Well, our late head of security had a number of subcontractors he hired for various tasks.我们的前任安全主管针对不同工作雇佣了各种员工

a number of 许多；若干（后接可数名词的复数形式）

A number of satellites are now circling the earth.

一些人造卫星现在正环绕地球飞行。

A number of possibilities come to mind.

我脑里出现了好几种可能性。

but I know damn well it was deliberately set in order to cover the theft.但我非常清楚那是一场蓄意纵火用来掩饰盗窃行为

in order to 为了

He lit a cigarette in order to calm his mind.

他点燃一支香烟，镇定一下情绪。

We learn a language in order to communicate.

我们学习语言是为了交流思想。

Do not take no for an answer.务必要她过来

take no for an answer 罢休

You're coming and I won't take no for an answer!

你一定要来，不来可不行！

How do you deal with persistent salesmen who won't take no for an answer?

你怎么对付那些不轻言放弃、一直纠缠下去的推销员?