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“Yes. Miss Townsend, we need to leave.”
I hugged my mother. “Have a safe trip…call me.”
“I will.”
“Love you, baby.”
“Love you, mom.”
* * *
phillippe
* * *
I took this job with the understanding that I had the full support of the board and the senior management. Now, I find out, that’s not true. The Senior Vice President of Facilities failed to inform me about the situation in Seattle. This whole thing has made me a little leery about the validity of his report.
Now on top of everything else I have to deal with, I have to relocate an office. How is it possible no one knew what was going on with that building?
This situation is just another example of how out of date the operations are. If the upper management had been communicating with each other, I’m sure someone would have picked up on the problem.
I’m grateful I was able to buy some time with the new owner. It meant forfeiting the lease buyout money, but I can live with that. What I couldn’t live with was the twenty million in lost revenue if the facility had to shut down. I’m not exactly pleased with the temporary location, but that’s why it’s temporary. At least I can get everything moved and only lose about three million.
The main reason I’m taking this road trip is because I don’t trust the Facilities report I was given. I need to meet with the Vice President of Operations in each of these offices and find out what they know. I cannot afford a repeat of the Seattle situation right now.
I have a branch relocation plan, but I didn’t want to implement it for at least a year…six months, if pushed. I want to fire the current Senior Vice President of Facilities, but that would leave me without anyone in that position. At this point, I’ve got to play the hand I’ve been dealt.
I contacted a headhunter and had her submit a list of potential replacements for my lazy ass Senior Vice President of Facilities. Once Tony checks them out, I’ll start interviewing. My ideal candidate for a short term fix is Gabriella, but she’s not ready. I’d send Tony, but I need his help on this road trip. I have a feeling Seattle wasn’t the only office with a circumspect lease. Seems I’m stuck with this idiot for a little longer.
I forgot to send Gabriella a picture of Tony. On first glance, he looks intimidating, but that’s what I need. We go way back. When I took this position, I insisted he be added to my team. He’s more like my assistant. He knows how I work and has a vast knowledge of commercial real estate and construction. He’s also in charge of my security. Before I do business with or hire anyone, he runs a thorough background check.
When I agreed to take this job, he began gathering information on all the board members and senior executives. I needed to know who would be loyal to me. At the present, the team consists of three people…me, Tony and Gabriella.
Chapter Three
gabriella
* * *
We pulled up next to a huge jet and parked. My nerves were on edge. I should have known we’d be traveling on the company jet. Tony got out and opened my door. “Mr. Marchant will be here shortly.”
“Thank you.” He helped me out of the car and my mind filled with a thousand possible ways this could be bad. I walked up the stairs and when I crossed the threshold of the plane, my mouth dropped open. I looked around the beautiful space and figured if I were being sold into white slavery, at least I was going in style with a great dress.
“Good afternoon Miss Townsend. I’m Gil.” Oh great another strange man. Am I the only female working for this man?
“Hello.” I shook the gentleman’s hand.
“Can I get you something while we wait for Mr. Marchant?”
Alcohol wasn’t an option, I needed to stay alert. “A mineral water please. Thank you.”
“Have a seat and I’ll be right back.”
I sat down and watched as Tony loaded the bags, then disappeared. I closed my eyes and said a little prayer, followed by a couple of deep breaths. Then I sent a text to my mother, “So far so good.”
Gil returned. “Here you are Miss.” He looked out the window. “Mr. Marchant has arrived.”
My heart leapt into my throat. I took a long sip from m
