“Dr. Irina Volkova.” She indicated a woman with platinum blonde hair and sharp cheekbones who was engaged in animated conversation with a group near the windows.
The name tugged at Elliot’s memory. He’d heard it before, possibly in a briefing about Praetorian’s scientific division. He made a mental note to check the WSW database when he returned to the office.
“What about her?”
“She’s a microbiologist who specializes in extremophiles—organisms that survive in extreme conditions—but she’s officially signed on as the expedition medical doctor,” Rue said, her voice dropping lower. “I mean, that’s weird, right? Why would a world-renowned microbiologist come as a glorified medic?”
Elliot nodded slightly. “Yeah, that’s weird.”
“And the blonde woman talking to Braddock and Frost?” he asked, noting how the woman’s predatory gaze kept returning to Rue.
“Camille Middleton. Other than Frost, she’s the expedition’s primary investor.” Rue’s smile tightened. “She’s been grilling me all night about our communication capabilities in isolation.”
Before Elliot could respond, the blonde detached herself from Frost’s side and made a beeline toward them, her diamond earrings catching the light with each determined step.
“Ms. Bristow,” she called in a posh British accent. “I’ve been hoping to speak with you again before you disappear to the bottom of the world.”
Rue’s posture shifted subtly, her public persona sliding into place with a wide, welcoming smile. “Ms. Middleton. Enjoying the party?”
“Immensely.” Middleton’s gaze slid to Elliot, assessing him from head to toe. “And who might this be?”
“This is my fiancé, Elliot,” Rue said, her hand sliding into his with surprising ease. The sudden warmth of her palm against his caught him off guard, but he recovered quickly, wrapping his fingers around hers. “He’s joining the expedition.”
“Fiancé?” Middleton’s perfectly sculpted eyebrows arched. “My, my. That wasn’t in your file.”
The casual admission that she had a file on Rue sent a warning signal through Elliot’s system. No legitimate investor would speak so carelessly about keeping dossiers on expedition personnel.
“It’s recent,” Rue replied smoothly. “When you know, you know.”
“Indeed.” Camille’s smile was tight, but whether that was from suspicion or copious amounts of Botox was anyone’s guess. “And what is it you do, Elliot, that allows you to accompany your fiancée to such a remote location on short notice?”
“Security consulting,” he answered, keeping his tone neutral despite the internal alarms blaring. “It’s a family-owned firm, so my schedule can be as flexible as I need.”
“How convenient.” She tilted her head, studying him with renewed interest. “And tell me, Ms. Bristow, have the transport arrangements been finalized? I’m particularly interested in how isolated the team will be once you arrive.”
Rue’s fingers tightened almost imperceptibly around his. “The details are in the expedition brief, Ms. Middleton. But yes, we’ll be quite isolated. That’s kind of the point of Antarctica.”
“Of course. I’m simply concerned about the safety measures. So much valuable research, so far from help if something were to go... wrong.”
The threat was thinly veiled, and Elliot’s shoulder muscles tensed in response. He stepped slightly closer to Rue, a movement that didn’t go unnoticed by Camille.
“Protective, aren’t we?” she remarked, her gaze sharpening. “You must be very proud of your fiancée’s accomplishments.”
“Extremely,” he replied easily. “Though I’m curious why an investor would be so concerned with transport security.”
A flash of something—irritation, maybe—crossed her features before she masked it with another practiced smile. “In my experience, Mr...?”
“Wilde,” he supplied.
“Mr. Wilde.” She paused, recognition flickering in her eyes. “As in Wilde Security?”
Elliot kept his expression neutral. “The same.”
“Interesting.” She seemed to recalculate something. “In my experience, Mr. Wilde, the most valuable discoveries require the most careful handling. I simply want to ensure our investment is protected.”
“Rest assured,” Rue interjected, “every aspect of the expedition has been meticulously planned. Your investment is in capable hands.”
Camille held Rue’s gaze for a moment longer than was comfortable. “I certainly hope so. I’ve sunk a lot of money into this.” She glanced at her watch. “If you’ll excuse me, I have another engagement. Safe travels, Ms. Bristow. Mr. Wilde.”
