About Face by James Calder Page A

“He’s a good guy, too. But I never said he was Romeo Montague.”
    â€œI don’t get why he’s so desperate to have Alissa at this dinner tomorrow,” Rita said.
    â€œNerves,” Wes answered. “Everyone’s alert for reasons to back out at a signing. Rod’s the kind of guy who could get jittery and blurt out the wrong thing. It sounds like Alissa keeps him on an even keel.”
    â€œIt’s also for his peace of mind,” I said. “He’ll be upset if he finds out she stabbed him in the back. It’ll be worse if he finds out she’s hurt or dead. If I can at least tell him she’s okay, he’ll feel a lot better.”
    â€œWho are these people Rod’s signing the deal with?” Wes asked.
    â€œPlush Biologics has a genetic skin treatment called Eternaderm,” I said. “It rejuvenates your elastin fibers by regulating the enzymes that break them down and promoting the synthesis of new fibers. Your skin gets looser and more brittle as you age. Healthier elastin proteins restore suppleness and resilience.”
    Wes’s eyes widened. “That’s going to
score
. If it works.”
    â€œIt’s being tested. They’re still ‘ironing out the wrinkles’ before it goes commercial,” Rita said, repeating Rod’s favorite phrase to describe Eternaderm’s progress. Wes rolled his eyes.
    â€œRod did some work for them that fast-forwarded Eternaderm,” I said. “That led to the strategic alliance. Plush is working on genes to regulate melanin, too. You’ll be able to change your skin color at will.”
    Wes peered at his reflection in a blank video screen. “I think I’m going to need Eternaderm. I’ve been out in the sun too much lately.”
    Rita peered with him. “Yeah, you’re losing that pale engineer tone. But keep the wrinkles, Wes. They give you character.” She liked to give him a hard time. Wes got nervous around her because she was so forthright in her opinions. “Anyway,” Rita went on, “you can’t afford Eternaderm until your company’s IPO. This is a high-end market. Silicon Valley has lots of wealthy people who are terrified of getting old.”
    â€œRod needs to retool and extend his technology,” I said. “That takes money, which Algoplex doesn’t have. So the third leg of the triangle is new capital coming from Plush’s big backer. Sylvain Partners will fund Algoplex’s next stage.”
    Wes ceased his self-inspection. “I hope Rod isn’t giving away too much equity.”
    â€œYou know how it works. Bargain your soul to the VC’s. But Rod seems satisfied with the deal.”
    â€œWhat is Alissa going to do, hold the pen for him?” Rita said.
    â€œYou don’t understand business, Rita.” Wes had found a way to get a little revenge. “You’ve got to make all the right moves at an event like this or you’ll spook your partners. Especially if Alissa’s been spying.”
    â€œWouldn’t Alissa being there make him even more shaky?”
    â€œNot if he’s sure she’s on his side,” I said. “And if she’s still missing, he’s got Silicon Glamour to worry about. I need to throw Rupert off the trail for a few days. String him along with progressreports. Tell him Alissa is on her way back. As a matter of fact— can I check my email down here, Rita?”
    â€œSure,” she said, swiveling to bring up a browser on her G4.
    â€œI got an email back from foxylady77 late yesterday,” I said. “They forwarded my message to Alissa’s mother, Wendy. I’m waiting to hear from her.”
    â€œRod’s such a nervous nelly,” Rita said as the throat-clearing sounds of connection came over the wire. “He’s got to take charge. He owns the company, for heaven’s sake.”
    â€œWhere were you when the sympathy