Dead in a Week (Forensic Instincts 7)

wn. After that, all she’d give Simone was one party line after another—a total waste of time, especially when Zoe could be a valuable ally.

“Robert made it very clear to me that you’re far more than an extraordinary PA,” Simone began. “He said you’re more like an executive, with a keen knowledge of business transactions and emerging technology. You’re highly educated. You attend and participate in high-level meetings. Yet you’re also Robert’s right hand. That’s a unique combination.”

“I like to think so.”

“As a result, you have a unique view of your boss and how he interacts with everyone in his world. You know his most significant time challenges and his main conflicts. You also have a unique overview of Nano as a whole. I need that perspective to help me do my job. So, from where you sit, are there any weak links in the manufacturing department? Not employees,” Simone added hastily. “Processes. Things that could run more smoothly so as to better the company.”

Zoe shook her head. “From my vantage point, Vance is a fine leader and a smart man. After all these years, he runs his department like clockwork. He and Robert work closely together, so there are no communication gaps that would slow things down. If anything, I’d say that Vance eases Robert’s challenges. In fact, I’m not even certain why Vance hired McKinsey to evaluate the effectiveness of his department.”

“Vance is a perfectionist,” Simone replied. “Also, with a revolutionary new technology about to be released, he wants to ensure that everyone and everything in his department is up for what lies ahead. It’s a common practice for executives to employ under these circumstances.”

“I’ll take your word for it.” Zoe tilted her head and waited.

Simone cut down on her list of routine questions, asking only the bare-bones ones. Zoe was well aware that Simone had gotten most of these answers already and was just seeking confirmation. It was time to ask for her help.

“Zoe, I’ll be frank with you. Everyone I interview is going to give me the answers they know I want to hear. Very few employees in a tight-knit group like yours are going to say derogatory things about the company or their co-workers. You’re firmly committed to your career here. If I sense a problem, may I come to you to discuss it? I think you’re the right person to shed light on whatever issues I have or perceptions I get. And if that means setting me straight, all the better.”

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.”