Free Striper Assassin by Nyx Smith

Projects, right? What was he doing? Recently. Like just before he died.”
    “Specifically? I’m afraid I don’t have those details. I’m sure my chief of staff could steer you to the right person, probably Bob’s immediate superior, the director of our research department. Or Jeff Wyatt, our vice president for product development. Both excellent people, quality executives in every respect.”
    “Thanks for the suggestion. I’m a little curious, though. You’re Exotech’s C.E.O. Neiman’s management, head of a department. You took enough interest in him to promote him. How come you don’t know what he’s working on?”
    Ohara resists a faint smile. This lieutenant’s style of questioning is so transparent it’s absurd. “I’m sure that must seem odd to an outsider. However, the fact is that when I first came on board about two years ago, I conducted an intensive survey of all Exotech personnel. Part of my charge, you see, was to shape up an industry loser. I did that from the ground up. Rebuilt the entire architecture of the corporation. Once assured that I had the right people in the right places, I could afford to delegate authority properly. Now I concern myself with the corporation’s overall strategies and leave the day-to-day details to my subordinates.”
    “You must be pretty pleased with the results.”
    “Very pleased.”
    “You still don’t get it, do you?”
    “I beg your pardon?”
    “I guess nobody filled you in. I’ll be blunt. Robert Neiman didn’t just die. It was a hit. Whoever did it wanted Neiman very dead, and wanted everybody to know that they wanted him that way. Your Mister Neiman obviously crossed the wrong person. Any idea who that might be?”
    Ohara gazes at Kirkland for a moment, then lets his eyes drift slowly aside. The lieutenant’s remarks are obviously intended to throw him off guard, with the obvious goal of tripping him into blurting something revealing. Obviously, the lieutenant takes nothing at face value. Such a quality might make him dangerous, despite his clumsy technique. “I can’t really think of anyone like that. Who might have had cause to kill Bob. Of course, I really didn’t know him on a personal level.”
    “Uh-huh. Well, let me say this. When people get dead in ways like Neiman did, it’s usually meant to serve as an example. Meaning this is what happens when you do the wrong thing. If I were you, I’d be at least a little concerned about who else in this corporation might be a target. Neiman’s exec assistant and data aide were both killed with him. That could be just coincidental or it could indicate a corporate tie-in. I’d suggest you play it safe, tighten up security around here. Maybe assign bodyguards to your key people.”
    “Yes, well… I see what you mean. I’ll pass your recommendations along to our security chief. Thank you, Lieutenant.”
    Ohara rises. Kirkland takes the hint and steps up to the front of the desk, reaching out to shake Ohara’s hand. “As our investigation progresses,” Kirkland says, “I may need to drop you a few more questions.”
    “I’ll be happy to cooperate.”
    “Thanks for your time.”
    The lieutenant heads out through the side door. Enoshi pauses in the doorway, looking in. Ohara waves him inside. As per usual, Enoshi pauses several steps back from the desk, face impassive, arms at his side, his posture like that of a low-ranked soldier awaiting orders.
    “Order Operation Clean Sweep.”
    Enoshi hesitates. “Sir, this is very drastic—”
    “Don’t question my decisions!”
    Ohara pounds the heel of his hand against the desktop and swings around in his chair to face the broad expanse of windows overlooking KFK Plaza. Dealing with one rebellious employee in his first hour of business is enough. The possibility of a police investigation turning up something best left buried pushes his tolerance to the limit.
    “Just do it, dammit! Clean Sweep at once!”
    “Yes, sir,” Enoshi replies.