Dead in a Week (Forensic Instincts 7)

He opened a manila folder and handed her the pages inside.

Zoe read through them, her eyes widening despite her best attempts to maintain a poker face. The bonuses alone were more than her annual salary at Nano. And the rest—it was a dream job, and not just because of the money. She’d be the one controlling her own future, contributing to the company while spreading her wings. She’d be able to implement all the creativity, the business savvy, and the experience she had to offer. She’d be recruiting and placing top-level executives in the technology field, and she’d be one of a half dozen partners—all heavy hitters she could learn from. This offer made her aspirations at Nano look like child’s play.

“I take it you’re satisfied?” David asked, having watched her expression like a hawk.

Zoe lifted her gaze to meet his. “I’d be a fool to say otherwise. Obviously, I have a few questions—which I prepared in advance, given you said that time is of the essence.”

“Shoot.”

Quickly and efficiently, Zoe ran through those items that weren’t covered in the agreement. Just as quickly, David answered them all, agreeing to put his promises in writing as an addendum to the proposal.

“Then I’m fine.” Zoe nodded, her eyes glittering with anticipation.

David extended his hand. “Welcome aboard.”

Zoe met his handshake firmly. “I look forward to a successful partnership.”

“As do I.” David reached for the bottle of champagne and popped the cork. He filled each of their waiting flutes to the brim. “To the future,” he said, raising his glass.

“To the future,” Zoe echoed.

As they sealed their new partnership with the first sips of bubbly, David’s gaze shifted to the folder Zoe had placed beside her on the couch. “Why don’t we take a quick scan of the org chart you brought? We can order some appetizers and brainstorm ideas while we enjoy?”

“Good idea.” Zoe pulled out the copy of Nano’s organizational chart, listing everyone’s name, title, and contact information, department by department. She slid it across the table, waiting as David ordered some spicy wings and jalapeno poppers.

A few minutes later, they were eating, drinking, and poring over the org chart, chatting about the Nano team.

David played his part perfectly. He feigned interest in all the right places and adhered to a verbal analysis that made sense for an executive recruiter—all without making Zoe suspicious. The truth was, the course he was taking would help him figure out who was providing Vance Pennington with the technical help he needed to transmit the technology. And the more he analyzed the chart and listened to Zoe’s explanations of the various people’s roles and backgrounds, the more certain he was of the best direction to take.

He went straight for it.

“I assume Robert Maxwell’s retirement will be by year’s end?” he asked, knowing full well that Zoe was going to evade the question. “Never mind,” he said quickly, waving away the need for an answer. “I don’t expect you to confirm that. You’re still a Nano employee. I won’t compromise your integrity. But if that’s the case, and if you were to guess, who do you think Maxwell’s slotted for the CEO position? My money’s on Vance Pennington.”

Zoe pressed her lips together, then clearly decided to go for the supposition. “I think your money is safe.”

David nodded. “Ethan Gallagher.” He pointed at the name. “He’s Pennington’s PA. Is he a good one?”

“He’s exceptional,” Zoe replied. “He’s also very tight with Vance. So if your supposition includes wondering about whether or not Vance would take Ethan with him to the executive suite, the answer is, yes, he definitely would.”

“Is he qualified?”

“More than qualified.” Zoe gave David a brief overview of Ethan’s educational background and skills, as well as his solid years of training under Vance’s tutelage. “If one of your—our—” she amended, smiling, “clients is looking for a new PA, Ethan is about as good as they come. Other than me, of course.” Her eyes twinkled. “But it would take a lot to pry him away from Vance. As I said, he’s definitely his golden boy.”

“By a lot, you mean money?”

“Money, growth potential—the works.”

“I know Nano’s pay scale,” David said. “It’s better than competitive. But it’s not off the charts. And if Ethan is as good as you say he is, he’s probably nearing the top of his salary grade range. So why hasn’t he pressed for a promotion? Maxwell hasn’t been on a retirement track until now, so Ethan would have no way of knowing his boss was slated to be the new CEO. I guess he isn’t as hungry as I’d imagine.”

Zoe shrugged. “Judging from the car he drives and the kind of friends and fun he describes, I don’t think he’s hurting.”

“Meaning?”

“He bought an obscenely expensive Porsche a few months ago. And he hangs out with an executive crowd that is major pay grades higher than he is and enjoys the good life.”

“How does he pull all that off?”

Another shrug. “Truthfully, I never asked. I hear what I hear in t