Chapter 3

"President"

I ignored him.

"President Erina!"

I ignored him more. Pissing Jerry of was so much fun.

"PRESIDENT I KNOW YOU CAN HERE ME!"

" Did you say something Gerard?" I turned around, casual-like.

"Ahem," he cleared his throat. Jerry always did that when he was dissatisfied. " Who is this kid, President?"

"Ahh, you know, my replacement for the next month."

"PRESIDENT! You never said anything about being gone! Do you know how much trouble that would be? Why? Why? Wouldn't you tell me earlier? Why are you going?" Jerry freaked.

"Oh calm down Gerard, it's not a big deal. My grandmother is on her deathbed and I think I should be there for…when you know…" I made my eyes all glazy.

He looked away, sort of embarrassed and unbelieving.

"You're not lying to me are you, President?"

"Of course not! How could you think that! Would I lie about my dying grandmother!" I said melodramatically, wiping a non-existent tear from my eye.

"But why him President…wasn't he inducted? Why not put someone else in charge? Someone with experience."

"Oh hush," I said, starting to get irritated, "It's only for a month and he's overly qualified, trust me."

"But Pres-"

"Or do you not trust my judgment? The all-powerful president of the IRIS."

"It's not that Pres-"

"Well then that's settled Gerard, oh and stop calling me President all the time. I have a name A-N-J-U Erina! Use it sometimes. I promise you won't wear it out."

I quickly turned to Cole, standing quietly behind me.

"Cole, this is Gerard," then after a short pause, "you can just call him Jerry sometimes, just to piss him off," I whispered.

He smiled at me slightly amused at the expense of my secretary.

The two of us scuffled into my private room, I poured some after-lunch coffee and asked him,

"You know the deal right. You understand what a big role you play in this Cole?"

"Crystal clear, President…Erina."

I smirked, at least he was faster than Jerry was at this.

"You have one week to see how I work, ask questions, understand all of IRIS. I know it's asking a lot, but my project must not be put off. It sounds like a lot, but really, the only major problem you should deal with is Gerard. He's the only one who will really get on your back about anything. Otherwise, I would just work at home all the time. Avoid his questions, don't tell him anything about where I am or what I'm doing. I may have to contact you sometimes, for information purposes. Now Cole, this is VERY important. Can I trust you? You won't betray me right?"

He stared up at me with those steely, confident eyes of his. I knew he could be trusted. At least, more than anyone else here at Iris.

"Alright, Mr. Co-President, let's get going. You have a lot to learn in the next week. As we walked through the first corridor outside of my private office, I quickly pulled my phone out. Still no messages.

"This is the weapon room. If you don't remember anything of this tour, at least remember where it is. It'll be your best friend."

"Best friend?"

"Iris isn't completely without enemies. I'm sure there are spies here, there have to be. Make sure you never ever give the key to anyone. Not even Jerry."

"I understand." he took the key from my hand and put it around his own neck. After a second though, he tucked it under his collar. Out of site, out of mind.

I smiled. As we walked back to my own quarters, Jerry approached us again.

"I'm sorry to bother you again, but the girl named Bree won't leave Iris boundaries? Shall I order a unite to take her away?

"Oh Gerard, don't be so melodramatic. What is she saying?"

"Er, well, she wants another shot at Iris," he said nervously.

I looked at Cole and smiled. Then in my most chocolate coated voice, I said,

"Cole, I have to go for a 2 week meeting in Japan, would you be a dear and keep Bree under your wing? She seems clumsy so don't let her out of your site. There are enemies even in IRIS you know."

"I understand! Leave it to me President!" Cole replied in a most newbie subordinate manor. I smothered a laugh at this new side of Cole.

"Ah, by the way Gerard," I suddenly mentioned, " You know I'll be gone for around two weeks…might even be more…who knows."

"Yes, what would you like me to do while you are gone?" he asked.

"Well I was getting to that," I replied. "Meet Your new boss" I gestured towards the person beside me. "Cole Erehart."(pronounced Ire-3)