Page 38 of Digital Desire

They stepped through the door to the embassy after they had been cleared by two security officers. Looks like Jack’s call has done the trick. The building itself was not huge and was relatively modern. The front looked like a giant red brick home, but the building directly behind was more like an office block. Surrounded by metal railings, it offered a modicum of security.

Once behind closed doors, the security was more noticeable. Four armed police officers guarded the front and looking around she could see sensors on the windows.

A tall man walked towards Alex with his hand outstretched. “Mr Jones, a pleasure to meet you,” he said shaking Alex’s hand. Aubrey kept her face emotionless at the greeting. Alex could not look less like a Mr Jones if he tried but if that was what he was going with, who was she to question the Ghosts of Black ops.

“Mr Clark, thank you for seeing us at such short notice. Do you have everything we requested?” Alex asked with polite yet rigid control.

“Yes, of course. My staff are at your disposal,” he said as he turned, and they followed him past the second set of doors which opened into a large office.

“You can use my office for the interviews.”

Alex looked around before moving to the window and looking up and across the street. “Um, I can see we have a lot of work to do before any visit is approved,” he said turning to Mr Clark.

The man was in his fifties and seemed pleasant enough, his brown hair was turning grey at the temples, but it suited him. He had a bit of a belly on his five foot, ten-inch frame, but Aubrey didn’t see anything, or more importantly feel any vibe from him, that kicked her radar into gear.

“Do we know who will be visiting?” he asked Alex.

“I’m afraid I am not at liberty to divulge any details at this time. I’m sure you understand,” Alex deflected smoothly.

“Of course. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance,” he said before he turned to leave.

“There is one question,” Alex began.

“Yes?” Mr Clark asked as he turned around again.

“Pierre Aubin, the man that was murdered, what do we know about that?” Alex asked with an easy manner that conveyed absolutely nothing.

“A terrible business,” Mr Clark said as he began to shake his head and worry his hands together. “From what I understand from the police, they have a man in custody that was an old friend of his.”

“Did you ever meet this friend?”

“No, he was a very private man and kept to himself a lot.”

“Did he have a girlfriend at all?” Aubrey asked.

“Not that I know of, but we didn’t really speak a lot about private matters. The other staff may know more.”

“Thank you, Mr Clark,” Alex said dismissing him.

The man nodded and left closing the door with a silent click.

Drew moved closer to the door and using a small device he took from his pocket scanned the room. “We’re clear,” he said.

“The security here is shocking,” Alex said with disdain.

Aubrey couldn’t disagree, they hadn’t even checked them with one of those wand things for any weapons.

“Drew, you go start on the tech team. Aubrey, talk to the office staff and get as much as you can. I’m going to interview the security team and find out why everything is so lacking. Meet back here in an hour. Any red flags, then click the mike three times on the comms, and I’ll come to you.”

Aubrey nodded, and she and Drew walked out together and headed to the second floor where the stairs split in two. Drew went right, and she headed left. Opening the outer door, Aubrey stepped through silently and looked around. Six desks were scattered around the room and towards the back was what she was looking for.

Aubrey headed towards the kitchenette and the lone man there. Moving inside she smiled at the man making coffee. “Hi.”

“Oh hi, you want some?” the man asked.

“Love some, thank you.”

“Are you the lady here to interview us for a visit?”