Page 35 of Fury In Death
He rose from behind a massive desk in the corner office with two glass walls. A beefy man with a white lab coat tossed over a pin-striped suit, he circled the desk, held out a thick hand.
“Jack O’Brian. I heard only this morning. I haven’t absorbed the news, the shock of it. I’ve only just come back from Larry’s lab, from talking to his people.”
He had a ruddy complexion and eyes of pale blue, a short, curly sweep of hair around a wide face.
“We appreciate you seeing us.”
“Of course! We—all of us—want to do anything we can to help. Please, sit, sit. Margaret, let’s get the NYPSD some coffee.”
“Mae’s bringing it. Do you want me to sit in, sir?”
“No need, no need, thank you. If you and Mae would continue to work on adjusting my schedule? Larry leaves a hole both wide and deep.”
Mae brought in the drinks, kept her head down as she served them, then slipped out again.
“Let me know if you need anything.” Reynolds walked to the door, shut it behind her.
“The media didn’t give many details,” O’Brian began. “Just that Larry was killed in his home during an apparent break-in. I assume Rachel wasn’t home, as the report said she discovered the body.”
“That’s correct.”
“I know Larry wasn’t lax when it came to security at his home. I suppose he may have answered the door to someone, with these tragic results.”
“His home security was circumvented,” Eve said, and left it at that. “Did Director Chu have any issues in the lab, with his staff, or with others here at the facility?”
“None he shared with me, which I believe he would have if there’d been a serious problem within his team, or elsewhere come to that. Larry and I worked together for a number of years, and I considered him a friend as well as a colleague.”
O’Brian held up his hands. “He was a problem solver, in the work, certainly with his team. Science delves into problems looking for answers, solutions, results. Larry was, first and foremost, a scientist. And he carried that skill in any interpersonal relationships.
“Larry . . .” O’Brian paused as if gathering himself. “Larry was respected and held in genuine affection at Banner-Wyst.”
An echo, Eve thought, of Reynolds’s words. A little too exact of an echo to suit her.
“Were there any terminations within his team, say, within the last six months?”
“No. Larry, of course, would have the discretion to transfer or terminate within his department. But he would, as a matter of protocol, consult with me, there would be written reports and evaluations.”
“Competitors, within the company? Someone will have to replace him as director.”
“His assistant director will have to serve in an acting capacity until we again evaluate, interview, and decide on a permanent replacement. I can tell you, it won’t be an easy decision. Larry was valued here for good reasons.”
“Who is the assistant director?”
“That would be Gretta Dolbey.” On a long breath, O’Brian shook his head. “I’m in no position to tell you how to do your job, but I can tell you Gretta had the utmost respect for Larry, and a great deal of affection.”
Eve let her lips curve, just a little. “What sort of affection?”
He frowned, and deeply. “As a colleague, Lieutenant, and a friend. Are there personal relationships between employees? Certainly. And some may end up causing some friction if those relationships turn, so to speak. But Larry was devoted to the work, and devoted to Rachel and his family. Gretta also has a spouse, and a child.”
“It would be helpful if we could see where Director Chu worked, and speak to members of his team, other colleagues.”
“There are portions of Larry’s department that are restricted, for security and for safety reasons. I can certainly arrange for an area where you could speak to his team.”
“We’d appreciate it. We’re told that Mr. Wyst is expected back from a business trip.”
“I believe you’re right. The best I can do is contact his admin, find out his ETA and if he’s available to speak to you today.”
“All right. We appreciate your cooperation. Once we complete these interviews, we should be able to get out of your way.”
