Dead in a Week (Forensic Instincts 7)

28 February

Wednesday, 1:00 p.m. local time

Zoe didn’t need Jen, or anyone else, to escort her into Robert’s office.

She simply knocked, waited for his “come in,” and when it came, entered with confidence, shutting the door firmly behind her.

Robert rose from behind his desk, gesturing for her to join him in the sitting area.

“I’d rather talk at your desk,” Zoe replied, lowering herself into one of the cushioned seats across from his executive chair. Setting the tone she wanted, she smoothed down her pencil skirt below her knee before crossing one leg over the other. This meeting was going to be all business and all about her future at Nano. No corporate discussion. No technology updates. And certainly nothing that smacked of personal.

“All right.” Robert looked puzzled, but sank back down into his chair, studying Zoe as if trying to figure out what was going on in her mind and what this meeting would entail.

He was about to find out.

“Robert, this follow-up conversation is long overdue,” she began. “I don’t need to remind you yet again what a loyal, committed member of the Nano team I’ve been for over fifteen years. I’ve devoted my entire life to this company, and to you.”

“No one knows that better than I do,” Robert replied. “Just as you know how much I value you.”

She sidestepped that one. “You’ve told me in confidence that you’ll be retiring even sooner than the rumor mill expects—probably in May. You’ve also told me that Vance will be your appointed successor. It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to figure out that that means a big promotion for Ethan.”

Robert’s brows knit. “None of this is news to you, Zoe. I’ve been completely up front with you from the start. In fact, you’re the only person at Nano who knows my timeline.”

“Yes, and also the reason for your timeline.”

Tight lines formed around Robert’s mouth. “Now you’re out of line.”

“I’m out of line?” Zoe felt a surge of anger. She’d thought she’d long since let this go, but clearly it was a wound not so easily closed.

Forcibly, she shut the door on her emotions. To rehash this was useless. What was done was done. The important thing here was her promotion.

“I didn’t come in here to argue, Robert. I came to discuss my future at Nano.”

Some of the tension left Robert’s body. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk and interlacing his fingers. “I haven’t forgotten my promise. Shortly, I’ll be analyzing the composite of the HR department. That will be a key step in finding a way to seamlessly fit you in.”

“What does shortly mean?” Zoe asked. “It’s been two months since we first discussed this.”

“I understand your impatience.” Robert’s voice was both sincere and reassuring. “You know me better than to think I’m blowing you off. But you also know how consumed I am with the release of our new technology. That takes priority over everything. Even you. Please have patience with me. I won’t leave you hanging.”

Zoe sighed. “I don’t doubt your good intentions, Robert. I, better than anyone, know how much Nano means to you as well as how important the release of our new technology is. It will revolutionize the industry, change the balance of power, and create thousands of American jobs. But I have to be a little selfish. I have a career to protect. I’m very upset that we’re no further along in securing my future here than we were two months ago. And now you have a McKinsey consultant sniffing around, one who could suggest any number of changes or streamlining—all of which could wind up screwing me.”

Leaning back in his chair, Robert rubbed his eyes. “I’m truly sorry, Zoe. I mean it. But I’m stretched way too thin to promise you an immediate response. I fully intend to promote you to a position worthy of your talents. And, yes, I’d like it to be in human resources, just as you’ve requested. It’s just going to take some time for me to figure out the best way to make this happen without ruffling everyone’s feathers.”

“How much time?” she asked quietly.

Zoe’s tone must have struck home, because Robert straightened in his chair and stared directly into her eyes, searching for something and finding it.

“Is this your way of telling me that you have some personal deadline after which you start checking out opportunities outside of Nano?” he asked bluntly.

Zoe didn’t look away, nor did she lie. “It means I can’t live on somedays. I’ve told you that in the past. And, no, I haven’t put myself out there yet. That doesn’t mean I haven’t been approached.”

“I see.” Rather than pissed off, Robert looked sad. “I’d hate for Nano to lose you. I’d hate to lose you. You’re very important to me—you always have been, both professionally and personally. I want you to be happy. I hope I can make that happen right here at Nano. But if something extraordinary comes along sooner than I can come through for you, I’ll understand. I’ll hate it, but I’ll understand.” He searched her face. “Is that what you wanted to hear?”

To Zoe’s own dismay, a shimmer of tears glistened in her eyes. At the same time, she felt vindicated about the decision she was about to make, and the necessary actions that would accompany it.

“Not really,” she replied. “What I wanted to hear was that you’d found the ideal executive position for me. Instead, what I’m hearing is that I’m not high up on your to-do list right now, but that I have your blessing to resign.”

He rose, reaching across the desk to take her hand. “That’s not what I’m saying.”