Page 33 of Fury In Death

Since it boasted underground parking, Eve turned in, then sat at the gate.

A blue-suited security officer walked over to the driver’s window.

The sharp-eyed woman with a skullcap of black hair smiled politely.

“I’m sorry, ma’am, this parking facility is for staff and guests registered for appointments. I can direct you to other facilities.”

Eve just held up her badge.

“One moment.” The woman scanned the badge. “Lieutenant, may I ask the purpose of your business, and who or what you wish to see?”

“The purpose is the investigation into the murder of company employee Lawrence Chu. We could start off speaking with his direct supervisor.”

Those sharp eyes went wide and shocked. “Director Chu was murdered?”

“Yes, last evening. Lieutenant Dallas, Detective Peabody, investigating same.”

“Take visitor slot 3-A, turn right, straight ahead. I’ll be right with you.”

When the gate lifted, Eve drove in, made the right, and slid into the designated slot.

“Security Officer North, Lieutenant, Detective. I hadn’t heard about Director Chu’s death, needed to verify. Director Chu’s direct superior would be Director O’Brian, of operations. Otherwise Director Chu reported to Mr. Banner or Mr. Wyst.”

“Are either Misters Banner or Wyst in today?”

“I believe Mr. Banner is working at home today. Mr. Wyst is due in shortly. He arrived back in New York last night from meetings in our facility in Guatemala. I’ll contact Director O’Brian for you, have you cleared through.”

“Appreciate it.”

“Give me a moment.”

Tapping the comm at her ear, she moved away.

“Media’s got to have the story by now,” Peabody commented.

“Yeah. Not everybody pays attention to the media.”

North came back. “I’m going to escort you to the elevator. Director O’Brian’s on forty-six east. Someone will meet you.”

“All right.”

“Can I ask how he was killed?”

“No media flash this morning, Security Officer?”

“No. Grab breakfast, haul the kids to school, get to work.”

“He was beaten to death.”

“Well, God. Mugging?”

“No. Did you know him?”

“Yes. That is, to say good morning, good evening to. He was friendly. Pleasant. I’m sorry this happened. This elevator will take you directly to Director O’Brian’s floor.”

“Thanks for your help.”

The elevator had a hum of earwormy music and smelled faintly of roses. It ascended smoothly, silently.