The Mogul and the Muscle - Claire Kingsley Page 0,22

usual desks, office chairs, phones, and computer equipment. But I’d also seen an engineer in a bean bag chair, the accounting department had several vases of freshly cut flowers that looked like they’d come from someone’s garden, and among the expected aerospace-themed artwork were framed prints featuring snarky quotes and sayings.

It combined to create an environment that was both professional and comfortable. Not typical for an old-school company filled with engineers. It made me wonder how much of it was due to Cameron’s influence.

I’d done a brief search on the history of Spencer Aeronautics already, but today I needed to dig deeper, both into the company and Cameron. She’d hired me to handle her personal security and part of that was assessing potential threats to her safety. This was where I differed from some run-of-the-mill bodyguard for hire. My services included more than just muscle.

Cameron was back at her desk after I’d accompanied her to a short meeting in the large conference room on this floor. I had insisted on shadowing her during internal meetings, but not because I thought she was in danger here. I needed to learn her routine. See how she worked. Plus I needed to get her used to me being nearby.

My presence also sent a message. No doubt the office rumor mill had gone into full swing after the attack on her. It had happened here, in the parking garage most of them used. Tightening security around their boss showed that the threat was being taken seriously. It also implied that the potential danger was focused on her, not them, while simultaneously reassuring people that she was protected.

All things I’d been prepared to point out to Cameron last night. But she’d needed less persuading than I’d expected.

Brandy brought a white to-go container and set it on my desk.

I looked up from my laptop. “What’s this?”

“Lunch. I ordered it for you.”

A friendly gesture, but she eyed me with coolness in her expression.

“Thanks.”

She pulled a chair up next to my desk and lowered herself down, crossing one leg over the other. “Who are you, really?”

Suspicion, probably a sign of loyalty and protectiveness toward her boss. I liked that. “Jude Ellis. We met before.”

She arched an eyebrow. “Is that your real name?”

“Yes.”

“It’s the name on your birth certificate?”

“Would you like me to bring you a copy?”

She narrowed her eyes. “You offer security consulting.”

“Among other things, yes.”

“Then why can’t I find your website?”

“Don’t have one.”

“What about social media?” she asked.

“Don’t use it.”

“Then how do you do business? How do you find clients?”

I flipped open the to-go container’s lid. Sandwich on thick bread. Looked good. “All my business is referrals.”

“You don’t advertise?”

“No.”

“And you stay in business?”

“Unfortunately.”

“What does that mean?”

I shrugged one shoulder. “It interferes with playing golf.”

“What qualifications do you have?”

Interviewing me when her boss had already hired me wasn’t Brandy’s job. But I didn’t mind the interrogation. It was another sign that Cameron had people looking out for her. And making an ally out of Brandy would make my job considerably easier, especially if Cameron decided to stop being cooperative.

“I’m not qualified. I’m overqualified.” I leaned back in my chair. Surprisingly, it didn’t squeak under my weight. “Marine Corps. Then CIA. I retired and moved to Miami five years ago. Now I’m a security consultant and… problem solver. I don’t have a website because I’m a one-man operation and I don’t need more business. I don’t do social media because I think it’s a waste of time.”

“Look, I know Emily didn’t hire you for Cameron without doing her due diligence. I’m just worried about her.”

“I know you are. That’s why I’m here. How long have you worked for her?”

“I’ve been at Spencer for almost ten years. Four years working for Cameron directly. She’s a really good boss.”

“You like working for her. What about other people? What’s her reputation like here?”

“Spencer employees are generally very loyal to her. They weren’t at first—there was some grumbling when she took over—but she earned their respect. People don’t always like change, but when they can see it’s for the best, they usually come around. That’s what happened here.”

That matched what I’d learned yesterday in my lengthy perusal of the building. I’d struck up casual conversations with people as I went, and had gotten the impression that Spencer employees were generally happy.

“Does she have any enemies on the inside? People who stand to gain if she steps down?”

Brandy’s eyes flicked toward an office down the hall. “Most of the executives work really well with