Revenge is a color, a color that never fades - MARK ROMEL

That startling and revelatory thought scared and excited Alex at the same time and he deliberately strolled back around his desk to get himself under control. Taking a deep breath, he noticed Detective Riley enter the room with an impassive expression on his face.

"This will only take a moment. I'd just like to get some information regarding your secretary."

"I'm sure HR or Mrs. Billings can help you out-" He picked up the phone to ask his secretary why he wasn't informed of the Detective's arrival.

"I'm pretty sure your secretary's personal preferences and behavioral traits aren't in those files. And I saw Mrs. Billings just run to the ladies'. Also, I'm sure you'd like to keep this conversation private, so-"

He motioned to Cat who was still standing by the door looking interested in the conversation. But as soon as Alex's eyes met hers, she wiped all expression from her face.

"I was just leaving."

As soon as the door closed the detective rounded on him.

"Are you in a relationship with Ms. Banning?"

"What made you think that?" He answered back equally tonelessly.

"That's not a no. Just for the record, I didn't really think you were screwing Ms. Gibbons."

"If this is the way you do your job, then I'm surprised you've apprehended any criminals. If your fishing expedition is over? Tell me, have you found out something new?"

"New, no. But I want to know why you think she was targeted?"

"If I knew that, don't you think I would have told you?"

A speculative gleam entered the unconventional detective's eyes.

"Did she associate with anyone here or have any enemies? We interviewed Mr. Nathan Hollis and his secretary confirmed that he was telling the truth about having a meeting and rushing out of here. Ms. Katharine Dugall was also working in the Archives room and has an alibi for the time of the murder. So we're looking at her connections and family background. She clearly didn't have much of a personal life as she worked with you from morning to evening and many times on weekends too. She also hadn't spoken to her parents in weeks."

Alex quickly realized that he was the focus of those laser-sharp eyes. Though the Detective was chasing the wrong tack, his line of questioning made Alex realize something.

"I'm sorry I can't be of more help, Detective. But I'm sure you'll catch the killer very soon. Now, I have a meeting in five minutes, so if you'll excuse me-"

"Sure, I'll be back if I want anything else."

The way he said that made it seem more threatening than promising. But Alex had something else on his mind. As he stood up to call Mrs. Billings on the intercom, he heard the other man muttering in the background, "I'll see myself out," as the door shut quietly.

"Jase, c'mon up." He quickly called his most trusted and loyal friend.

Within minutes they were standing near each other looking over at the computer on his desk.

"I was right. She was being paid out of the company account in small amounts so no one would've noticed the difference. She was the mole."

"But how did you-"

"There are rumors going around that I was sleeping with Claire. The Detective thinks I'm a suspect."

"That's ridiculous. Everyone knows you to be discreet and too eccentric for doing something so cliché."

"He also informed me that Claire didn't have any personal life because of work. But what he didn't know was I never called Claire to work for me on the weekends." Jason's eyebrows raised in surprise as his mouth formed a thin line.

"It's getting even more dangerous. I have to go to Milan for the Board's annual charity fundraiser to keep them from buying into rumors and creating panic we don't need right now." He rubbed his fingertips against his temples as he closed his eyes and leaned back in his chair. "Jason, I want you to find out what she got mixed up in. If my suspicions turn out to be correct, then he'll have to be-"

"Don't worry sir-" Alex rolled his eyes as Jason continued with, "I'm sure it's nothing like we suspect. We found out Claire is the mole and has been receiving regular payments from the company account for five months. All we have to do is look into her movements for the last few months and track the source."

"This company has been under attack for so long. I never thought to suspect someone so close."

"Don't beat yourself over it. If it's someone inside the company helping her or paying her then we'll find that out soon."

"What about Rick?"

"The man keeping an eye on Mr. Shore, as you requested, has reported back that he remains at the resort in Las Vegas. Exercises swims, spends the majority of his time in the resort casino, and doesn't really interact with anyone, nothing out of the ordinary."

"Things are soon going to come to a head. I just want you to keep an eye out on him," He replied rubbing his chin with his thumb and forefinger.

"What about your other problem, sir?" He raised an eyebrow and Jason looked him in the eye.

"She's my problem. I'll handle her."

It was Jase's turn to raise his eyebrow as he registered Alex's possessive tone.

"I don't want you to be hurt, that's all. Please take care of yourself."

"What? Now you're warning me against a harmless 120 odd pounds of female?"

"You know how she affects-"

"Yeah, I know what you mean. Make arrangements for an extra passenger on my flight to Milan."

"Do you think that's wise Alex?"

"No, but things here are getting way too hot over here. I can't afford any more mistakes." Also, he couldn't just leave her in the eye of the storm while he waited for things he'd set in motion to fall into place. He needed some time alone, dammit.

Alone with her.