Dead in a Week

by Andrea Kane

  Zoe looked a bit surprised but not displeased. “I can do that. Just remember that my loyalties lie with Nano.”

  “And my job is to improve Nano. So our goals are the same. I need you to be straightforward and objective. That’s not always easy. But given your company loyalty and your broad knowledge of everything that goes on here, I’m counting on you to be both. Can you?”

  For the first time, Zoe looked at Simone as if she might not be the enemy.

  “Yes. I can.”

  “Good. Now I’m going to broach a topic that won’t be in your comfort zone, but that is necessary. And that’s the future leadership of Nano.”

  Again, Zoe looked unfazed, as if she’d been anticipating this question. Maybe Robert had prepped her for this one, as well. As true as that might be, he couldn’t have prepped her for the personal angle Simone was about to take.

  “The future leadership of Nano?” Zoe repeated. “I’m not sure I understand what you’re asking.”

  And I’m sure you do, Simone thought. “Then I’ll be frank. More than one person I’ve interviewed has implied that Robert plans to retire after the big technology release. From what I’m gathering, it sounds as if Vance has the inside track to becoming the new CEO. That promotion would be a powerful reason for him to be committed to getting his department in top-notch shape so his successor could step in. Which, to my way of thinking, would be a very good reason to hire me to do exactly what I’m doing.”

  Zoe didn’t dispute the point. “Assuming you’re right, what exactly is your question?”

  “Vance and Ethan seem to be a very tight team. Therefore, if Vance becomes CEO, I’m assuming Ethan would move up with him. That’s a game-changer for everyone, including you. So I guess I’m asking how all that would affect your position at Nano?”

  Two angry spots of color tinged Zoe’s cheeks. “I’m not at liberty to discuss Robert’s plans,” she stated flatly. “But how would my future here relate to what you’re hoping to accomplish? Is my integrity being questioned?”

  “Absolutely not.” Simone gave an adamant shake of her head. “I’m just trying to understand what your role might be during the transition and afterwards.”

  The anger abated. “I see. Well, as I said, I’m not at liberty to discuss Robert’s plans. But I’ll be frank with you about mine—as long as this is on a confidential basis.”

  “It is.”

  “Then, regardless of any transition that might or might not be occurring, Robert and I are in the process of exploring my moving up to an executive position. He’s considering something in the HR department, possibly Director of Human Capital.”

  “Congratulations,” Simone replied. “So, should Robert be retiring, he’d make sure to enact that change before he turned over the reins to his successor?”

  “Absolutely. Robert takes care of his employees. So, yes, he’d see me settled in before he made any personal change of his own.”

  Simone pursed her lips. “And what if you were unhappy with the new leadership? Would that impact your decision to remain at Nano?”

  Zoe’s brows rose. “It would take a lot for me to leave Nano. But if you’re asking if I have options, of course I do. I’d be a stupid businesswoman if I isolated myself. I’ve been in this business for fifteen years. I have more contacts in the industry than I can count. In addition, Robert would give me a glowing recommendation. So I feel very secure, regardless of what the future should hold.”

  “I’m glad—although I doubt it would come to that. You seem to have a very positive opinion of Vance.”

  “I do. We also have a solid working relationship, as do Ethan and I. It’s going to be very hard for you, or me, to find gaps in their department that need filling, either with additional or better personnel.”

  Simone pushed back her chair and rose. “Then my job here will be easier than even I expected.” She gave Zoe a sunny smile. “Thank you for your time.”

  Zoe plucked her card from her desk and handed it to Simone. “I’ll be available to you all week,” she said. “This is my direct contact information. It’ll help you bypass the various assistants in order to reach me. Any questions or concerns that I can help you with, I will. Like you, I want Nano to be the best it can be.”

  West Coast Bar & Grill San

  Jose, California

  27 February

  Tuesday, 7:15 p.m. local time

  June Morris leaned one hip against a barstool, her fingers interlaced on the counter. She angled her head long enough to give the room a quick once-over before ordering her glass of merlot and ensuring that her gift box was propped up against her handbag at the edge of the counter.

  Polished wooden tables and chairs. Comfy leather couches. Decent music. And a crowd that was definitely comprised of business professionals. As a well-dressed, forty-one-year-old “corporate” type, she fit right in.

  It was a funny thing. She’d been to so many different bars that were fifteen or more miles from Nano and that were similar to this one that they’d actually started to look alike. Then again, she’d specifically chosen bars that catered to professionals so she would fit in and, at the same time, go unnoticed. Occasionally, a guy would try to hit on her—until her date arrived. Then they took the hint and their attentions elsewhere. She’d never spotted a Nano employee at any of her drinking holes, thank goodness. Given the gridlocked drive from Santa Clara, the Nano team would naturally choose to stay closer to home for their after-work drinks. And “after-work” was still an hour or more away for most of them.

  She wasn’t the only workaholic Robert employed. Although she was up there with the most intense of them. The only days she left this early were the ones on which she visited her elderly mother in a senior facility—a fact that was well-known and understood by the Nano team.

  What they didn’t know was that she always made this critical stopover on the way.

  The infrequent days she left earlier than nine p.m. didn’t matter. She always took work home with her. Becoming CFO in a cutting-edge technology company like Nano had taken her down routes she’d never expected to go. Holding on to what she’d achieved took every drop of her mental acuity and then some. Her days were long, her nights were a continuation of her days, and the competition out there was fierce. She was good, and she knew it, but that didn’t mean there weren’t stronger candidates out there who could do her job if she missed a step. Loyalty, even to Robert, would only go so far. She was well aware that she wasn’t a frontrunner for the future CEO position, and quite frankly, that made her feel relieved rather than resentful. She had all she could handle on her plate as it was. And the screws only turned tighter as the workload increased.

  What she needed was a clone.

  What she was getting was as close as it got.

  “Here ya go, ma’am.” The mid-twenties bartender placed the glass of merlot in front of her.

  “Thank you.” She paid him, took her drink, gift box, and purse, and headed over to one of the vacant couches.

  Ma’am? When had she become that? She was barely out of her thirties and—with the help of expensive makeup—still pretty. She used to be what people called cute. But all that fresh-faced, Midwestern youthfulness had faded. The strain was starting to show in the lines of tension around her mouth and the pallor that even makeup couldn’t disguise.

  Okay, so she wouldn’t be winning any Miss USA pageants. That part of her career rise was over anyway. It wasn’t her game plan any longer.

  She sank down on the leather cushion, twisting around to glance at the front door. Impatiently, she checked her watch.

  Ethan was late.

  She hoped like hell he hadn’t been called into an unscheduled meeting. With Vance on vacation, that seemed unlikely.

  Her heart rate began to accelerate and her hands began to shake. Cold sweat broke out on her forehead. Quickly, she set her drink down on the glass side table. She couldn’t let herself fall apart. Not here and not now. She was in public. She had to
keep it together. That was becoming harder and harder these days thanks to the side effects. But the alternative to riding those out was unthinkable.

  In answer to her prayers, the door swung open and Ethan strolled into the bar, his messenger bag slung over his shoulder. He scanned the room briefly, his gaze finding her. He smiled in her direction, then went up to the bar and ordered his glass of scotch. Three minutes later, he sat down beside her, placed his bag on the floor and his drink on the glass table. As always, they gave each other a huge hug. It was clear they were tight, but whether it was as friends or lovers, that was unclear. It didn’t matter. As long as they weren’t obvious enough to be a spectacle, let the patrons think what they wanted—if they cared enough to think about them at all.

  “Hey,” he greeted her. “Sorry I’m late. I got stuck behind a landscaping truck doing twenty-five in a forty.”

  “It doesn’t matter.” June willed her hands to stop shaking, and when they cooperated, she picked up her glass of merlot and took a long sip. “You’re here now.” Her gaze flickered to the messenger bag.

  “Sure am.” He took a swallow of scotch, then turned his attention back to her.

  “How did your interview go?” June asked.

  “Just fine.” Ethan spoke very quietly. “She asked mostly about Vance, routine stuff that I could field no problem. A few red flags, but nothing to do with you. She barely skimmed over your name. Just whether or not you’d jump on the idea of becoming the new CEO. I told her I had no idea since we didn’t interact one-on-one, only through channels.”

  “Good.” That was one big relief. Even though June’s meeting with Simone had gone smoothly, she was still terrified that Ethan would inadvertently say something—anything—that would raise Ms. Martin’s antenna. The woman was smart and incredibly shrewd. And June couldn’t risk giving her fodder for a more thorough personal investigation.

  “You look pretty strung out,” Ethan said, scrutinizing her expression and her mannerisms.

  “All the better for you.”

  “Hey.” He looked hurt. “Business arrangement or not, I’m still concerned.”

  June blew out a breath, nodding as she did. “I know that. I didn’t mean to snap at you. I’m just having a really hard time. It’s bad enough that the tension at work is in the stratosphere. But adding a McKinsey consultant to the mix is the last thing I needed. I’m freaking out.”

  “When was the last time you slept?” Ethan asked.

  “Sleep? What’s that?” June gave a humorless laugh. “That word’s not in my vocabulary these days.”

  “Well, it should be.” Ethan lowered his voice even further. “I brought you something to take care of that. You need a balance if you want to perform at the level you’re aiming for.”

  “I didn’t bring enough…”

  “Forget it. Consider it a gift. Which reminds me…” He reached into his messenger bag and extracted a bracelet-sized Tiffany box. “Happy belated birthday.” He spoke in a normal tone now, handing her the box and leaning forward to kiss her cheek. “I know you have to run, so open it at home. But text and let me know how you like it.”

  June took the box, a smile on her lips and relief in her heart. “Thank you. That was so sweet. I’m sure I’ll love it.” She picked up the box she’d propped next to her purse. “Happy belated birthday right back at you.” Her eyes twinkled—something she was capable of now that she had what she needed. “It’s great that we share a birthday month. It helps make sure you don’t forget.”

  “Works for me.” Ethan took the box and grinned widely. “Thanks a lot. I bet I know what it is.”

  “I bet you do. And I wish I could stay and watch your face when you see it. Unfortunately, I can’t.” She drank the rest of her wine and rose. “I’m running late to my dinner meeting. But I’ll text you right after—once I’ve admired my gift.” She waited until he stood and then gave him another hug. “You’re the best.”

  “Don’t let so much time pass next time,” he replied, returning her hug. “You know how important you are to me.”

  15

  Three days left…

  Four Seasons Hotel, Palo Alto

  28 February

  Wednesday, 4:15 a.m. local time

  Aidan sat up in a wing-backed chair in Simone’s hotel room. Dressed in the hotel’s bathrobe, he sipped his coffee and watched Simone sleep, her breathing even and relaxed.

  He was anything but.

  While their lovemaking had been a welcome diversion, it hadn’t come close to calming Aidan’s adrenaline rush enough to let him rest.

  Last night had started out for him in Lake Tahoe with getting Susan Pennington’s meltdown under control followed by the arrival of his package and a closed-door computer lesson and prep time meeting with Vance—one Aidan had promised to drill home again at six a.m. this morning, just prior to Vance’s first—and obviously emotional—communication with Lauren.

  That done, Aidan had jetted back to Palo Alto, given Simone the school ring, and jumped right into the lengthy videoconference between him, Simone, and Ryan.

  Simone had listened intently and absorbed everything Ryan explained to her in painstaking detail. Their discussion had included Aidan cluing Ryan in on the tweaks they’d made to his plan. Since the ring had originally been designed for a man—with the idea that Vance would be handling this data transfer—a little improvising had been necessary. The new plan was that Simone would wear the ring around her neck on a silver chain Aidan had purchased. If anyone asked, she’d say it was her boyfriend’s pride and joy and that he’d given it to her to wear as a prelude to a future commitment. Since she’d already told Lawrence Blockman she had a boyfriend, this would be no great revelation. Aidan had made sure the chain had an easy-open clasp so Simone wouldn’t be slowed down in her efforts. If everything went as planned, the Chinese would have what they wanted and the necessary time would be bought.

  But Aidan wasn’t a fan of ifs.

  He saw that Simone was outwardly calm and prepared. But he also knew her too well. The task ahead would be pushing her way out of her comfort zone. She was a consultant, not a technology specialist or a thief. Plus, this involved a whole new heightened type of pressure. The security of a human life, not a corporate entity, was planted solely in her hands. How could she not be a bundle of nerves?

  So on two separate fronts, today’s events would be not only challenging but critical to the assurance of Lauren’s well-being.

  Aidan checked his watch. Time to shower and get dressed. Soon, he’d be hopping on the Gulfstream and heading back to Lake Tahoe. He’d be way earlier than six. But it was imperative that he make sure Vance was both mentally and psychologically ready. Everything hinged on how Vance handled this call and the information he extracted.

  Once the call was complete, Aidan would be on high alert as he waited for Simone’s call, announcing that she’d successfully completed her mission, that she was now outside Nano’s impenetrable walls, and that she was ready to transmit the sample of the stolen technology, as promised.

  It was going to be a hell of a morning.

  As if sensing Aidan’s scrutiny, Simone stirred, blinked, and opened her eyes, her gaze finding Aidan’s shadowy form even in the darkened room.

  “I’ll be fine, chéri,” she said without preamble. Pulling the sheet up around her, she propped her pillows against the headboard and hoisted herself into a half-sitting position. “Stop worrying.”

  “Not going to happen,” Aidan replied, standing to pour Simone a cup of the steaming coffee he’d ordered from room service and adding both cream and sugar to the cup so she could enjoy her coffee just the way she liked it.

  He handed her the cup and gave her a quick kiss.

  “You’re getting ready early.” Simone glanced at the clock. “Whose performance are you obsessing over—Vance’s or mine?”

  “Both.” Aidan was as honest with her as always. “Vance is a novice at using our specialized computer and a nervou
s wreck about the conversation he’s about to have with Lauren. Not a reassuring combo. As for you, I’m not doubting you can pull this off. I’m just concerned about the unknowns, the things Ryan can’t prep us for. You have to double-and triple-check to make sure that Lawrence Blockman and his PA are away from their desks. You have to play the part of a burglar and an escape artist. All this while executing a challenging and delicate task.”

  “Only that?” Simone teased, sipping at her coffee. She set down the cup, a small smile curving her lips. “You forget that my father is a magician. I learned quite a bit from him.”

  “I haven’t forgotten.” Aidan still had to grin at the thought that Simone, the consummate corporate professional, had a successful French magician for a father. Jacques Martin might not be a household name like Houdini, but he was well-established and constantly employed. And, yes, Simone occasionally showed off the tricks he’d taught her when she was growing up.

  “Honestly,” Aidan added, “what you learned from your father, not to mention my faith in you, are probably the only things keeping me sane enough to let you do this.”

  “Good. Then stay sane.” Simone waved him off. “You go handle Vance. As you Americans say, I’ve got this.”

  Aidan hesitated for a brief second, then nodded. “Call me the minute you’re outside Nano and can get a signal.”

  Simone snapped off a salute. “Sir, yes, sir.”

  Farmhouse

  Slavonia, Croatia

  28 February

  Wednesday, 3:15 p.m. local time

  Lauren was burrowed under the covers of her bed, trembling with an internal chill that had nothing to do with the weather. This morning things had been different. Rather than staying scarce when she was around, her kidnappers had been having a heated conversation right out in the open—in the dining area, directly attached to the tiny kitchen, where she was forcing down breakfast. Their backs were to her, but their words were fast, furious, and urgent. The fact that she couldn’t understand a word of what they were saying made it even worse. In addition, Bashkim was visibly tense and watchful as he stood beside her while she ate her meal, his gaze boring through her. The whole scenario was panic-inducing. And it made her imagination go wild.