Page 50 of Run for Her Life
A lump hardened in Zoe’s throat. She couldn’t confide in Aiden. No matter how much he sniffed around, she needed him to mind his own business. But she wasn’t brave enough to hideher fear completely. Uneasiness unfurled in her belly. She knew she was being followed, being watched, but now she had a name and face.
And she fully intended to hunt him down and beat the truth out of him if she had to.
“Don’t, Storm,” Aiden said suddenly, as if he’d read her mind. “Don’t go at it alone.”
“Can I help you?” A woman appeared, hiding her smile as she glanced at them.
Zoe jerked away, hating that he was unaffected by their proximity. “FBI. We need to speak with Amy Andrews.”
“Sure.” The woman’s eyes lingered on Aiden a moment longer before she escorted them to one of the rooms with bleached white walls that hurt Zoe’s eyes.
Amy was busy typing away at a computer, her eyes fixated on the screen. “We’re not just making games here; we’re fixing the industry.” She was wearing a headset. “Harrington Group is ancient. They have no skin in the game. Trust me—” She stopped when she noticed Zoe and Aiden standing at the door. “I’ll call you later.” She removed the headset, a confident smile planted on her face. “How can I help you?” She stood up and then her face fell. “Did you find Jackie?”
“Not yet,” Zoe said. “I didn’t know you were such a big shot.”
“I’m sure you have a work persona as well, Agent Storm. You’re also in a male-dominated industry. Please take a seat.” Amy gestured them to the little sitting area.
The office was covered with Amy’s accomplishments. Framed university degrees, certifications, awards, and pictures taken at glamorous events. Zoe couldn’t imagine working in a room with her face everywhere.
“Do you know who killed Jackie?” Amy asked solemnly.
“We’re doing our best. We wanted to talk to you about Harrington Group,” Zoe said.
Amy pursed her lips, her gaze bouncing between them. “What about them?”
“You’re one of their key competitors,” Aiden stated. “Did Jackie know that when she began freelancing for them?”
Amy threw her head back and laughed. “I never talked shop with Jackie. She wasn’t interested in the business side of things.”
“But given that she was testing video games for your competition, do you not see the conflict here?” Zoe said.
“Harrington Group isn’t competition. They think they are. It’s just that old hag’s desperate attempt to reinvent herself. I couldn’t care less about what they’re doing.” She blinked rapidly and clenched her fists in her lap. Zoe noted Aiden watching her carefully. “What does this have to do with Jackie?”
“We’re just trying to get a clearer picture around the events,” Zoe said. “Are you sure Jackie never mentioned an Annabelle Stevens? She worked for Harrington Group.”
Amy shrugged. “Like I said, my step-sister and I didn’t discuss every aspect of our lives. While she was stuck on the big fire, marinating in the trauma it caused our family, I only care about the future.”
“Where were you the evening of November 2?” Zoe asked.
Amy stared at them blankly. “Are you serious? You think I have something to do with this?”
“We have to cover all the bases.”
She scowled and flared her nostrils. “I was working. Here. In my office.”
“Can anyone vouch for that?” Aiden asked.
“No. I work overtime many days.” There was a knock on the door and the same woman poked her head in. “Amy, they need you.”
“Yes.” She stood up and smoothed out her pantsuit. “Agent Storm, Dr. Wesley, please keep me in the loop about Jackie.And don’t worry about what’s going on with our company and Harrington Group. It’s just business.”
As she gestured to lead them out, Zoe felt a tickle of frustration. She exchanged a look with Aiden. They couldn’t divulge the prototype theft to Amy and sabotage Harrington Group. Especially not when they only had a theory.
On their way out, Zoe paused, her eyes locking on something. A rifle. It was mounted on a wall in a glass display. “What’s that?”
“Oh. That’s a Winchester Model 94.” Amy beamed. “It belonged to my grandmother. We used to go hunting together. She was my biggest inspiration. I learned to be unapologetic about my ambition. She taught me women shouldn’t just be represented, they should dominate. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”
They were about to head back, disappointed and frustrated, when Zoe’s phone beeped with a message from Lisa.
