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.Katkin looks down at my nametag, which says Lapidus.“Sorry.” Charlie jumps in, exactly how we practiced.“Mr.Lapidus was running late, so we asked Mr.Liszt to join us instead.”“No, of course,” Katkin says, too polished to show even a hint of annoyance.In the VC world of name-dropping and instant impressions, he’s well accustomed to the bait-and-switch.Leading us back to his office, he weaves through the corporate gray hallways.I’m in front, followed by Gillian.Charlie’s in back.The further we move from reception, the quieter it gets.Scanning around, I try to check out individual offices, but quickly realize every door is closed.“So has this always been a division of the Secret Service?” Charlie asks.He’s got his usual playful tone, but there’s no mistaking the anxiousness in his voice.“I wouldn’t call us a division,” Katkin clarifies as we make a sharp left into his office.He’s wearing khakis, loafers, and a Doral golf shirt.The Miami three-piece suit.But the flat twang of his Minnesota accent makes him seem out of place.“It’s more of a partnership.”Gillian and I take the two seats in front of Katkin’s enormous glass-top desk.Charlie steals a space on the contemporary black leather couch.The office is high-tech wannabe on a government-issue budget.In the corner, a black-lacquered credenza is covered with dozens of deal toys—the thank-you trinkets a company gives out when a big deal closes: a toy fire-engine, a fake syringe, a bookend shaped like a microchip.Typical business jockey.Directly above, there’s a framed certificate commemorating Katkin’s appointment as a Special Agent in the Secret Service.Charlie’s staring straight at it.Partnership, my big fat behind, he signals.I nod in agreement.Secret Service is Secret Service.Still, Katkin doesn’t seem to know us—which means, wherever they are, Gallo and DeSanctis are still keeping quiet.“So how exactly does the fund work?” I stammer, trying not to panic.“Don’t let the Secret Service part fool you,” Katkin says.“This is just the next step in R&D.With technology whizzing along at lightspeed, government agencies couldn’t keep up.As soon as we figured out one security system, another popped up in its place.CIA.FBI.everyone was at least five years behind the private market.The CIA opened In-Q-Tel to close the gap.Two years ago, we opened Five Points.“It’s simple when you think about it,” he continues.“Why kill yourself trying to sprint against Silicon Valley, when you can let them line up at your door? It’s the beauty of the ballgame—every new idea needs money, even the illegal ones.And this way, we make it all work in our favor.For example, if a guy invents a bullet that slices through Kevlar, instead of letting him go to the black market, we buy it ourselves, figure out what makes it tick, and then outfit our agents with the appropriate countermeasures.It’s the best of both worlds—we can use it ourselves, or beat it if it’s used against us.By the time we’re done, our entrepreneurs get their funding—and we get a first-look at the best blueprints.”“So the government keeps the profits?” I ask.“What profits?” Katkin teases.“We’re a 501(c)(3).Nonprofit is our middle name.That way, the politicians are happy, competitors don’t see us as a threat, and we’re still allowed to jump into the world of business.Welcome to the future.Government, Inc.”“If you can’t beat ’em.” Charlie begins.“Eat ’em,” Katkin jokes.Too bad he’s the only one laughing.“Now what can I help you with today?”“It’s about my dad,” Gillian says, finally speaking up.“Marty Duckworth.”“Duckworth was your father?” Katkin asks, sounding amused.“I really liked that guy.How’s he doing these days?”Gillian’s gaze drops away.“Actually, he passed away recently.”“Oh, I’m.I’m sorry,” Katkin offers.I watch closely for his reaction.Eyes wide.Chest sunk.Not overly shocked, but clearly concerned.I look over my shoulder and peek at Charlie for the confirmation.He sees it too.If this guy’s acting, he’s getting this year’s Emmy, Charlie agrees.“I didn’t realize.” Katkin continues.“It’s okay,” I interrupt, turning on my inner banker.“As you might’ve guessed, we’re representing Mr.Duckworth’s estate and thought there might be a few things you could help us with [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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