. He blinked rapidly as he freed his mind’s eye to run through countless scenarios, similar to what Einstein called ‘thought experiments.’ He searched for potential bottlenecks by processing one test case after another, visualizing a beam of light running through the web of connections. Once one path gave him a result, he tried another, then another–an iterative process until he had tested all permutations.
    By the time he was done, more than three dozen bottlenecks had been marked for the engineers to investigate.

    “Let’s stop here for today,” Andre told the team at just past eight p.m. “We’ll pick this up in the morning.”
    Everyone approached Andre and shook his hand before leaving. He took note of the awed look on their faces and acknowledged their gratitude, but was also grateful to them. They had trusted him. With trust, anything was possible.
    Franck approached Andre. “Amazing. This has been amazing.”
    “Don’t celebrate yet,” Andre said.
    “You don’t understand.” Franck ran his hand through his hair, his smile wide. “We have tried for over a year to solve this problem. We were treating the symptom, not addressing the core issues.”
    “I know.” Andre grinned.
    “
Touché
. I will get the car.”
    Roger, barely awake, stood and grabbed his coat. “I’m getting too old for this,” he said.
    “I know what you mean,” Andre said.
    “Hmph.”
    Andre attempted to sustain the smile, but he was spent. His mind felt tired, abused. And his chest, shoulder, and lap had been screaming with pain from the burns since noon.
    “You got this one, right? Any doubts?” Roger asked. “Our deal is contingent on a guaranteed solution.”
    Andre studied Roger. “On moral grounds, I refuse to answer.”
    “Great. I’ll tell the office to process the invoice.”
    “Shameless. You are shameless.”
    “By the way,” Roger said, lowering his voice, “I’ve asked Franck to join us for drinks at the hotel bar. We will discuss future opportunities. They could become a major account for you.”
    “I don’t know, Roger. I need to take care of the burn. Not sure–”
    “Do it quickly. Change. Whatever. But you need to be there.”
    Andre remained silent. The high he felt when he helped clients solve the seemingly impossible was indescribable, but he needed to help himself now. He was burning out quickly. His years-long chase after financial independence had left him damaged.
    “Clear?” Roger asked.
    “Of course.” He could do this. He had to—for now.

    Gemma took a deep breath then phoned Tish’s room. “Are you busy?”
    “Watching some horrid French game show. So yes, mind-numbingly busy,” Tish said.
    “Good. Let’s get a drink at the bar.”
    “Bar, as in, where real people congregate? That type of bar?”
    “That’s right. For maybe an hour.”
    “And your security?”
    “They’re manning the front lobby. You’ll have to double as my bodyguard.”
    “Fantastic. I’m coming out now before you change your mind.” Tish hung up.
    Gemma needed to escape her room and breathe. No security, no Bedric, no Wesley. Breakfast had been a disaster, but she had a better feeling about this decision. Mid-week evening at the hotel’s quaint bar with her best friend was definitely a good idea.

“It is strange to be known so universally and yet be so lonely.”

~Albert Einstein
     
    on’t draw attention to yourself,” Gemma told Tish.
    “Me? I’m a fuckin’ saint.”
    “Dear Lord.”
    The lift chimed, and when the door opened, she saw him.
The