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“What seeds? Does someone at Pierson actually think—”
“Let it go, Gary.” Rhodes cut him off. “I can’t get into it. It’s politics. Let’s leave it at that. Just don’t bring up my name when you talk to the cops.”
“Okay. Fine. But I think you’re the one who needs a vacation.”
“You’re right. I do. And I’ll take it. When all this is over.”
MONTY RUBBED THE back of his neck, glancing casually at Rhodes’s secretary. Middle-aged. Sensible clothes. Quick and efficient. But on the serene side. Certainly less domineering than Frederick Pierson’s secretary, Marjorie Evans. That woman was a bulldozer—and smart, too. Monty hadn’t gotten squat out of her.
But this Alice Jeffers was worth a try.
“Is Mr. Rhodes still tied up?” Monty asked.
The secretary glanced at the telephone, then looked up from her computer and nodded. “I apologize for the delay.”
“No problem. The call must be important. Mr. Rhodes sounded upset.”
“Everyone’s upset.” A quick rise to her boss’s defense. “I’m sure you can understand why.”
“Of course I can—Ms. Jeffers, isn’t it?”
Another nod.
“Your CEO was just killed. That’s a huge blow to your company and to staff morale, considering how family-oriented Pierson & Company is. It would be strange if everyone wasn’t on edge.”
Mr. Jeffers’s defensiveness eased. “I’m glad you recognize that.”
“It would be hard not to. There are major reorganizational meetings taking place, and a ton of press hovering outside, ready to pounce on the Piersons. I feel sorry for them—for all of you, in fact. I’m sure Frederick Pierson was held in high regard.”
“He was well respected. No one was more diligent or more dedicated.”
Well respected. Nothing about being well liked.
Monty pretended to glance through his notes. “From what I’ve been told, he worked Guinness book hours.”
“He did.” The secretary relaxed a bit. Clearly, she was on more comfortable ground now. “He was always at his desk when I arrived, and when I went home. No matter how early or how late. He gave his all to the company.”
“I’m sure that was especially true these past few years since his wife died.”
“Losing her hit him hard. He devoted even more of his energies to the company after that.”
“I can relate. Work is a great outlet when there’s no one to go home to.” Monty blew out a reflective breath. “With me, it was divorce. But becoming a widower? After decades of marriage? That must have really shaken him up.”
“It did.”
“I don’t blame him for practically living at the office. I’m assuming that’s how he and Ms. Chambers got together. She seems to put in long hours as well. It’s a typical scenario for two lonely workaholics to start dating.”
Ms. Jeffers’s guard was back up. “I suppose so. I don’t know much about their relationship. They worked well together. And, yes, they socialized. Any more than that, you’ll have to ask Ms. Chambers.”
“I plan to—after the funeral. The poor woman was too upset to talk this morning. I respected her request for some space. She and I are meeting later today.” Monty cleared his throat. “Just so you know, I don’t enjoy sticking my nose where it doesn’t belong. I’m not expecting you to gossip about your colleagues. But my job is to keep everyone at Pierson & Company safe. I’m just trying to figure out where I should focus my energies.”
“I’m not following.”
“Let’s just say that if someone needs extra security, I mean to provide it.”
Ms. Jeffers’s gaze widened as Monty’s meaning sank in. “And that ‘someone’ might be a person Mr. Pierson was close to or confided in.”
“Now you’re getting the idea. You’re a smart woman, Ms. Jeffers. And a discreet one, too. Don’t alarm the staff by mentioning this. I doubt Ms. Chambers is in danger. I’m just covering all my bases.”
