After Ellen sat at the conference table, she opened one of two manila folders. “You’ll have access to propriety information. By signing this form you agree to the following conditions: All documents are property of Wilde Innovations and remain in this office. You won’t photograph anything. You can’t discuss any of the information with anyone besides Crockett Wilde, Decker Daughtry andmyself.”
Alexandra tossed her coat and gloves on the sofa, sat next to Ellen, read the form andsigned.
With a smile, Ellen handed her the second manila folder. “Your list. I anticipated you’d want to review personnel files of terminated employees, so I have those. You can see them one at a time. If you need to review a current employee’s file, I can request it from HR.” She rose. “Anyquestions?”
“No, thanks. I’mgood.”
“I’ll be at my desk if you need me. Happyhunting.”
Just before Ellen left, Alexandra said, “Actually, I do have a question. What can you tell me about LarryBerry?”
“You’ll have to be morespecific.”
“Does he work late alot?”
“Three days a week he picks up one of his children from child care. I know because we leave at the sametime.”
“How long has he workedhere?”
Ellen paused. “A few years, at least. I can check with HR if you need specific dates. Crockett might know. He has a good memory for that sort ofthing.”
“Larry mentioned he was recently promoted,” Alexandra said. “Would you consider him a satisfiedemployee?”
“I guess. Any reason you’reasking?”
“Maybe. I’m not sure. Thanks for yourhelp.”
With a smile, Ellenleft.
Alexandra flipped open the folder. Wilde Innovations employed over one hundred and fifty full-time salaried personnel and thirty part-timers. Over the past eight years, twelve resigned and five had beenterminated.
Alexandra focused on the five terminated individuals. She jumped on the Internet and began her detailed search. The first employee had passed away over a year ago. The second had retired to Florida. The third was a government analyst by day and a local musician in the evenings. Alexandra didn’t think the two living people had motivation to sabotage Wilde and crossed them off her suspectlist.
The door opened. She expected to see Ellen. Instead, Crockett entered. His piercing baby blues bore into her and her heart skipped a beat.So handsome. So sexy. Somine.
The air grew thick. She had the strongest urge to run to him, throw her arms around him, and never, ever letgo.
But in true Mitus form, she shot him a sultry smile. “May I helpyou?”
“Yes. You. Can.” His deep voice sliced through the air, her insides clenched with desire. With his gaze pinned on her, he closed his office door, removed hisovercoat.
She whistled. “Looking good.” His tailored navy suit, white dress shirt and bold pink tie melded against his solid frame. While clothes may make the man, this man needed no additionalassistance.
His swagger oozed confidence. His smile halted her breath, but it was the intensity in his eyes that confirmed she was his, in every way. She rose, eager to touch him, feel his mouth on hers, his arms holding her againsthim.
He closed the gap between them, drew her into his arms and kissed her. Her insides tingled all the way down to her toes. This man could undo her with the simplest touch. He kissed her once more before releasing hishold.
“How was your meeting?” she asked at the same time he asked, “Making anyheadway?”
Instead of sitting behind his desk and attending to emails, he sat next to her and gave her his undivided attention. “Good meeting.” He hesitated. “I spoke with Max Buchard and refused to redo the interview. Did he tellyou?”
“He firedme.”
Anger clouded Crockett’s sky blue eyes. “It’s my fault. How can Ifix—”
“The network forced him to bring me on board, but it wasn’t working out.” She fished the thumb drive from her handbag. “Gavin said you called him. Thank you for thinking ofthis.”
“After speaking with Buchard, I had a feeling you’d needthat.”
