Alex stared vacantly at her computer screen after she got back to her desk. She had spoken with Carter Ringwood at First Boston on the phone right before the meeting, and what she told him was a serious violation of securities law. If Levy found out what she had done, he wouldn’t just fire her, he’d sue her in court—and rightfully so. Alex had learned that First Boston represented Softland Corporation, a competitor of Whithers. Softland was just as interested in Database as Whithers was. She mentioned in passing how much her offer was worth. Alex sighed and rested her chin in her hand. The deal would blow up for sure because Ringwood would certainly use her information to the advantage of his client. Alex didn’t care. She was already planning to quit LMI this month and leave the city. She could go to Chicago, San Francisco, Europe, Asia. M&A specialists were in demand everywhere. Alex grinned bitterly as she thought about what was happening right now a few stories above her. Without a doubt, Levy was informing his managing director about the planned Whithers deal, and it was just as certain that Zack was building a position in Whithers stock. She expected that the imminent public announcement of the Database acquisition would catapult Whithers stock to new heights. What a pity for Zack if a white knight called Softland Corporation unexpectedly appeared out of nowhere on the merger battlefield! Alex’s thoughts were elsewhere when her phone buzzed.
“Hello, Alex. This is Nick.”
“Nick!” she exclaimed in surprise, her heart pounding. “How are you? I thought that something had happened because you didn’t call.”
“Oh no! I’m sorry. I’ve been very busy the past few days. I was also thinking about things.”
“Aha.”
He hesitated for a moment.
“Do you have time for dinner tonight?”
Alex swallowed. She had no plans.
“I’d love to,” she said. “When and where?”
“There’s a small Greek restaurant in an alley near the corner of Chambers Street and Hudson in Tribeca. It’s called Alexis Sorbas. It’s practically hidden. I’ll see you at nine?”
“I’ll find it,” Alex replied.
She hung up and chewed pensively on her lower lip. Had Nick changed his mind? His voice sounded almost as determined as before the tragedy, but Alex no longer felt the urge to convince him. He had won her deep respect after the vulnerability he’d shown her at the cemetery. Sergio wouldn’t hesitate a second if someone offered him information like this. He’d have precious little interest whether a life was put in danger, as long as he gained an advantage. Nick let go of his desire for revenge because he was worried about her safety. She found that simply incredible.
Someone knocked on the door, and Mark entered the room.
“I just received the quarterly results of Database,” he announced. “Do you want to take a look at them?”
“Later. Thanks.”
Mark put the folder on her desk. He was about to leave again when Alex asked him to stay.
“Sit down for a moment, please,” she said. Mark did as he was told. He had become a very good friend over the past few months.
“I’m going to meet Mayor Kostidis this evening,” she said.
“Aha.”
“Ever since our trip to Boston, I’ve been thinking,” Alex continued, not mentioning to Mark what she had already told the mayor. “I’ve come to the conclusion that I should tell him everything and give him the documents Justin printed out for us.”
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?”
“I don’t know,” Alex sighed, “but I can’t go on like this. I know enough about Vitali to be seriously frightened of him. This man is capable of anything.”
Suddenly, she had to fight her rising tears.
“Mark, I’m in deeper than you can imagine. This is no longer about right and wrong, or a betrayal of trust—it’s about my life!” She bit her lip. “If Vitali finds out what I know, I’m as good as dead! He had Gilbert Shanahan killed because he wanted to get out, too.”
“My God,” Mark whispered in terror, “did you tell Oliver?”
“He suspected it the whole time,” Alex replied in resignation. “He insinuated it when we first met at Battery Park. I should have believed him and left LMI.”
Her office, guarded by thick glass panels that muted any noise from the trading floor, was silent.
“I’m resigning,” Alex said. “That’s actually what I wanted to tell you. I want to thank you for all of your hard work, and especially for your loyalty. I could always trust you.”
“It was my pleasure.” A sad smile flitted across Mark’s face. “You’re definitely the best boss I’ve ever had. If you’re looking for an assistant at your new job, let me know.”
Alex attempted a smile, then she wondered whether she should tell Mark about her conversation with Carter Ringwood. He deserved to know the truth because he had worked as hard on the Whithers deal as she had. She pulled herself together and told him what she had done.
Mark didn’t seem shocked. “I hope you know what you’re doing. If this comes out, then you’re done.”
Alex nodded. “I’m not sure if I did the right thing.”
“You’re going to blow up the deal in order to pull one over on Vitali, Levy, and St. John, right?”
Alex nodded again. Then Mark leaned across the desk and grabbed her hand.
“No matter what happens, Alex, I’m on your side. I also think that I’ve spent enough time in this joint. Maybe I’ll quit, too.”
“Don’t make any rash decisions. I’m in deep trouble, but you’re not. You still have a future.”
“There probably won’t be any M&A department left.” He smiled and stood up. “I’ve somehow already gotten used to the idea.”
After he left her office, Alex closed her eyes and sighed. There was nothing left of her ambition, and she suddenly longed for an average life, with a small family, a nice house with a yard, and someone who loved her.
Alex left her apartment through one of the back exits. Her blonde hair was hidden under a baseball cap. She was wearing a worn-out leather jacket, blue jeans, and heavy Doc Martens. She was unrecognizable.
Alex walked past the Dumpsters in the courtyard and entered the neighboring building. She and Oliver had identified all of the possible escape routes when she moved in, and she used them to remain undetected by Sergio’s people. She had already noticed people waiting for her and tailing her from the LMI Building, and she recognized most of them. Perhaps Sergio hadn’t yet found out where she lived.
Alex turned onto the lively Greenwich Street with its row of restaurants. New businesses were opening on an almost daily basis ever since an affluent crowd discovered this part of the city. It was just before nine, and the sidewalks were still filled with people. Indian summer had been unusually warm this year, and the bars set their tables and chairs on the sidewalks.
Alex turned onto Chambers Street. In small side alley, she finally found the inconspicuous restaurant Nick had invited her to. She heard muted Greek folk music as she entered a large room. Its ceiling and walls were decorated with realistic-looking plastic vines, creating a pergola-like effect. Its many cheap replicas of famous statues, pictures of the Acropolis, and photographs of the blue Mediterranean Sea with dazzling white houses hinted at the owner’s homesickness.
Most of the tables were still empty, and the waiter led her to the corner. Alex ordered a glass of white wine. Shortly after nine, two men entered the restaurant—looking around and inspecting it suspiciously. Nick came in shortly thereafter. He smiled at Alex, but stopped to exchange a few words with the chef before walking over to her table.