Page 111 of Kaine

“Yeah. No kidding.”

“What now?”

“I’ve got eyes on the library. And Jade,” Xavier tells me.

“Shit. I better tell her.”

“Why?”

“Don’t ask. Just. Fuck, find out, who it is. We have seven days till launch. I’m going to be on edge the whole time.”

“Yes, boss.”

***

“And to all of the spousesand boyfriends and girlfriends who have not left you, for working late the last 18 months, this is to you!” Thomas, head of my special projects department declares, raising his champagne glass to the sounds of “hear, hear!” from the crowd.

“And now, I’d like to pass you onto our most esteemed employer and brains of this whole outfit, Mr. Kaine Ashley.” He does a dramatic bow and gestures to me.

I can’t help but laugh. On the eve of our launch, we’ve gathered the entire staff into the lobby after hours to celebrate our achievement. Because it is ours, my employees are the heart of this place. I might have a mission, but they share it through and through.

“Um,” I start, trying not to fidget with my collar or pull my hoodie up. “Firstly, thank you, Tommy. For your eloquence as usual.”

There’s a smattering of laughter and Tommy winks and grins at me.

“This was, is, a labour of love. Not just for me, but for you all. I know this. Borne of a dream for a future free of fires that kill thousands of people a year. It’s not for a few, for the rich, for the privileged. This is for everyone. Let’s make homes safer for everyone. You guys did this. With your heart, your hard work, your dedication to ASH Industries, to the project and to the community. This is your legacy! To you! Zero House Fire Deaths by 2020!”

Everyone raises their glasses and there’s the sound of clinking as we toast each other.

I look around and I’m proud of every smiling face I see.

And of myself.

“Now let’s get wasted!” Xavier yells to the delight of everyone.

I put down my glass as I watch everyone disperse and mingle. A flurry of waiters appears with trays of drinks and finger food. The sound of happy chatter washes over me as I sit back and watch.

Xavier pulls up a chair and sinks into it next to me.

“Good night,” he says, nodding as he looks out at the happy employees. “You did good.”

“You mean the party?”

“No, I mean the... not...” he gestures to my hoodie. “I think it’s the first time I’ve seen you not wearing it in a crowd.”

“They’re my people,” I shrug.

“They were your people a month ago.”

“What are you trying to say?” I play dumb, seeing if he’ll dare to call me on it.

“Just that there is one more person, who is your person, who wasn’t around a month ago. That might have made the difference.”

“Maybe.”

“Lucky S.O.B.” He nudges me with his elbow and takes a long sip from his drink.

“Aw, don’t be jealous, maybe we can find you a special person type person.”