to either your office or his cubicle. He is to have no access to the copy room. If he needs any copies he’ll have to get them through you. I’ve arranged for his computer to have limited access to operational data. You will decide what his daily assignments will be. Any visitors he might have must be cleared by you in advance.”
He stopped for a minute as Marcia caught up with her notes. “Elegant Sportswear is the ‘plum’ in this deal. I have to admit that they run circles around Hampton Sportswear, but together, they will be the industry leader. That’s why I want you to work with Masterson to bring it all together. His input is essential.”
“I really appreciate this opportunity. I know how important this is to you. Don’t worry, I’ll make good use of Kane Masterson. It sounds like you expect me to monitor his activities down to and including his potty breaks.”
With a straight face he said, “Speaking of potty breaks, do you think it would be out of order if I hired someone to act as a homosexual and accost him in the men’s room?”
Marcia’s eyes darted from the notebook to Adam.
He looked serious for about ten seconds, then burst into a raucous laugh.
Marcia was relieved that he was only jesting. “You had me going there for a minute, Adam.”
“You must admit that it would be fun to “punk” him, albeit a bit unprofessional. Unless, of course, he’s gay. In that case the joke would be on me. Anyway, what could he do about it. Maybe I’ll save that one for his last day.”
“I think you’d be best to forget about it completely.”
“You’re probably right. The bastard would probably sue me for harassment.”
Marcia went back to her notes. “Well, I think I get the idea. Rest assured Kane Masterson will leave here at the end of every day wishing that he had never agreed to work for us during the transition. I intend to make every day as tough for him as possible.”
“That’s the spirit. Remember that even though he is contractually obligated to work for us, it was a voluntary gesture on his part. He feels an obligation to the company’s vendors, customers and employees to look out for their interests. He’ll show them more loyalty than he will Hampton Industries, so he’ll need constant monitoring.
“That’s to be expected. Don’t worry, I’ll keep my eyes open.”
“One more thing, make sure that I have a minimum of personal contact with the man, if possible, none at all. I despise the sight of him. I’m sure you can find ways to prevent our paths from crossing.”
“That won‘t be any problem. I‘ll keep him away from you.”
“I’m taking off for the rest of the day. If you need me I’ll be at home. I’ve got to see dad and convey the good news to him. The doctors have prescribed a new medicine that’s supposed to increase his clarity. After all he went through, I hope that our takeover of Preston won’t be completely lost to him.” As he spoke tears formed in Adam’s eyes. He looked away to hide them from Marcia. When he looked back his eyes had cleared. “I haven’t forgotten that we have a date tonight. I made reservations at Champs Elysees for eight, so I’ll be by to pick you up at seven.”
“I’ll be ready. Say hello to your father for me. I’m glad to hear he’s getting better.”
Kane Masterson approached the reception desk as Adam was leaving the building. Their eyes met briefly, but neither man gave any sign of recognition. He gave the receptionist his card and waited as she called someone. A minute later an armed guard appeared to escort him to Marcia Bloom’s office.
Marcia met him at the door. He’s much more handsome in person than on the Web. They shook hands, exchanged pleasantries and moved to a small meeting table.
“Have you been to Old Brooking before, Mister Masterson?” She already knew the answer, but decided to ask anyway, to cover the fact that she had spent two hours searching into his background.
“Well
He stopped for a minute as Marcia caught up with her notes. “Elegant Sportswear is the ‘plum’ in this deal. I have to admit that they run circles around Hampton Sportswear, but together, they will be the industry leader. That’s why I want you to work with Masterson to bring it all together. His input is essential.”
“I really appreciate this opportunity. I know how important this is to you. Don’t worry, I’ll make good use of Kane Masterson. It sounds like you expect me to monitor his activities down to and including his potty breaks.”
With a straight face he said, “Speaking of potty breaks, do you think it would be out of order if I hired someone to act as a homosexual and accost him in the men’s room?”
Marcia’s eyes darted from the notebook to Adam.
He looked serious for about ten seconds, then burst into a raucous laugh.
Marcia was relieved that he was only jesting. “You had me going there for a minute, Adam.”
“You must admit that it would be fun to “punk” him, albeit a bit unprofessional. Unless, of course, he’s gay. In that case the joke would be on me. Anyway, what could he do about it. Maybe I’ll save that one for his last day.”
“I think you’d be best to forget about it completely.”
“You’re probably right. The bastard would probably sue me for harassment.”
Marcia went back to her notes. “Well, I think I get the idea. Rest assured Kane Masterson will leave here at the end of every day wishing that he had never agreed to work for us during the transition. I intend to make every day as tough for him as possible.”
“That’s the spirit. Remember that even though he is contractually obligated to work for us, it was a voluntary gesture on his part. He feels an obligation to the company’s vendors, customers and employees to look out for their interests. He’ll show them more loyalty than he will Hampton Industries, so he’ll need constant monitoring.
“That’s to be expected. Don’t worry, I’ll keep my eyes open.”
“One more thing, make sure that I have a minimum of personal contact with the man, if possible, none at all. I despise the sight of him. I’m sure you can find ways to prevent our paths from crossing.”
“That won‘t be any problem. I‘ll keep him away from you.”
“I’m taking off for the rest of the day. If you need me I’ll be at home. I’ve got to see dad and convey the good news to him. The doctors have prescribed a new medicine that’s supposed to increase his clarity. After all he went through, I hope that our takeover of Preston won’t be completely lost to him.” As he spoke tears formed in Adam’s eyes. He looked away to hide them from Marcia. When he looked back his eyes had cleared. “I haven’t forgotten that we have a date tonight. I made reservations at Champs Elysees for eight, so I’ll be by to pick you up at seven.”
“I’ll be ready. Say hello to your father for me. I’m glad to hear he’s getting better.”
Kane Masterson approached the reception desk as Adam was leaving the building. Their eyes met briefly, but neither man gave any sign of recognition. He gave the receptionist his card and waited as she called someone. A minute later an armed guard appeared to escort him to Marcia Bloom’s office.
Marcia met him at the door. He’s much more handsome in person than on the Web. They shook hands, exchanged pleasantries and moved to a small meeting table.
“Have you been to Old Brooking before, Mister Masterson?” She already knew the answer, but decided to ask anyway, to cover the fact that she had spent two hours searching into his background.
“Well
Similar Books
