Murder Over Broken Bonds by Rebecca Saltzer

Author:Rebecca Saltzer [Rebecca Saltzer]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Level Best Books
Published: 2023-05-18T00:00:00+00:00

13

The Chinese Wall

Wednesday, One Week After the Meeting

“You’re wanted down there.” The secretary pointed. “Now!”

Anne slipped her feet into her pumps and took a last sip of her morning tea before heading to Peter Eckert’s office. As she walked across the trading floor, she straightened her blouse and attempted to get her hair in place, hoping she looked presentable.

“Before Alex arrives, I want to have a quick word with you,” Peter said by way of greeting. “Several of your colleagues have expressed concern about William’s management skills.”

She carefully sat down, trying to maintain a neutral expression.

“I hear that everyone in the research group is on the verge of quitting.”

She blinked, unsure how to respond. “That’s a bit of an exaggeration.” She glanced over at Nick Angelini standing quietly by the window, watching the salesmen and traders get started on their day.

Peter cleared his throat before continuing. “I was hoping you’d provide me with your candid appraisal of William’s performance.”

Nick turned and anchored his attention on her.

“Anything you say will stay within these four walls.” Peter looked at her expectantly.

Anne was certain that neither this nor any other conversations with anyone else in her research group would remain confidential. The moment William returned from vacation, he’d be told exactly what sort of stunt The Carp had pulled in his absence.

“I haven’t had any problems with him so far.” She met his gaze.

“What about everyone else?”

She created a mental lineup of the research analysts in her group. Both Donna and Elise detested him, convinced he was self-serving and opportunistic. Carter thought him sneaky and had taken to calling him Wily Will behind his back, but he held an obvious grudge, having been passed over for the position. Jennifer held a more nuanced view. She maintained that William lacked empathy and was occasionally obnoxious, but was technically capable and certain to be an improvement over the previous guy. For the most part, Anne sat in Jennifer’s camp.

“Some are happier with him than others,” she said.

The room fell silent for a moment.

“Why do you think that is?” Peter asked, resting his chin on his hands but keeping his eyes focused intently on her.

She tried to choose her words carefully. “William’s a very private individual, and his personal style is somewhat aloof. That may not resonate well with some people.”

“So, they disliked him before he was put in the position?”

She nodded. “He wasn’t everybody’s first choice.”

The normally stern and humorless trader cracked a smile.

“Hmmm,” Peter said, giving no hint of how he might use this information.

Anne heard the door open behind her.

“Alex!” Peter waved him in. “Perfect timing. We were just wrapping up.”

He nodded and quickly slipped into the remaining chair, looking cheerful and relaxed. Was he sporting a new tie? Anne stole a quick sideways glance to confirm her suspicions. The blue and lavender colors were definitely brighter (and more stylish) than what she had seen him wear previously. Next to Mr. Chipper, she felt dowdy and boring, like something the cat had dragged in.

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