A Matter of Trust Read Free

Sloan had anticipated. Corporate cases like this were almost always about low-level security breaches—Web site defacements, denial-of-service attacks, or internal glitches. But the urgency of the appointment and this unexpected introduction warned her that this was not going to be an ordinary case.
    “Does he know?”
    “Not yet.” Michael kept her eyes on Sloan’s face, waiting for some reaction. All she saw was attention. “Innova is currently in the midst of negotiating several new long-range contracts with businesses in both the public and private sectors. Because of that, the next few months are a critical time for us. Obviously, I am concerned that Innova continue to be perceived as a stable enterprise. No one wants to invest in a company that is in flux, and if information such as this were made public before the company has been restructured, we could lose important clients. Businesses have gone under for less reason.”
    “I can see why you’re worried about a leak.”
    Sloan was beginning to understand the reason for the emergency consultation as well as the signs of stress in the woman seated across from her. Even the rumor of destabilization of a fast-growing company such as Innova would have a major negative impact on Lassiter’s ability to secure new market acquisitions. What Sloan had just been told did not require further comment. The significance of the revelation spoke for itself. Nevertheless, she had a feeling this was only part of the issue.
    “I understand that you need to accomplish this transition with as little fanfare as possible,” she said, and waiting a beat, added, “What else do you need?”
    “You mean, why am I really here?” Michael asked with a slight smile, very aware that Sloan was waiting for her to reveal the true cause of her concern. Most people would have taken my explanation at face value. Certainly most men would have. But she knows there’s something else. I’ll have to be very careful with her or I’ll have no secrets left.
    “The reasons for confidentiality are obvious. However,” she continued smoothly, “the reason that I need to engage your services is that I expect my husband will attempt to take control of the company—by any means available to him.”
    “Physical means?” Sloan asked quickly, her eyes narrowing. “That’s not the kind of security I provide.”
    “No, I’m sorry,” Michael replied just as quickly. “I don’t even think in those terms. I am...” She hesitated, trying to describe what she very rarely thought about—herself. “I am a theoretician, Ms. Sloan. I deal in ideas, concepts. I need to ensure that my current projects and future proposals are protected. Without them, I have no value and Nicholas, my...husband, may very well be able to convince the board of directors that I’m replaceable.”
    No value beyond your ideas. Odd way of describing yourself . Sloan dropped her fountain pen on the legal pad and leaned back in her leather swivel chair. She steepled her fingers in front of her chest and thought for a moment before saying quietly, “Let me see if I understand this. You’re presently CEO of one of the country’s most rapidly growing design technology firms. Your husband, Nicholas...Lassiter?”
    “Burke.”
    “He’s...what? Chief operating officer?”
    At Michael’s affirming nod, Sloan continued. “You intend to divorce him and keep the company on an even keel in the process...until you replace him with someone you trust, I presume.” She raised an eyebrow, and again, Michael nodded. “You need me to ensure that your internal systems are secure and that your operations are tamperproof. And you expect me to do this without rousing suspicion while you execute this coup?”
    Michael smiled thinly, her blue eyes troubled. “I’m not sure I’d call this a coup, Ms. Sloan,” she said somewhat testily. “This company was my conception and was primarily funded from my personal resources. It’s just that