"So, if the soft sell doesn't work, they're going to play hardball?" Nick said, his brow furrowed.
Zack was even more heated. "These people think they're above the law. The cops need to throw the book at them and make sure they do real time."
"How exactly are they going to do that? Without hard evidence of a crime, it's just a misdemeanor at most. They'll be back on the street after forty-eight hours in lockup," Tyler said, his voice dripping with annoyance.
Nick went quiet for a moment, thinking. "Relying strictly on the office park security and the local PD isn't going to be enough to hold the line. We need to beef up our own internal defenses."
"In my opinion, we should just hire our own private security team. Relying on others is always a gamble," Zack suggested.
Tyler waved him off. "Most of the security guards you find on the market are just for show. If we go up against professional corporate spies—or the kind of crowd we dealt with in Miami—they're basically useless."
Nick shook his head. "Tell you what, I'll handle the security side of things. Everyone just stay focused for the next few days and keep your eyes peeled."
"Also," Nick added, "make sure you're taking care of the guys at the guard shack and the patrol officers out front. Don't worry about the budget; keep them stocked with food, drinks, and supplies while they're on shift."
"It's freezing out there. It's no small thing for them to be standing watch in this weather just for our sake."
"Florida's never been this cold, almost makes me believe in climate change" Tyler cracked a smile. "Already on it. I've issued everyone heavy-duty North Face parkas, plus gloves, masks, and beanies. We've got hot coffee and catering running twenty-four-seven. Honestly, our office has basically become the logistics hub for the entire park's security and the local patrol units."
Nick grinned. "Good. That's the kind of corporate image we want. But let's take it a step further than just the guys on our block. Grab some gift baskets and head down to the precinct and the main security office to show some love. Bring a 'Thank You' banner and a truckload of supplies to each spot. It's a drop in the bucket for us anyway."
"I'll get right on that," Tyler said, a mischievous glint in his eye. "I'll even hire a local high school drumline to make it a spectacle and invite the local news and the papers. We might as well do it right.And with style."
"I like the way you think," Nick said, nodding in approval.
Tyler went back to his meal, polishing off two full servings in record time before leaning back with a loud, satisfied belch.
"You still hungry? I can have someone grab you a third round," Zack teased.
"Get out of here!" Tyler laughed, taking a swig of water. "Anyway, the holidays are right around the corner. What's the plan for the company's Christmas and New Year's break?"
Nick thought it over. "Let's stick to the standard holiday calendar, but we'll let everyone head home two days early. We'll resume as usual after the first of the year. Our timeline is too tight to give everyone a long vacation, but tell them we'll make it up to them down the road."
"Got it." Tyler nodded. "What about year-end bonuses? It's the end of the year; we can't exactly be the Grinch."
Nick turned the question back on him. "What are you thinking?"
"Well, nobody's even been here a full year yet, so a traditional bonus structure doesn't really apply. I think we should skip the formal bonus this time and just give everyone a fat 'Holiday Envelope' instead," Tyler suggested.
Nick liked the idea. "Let's do it. We'll scale the amount based on their role and how many months they've been with us. That way, it stays fair for everyone."
"Perfect. I'll run the numbers," Tyler said, his eyes lighting up.
Nick snapped his fingers as a thought occurred. "One more thing, Tyler. Start reaching out to manufacturers. I need a deep dive into hardware partnerships—we're going to need them as soon as the ball drops on New Year's. Look into companies specializing in consumer electronics, smart home tech, high-end cameras, and audio gear. We're going to need collaborators."
Tyler's excitement was palpable. "Does that mean we're finally moving toward production?"
Nick nodded. "If the stars align, it's about time. It's still not 'perfect,' but like Zack reminded me, this is a first-gen product. Does it have to be flawless? No. Let's ship it, get it on the market, and use the revenue to refine the next version. That's how you maximize growth."
"That's exactly right," Zack chimed in. "Look at the big tech companies—they leak out features like a slow faucet just to milk every version for max profit. If we drop the ultimate product on day one, what do we sell them next year? We'd be one-and-done."
Tyler beamed, his face practically glowing. "Say no more. I'll make this my number one priority. Let's get this product to the people."
After a few more minutes of shop talk, Tyler took off, practically skipping out of the room—a surprising feat for a guy pushing two hundred and ten pounds.
Nick checked his watch. He decided to call it a day on the technical side, and after a moment's hesitation, he dialed Director Kai's number.
Director Kai could be a hard-ass, but he'd always been a straight shooter with Nick. During his time in D.C., they'd developed a solid rapport.
"Hello? What's a busy guy like you doing calling me?" Director Kai's laugh boomed over the line; he sounded like he was in a great mood.
"Hey, Director. You sound like you just won the lottery. What's the good news?" Nick teased.
Laughter crackled on the other end. "I can't tell you much, kid, but let's just say our project passed the federal inspection with flying colors. We're moving into phase two right after the New Year."
"Seriously? That's massive. Congrats," Nick said, genuinely happy for him.
"Yeah, well, you aren't doing too bad yourself. I see you've launched another rocket over there. So, what's up? I assume you aren't calling just to wish me a Happy New Year."
Nick chuckled. "Actually, I've run into a little bit of a situation, and I was hoping you could help me out."
"Help you out? I've got exactly six hundred bucks and some change in my checking account; if you're that broke, you can have it," Director Kai joked.
Nick rolled his eyes at the phone. "It's not about money. I'm not calling for a handout."
"Then what is it? I'm telling you right now, if it involves bending the rules, the answer is no," Director Kai said, his tone turning serious.
"Nothing like that," Nick said, lowering his voice. "I need to borrow some muscle."
"Muscle? If you're looking to poach my research staff, forget it. That is absolutely not happening," Director Kai barked.