Heng laughed. “No question about it. It’s a matter of when, not if.” He tapped his phone. “We’re developing the software that will enable that to happen, too, and that’s when the QC revolution really begins.”

“Are you selling any of this software to the Chinese?”

“No, of course not. Not only would that be completely illegal, it would be completely self-defeating. The Chinese will be our biggest competitors in this field. If we want to dominate the global market, we need to keep this technology to ourselves.” Heng leaned forward. “Why would you even ask me that?”

“We found evidence that Dalfan is selling cheap burner cell phones to the PRC at a helluva profit.”

Heng shrugged. “Don’t look at me. My department doesn’t sell anything, especially cell phones. We’re pure research. As far as I can tell, we’re a net drain on Dalfan’s balance sheet.”

“But you’re the tip of the spear in these technologies,” Jack said.

“And that’s why Marin Aerospace wants to buy Dalfan,” Paul said.

Heng smiled. “Exactly.”

“The Chinese must be very interested in what you’re doing here,” Jack said.

“Everybody is. At least, anybody who knows anything about QC.”

“And you’re completely confident in your operational security?”

“One hundred percent. As you probably know, humans are always the weak link in any technological system, including security. But I will vouch for any member of my team.”

Jack and Paul stood. So did Heng. “Thank you for your time, Dr. Heng, and for the information. You’re doing amazing work here.”

“I’m happy to show you around, but there really isn’t much to see. And if you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to stop by.”

They all shook hands and Paul and Jack left for their offices on the first floor.

Inside the elevator, Jack pulled out his smartphone, clicked on his White Noise app, and selected “Crowded Room.” Confident that their voices were now masked from anyone who might be eavesdropping, he asked Paul, “What did you make of all that?”

“The man or the technology?”

“Both.”

Paul shook his head. “Fascinating technology. I can’t even pretend to comprehend it. Quantum algorithms are a little beyond me.”

“And Dr. Heng?”

“He seems like he’s a straight arrow. But then again, if he is a Chinese spy he wouldn’t be worth much if he acted like one, would he?”

“I still think there’s a problem with that warehouse and those burner phones.”

“You don’t think they’re smuggling QC software on those phones, do you?”

“They wouldn’t need to. They could do that with a USB drive.” Jack locked eyes with Paul.

Paul’s heart raced. What was Jack implying? “That’s right. What was I thinking?”