Dead in a Week (Forensic Instincts 7)

“Let’s start with: What does Vance’s typical day look like? Where do you see him concentrating his energies? And in what areas do you see his major time challenges?”

Ethan proceeded to give her an accounting that was in sync with what Vance had told her, save the actual details of meetings and emails Ethan wasn’t privy to. No hesitation. No faltering. No visible artifice whatsoever. And he seemed to be fiercely loyal to Vance.

Seemed to be being the operative phrase. How far would that loyalty run if he were promised a huge payout for the right information?

Simone took notes, even though they were unnecessary. But it was crucial that all her interviewees believed she was factoring in their input in order to better the manufacturing department.

“Who does Vance interact with most, both inside and outside the department?” she asked.

For the first time, a flicker of unease crossed Ethan’s face. Clearly, Simone had touched a nerve. She remained silent, knowing that was the best way to increase Ethan’s anxiety and to force him to start talking. And hopefully what he said would be the truth.

“Vance and Robert Maxwell work closely together.” Ethan’s wheels were spinning rapidly as he spoke—Simone could read his body language loud and clear. “And with the upcoming release of our game-changing technology, they’ve been in constant meetings.”

An evasion tactic—one Simone wasn’t about to let slide.

“Does Robert meet more frequently with Vance than with his other VPs?”

“I really can’t speak to that,” Ethan replied. “I’m only clued in to the other departments as they relate to ours.”

“Then let’s talk about the other departments—and their VPs,” Simone said. “I had the chance to speak with all of them this morning. They’re all smart and capable. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“Of course.” Ethan nodded vigorously.

Simone didn’t give him time to feel comfortable. “Where do you perceive there to be conflicts between Vance and the other VPs?”

That one threw Ethan for a loop. He took a long belt of his coffee, then set down the cup with a bit of an unsteady hand. He licked his lips a few times, looking like a trapped rat who wasn’t sure which direction to run in.

“Is that an uncomfortable question?” Simo

ne asked bluntly. “Because if there’s bad blood between high-level executives, I need to know that. It can affect the functioning of a department.”

Ethan nodded again, this time with the resignation of someone who knew he couldn’t extricate himself without providing information that could potentially get him in trouble.

“Conflict is a strong word,” he hedged. “But there are often raised voices when Vance and Lawrence Blockman have their meetings.”

“Has it been more frequent of late?”

“Yes.”

“Do you think it’s the nature of their job responsibilities or do you think it’s personal?” Simone asked.

“Can I speak off the record?”

Simone had a pretty good idea what confidential information Ethan was about to disclose. And since none of it was news to her, it was easy to promise Ethan what he wanted.

She put down her iPad. “Very well. Go ahead.”

With a deep breath, Ethan said, “There are rumors that, after the big technology release, Robert Maxwell is going to retire. Word has it that Vance has the inside track for his job. I believe it to be true, although Vance hasn’t mentioned a word of it to me. Based upon the fact that Lawrence Blockman is not only high-performing but has been with Nano almost as long as Vance has, my guess is that he’s the other major contender.”

“And you think that fact is causing heightened tension between the two men.”

“I do. I get the sense that Lawrence knows Vance is the favored child, and he resents it. This is just gut feel on my part—along with some information from trusted sources. But you asked, so I’m answering—off the record,” he reiterated.

“Off the record,” Simone echoed. She pressed a thoughtful finger to her lips. “What about June Morris and Aaron Malcolm? They might not have Vance’s and Lawrence’s tenure here, but I’d think that the CFO and VP Sales would also be prime contenders.”

“Aaron loves his job. I don’t think he has any aspirations of leaving sales and taking on the enormous responsibility of running Nano. As for June, I don’t know. I don’t interact with her much. When it comes to finance, I work with her direct reports. Vance deals with her directly.”

“So there could be resentment there, as well,” Simone pointed out.