Page 13 of Lost Without You

When it came down to it, most high-level executives were sharks in fancy suits. Aggressors with big wallets and even bigger connections, hiding behind polite smiles. Academia was fraught with cutthroat competition, too, but it was done in a way that Rachel understood and was confident in navigating. The c-suite, not so much.

“Mr. Harrison will see you now,” his assistant announced and motioned to the frosted glass door.

Ethan stood up and Rachel could see his professional mask slide into place. She would follow his lead since he was the experienced interrogator. Her job was to note the CEO’s reactions and ask questions if she felt it was needed. Ethan gave her a brief smile and his calm, confident presence grounded her. She took a deep breath in turn and steeled herself for the meeting.

Ethan held the door for her as they entered a corner office.Cliché much?Windows from floor to ceiling looked out over lower Manhattan and beyond. Up here on the 75thfloor it felt like a different world. Then she noticed Karl Harrison seated at his desk and when he looked up, his expression startled her. Something like contempt swirled in his pale blue eyes. Cold, very cold eyes that looked her over carefully until his face transformed, and a smooth smile graced his lips. The shark smelled blood but was circling for now, waiting for his opportunity.

Dressed in a navy suit that was classic, but probably cost more than her car, he walked around his desk to greet them. Harrison was just what she expected of the c-suite executive. His only nervous tell was running a hand through his thick white hair, styled in an undercut.

“Good afternoon, Ms. Desoumas, Mr. Blackwell, please have a seat.” He shook their hands and motioned to the chairs in front of his desk.

“Thank you, Mr. Harrison, and it’s Ethan. We appreciate you making time for us in your busy schedule,” Ethan replied as they sat down.

“Please, call me Karl,” Harrison replied with that practiced smile again. “I’m a big fan of your books. Very few thrillers combine difficult puzzles and exciting plot lines.”

Rachel controlled her urge to eyeroll at his obvious attempt at winning Ethan’s favor. Softening them up before the kill.

“Thank you, Karl, I’m flattered,” Ethan murmured.

“So, what can I do for you today?” Harrison asked politely as he leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. His defensive posturing contradicted the relaxed tone of his voice. Noted.

“I’m investigating the disappearance of Rachel’s father, Walter Hoffman. He worked for your firm until 1989 and I was wondering if you, or any of your employees who worked here at that time, could tell me about him.”

Harrison blinked once and nodded. “I do vaguely remember Mr. Hoffman, but only because of the private investigator who interviewed us. It was quite an unusual situation. My apologies, Rachel, but I don’t personally remember your father. We’re a very large firm, you understand. I believe he worked in the audit group under Lawrence June at the time. June passed away a year ago, but his son Lloyd has joined the firm and carries on his absolute dedication to our organization.” Harrison paused. “The only other member of our firm that might remember him is Helen Iris. She was June senior’s secretary and is now Lloyd’s executive assistant. She’s been with us since our inception.”

“That’s very helpful,” Ethan commented as he took notes. “Would she know what Walter was working on around the time he disappeared?”

Harrison looked away and shook his head. “I don’t know. It’s highly unlikely. She can provide general information about who he worked with. That’s about all.” He faced them again and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his desk. “I’ll get my assistant to let her know you’re on your way to her office. One floor down, suite 7400.” Harrison’s phone pinged and he looked down. “Excuse me a moment.”

Rachel glanced at Ethan, but she couldn’t read him. The only movement was a raised eyebrow and then he turned his attention back to Harrison.

“Is your HR manager in the office today? We’d like to speak to them as well.”

“Certainly. Zoe Clarke—she’s in the same suite as Helen,” Harrison replied smoothly. No major pauses in his speech. He sounded confident and clear. “I’m sorry, but I have an important phone call to make. It was a pleasure meeting you both and I wish you good luck in your research.”

They all stood up. Ethan nodded. “Thank you for your time, Karl. We’ll see ourselves out.”

Rachel was all too happy to leave the office. It was a different world up here and one she had no desire to visit again.

****

Ethan

“So, what did you think?” Ethan asked Rachel as they hurried into the elevator to head down to the 74thfloor. He was curious for her take before he gave his own opinion. Harrison knew more than he was letting on, but Ethan wanted an unbiased opinion.

“This place gives me the creeps. And Harrison in particular. He knows something. When you asked him if Helen would know what my dad was working on, he flinched just before he looked away.”

He was impressed by Rachel’s quick observation. It was stimulating to work with someone who was as interested in other people as much as he was. Damn if that didn’t turn him on as much as her gorgeous profile. Rachel Desoumas was a thrilling discovery he’d never anticipated, and he was eager to know more.

Focus, Ethan.

Ethan cleared his throat. “Great observation. I saw that, too. We hit a nerve and I’m going to keep pushing on it until we find out more or someone talks. Lane’s analysis of the disk will be critical. I think we’re definitely getting warmer.”

“I could use warmer. The chill in that man’s office made me want to get up and leave.” Rachel rubbed her arms.

“Really? You weren’t impressed by the corner office? I thought women swooned over successful CEO types,” Ethan responded.

His ex-wife certainly did.

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