“Yes, Lance. He may not be assigned to her murder specifically, but he’s close enough to get us the information quickly.”
“Any idea what happened to her afterward? After the kidnapping I mean.”
“So far, I have a team screening all the cameras from the moment she was taken until she was put into that van. At some point, we lost them. I also checked her background and I don’t see anything suspicious. I know you had doubts about her, or about something that could be linked to her, but I don’t see anything out of character.”
Out of character. Why did bubbly, hared-brained bimbo receptionist make her want to grit her teeth. She was a victim, an innocent.
“When I checked her station, she had access to cameras, and I checked the one in Blackwood’s private elevator. Nothing suspicious, she was just playing with her phone.”
Gabrielle typed something in the background. “What was the angle?”
“From over her right shoulder, but too far away to read the screen.”
“I’ll check it out. Maybe the screen will give us a clue. On another topic, Finch is visiting Blackwood Corp this morning.”
Zoe locked eyes with Lance. “Why? The sale starts in a couple of days.”
“I’m not sure, but he’s not going alone. It was a last-minute decision among the most prominent buyers. Like a final friendly tour before the shark attack.”
Zoe remembered the photo of Jamieson Finch from his file. Very handsome. Archer and Kai had features from him, and his unique silver irises. But beyond the polished air, the infamous politician and businessman, was the deadliest monster. He had the talent for bringing you into his web, finding your weakness and using it against you. The rush that rose inside her could have replaced the caffeine kick.
“He’s not one of the main buyers.”
“No, but he’s one of the senior advisors of one, giving him the right to be there. The list of the final buyers was kept secret until now. We’re still working on completing it. You’ll have the opportunity to meet them first. On our side, we’ll watch them on the building cameras and build their files.”
Lance leaned forward, and Zoe could see that they were almost there. “What about the security? What’s happening on that front?”
Gabrielle obviously smiled when she replied. “You’re a genius Zoe for giving Blackwood Beatrice’s information. He did call and has arranged for on-site protection for the entire duration of the event. Lance and Kai will remain as close guards. That way, we can surround and protect Archer Blackwood the best way possible.”
Lance slowed down. “We’re on site, Gab. We’ll keep you posted.”
“Good. Be careful. Both of you.”
Zoe thought at first that Lance would drop her off, but instead, he ignored the no-parking zone and stopped the car there. Zoe was fascinated when he hopped out of the car and came to her side to open the door. He was scanning the area and she knew that under his well-tailored suit was a weapon of some sort. Hell, more than one probably.
Gallant, he offered his hand which she took. People leaving the building were looking at them as they went past. Well, most probably looking at the blond Viking beside her. Lance called the private elevator and as they waited, his eyes restlessly checkout people coming in and out. He was obviously in watchdog mode which amazed her. Did he ever relax?
The elevator door opened with a ding and they both stepped in. “You know you don’t have to follow me. I think I’m pretty safe in the express elevator.”
Lance shrugged. “Part of the job. Blackwood requested that you be escorted from home to the office.”
“He’s a tad overprotective. I’m safe in the elevator. And in the office too, unless another intruder makes an attempt.”
Lance leaned back against the wall, his hands in his pockets. “I doubt it would happen again. Blackwood Corporation is a fortress now. Kai is keeping an eye on things up there, and as of tomorrow, I’ll be tagging along.”
“So, no more chauffeuring around for you?”
Lance smiled at her. “Not my preferred task, I’ll admit. I prefer to be in the action.”
“Your girlfriend must worry for you all the time.” A little information digging.
“I don’t have anybody in my life right now. Nobody serious, anyhow. And if that were the case, my boyfriend would have to understand what my work entails and learn to live with it.”
After a little jolt at his admission, it was Zoe’s turn to smile. Lance arched an inquisitive eyebrow. “Have I destroyed your dreams of a happily ever after with me, Zoe?”
Giving him a full-blown smile, she winked at him. “Don’t worry, I don’t have dreams of that sort about you, but I’ll have to tell Ellen she needs to find another fine man to cover in whipped cream and lick it all off.”
It was with Lance’s booming laughter that the elevator doors opened on their floor. The lobby wasn’t empty as it seemed that a new receptionist was replacing poor Cynthia. An older woman who looked very capable, and very irritated at their noisy entrance. Lance put a hand in the small of her back as they stepped out, and Zoe noticed movement to her left. Archer Blackwood. An angry Archer Blackwood. He was squeezing a thick folder in his hand so hard, she believed the paper would sport the exact shape of his fingers permanently.
