“Of course not.”But Elena’s tone has cooled considerably.“Still, I find myself wondering if you’re the only interested party in this conversation.”
Through the window, I watch her reach into her handbag—a motion that might be innocent, but still tightens my focus.Her security detail has already shifted, one moving toward the restaurant’s side exit, the other holding position on the street.
“There’s no need for concern,” Adrien says.“I’m simply trying to understand the scope of your operation.How extensive is your network?How many sources like Eddie do you maintain?How often do you plan on calling upon me?”
“Mr.d’Avricourt.”Elena’s voice carries warning now.“I think you’re underestimating the delicacy of what you’re proposing.The kind of information I broker comes with significant risks.Dead man’s switches.Safeguards.Insurance policies that protect everyone involved.”
“Including yourself.”
“Especially myself.”I can hear the smile in her voice, but it’s sharp like a blade.“You see, I’ve built something quite remarkable over the years.A network that touches the highest levels of government, business, international relations.If anything were to happen to me—arrest, accident, unexpected disappearance—certain files would automatically be released.Files that would destroy careers, topple governments, collapse markets.”
“That’s quite a claim.”
“It’s not a claim; it’s a guarantee.Ask your senator friend about the scope of my reach.His little indiscretion is barely worthy of a footnote compared to what I know about his colleagues.”
Through the audio, I hear the scrape of a chair.Elena is standing.
“I think this meeting has run its course,” she says.“You’re clearly not serious about a business relationship.And I suspect you have friends listening who are far too interested in my affairs.”
This is falling apart.Elena’s about to walk, and we’ll lose our only direct connection to whoever’s targeting Crawford and others.I make a decision that goes against every protocol Hudson established.
“Jake, I’m going in.”
Hudson’s voice flares in my ear—from command, tinny with distance.“Negative, Brie.Hold.”
“She’s walking—give me sixty seconds.I can salvage.”
Jake’s jaw tightens but he doesn’t stop me.“You’ve got eyes,” he murmurs.
I’m already moving, stripping off my earpiece and adjusting my appearance quickly—loose hair, different posture, the persona of someone who belongs in this upscale restaurant environment.Jake gives me a silent thumbs up and zeroes in on the monitors.
“Brie, do not compromise position.”Hudson’s voice follows me, but I’m already out of the van.Cold air sharpens my breath as I cross the street.The traffic slows at the intersection and the bite of exhaust mixes with roasted chestnuts from the corner cart.
The restaurant’s interior buzzes with lunchtime conversation and the clink of silverware against china.It’s the subtle hum of Manhattan power dining in a hallowed room with Kushner’sCornucopia, a colorful piece that feeds the energy.
I spot Adrien and Elena immediately—he’s calm composure in a charcoal suit, she’s poise sharpened to diamond precision, already half-turned to leave while he remains seated, measured, performing patience.
I approach with the confident stride of someone who belongs here, someone who has every right to interrupt.
“Darling, I’m so sorry I’m late.”I lean down to kiss Adrien’s cheek, selling the performance while positioning myself to face Elena directly.“Traffic was absolutely brutal.”
Elena’s eyes narrow as she assesses this new variable.Her gaze travels from my face to my posture to the way I positioned myself—searching for tells that would identify my true purpose.
“Ms.Vasquez, isn’t it?”I extend my hand with a warm smile.“I’m Brie.Adrien mentioned you might be able to help with our little problem.”
“Your little problem?”
“The competition.”I settle into the chair across from her, occupying space deliberately, giving her a choice: reclaim dominance or appear uncertain.She sits.
“You know how it is in tech.Everyone’s always trying to steal designs, poach talent, undercut pricing.Adrien tells me you have a gift for acquiring the kind of information that keeps businesses ahead of their rivals.”I keep my tone conspiratorial, the kind of admiration women trade when they both know the cost of playing in men’s worlds.
Elena is sitting, but her posture remains guarded—shoulders poised, fingers resting on the rim of her glass like a pianist ready to strike a chord.“And what makes you think I’d be interested in tech industry espionage?”
“Because you’re already doing it.”I lean forward conspiratorially.“You branched out.The depositions from antitrust cases provide invaluable insights.Your old boss wasn’t interested in expanding, but you recognized value and opportunity.”
The recognition flickers across Elena’s features—surprise, then calculation, then grudging respect.
“You’ve done your homework.”
