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I stood up and gave him a look. “I’m going to smoke your ass, Anderson.”
“Like hell you are.”
* * *
“Thanks Mike.”I stepped out of the black SUV and made my way into the West Industries building. I hopped in the elevator and headed to my desk on the top floor. It was good to be back in the office and back to routines. I was looking forward to really getting this project in motion. Everything had just been dragging so incredibly slowly. Being in the office would certainly help put a fire under my team's feet to keep the ball rolling.
I pushed the large wooden door into my office open, noting that my assistant Martin wasn’t at his desk. After responding to some emails, and the morning pushing onward, still no sign of Martin.
I dialed his phone, with no answer. Finally, I called over to HR.
“Hi Rebecca, it’s Damian. Is Martin out sick today?”
“Oh…” She hesitated.
“Rebecca?”
“I’m so sorry, Mr. West. Were you not informed?”
“Informed?”
“Martin, quit while you were in Hawaii.”
“Fuck. Why wasn’t I informed sooner?”
“I’m sorry. I thought you knew already.”
I gritted my teeth. “Well, do we have a replacement lined up? I can imagine we’re behind now that he’s been gone all week.”
For the love of God, can no one do their job right?
“I don’t have anyone just yet, but we have a few candidates coming in for interviews this afternoon.”
“Get it done Rebecca. I don’t pay you the big bucks for nothing.”
“Yes, of course, Mr. West. I’m hoping to have someone back on payroll by tomorrow.”
“Good.” And with that, I hung up the phone and rubbed my temples.
Lately, it had been one thing after another around here. The demolition permits were cleared on all the remaining buildings on the lot except for one. I just had to get this last one over the hump and then we’d be in the clear.
Unfortunately, this last one was the most critical one, as it was in exactly the corner that Mr. Nagamori had agreed to build his hotel. I couldn't offer him any of the other lots because he wanted the one on the corner, with the premium real estate, rightfully so.
I’d been able to pacify the last of the investors on this deal, and this was the final puzzle piece, and I seemed to be turning it in every direction, trying to cram it in to make it fit. I was determined to see this through. It was ambitious, but I knew it would pay off. I had spent months working on Nagamori, and I finally had him wrapped around my finger. We were going to do great things together. If this went well, this would be the first of many profitable partnerships with him. It was a game changer, no doubt.
Not having my dream team in place was certainly complicating things, though. I wondered why Martin had up and left with no notice. And Charlie, if he didn’t get it together, I’d have to replace him as well.
I hoped Rebecca would get someone in here quickly. There were too many balls in the air, and I heavily relied on my team to keep them there.
My phone rang.
“Charlie.”
“So I have some news.”
“Let’s hear it then.”
“It looks like we’re stuck on the Horizon View building.”
