Mattia Bianchi tossed a credit card on the desk. His partner, a well-muscled black man with full lips and serious eyes scowled at him.

“Wanna tell me why the card is being declined?” Matt said by way of greeting.

Carson moved the card aside and went back to typing. “One of two things: the system is down or the card is maxed out,” he answered. “Either way take it up with Sterling. He handles the bills.”

“Ok.” Matt peered over the top of the computer. “What are you working on?”

“I’m working on an algorithm that will allow us to disseminate information at a more expedient rate.”

“All righty then.” Matt slid off the desk. “All you had to say was you’re busy.”

“And I’m also trying to ascertain where this particular strain of malware originated. Some enterprising individual insists on attacking our firewall.”

Matt picked up the card and left the office. He crossed the thick expanse of carpeting of the waiting room to Sterling True’s office. He knocked on the open door.

Sterling, bald, mustached and serious, swiveled in his chair and held up a hand. He cradled a phone between his shoulder and ear. Sterling pressed a button.

“I’m on hold. How may I help you?”

Matt held up the card. “It’s being declined.”

Sterling frowned. “Odd. The account should be at zero. I’ll check once I’m — Yes. Yes, I’m here.”

Matt crossed the lobby again. This time he walked through the open door next to Carson’s office. A slender but curvy woman sat cross-legged on the floor, her eyes closed and shoulders relaxed. Except for the rise and fall of her chest, she was completely still.

With a sigh, Matt settled next to her. Inhaled, and slowly released the breath. He did this several times before a sexy voice broke the silence.

“Now don’t you feel much better,” she asked.

He cracked one eye to see her grinning at him. “Not really. Does this really help you?”

“As long as your agitated vibes aren’t interfering in my happy place.”

He grinned, showing off dimples on either side of his lean face. “There are other ways to settle the mind,” he said suggestively.