Liquidation Preference

A suspicious murder and a cryptic message threaten to uncover a secret group entrenched in the federal government that is plotting to destroy and recreate America by influencing a fundamental tenant of representative democracy - the right to choose our leaders.The biennial national election is in full swing. Most political polls report an equally divided Country between most of the candidates. However, technologist Wayne Tran discovers it doesn't matter how people vote.Wayne deduces there are influential people involved, and, now, since he knows about the conspiracy, he assumes he is in mortal danger. Fearing for his life, Wayne sends an email to his best friend, Bill Ockham. An hour later, Wayne is brutally murdered, reportedly, by a drive-by gang shooting.A month later, Bill receives a cryptic email from Wayne. How could that be? Is the email an ingenious way to get Bill's attention that Wayne knew something was wrong, really wrong?Wayne's demise adds yet another tragedy to Bill in a string of already personal misfortunes. Three years ago, a rogue wave washes his wife out to sea, his college roommate advises him that he is too old to work in Silicon Valley, and now one of his best friends dies under suspicious circumstances.With the help of Computer Scientist Marcie Conover, Bill dedicates his time to uncover the circumstances behind Wayne's death. What they didn't expect is their quest for the truth extends to the upper echelons of the federal government.
About the Author: Tom Williams is a technology veteran with over four decades of experience leading private and public companies that profoundly altered the way we work, learn, entertain and interact. The son of an auto mechanic and a bookkeeper, Tom grew up in Rhode Island with an interest in changing how things work. In 1968, he joined the Information Technology Department at the Community College of Rhode Island to lead in the design and development of automated grade reporting, class scheduling, and student information systems. In 1978, the Memorex Corporation lured Tom to Silicon Valley with an offer to join its newly formed Communications Product Division as a Strategic Planner. After a five-year stint at Memorex, he concentrated his career in starting disruptive technology companies that received a number in domestic and international awards. Besides being Chairman of the companies he founded, Tom held domestic and international Board of Directors positions, executive positions at Novell and Cisco, and is a Limited Partner in several venture capital funds. Also, Tom was a Trustee and Executive Committee member of a private school. Today, Tom spends his time as an Independent Board Member, Strategic Advisor, speaker and author. Corporations, growth companies, startups and private equity firms engage Tom's expertise and retain him as an independent voice to gather thought leaders together to discuss and debate the impact and strategic value of technology in emerging markets that will deliver extraordinary productive and profitable outcomes. "First Computer" -Courtesy, Computer History Museum Tom earned an MBA from Santa Clara University, a BS Business from Roger Williams University, an AS Computer Science from Community College of RI, and a Certificate in Data Processing from the Institute for Certification of Computing Processionals (ICCP). Tom also served honorably in the U.S. Army in the position of Drill Sergeant. Tom is intrigued by the notion of providing an author's platform that directly engages readers. One of the aspects of his novels is to include an Author's Commentary chapter at the end of the story that clarifies the impact of the technology used in the story. He encourages readers to engage in discussions and observation on the technology referenced in his books.