Page 3 of Drunk In Love
“I was wondering the same thing. Important enough that Brandon is delaying getting to Greenwich for wedding preparations.”
We take a seat on the right side of the U-shaped conference table. Max and I are the first to arrive.
“Speaking of Greenwich, are you packed for tomorrow?”
The entire Tri-State Security staff are to be part of Brandon and Ava’s wedding party. Westin and Maxwell are two of Brandon’s groomsmen, and Bree and I will be two of Ava’s bridesmaids. After many dress fittings and changes, the wedding will finally be underway this weekend. Due to the bride’s influencer status and Brandon’s name coming from old family money, the wedding was sure to get a lot of attention.
“Of course, I’m not going to shirk my duties as bridesmaid,” I say. “You and Westin, however, have to be warned. No wild bachelor party,” I add as a caution.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Max says, unable to hide a grin.
“Perfect. Everyone is here,” Brandon says, holding the conference room door open for Zach, who has since taken off his blazer and appears in shirtsleeves that show off his muscular forearms and shoulders.
Trailing Zach is Cecily van Zandt, the heiress and current CEO of the Financial Journal publication. I’d never seen her in person, but the septuagenarian looks very regal in her light-blue tweed skirt suit. Her expression, however, is unreadable and makes me wonder how serious this meeting will be.
“Zach needs no introduction as he’s familiar with everyone in our office, but Mrs. Van Zandt, please meet Kamaya Blake, head of cybersecurity, and Maxwell Scott, senior protection agent.”
Max and I stand to greet Mrs. Van Zandt. She carried an air around her that commanded respect and made no room for familiarity on a first-name basis.
“Pleased to meet you both,” she says after shaking our hands and taking a seat at the head of the table next to Brandon. “Zachary, please advise everyone of what has occurred.”
“Well, it’s been brought to our attention that there’s been a leak in our group subscriptions. Essentially, someone has been able to grant access to an institution that we’re not affiliated with, and they were somehow able to get past the paywall.”
Cecily pipes up after Zach’s explanation. “As you can imagine, a leak like that causes a huge loss in revenue for the journal. The majority of our readership comes from group subscriptions to some of the finest financial institutions and universities across the globe.”
Maxwell nudges my elbow and motions towards my laptop. I push the computer closer to his side for his use.
“We’re sorry to hear about what’s happened, Mrs. Van Zandt and Zach. I remember you mentioning how important securing those group subscriptions is to your publication,” Brandon says.
“Yes, and where you all come in is helping us figure out who is behind it. We plan to put a stop to whoever is behind this. Financial Journal has never conducted any business with City University, but somehow their IP address keeps showing up during our internal investigation. That’s how we discovered there must have been hacking or a leak,” Zach says.
Cecily scrunches her nose at the mention of City University. “As if FJ or anyone employed by us would have anything to do with that…that…school. FJ has always been the leading publication for respectable universities like Columbia or Cornell.”
I wasn’t sure what her disdain for City University was. My younger sister Daniella was a new student there after taking a few years off from her education after high school.
“Well, Kamaya is an expert in the field of cybercrimes, and I know she’ll get to the bottom of this.”
Zach smiles at Brandon’s words and makes eye contact with me. I can feel my cheeks warming. “Don’t worry, I’ll figure out where the subscription leak is coming from and put a stop to anyone unauthorized getting access to your company’s site,” I say.
“That’s what I like to hear,” Mrs. Van Zandt says, flicking imaginary lint from her jacket sleeve.
“And you?” She turns the swivel chair in Maxwell’s direction. “What will be your role in all this?”
Zach turns towards Max, arms crossed, also waiting for his answer. Brandon speaks up first.
“Max is my second in command and will be holding everything down while I’m away on my honeymoon,” Brandon interjects. “Since this involves a friend of mine, and I know Max and Kamaya work well together, I want them paired up.”
“Alright, then,” Mrs. Van Zandt says, beginning to stand. “Anything else, Zachary?”
“No, I think we’re good for now. I look forward to working with Kamaya next week.” He pauses. “And you too, Maxwell.”
Max quickly hides his displeasure at Zach’s not so subtle dig. Because I know Max’s ticks so well, I’m certain I’m the only person who caught it. I didn’t know how this assignment was going to pan out with the two men’s underlying animosity.
“Great,” Brandon says, standing up to walk Cecily and Zach out. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to get out of here before I have an incensed wife-to-be.”
CHAPTER 2
Maxwell