Best Laid Plans by Allison Brennan Read Free Book Online Page A

to my office,” he said. He bypassed the security checkpoint, which included a metal detector.
    Smith’s office was on the second floor of the six-story building just inside the outer freeway loop. Though spacious, the offices were functional and efficient, neither cheap nor opulent. The atmosphere subtly said, You can trust us with your money.
    “Thank you for seeing us on short notice,” Barry said.
    “Harper Worthington was one of the best men I’ve ever known. I’ve been here for ten years, been the head of security for the last six. Anything you need, it’s yours. I already spoke to Harper’s administrative assistant. She’s on her way in to help pull any information or files that you need. But first—I need to ask—is this a homicide investigation?”
    “Mr. Worthington died under suspicious circumstances, but there’s nothing to suggest homicide,” Barry said. “We’re awaiting the autopsy report, but even though we’ve expedited this case, lab work could take a few days.”
    “What happened? Harper was supposed to be in Dallas last night.”
    Barry didn’t answer the question. “The FBI is particularly concerned about any potential security breaches. Mr. Worthington didn’t have his cell phone on him when he died, and though his office key card was still in his wallet, we don’t know if and when he last used it. Since HWI has several sensitive federal contracts, we need to ensure that no information has been leaked.”
    “I’ve already started an internal audit, cancelled Harper’s key card, and frozen his access. The last time Harper used his key card in this building was when leaving the parking garage Wednesday afternoon. We require the key card to both enter and exit the garage. We have scanners at all entrances that read the key cards whenever employees walk in and out of the building or into restricted areas.”
    “Is your work that sensitive?” Barry asked.
    Smith nodded. “We have banking information for all of our clients, confidential tax returns, court documents, audit material. While most of the business runs on computers these days—and we have state-of-the-art computer security—we also have hard copies of all our reports archived in a temperature-controlled, fireproof vault. In addition to potential financial fraud, corporate espionage and insider trading are always a threat. Consider if a business had information about a pending court decision or an audit—they could use that information for illegal personal or professional gain.”
    Smith pressed a few keys and said, “Harper arrived at our Dallas office at seven thirty-seven A.M. Thursday morning. He left there Friday evening just after four.” He clicked again. “His schedule has him having dinner with a client and his daughter, Jolene, at six on Friday.”
    “We’ll need the client’s contact information,” Barry said. “Did you know that Harper Worthington flew into San Antonio last night and planned on returning to Dallas before this morning?”
    Smith shook his head. “I would never have believed it if you hadn’t told me. It’s completely out of character. And it’s not on his schedule.”
    Barry asked, “May we have a copy of his schedule?”
    “Of course—his assistant, Ms. Alexander, will print out whatever you need.”
    “Because of Mr. Worthington’s security clearance, and the fact that he was involved with a prostitute, we’re concerned about his travel and—”
    Smith interrupted Barry. “Harper was not using a prostitute.”
    “We have a witness.”
    “Your witness is mistaken,” Smith said without hesitation. “Harper would never hire a prostitute. I want to know who this witness is. If that rumor gets out, Harper’s reputation will be tarnished. His business—hell, I don’t care about his business. I care about what it would do to his daughter. What it would do to his impeccable reputation in the community. It’s simply not true.”
    Lucy’s ears perked up. “You seem