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James looks at me and says, “It’ll do.”
“What do you mean ‘it’ll do?’” I ask almost offended as this is my choice for tonight’s
work meeting. “This place is perfect!”
“Keep your panties straight, I’m only kidding you,” he smiles as the waitress hands him a martini with three olives.
The waitress takes my order and scurries off while I turn to James. “So, how’re we going to handle this information breach?”
“I thought we had already come up with a plan, we just haven’t enacted it yet,” James says, then sips his martini. He likes them dry and dirty, peppered. He’d prefer blue cheese stuffed olives most of the time, but these did not appear to be those.
My wine comes along with the bread and salads. As I cut the bread, James continues to talk about the plan.
“I know something’s about to happen and I want this installed tomorrow if possible,” he says while he stuffs a bite of his chopped salad into his mouth. “I don’t want anymore issues with copied sensitive material possibly being sold.”
I butter my bread and take a bite, washing it down with a gulp of wine. “I agree, but who can be trusted to copy and move the files safely, then upload false files of info?”
“We would need somebody who doesn’t work with us, someone that can use discretion to their advantage. If someone does try to use the fake files, some serious damage could ensue,” James conveys with a sharp sideways glance.
“Yeah, but some of the files don’t have that much importance, is that correct?” I say, leaning back so that the waitress can place my plate before me. The smell of the juices and the blue cheese mingles in my nostrils, begging for me to taste.
“Right. You know who I think might be perfect to do this?” James stops using his knife to cut his food and points it at me. “Patrick.”
“Mm, Patrick,” I say, chewing a mouthful of the sumptuous steak. “Why him?”
“He knows what he’s doing, can be discreet, and is always begging me to let him do something more interesting,” he says, shoving a bite of his salmon in his mouth. Once chewed, he asks, “Did you ever get a chance to talk to Jeff about this business with Lily?”
I shake my head while I finish the bite of steak in my mouth. “No, not yet. I didn’t have a chance today, but I’ll make it top priority tomorrow.”
“Please do. I do not like the fact that one of our best engineers is possibly stalking our newest employee,” James says, taking another drink of his martini. “The whole thing just gives me the creeps.”
“I get it,” I reply. “On the way over here I was thinking about it.” I finish off my wine and push my plate toward the middle of the table. “If he hurts her, James…”
He cuts me off with a wave of his hand. “I completely understand how you feel. We just can’t jump to conclusions about it. Just like anything else happening right now.”
“You know, James,” I look at him from across the table intently, “Someone could be framing her.”
“I’ve thought about that, and haven’t ruled it out,” he tells me. “And I plan on keeping an eye on her until we’ve got other leads.”
“I’m telling you man,” I shake my head for emphasis, “You’re barking up the wrong tree. Lily is not doing this. You’ve even said yourself that you don’t think she would do this.”
“I did and still contend that I do. But proving it is another story entirely,” he says. Looking at me as a friend, I can appreciate how much this bothers him and affects his entire being.
I hold my hands up in surrender, “Okay, okay, keep an eye on her,” I say reluctantly. “Just hold your breath for the ‘I told you so’ from me.”
“So to sum up this meeting,” James says. “We both agree that Patrick is perfect and trustworthy for this endeavor?”
“Yes, agreed,” I concur.
“We agree that you will have a chat with Jeff tomorrow regarding Lily?”
“Yes, agreed.”
“And I will investigate other potential persons of interest?” he asks finally.
“Agreed,” I say, asking for the check.
“Don’t bother,” James says, “I have paid the check already.” He smirks at me as he thrusts his hand out for me to shake.
