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vice-president, Raymond Stewart. “Goddamn
it, I took special security measures to ensure our competitors didn’t
find out about this.” He shoved away from his desk suddenly.
“Shit.”
    He began pacing in front of a large row
of windows that stretched from floor to ceiling. Reaching his hand
around the back of his neck, he rubbed the stiff area. Being the CEO
of a major consumer electronics company was a curse sometimes.
Currently, his company was working on secretive new technology that,
once launched, would not only change the face of the industry but
also double his company’s revenue base. A situation like this
could be catastrophic depending on how much information was leaked.
“How the hell did this happen?”
    Raymond shook his head as he sat calmly
on the edge of the chair opposite the desk. “I’m not
sure. I’ve got a hunch that it’s from within.”
    James turned and stared at him.
    “Security is so tight, it makes
the most sense,” Raymond added.
    “It can’t be from within.
None of our employees would leak the information.”
    “If they were paid enough, they
would.”
    James pinched the bridge of his nose,
not even wanting to consider the thought.
    “Perhaps it’s one of the
senior managers.”
    “A senior manager?” James
went down a mental list of managers and couldn’t fathom any of
them selling company secrets. He not only treated his employees well,
he paid them well, too. “I don’t see that happening.”
    Raymond propped his elbows on the sides
of the chair and stared at his boss.
    “I think it’s more
plausible that ISAC hired an investigator.”
    James’s hand shot out in air.
“Hell, we know a lot of corporate espionage is done by
professional investigators who specialize in it.”
    Raymond sucked in a long breath.
“True.”
    There had always been competition
between ISAC and his company. But James had believed it to be healthy
and fair. Perhaps he was mistaken. “Now that I think about it,
I wouldn’t put it past McDonald.” McDonald was the CEO of
ISAC. He had an unbridled rivalry with James. But James thought the
rivalry was completely normal, and even valuable, because it fueled
motivation and diversity between the two.
    “The man has absolutely no
ethics,” Raymond stated firmly.
    “You know I’ve always
thought that.”
    James knew Raymond didn’t like
the man. McDonald was too brash and cocky for Raymond. “When
we’re back against the wall, we all get down and dirty, too.”
    “Not like him. We maintain a
moral code. He doesn’t. What we are releasing is huge. So huge
that I think he’d stoop this low. I think it’s worth
looking into.”
    “I agree. But first we need to
see how much information has been leaked.” James turned and
stared out the window.
    “What do you want to do?”
    “Call Al.”
    Raymond’s expression turned to
surprise. “Are you sure?”
    James was quiet for a moment and then
nodded. “Yes. I want this over and done with, fast.” He
shook his head. “If they have an excellent investigator on
their side, which I suspect that’s what they have, I want the
best on my side. Al’s the best.
    Besides, we’ve worked together
before.”
    “Okay, I’ll call.”
    James turned. “Keep this between
you and me.”
    Raymond stood and walked to the door.
“I’ll let you know when and where we’ll meet.”

Chapter Four
    Samantha smoothed out her blouse,
tucked her hair behind her ear, took two deep breaths, and knocked on
the door. She quickly stuffed her raised hand into her pocket when
she noticed that it was slightly trembling. She hated being
apprehensive—it made her feel weak and vulnerable. The rolling
in her gut matched the rolling of the ocean’s waves that she
could hear crashing behind the house. She sucked in a few more
breaths, taking command of the emotions running through her. Within a
few seconds she felt a little of her anxiety diminish. Her yoga
instructor would be proud of her. And to think she used to