by V. B. Tenery
Maddie drew the Spanish woman into a hug. “Sara’s okay. Go on to bed, you need to rest. I’m going to make coffee before I retire.”
Switching on the kitchen lights, Maddie led the way inside and started the coffeemaker. She held up the pot. “It’s decaf. I hope you don’t mind.”
“That’s what I drink at night.” Don pulled out a stool from under the island bar.
Maddie felt his gaze follow her.
“How bad is your eyesight, Maddie? You seem to be able to do almost anything you want to do.”
She smiled as she removed a chocolate cream pie from the refrigerator and placed it on the counter. “I have my limitations. I can handle most things reasonably well, except driving and reading. I’ve learned to compensate for the things my vision can’t accommodate. I really don’t notice it very much anymore.” She chuckled. “Although, I’m still a great back-seat driver, as Sara and Pete will testify.”
While the brew finished its cycle, Maddie cut two wedges of pie onto plates and slid one across to Don. When the coffeemaker’s red light came on, she poured the hot liquid into mugs, then took the stool beside Don.
He tested the brew with a tentative sip. “What are you going to do about this situation with Sara? She appears to be in serious trouble. I’d like to help, if I can.”
A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. “To be honest, that’s why I invited you in. I’m going to hire a bodyguard for her. She’ll hate it, but I’m not giving her an option. I hoped you could advise me where to start, or perhaps, you would be interested in the job. I’ll pay whatever the going rate is. I want protection for her right away, someone to watch over her twenty-four seven until Matt finds whoever’s responsible. Perhaps two people in twelve-hour shifts. If you’re interested, you could stay here and drive Sara wherever she goes.”
“I’ve been thinking along those lines myself. I don’t want your money. I’ll do it because I like Sara.” He swallowed a bite of pie and made an appreciative sound. “I have two weeks of vacation coming and can guard her for that period of time. If the police haven’t found the perp by then, I’ll find you someone to take my place. I’ll start tomorrow evening, after I finish my shift at Global.”
“That’s great, but I insist you let me pay for your services. I’ll have Beatrice prepare a room for you.”
He finished the pie, pushed back his plate, and stood to leave. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”
Maddie followed him to the foyer. When he’d gone, she locked the door and leaned back against it, satisfied. She had gained a measure of security for Sara. Don’s presence would keep her safe.
Twin Falls Memorial Hospital
Sara awoke early and scanned the unfamiliar surroundings. It certainly wasn’t her bedroom, but the beige and green drapes looked familiar. She sat upright, sending knives of pain cascading from her scalp down her spine. Easing her legs to the floor, she poured a glass of water from the white plastic jug on the nightstand and took a deep swallow. Cool drops of liquid rolled over her tongue, soothing her parched throat.
She inhaled a sharp breath, as instant memories of the cellar flooded her mind, accompanied by the terror the last twenty-four hours had brought. But she was safe now. Relief washed over her and she eased back onto the pillow.
What day was this? Then it hit her. Monday. The meeting with Global’s new owners was at nine o’clock. Today.
She glanced at her watch. Six o’clock. And she had to go home, shower and get back to Global.
Her fingers found the nurse call button on the bed railing. Almost immediately, a voice over the intercom asked, “May I help you?”
Sara slid her legs over the bedside once again, searching for her shoes. “I have an important meeting this morning. I must leave right away. Can you get my release papers ready?”
Seconds later, a nurse she remembered from last night rushed in. “Mrs. Bradford, you can’t leave without the doctor’s release. It’s hospital policy.”
Sara moved across the room, opened the metal locker, and found her shoes. “You don’t understand. I must leave. If I don’t show up...let’s just say it’s important, really important. I have to leave as soon as possible.”
The nurse left, and soon after, Sara’s friend Gaye stood in the middle of the room, her arms crossed, and a stern look in her eyes. “If you insist on leaving, you’ll have to sign an AMA form.”
One shoe on, Sara looked up. “What’s that?”
“It means against medical advice. It also means your insurance company might not pay your hospital bill.”
Both shoes now on, Sara shrugged. “I can live with that. Would you please bring the form, right away?”
Gaye came back minutes later with the papers. “Are you always this bull-headed?”
Sara’s gaze searched the nurse’s face. “Gaye, please believe that under normal circumstances, I’m a pussycat. But Ripley’s Believe it or Not would not believe my life the past two weeks. I’m truly sorry for any problems I’ve caused you, but there are really important matters I have to take care of in the next three hours.”
Gaye gave a reluctant nod. “Okay, you’re forgiven, but I don’t want to see you back in here for a very, very long time. Do you want me to unhook the IV or do you plan to take it with you?”
“Unhook me, please.” Sara signed the papers while Gaye removed the IV and taped a cotton ball to her arm. Realization hit Sara. She had another problem. Maddie had taken her dirty clothes home. “I know this is getting to be a habit, but I’ll have to wear the gown home.”
Gaye put her hands on her hips. “I see your plan now…you’re a hospital gown thief.” She chuckled. “Would it do any good for me to say no?”
Sara grimaced and shook her head. “Not unless you want me to send shockwaves through the community.”
The officer at the door proved more difficult. “Ma’am, no way can I let you leave here until I speak to my supervisor. My instructions were that no unapproved person could enter or leave the room. That includes you. I’ll handcuff you if I have to.”
Sara clutched her gown closer to her body, and muttered, “Just my luck to draw Robocop.”
The delay cost Sara thirty precious minutes. At seven o’clock, Matthew Foley shoved through the door, fire in his eyes, hair disheveled as though he’d combed it with his fingers. His clothes lacked their usual pristine appearance as though he’d grabbed them off the floor.
His voice raised a notch higher than usual. “Sara, what’s your all fired hurry? You need the doctor’s permission before you sail out of here.”
“I’m sorry, Matt. I didn’t mean to get you out of bed. I feel fine. A release is a formality. And it could take hours. I don’t have time to wait for that. Today is the first meeting with the new management at Global. I can’t miss this meeting. It’s bad enough that my division was bombed without being a no-show at their first meeting. I must get home and dress. Please help me. Please.”
Matt ran his fingers through his hair and locked gazes with Gaye. “Okay, I’ll drive you home. But I’m going to Global with you.”
Sara headed towards the door. “Okay, but―”
Matt removed his coat and helped her into it. “Don’t argue with me on this. It isn’t open for discussion. I’ll wait in your office until the meeting is over.”
She expelled a deep breath. “Deal.”
****
Matt dropped Sara off at Global’s entrance and she dashed straight to the conference room. Most of the staff stood in the hallway in small anxious clusters. Emily Dean disengaged herself from one of the groups when Sara entered. “Sara, I’ve been trying to reach you all morning. Roger postponed the meeting until ten o’clock. He wants to see you in his office. I’ll take you to him.”
Roger never started a meeting late or rescheduled one. He hated indecision. However, this wasn’t his party. The new management must have thrown him off his game.
Butterflies did a dance in her stomach as she followed Emily to Roger�
�s office. Still a little shaky from her ordeal, she braced for another meeting with the man.
Passing a mirror in the hallway, Sara glanced at her reflection. Thankfully, her head wound hadn’t required stitches, but it had been tender as she’d shampooed her hair earlier. At least, she wouldn’t have to explain bandages or a bald spot to anyone. She had selected her red power suit from the closet. She needed all the help she could get today.
Emily tapped on the door of Roger’s office then held it open. “Sara’s here, Roger.”
The door closed behind Emily with a soft click.
CHAPTER 30
Global Optics
Not once since Roger Reynolds removed her from her position had Sara considered another private meeting with him. Yet here she was, standing before a visibly shaken man. The second person in the room to capture her attention was…Adam Elliot. She did a double take. What was he doing behind Roger’s desk?
“You’re not going to faint, are you?” Adam asked.
Sara wasn’t sure, but she shook her head.
Adam shifted his attention to Roger. “You can leave us now. I’ll see you at the meeting.”
Roger gave a curt nod and left.
Adam cast a concerned look at her. He walked around the desk and motioned for her to take a seat on the sofa. “I didn’t expect to see you here today, but I’m glad you made it. Lindsey and I were very concerned about you when we heard you were missing. Are you sure you’re okay?”
Sara made her voice as reassuring as possible. “I’m fine, Adam. It was a scary experience, but thanks to our excellent police force, I survived.”
“When we have time, I want to hear all about it,” Adam said. “It’s going to be a very busy morning. I guess you’d like an explanation.”
Barely able to draw a full breath, Sara met his direct gaze. “Yes, very much. You’re the last person I expected to see today.”
“I’m sorry to have kept you in the dark. It couldn’t be helped. My company purchased Global, and for reasons too numerous to go into, I wanted to keep a low profile.”
Sara shook her head. “Wow, so your firm is Millennium Ventures.” She blinked. “Then why are you letting me go?”
“I’m not. I want to offer you a promotion. It’s a new position. How would you feel about taking the helm as Global Optics’ first president? I’ll step into Rogers’s shoes as CEO.”
A thrill worked its way through Sara’s chest. It took heroic effort to keep her mouth from forming a big silly grin. “Why me? I’m not looking for compliments, but I never expected this.”
He leaned back against the sofa. “It’s simple, really. You impressed me when we worked together. You literally ran the division while I went off to get my master’s degree. I need someone loyal who’s up to the job. That’s you.”
She sat forward on the couch. She couldn’t take this job, at least not without an explanation. “Adam, there have been some changes in my life this week. I’m in the process of adopting two children. They’ll make additional demands on my time. Travel would be more difficult.”
Adam’s smile lit the room. “I know about Poppy and Danny. I’m a family man, Sara. My wife and kids come first. I don’t want to talk you into something you don’t want, but I don’t think we have a problem. With teleconference capabilities, you can keep travel to a minimum, if at all.” He grinned. “It saves the firm a lot of money in air fare and hotel bills. So, what do you think? I’m ready to make the announcement if you want the job. I’ll postpone the news if you need more time to consider the offer.”
She let what he said sink in for a moment, focusing on the unbelievable opportunity. She’d worked towards this goal most of her professional career. Before Poppy and Danny entered her life.
The flash of doubt evaporated as fast as it appeared. “Yes. I want the job. If my career interferes with my private life, I’ll let you know in plenty of time to find someone to replace me. Thanks, for believing in me.”
He slapped his hands down on his knees, stood, and shook her hand. “That’s all I ask.” He walked across the room and held the door open. “Shall we join the others and get this meeting underway?”
Sara entered the conference room with Adam, Roger, and two partners from Millennium Ventures. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Charles Edwards. He drummed his manicured fingers on the mahogany table.
Shock waves of nervous energy flowed around the room filled with management, afraid for their jobs. They’d probably thought of little else the past two weeks. The job offer she’d received confirmed Adam wanted people around him he could trust.
The positive thing the staff didn’t yet know was that Adam already knew the strengths of almost everyone in the room. An old adage she’d learned in college came to mind. “Make as many friends as possible, because tomorrow your co-worker may be your boss.”
A hush settled over the room. Most everyone in the meeting knew Adam Elliot. What they didn’t yet know was the purpose for his presence here.
Adam stood at the front of the table. Sara took a seat along the wall.
He introduced the two partners. “I apologize for starting the meeting late, but there were a few details we needed to work out. As you know by now, my firm finalized the Global purchase two weeks ago. Most of you know me, and I’m aware of the great talent assembled in this room. I can promise you some excitement in the days ahead.”
He waited a five count, holding everyone’s attention, then continued. “Roger is being transferred to our pharmaceutical division on the east coast. We need someone of his quality to head up that division.”
Sara glanced at Roger. He wore a strained smile, his eyes fixed on Adam.
“I will assume the position of CEO. Sara Bradford will become president, a new position in the firm.”
Every head in the room swung in her direction
“There may be a few other personnel changes,” Adam said, “but none of you need to fear for your jobs. We’re a large corporation. We need good people. I run a trim ship. I believe in operating lean and mean. Fewer people, higher salaries. I don’t plan to lay off anyone. We will let attrition take its course. As associates leave the company, we won’t replace them until we have the personnel level we need. In the interim, if a department needs people, we will try to transfer from other departments that have more people than they need.
“I’ll be happy to discuss your concerns. See Emily for an appointment. Just keep doing the great job, you’ve been doing.”
With that, Adam closed the meeting. He shook hands with everyone before he left for the plant tour.
Still dazed, Sara made her way through the crowd, amid congratulations, and headed to her office. She’d just been handed the job of a lifetime.
Adam said he’d tried to contact her for the lunch they’d planned, but couldn’t reach her at the office or at home. No wonder. She’d been too busy dodging a killer. For now, she wanted to enjoy the glow of the promotion.
The turmoil of the past weeks vanished until she found Matt Foley sitting at her desk.
Jane followed her into the office. “So, what happened? Do we move up or move out?” She cast a wide smile at Sara. “I always wanted to work on mahogany row.”
Sara plopped into the chair in front of her desk, unable to contain the smile that spread across her face. “We move up. Definitely move up. I still can’t believe it. I only found out an hour ago. However, we can’t move until Adam tells us which office will be ours.”
“I’ll start packing,” Jane said as she walked out with an exaggerated twist of her hips.
Matt lifted one eyebrow. “Who’s moving where?”
“I was given a promotion.” She suppressed a squeal. “To president of Global Optics.”
Matt laughed. “Congratulations. It appears a bombed division didn’t hurt you, although that’s an unusual career strategy. Are you ready to go home?”
Sara looked across the desk at him. In the blush of success, she had forgotten her p
romise to leave after the meeting. A pledge made when she’d thought she no longer had a job. “Matt, I can’t leave. I must talk to Nancy before the grapevine tells her about the change. She’ll be concerned, and she deserves to hear it from me. Give me a few hours to take care of things here. Then I’ll be ready. I want to get home in time to pick up the children from school.”
“Pick them up in what? We have your car at the station. Besides, I’m not letting you drive anywhere alone. You are still in real danger, Sara. Don’t forget that.”
He stood and shoved the chair under the desk. “I’ll go home to shower and get breakfast. Call me when you’re ready.”
“Thanks for everything. I mean that, sincerely. I promise to call when things are wrapped up here.”
He gave a curt nod. “Do that. I’m tired of saving your hide.”
Could he really be mad at her? She owed her life to him—not once, but twice—and she had acknowledged that more than once. Perhaps it was only temporary frustration. He’d get over it. She should have paid more attention to her mother’s admonition. Never press a man when he’s hungry. Something to do with low blood sugar.
Sara found Nancy and brought her up to date. Afterwards, she walked through the warehouse, surprised at how well things were running. It looked as though the explosion never happened. No visible after-effects. A new high-rise lift had replaced the one they’d lost.
The blinds were open when Sara returned to her office. She took a seat at the desk and turned the chair to face the bank of windows. Bright sunlight filtered through the pane, hopefully warming the cool morning air.
Sara rested her head against the chair’s soft leather back. Now that the thrill of the new promotion had passed, doubts plagued her about the responsibilities of being Global’s first president, not to mention the first woman president.
She would not, could not, let this distract from her commitment to Danny and Poppy. Both were still hurting from their loss and they were much in need of her attention.
