The Assassin's Trail by J.C. Fields Page A

looked at him and raised an eyebrow. “About what, Neil?”
    “Stephanie tells me you know a little about Fernando Guevara.”
    Kruger shrugged. “I made a few calls, can’t say I know a lot about him.”
    Neil nodded his head. “I understand your reluctance to discuss this, but I and some of the local board members have been asked to meet with Guevara later this afternoon here at the Marriott. His staff called on Friday and inquired if we would be available to meet with him.”
    Neil paused for a few moments and looked at Kruger. “How did the man know several of us would be here?”
    “Neil, I don’t believe in coincidences. He knew about the reception, which means someone inside your organization is feeding him information. Stef and I didn’t even decide to get married until last weekend. This whole thing was thrown together this week.”
    “Yes, I’m afraid I agree with you. I can’t for the life of me figure out who would benefit. Can you tell me anything about him?”
    Kruger thought for a moment. He had met Neil Ross several times over the past four years and liked the man. He was ethical, loyal to his staff and managed the company with compassion.
    “I honestly don’t know much, but as a profiler I would consider him narcissistic and manipulative. Definitely deceitful. I wouldn’t believe a word he tells you, and anything discussed, I would get in writing. Preferably notarized by the Supreme Court.”
    Neil smiled at the last part. “I called a few friends around the country yesterday trying to get prepared for the meeting. They all agree with you. He has a ruthless reputation and everyone suggested not trusting anything he says in conversation. He told Frank he wants to have a private meeting with just the two of us in the morning. Not sure what it’s about, maybe to discuss his offer before the board meeting tomorrow afternoon.”
    “Can’t you tell him the company’s not for sale?”
    “Unfortunately, it is my fiduciary duty to determine what is best for the shareholders of this company. If he makes a good offer, I am bound to present it to the board. Now, they can vote to decline the offer, but I have to take it to them. If he does buy us, I’ll be gone, and senior management will be dismissed and replaced within six months to a year. That’s his pattern.”
    “Do you think the board will vote that way?”
    “The board has always agreed with Frank and me on our decisions because we do what’s right for the company, and they trust us. But we’ve never had to deal with a situation like this before, a semi-hostile takeover bid.” He shrugged. “I don’t know what to expect.”
    “Sorry, but I’m not in a position to say too much.” Kruger was getting uncomfortable. He couldn’t tell Neil about the conversation with Ted Margolin.
    Kruger was about to tell Neil he couldn’t discuss anything further when a slender man in an incredibly expensive suit walked up to Neil. He was slightly over five-and-a-half feet tall, with coal-black hair combed straight back, bushy eyebrows over a hawk nose. The man extended his hand and said, “Neil, I’m Fernando Guevara. I was told you would be here. Mind if I join you?”
    Neil looked shocked for half a second, but recovered rapidly, shook the extended hand and said, “Why, no, I don’t mind, nice to meet you. Mr. Guevara, this is Sean Kruger. He and his wife are the reason for this little get-together. They were married yesterday.”
    Guevara smiled and shook Kruger’s hand. “Nice to meet you, Sean. What is your position in the company?”
    Kruger smiled, noticing that Guevara did not say congratulations or hello, but simply addressed him by his first name and got to business. He had also addressed Neil, a man he’d never met, the same way. How interesting. Kruger was going to enjoy this next part.
    “Actually, I’m not with the company,” he replied. “My wife is the Senior Executive Vice President of Domestic Sales. I’m an agent with