The Singularity Race by Mark de Castrique Page B

word.
    Brentwood’s message had been persuasive on two levels. The carrot had been a payday of three million dollars for signing on with him for three months, with an additional three million if Li successfully created a computer facsimile of the human subconscious. She would have the latest processors and neuromorphic chips in the world. And she would have authority over a team of existing scientists mapping and mirroring the conscious mind to develop her own software architecture and integral hierarchy. The opportunity was everything she could hope for in her career.
    The stick was clearly defined in the documents she had found on her threshold. Brentwood only referenced it in one sentence. “And we all know there are certain things we don’t want to reach the conscious mind of the public.” He said it with a smile, which made it all the more frightening.
    Li went to the kitchen and glanced at the oven’s digital clock. Five-forty-five. Peter and Maria would be home from the library soon. The temporary nanny provided by Jué Dé during Peter’s visit had been a godsend to keep him entertained during Li’s workday. Maria had graciously agreed to stay on after Li delayed Peter’s return to China.
    Li was assembling two bags of snacks for their flight when she heard the bolt release in her front door.
    â€œAunt Li Li! We’re home.”
    â€œIn the kitchen.”
    The boy ran in juggling a stack of library books. “Maria let me check these out on her card. I got Sherlock Holmes, two Encyclopedia Browns, and a mystery called The Westing Game that the librarian said is full of clues.”
    Li forced a smile. She’d hoped to have their special conversation after dinner, but the books made it impossible to delay. “Why all the detective stories?”
    â€œSo I can help Mr. Mullins someday.” Peter looked up with hope in his eyes. “Do you think he would ever come to China?”
    â€œWe’ll see.” Li relaxed. Peter would be no problem once he learned Mullins was going with them. “Say good night to Maria and run and wash up. We’re going to walk to Angelo’s.”
    â€œCan I get extra meatballs?”
    â€œWhatever you want. Now set the books on the hall table and do as I say.”
    Peter scampered away. Li heard his “Good night, Maria” and the thud as he dropped the books on the table. She stepped into the hall.
    â€œMaria, I have something for you.” She picked up an envelope that had been knocked aside by Peter’s books.
    â€œYes, Miss Li.” Maria stood just inside the front door. She was a small Hispanic woman in her twenties with bright brown eyes and straight black hair pulled off her forehead by a silver and turquoise band. A night student at Foothill, the local community college, Maria demonstrated a playful curiosity that made her an excellent sitter for Peter.
    Li handed the young woman the envelope.
    Maria lifted the flap and her eyes grew wide as she withdrew ten one-hundred-dollar bills. “What is this?”
    â€œI hope it’s fair severance. Peter and I have been called away suddenly. I really appreciate what you’ve done for him.”
    Maria shook her head. “But this is too much. You said there would only be a few extra days before Peter returned to China.”
    Li picked up the library books. “It’s complicated. Take the bonus. I’m not reporting it. All I ask is you keep this conversation a secret.”
    Maria nodded. “Can I tell him goodbye?”
    Li gave her the books. “I’m afraid that would upset him. I haven’t had the chance to tell him. You understand.”
    â€œYes, ma’am.”
    Li knew that the woman didn’t understand but that was fine.
    A few minutes before midnight, Lisa Li and Peter closed the door to the Palo Alto apartment for the final time. Li carried a white plastic laundry basket and Peter clutched a small