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As I approached the newly constructed podium, Mitch, Guy, Ryder, Brad, and finally, Daniel stood and clapped. "You can do it, Big Guy. Let's go," someone yelled.
I cleared my throat and adjusted the mic higher. "Which one of you geniuses set this up?" Snickers erupted from the audience, and whispers buzzed among the staff members. "I guess you all forgot I'm 6' 6". Then I straightened my tie and set my laptop to screen share.
No turning back now; I was ready. It was time to show the staff what I had. I began my presentation with another sip of coffee. And with every slide, every statistic, and every image I shared, I could feel our chances of success increase. By the end of my presentation, I had impressed them with the research I'd done to get everyone up to speed. Of course, my partners and I had already covered the initial steps to ensure we could reach the state's expectations. Securing their sensitive data was a must.
You could've heard a pin drop when I reminded them of the state's data breach and the news stories that covered it a few months ago. I explained how the breach had exposed every single resident and vendor who provided services, causing California to pay out claims in the millions. "As you can imagine, the governor was livid. So, they eagerly reached out to us in hopes we could get started finding solutions as soon as possible," I explained.
Leaving the best for last, I said, "Drum roll please." Then I switched to the last slide that had confetti raining down over the figure of $53,000,000. "That's our price tag. Thirty percent is our cost — so, go figure!"
"Sweet...." Someone in the back yelled.
"Sweet, indeed!" I purposely left the slide up with the falling confetti on loop. "Well, I think it's time for Q and A," I said, grinning as I reached for my cold coffee, ready to field every single question like a boss. Ultimately though, all I got was jokes about raises and more vacation time. Finally, my partners all cheered and clapped in approval of my presentation. I looked out over the roomful of colleagues and smiled. Then I covered the mic, leaned down toward Daniel, and asked, "Is Carter here yet?"
Daniel checked his texts and pointed toward the back of the room. "He's right outside waiting for you to finish. I'll bring him in."
"Can I have your attention again, please?" I announced. "Agent Carter is here to update us on the Rosedale Case."
Everyone took their seats and craned their necks, looking toward the back of the room. I extended my palm to Carter before he set his notes on the podium. "Thank you all for having me today," he said, giving a cursory nod before launching into the details of our ongoing case. "We've had some new developments, and I wanted to update you collectively."
Everyone listened closely as Agent Carter briefed us on the progress made thus far. I could feel the energy between us begin to buzz as we prepared ourselves for the major breakthrough.
"After the incident at Mr. Stratford's apartment," Carter acknowledged me with a nod, "the victim in the video has been positively identified as a female that went by the name of Chelsea Franken. That was an alias. Her real name was Marie St. Croix, and she was a resident of Vancouver, Canada. Ms. St. Croix had disappeared from her family home at the age of eighteen. More importantly to this case, we located her car where we found a DNA match to Meagan Jackson."
"So, you mean Chelsea was my sister's kidnapper?” Guy asked, palming his hair. "Dear God, she was Meagan's friend."
"No, there is nothing that conclusively connects Ms. St. Croix to the kidnapping. Especially since you just mentioned Meagan and Chelsea were friends. So, it is plausible Meagan's DNA would be in Ms. St. Croix's vehicle."
There was a collective gasp and sigh as everyone whispered back and forth, hoping some closure would occur, at least on this issue. Then Guy stood and asked, "So, do we know who is behind these crimes? We've been living on pins and needles for months, even years now, waiting for our case to be solved!"
Carter looked down at his notes and shook his head. "As you know, the FBI is involved. We're working day and night to find the perpetrator and bring that individual to justice. Now, that will be all," Carter quipped as he gathered his papers and left the room.
Everyone stood, a bit dazed, and began talking among themselves when someone stuck their head in and yelled. "The band is here to start setting up for tonight, and the caterer has just arrived too!"
As everyone's faces brightened with cheerful smiles, a wave of joyous laughter rippled through the room. Clearly ready for an uplifting change in mood, people began to make their way back to their offices. My partners and I remained in a huddle, discussing the latest update from Carter when someone brought in an ice chest loaded with diverse sorts of frosty brews. It seemed like the perfect reason to end our meeting!
"It's five o'clock somewhere," Guy told me as he clapped me on the back. "Got a moment?"
"Certainly. One for me and one for you," I answered, handing Guy a Coors.
"Well.... you talked to Meagan lately?" Guy asked, licking the foam from his lip.
"Hell no! You know she hates me! So why are you bringing her up?" I snarled.
"You know, it's true. Sometimes you can be a fucking jerk!" Guy attempted to walk away, but I grasped his arm and quickly yanked him back.
Pursing my lips in indignation, I said, "I guess I should have asked how she was doing?"
"That would be a good start.” Guy smirked. "Now, to my point. Meagan's doing fine, and she's all excited about coming tonight. And I'm looking to you to show my sister a good time!"
"Something tells me you and my other fucking partners are already making bets about my success."
"My money is on you, man. Now, don't disappoint!"
I planted my palm on my forehead as I gathered my laptop and started for my office, ready for some quiet time — didn’t happen. "Mr. Stratford, your tuxedo has arrived. I hung it behind the door in your bathroom," my assistant informed me.
"Courtney, thank you for all the hard work. But why don't you take a breather and enjoy the rest of your day? Spend some time getting your nails done… or something." My thoughts were in turmoil as I tried to figure out my Meagan situation. Honestly, I didn't want anyone around to see me in this flustered state. I just wanted Courtney to go home.
"Uh... Mr. Stratford. I don't have any more paid days off.” She looked down at her nails. "I got a manicure yesterday."
