Page 7 of Under Fire in Big Sky

“Push it back,” Olivia said. “A month or two. Give us time to properly neutralize the threat.”

Whitney narrowed his eyes. “You’re under contract.”

“You violated the terms of that contract.” She held his irate stare.

“Instead of us canceling, you’re going to do your job,” Whitney said, sticking a plump wrinkled finger in her face. “If that’s not clear, I’m sure Lauren can explain it to you.”

Lauren Hahn always sided with the client. Even when they were wrong. Even when what they wanted crossed the line.

Polygraphing the staff was the best way forward at this point, but she didn’t have the equipment. Since her cover was already toast, she’d have to handle this old school and simply interrogate everyone. “I’ll proceed as planned. But you should know it could take longer.”

“No excuses,” Whitney said. “No delays. Get the job done. In thirty-six hours or less. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a meeting.” The older man stormed off with his bodyguards trailing behind him.

Everything about this was bad.

Part of her, the smart part, wanted to walk away from this assignment. But the other part, the fighter, didn’t quit, no matter what the challenge.

“Mr. Dempsey, I can take care of everything from here if you want to go after Mr. Whitney.” Audrey gave him a sympathetic look. “Calm him down before the reception on the veranda.”

Uncertainty passed across his face like a shadow.

“If you hurry, you can catch him,” Audrey said. “I’ll see to Ms. Lane.”

Dempsey shook his head. “He’s got a meeting. I’ll speak to him during the reception.”

Biting her bottom lip, Audrey stared at her boss like she wanted to fix things but didn’t have a solution. “Ms. Lane, the room you’ll be working out of is down the hall.” She led them into Ballroom Salon D.

It was tiny compared with the one next door. Not that Olivia needed a lot of space, but there were no windows. There was a connecting door in one of the panels of the movable wall to the adjoining ballroom. Once she started to get claustrophobic, maybe she’d open it to let in natural light.

A table was set deep inside the room, with bottles of water, notepads, pens, sharpies, highlighters, and four chairs, two on either side.

“Is this suitable?” Audrey asked.

Olivia considered it as the nape of her neck prickled. “This room is far from everything else in the hotel.” Situated in the isolated east wing. “Wouldn’t one centrally located be more convenient for the rest of the staff?”

“A central location would put you on display and make it easier for others to overhear the interviews,” Audrey said. “I was told you wanted privacy.”

Olivia couldn’t argue with the logic, even though she disliked the location. “I do.”

“Also, the restroom is just over there.” Audrey pointed to the sign opposite the double doors. “If you need fresh air or want to stretch your legs outside, there’s an exit at the end of the hall, saving you the hassle of backtracking through the whole hotel.”

Something about the efficiency of it bothered Olivia. Normally, she appreciated such thoroughness, but she found herself stiffening against the whisper of unease trickling down her spine. “You’ve thought of everything.”

Dempsey nodded. “Audrey is great.”

The assistant gave a smug smile. “Why don’t you make yourself comfortable. I’ve arranged for the staff to start coming by any second now.”

“While we wait, I can start with you,” Olivia said.

“You plan to question Audrey?” Dempsey asked. “But there’s no need.”

“I plan to question everyone.” Olivia went to the table and pulled out a chair. “If you prefer, I can begin with you, Mr. Dempsey.”

“No,” Audrey said, her voice sharpening. “He’s very busy. There’s so much for him to do with the investors here.”

A knock on the open doors drew their gazes to a man with curly chestnut hair. Olivia recognized him from when they first arrived. One of the valets. He was dressed the same in a white shirt, black slacks, and a red vest, but he was holding the strap of a large rucksack that was slung over his shoulder.

Maybe he was getting off his shift.