Three months after his release, Adrian was back in his apartment. The FBI had ceased active surveillance after determining that Adrian was no longer a flight risk or a threat to federal personnel. Adrian had been offered continued protection, but Adrian had declined. Adrian had accepted his new understanding of his place in Sterling's network.
Adrian had resumed his work as a pharmaceutical researcher. He'd established a consulting business, advising other researchers on pharmaceutical development, helping to identify talented individuals who might be candidates for Sterling's network. Adrian wasn't officially employed by any Sterling organization. Adrian was simply living his life, and in living it, Adrian was serving purposes that aligned with Thomas Sterling's objectives.
It was a per
