Beatrice continued. “Blackwood is in the process of selling most of his installations and refineries. All the oil and gas parts of his business. He has set up meetings with many potential buyers in Chicago next week, some from the US, but most from the Middle East and Russia. Finch’s name popped up, almost completely hidden in the multiple layers of one of these companies, and we know he has ties with many of them. It can’t be a coincidence. Finch is about to strike, we just don’t know who and what yet. That’s where you come in.”
Gabrielle turned toward Beatrice, but her eyes were on Zoe. “And where does Zoe come in exactly?”
“Blackwood is searching for an assistant and interpreter, and my dear Zoe has a talent for languages. She’ll fit right in, keep an eye out, and report to us. If Blackwood is ever physically in danger, then, we will intervene.”
Zoe lifted her hand as if asking a question. “Wait a minute. Why doesn’t Lazarus ask his brother to be careful, warn him of Finch’s threat?”
“Blackwood doesn’t know about Finch being his father or that he has siblings for that matter. Lazarus only wants to protect him, make sure he’s alright. However, Archer Blackwood is suspicious of strangers in his surroundings, that’s why Zoe must appear to be a usual hire. The timing is perfect for her to infiltrate his life.”
Beatrice pushed the official job offer in front of Zoe. Gabrielle, who peeked over her shoulder, whistled at the long list of requirements. “Whoa. Have you seen the list of languages Blackwood requests? Some of them are obscure tribal dialects. How will you be able to fake all of those?”
Zoe almost flinched at the remark. She wasn’t keen on admitting her freakishness, the more people that knew, the more dangerous it became. And Beatrice was deeply aware of it too.
“I know most of those on the list. And if need be I can manage with the others.”
Gabrielle’s blue eyes popped out. “You can’t be serious?”
It was Beatrice who came to the rescue. “She is, Gabrielle. Zoe has a peculiar talent for languages. It’s as if she can decipher most of them like a computer. One of the many reasons she’s working as a consultant for the Department of State, the Army, the Navy, the Marines, and many embassies.”
“Wow! And I thought having to learn more than three was a pain in the ass. You’re so lucky!”
Zoe sighed. “Yes and no... Let’s say that if I didn’t have that peculiar skill, I wouldn’t have met Beatrice.” And before more questions poured out of the blonde, her gaze flitted back to the man in the picture. Zoe was obsessed by puzzles, and something about the image made her wonder what kind of puzzle the man was.
“So? Where do I apply for the job?”
Beatrice slipped another sheet from the folder and pushed it in her direction, a smug smile on her face. “Everything is done, all you have to do is present yourself to that address on Monday morning for the final interview in Chicago with Archer Blackwood. Bring your suit and your kick-ass heels. And if what is said is true about the man’s temperament, put on your Hulk underwear. You’re gonna need it!”
