Dead in a Week (Forensic Instincts 7)

“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.