Kevin's fingers tapped out a restless rhythm on the battered steel workbench as he eyed Blake warily. His being every fiber rebelled against the notion of collaborating with this man—the very same who had orchestrated Vanessa's brutal murder. Yet he could not deny the tantalizing prospect Blake's offer represented.

"State-of-the-art facilities..." Kevin muttered under his breath, his mind already racing with the possibilities. The hodgepodge of salvaged parts and jerry-rigged equipment surrounding him suddenly seemed pathetically inadequate in comparison.

With access to cutting-edge technology and an entire team of experts at his disposal, perhaps he could stabilize the quantum bridge he had been struggling to establish. A longer, more reliable bond would increase the viability of his consciousness actually interacting with the past, rather than merely observing it from within his former self's body.

The chance to save Vanessa blazed like a searing flame in his heart, burning away any last shreds of hesitation.

"Very well," Kevin said at last, his voice strained but resolute. "I accept your offer, Mr. Blake. On one condition."

Blake arched an inquisitive eyebrow. "Oh? And what might that be?"

Leaning forward, Kevin fixed the older man with an intense stare. "I'll work on shifting my algorithms to predict the markets, but on my own time you allow me to continue my current research unimpeded and with full autonomy. No interference from you or your...associates."

A calculating look flickered across Blake's features. The predictive algorithms were all he wanted. To assert his financial power, as much as protecting his numerous shifting plans from being revealed to the authorities. Whatever pet project the grief-stricken scientist might have had was none of his concern. He gave a curt nod of agreement. "As you wish, Doctor. I have no desire to micromanage the work of a mind such as yours anyway."

A tremor of revulsion rippled through Kevin at the oily smugness in Blake's tone, but he forced himself to remain impassive. Let the twisted billionaire believe Kevin was being cleverly manipulated into serving Blake's agenda. The truth was quite the opposite.

Straightening, Kevin extended his hand. "Then we have an agreement."

Blake's grip was surprisingly firm as they shook on the unholy pact. The older man's eyes glittered with a predatory light of anticipation.

"Excellent. My people will begin making the necessary arrangements immediately."

As Blake turned to depart, Kevin felt his throat constrict with a sudden flare of panic. What if this was all an elaborate ruse? Could Blake know what he was really working on? Allowing his algorithms to be used to manipulate the markets was one thing, but the likes of Blake should never be trusted into reshaping the past.

"One more thing," he called out, his words laced with poorly concealed desperation. "I'll require unrestricted access to quantum computers... In order to manage the data and run the models required."

Blake paused, half-turned with one hand resting on the rim of his left wheel. A knowing smile played across his lips.

"But of course, Doctor. I'm a firm believer in providing my... employees with all the tools they require to achieve success."

With a slight dip of his head, Blake exited the pale imitation of a lab, leaving Kevin alone amid the dimly lit clutter and whirring machines. Alone to ponder the harrowing bargain he had just struck with the devil himself.

Yet as Kevin turned his gaze towards the battered collection of readouts and display screens comprising his rig, his jaw set in a grim line of determination. He stood one vital step closer to saving Vanessa.

No matter the cost,no matter what unholy pacts he was forced to make, he would pay any price toundo her senseless death.