“Fuck,” I breathe out as something cold rushes through my stomach. I don’t care about Jared; I care about my company and my reputation. Everything from here on will be a mess.
I can’t tell what exactly it is, but I have a very strange gut feeling about what I just read.
Focus!I command myself, trying to get back into strategy mode. I’ve never been emotional; what mattered were numbers and results, but I can’t shake the feeling that’s crawling up on me.
“I’ll handle the room,” I say. “We’ll have to review the books; a death the day before an IPO screams suspicion. Everything has to be perfect. The police will show up, and I want to give them everything they need so there won't be any further questioning and digging. And we’ll need a board meeting. Call them in.”
Whatever happens, an investigation into the company—and, therefore, me—cannot occur.
The day and night are a nightmare. The stock exchange halts the IPO pending clarification—millions, if not billions, evaporate. The board roasts me. And I find irregularities in the books that no one can explain because it was Jared’s scope.
“Cops are here,” my assistant says. It’s 8:30 p.m.
I rest my head in my hands. My straight blonde hair falls into my face, hiding my exhaustion. I have to pull myself together.
“Can I get you anything?” Dave asks. “You didn’t eat. I can stall the police.”
“No,” I say and get up, straighten my suit and roll my shoulders —business mode it is. “I’m seeing them now.”
Dave nods. “Conference two.”
I walk down the corridor with confidence. The whole floor buzzes, occupied with damage control.
At a glance, the visitors look federal. I expected it. Probably the FBI. My eyes land on the man in a black suit with a slim tie, then linger on the very muscular woman in tight pants. My weakness for trained women betrays me, and I let my gaze linger a second too long on her.
“Miss Knightly,” the woman says straight forward, shaking my hand. “Agents Reese.” She nods to her colleague. “And Park, FBI. We’re here to talk about Jared Sutton.”
“I assumed. I saw the media coverage. We’re in total shock. Any news?”
“We’re working on it. We’d like to ask you a few questions.”
“Please.” I gesture to the chairs.
“When’s the last time you heard from him?” Agent Reese asks.
“Two days ago. We worked late. He left around ten to meetfriends at a bar downtown. My assistant can get you the footage of that day.”
“We’d appreciate that. Did you know about his drug use?”
“Everyone knew. He was a risk, but his network outweighed his…extracurriculars. He never showed signs at work. He was punctual, thorough, and well-prepared. Always on top of his game.”
“Did his death benefit you?”
I laugh genuinely.
“His death is a disaster. The IPO is halted, investors are panicking, and the media is tearing us apart. We handle sensitive data. His death threatens everything.”
“Anyone who might want to stop the IPO or harm your company?”
“I can give you a list of threats we got so far—physical and digital. I’ve received enough death threats to hire three bodyguards. People want to shut us down.”
“Enemies of Sutton?” Reese asks. Her green eyes study me like she can read my bones. In any other setting, I’d absolutely make a move.
“Jared had powerful friends. That alone puts someone in danger.”
“Ever see him fight with anyone?”
“Nothing worth mentioning. Just normal disagreements regarding our business.”
