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“Good.” Aidan hoped Vance’s assessment was accurate. But it was a risk that had to be taken. If Susan made the wrong move because she was uninformed, everything could blow up in their faces. This way there was a fighting chance that she’d cooperate and not get in the way of Zermatt’s ability to do its job.
“One last thing,” Aidan said. “I need to know if you have a photocopy of Lauren’s passport.”
Vance nodded. “I keep copies of all our important papers, including passports, in my home safe.”
“Good.” Aidan wasn’t surprised. Vance was meticulous and thorough, much like Aidan himself. “I need you to take pictures of that photocopy and text them to me.” He scribbled down
another phone number. “We’ll be providing you with secure cell phones. In the interim, here’s an untraceable number that is routed directly to me. Lauren’s passport has long since been discarded or destroyed. We’ll need to replicate it to get her home.”
“You have people who can do that?”
“We have people who can do anything.”
“I’m beginning to believe that.”
Aidan glanced at his watch. “I’ve got to get going and set things in motion. You’ll be here for a good part of the day, I assume?”
“Till at least dinnertime. Unless you want me to stay longer.”
“No, that works. I’ll arrange for secure cell phones to be delivered to your office this afternoon. Use them for all your communications to me and my team. Make sure to give one to Susan. That way, she’ll feel connected, which will prevent her from feeling uninformed and isolated. Let me know the moment you receive any further contact from the kidnappers. And Vance—” Aidan extended his hand. “Semper Fi.”
Vance rose from behind his desk and met Aidan’s handshake. “Thank you, Aidan. Semper Fi.”
* * *
Aidan waited only until he’d driven out of the parking lot before he accessed his own secure line. It was Saturday evening in France. Simone would be working.
She answered on the first ring. “Oui?” None of the Zermatt team used names until they were certain it was one of their own at the other end.
“It’s me,” Aidan said.
“I assumed it would be.” Yes, Simone had clearly been working— Aidan could hear it in the intent sound of her voice. Instantly, she stopped whatever project she’d been handling and switched into Zermatt mode. “You’ve wrapped up your meeting?”
“Yup.”
“And?”
Aidan proceeded to fill Simone in on what had transpired, adding that Vance Pennington would be calling her soon to request her assistance on revamping his department.
“My alleged role.” Simone had that voice that said she was mentally running through her plans. “I’m assuming Vance Pennington’s phone call to me is a fait accompli. I’m also assuming you want me in Silicon Valley tomorrow so I can hit the ground running on Monday, no?”
“Can you swing it?” Aidan asked, even though he already knew what her answer would be.
“I’m at home. So I can begin packing now. There’ll be no obstacles. McKinsey will be delighted to acquire Nano as a client.” She paused, and Aidan could hear her unzipping a suitcase. “I’ll take the train from Lyon to Paris—”
“Not necessary.” Aidan cut her off. “I already dispatched Zermatt’s Gulfstream to you. It’ll arrive at Lyon-Bron Airport by morning.”
Simone had a smile in her voice. “Merci. I’m honored. Such royal treatment after you just flew commercial. Or was leaving the private jet in New York a strategic move on your part?”
“You know the answer to that. I wanted you out here. I wasn’t going to waste time making that happen for my own personal convenience. The jet will arrive in Lyon by five a.m. You should be in San Francisco tomorrow afternoon Pacific Time. A car will pick you up and drive you to the Four Seasons Hotel in Silicon Valley. There’ll be a reservation in your name.”
“Will you be there in my bed to welcome me?”
Aidan heard the half-teasing, half-seductive note in her voice and responded ruefully. “Unfortunately, no. I’ve got to get home to Abby and put some other pieces in place. I’ll probably be flying to Munich for an overnight. But not to worry. I’ll be back in California ASAP.”
“I’m very glad to hear that. Au revoir, mon amour.”
Aidan stared at his phone for a long time after disconnecting the call. His mind was racing in an entirely different direction, rethinking an idea that he’d been toying with for some time now. His network was vast. But there was one avenue he had yet to tap—a strong and accessible one. This would be the perfect opportunity to reach out and see what it would be like to work with his brother in a hands-on way he’d never done. Plus, his brother’s own investigative team—a team Aidan had helped out more than once—had a few key members who’d be very helpful here in both a professional and personal capacity. The fit was good.
