Wounds to Bind Chapter 11 – 'Start by doing what's necessary, then do what's possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.' –Saint Francis of Assisi
Thursday, June 23 – APOV
"Interesting things in today's mail," Ethan fanned an envelope at me.
"I received my updated carry conceal permit," I exclaimed. "I didn't expect a reply for several weeks."
"Kate and I received wedding invitations to the Markesan-Mathews wedding in late September. Kate will probably take Elliot Grey as her plus one. If you'd like to go and have fun, I'll take you as my plus one."
"Remind me again when you R.S.V.P. Is he a frat brother of yours?" I note Jack's interest in our conversation.
"Yes, Micah is a VP at Mathews Marketing. His fiancé, Melody is a financial officer for Markesan Measures. They conduct independent financial analysis of entrepreneurs who plan to take their companies public. This is a great collaboration for both companies; a marketing company paired with a financial advice group." Ethan winked. "Kate plans to Skype you tonight. She and Elliot are flying in early Saturday morning. Dr. Trevelyan is picking them up at the airport. There's a big barbeque at the Grey estate in Bellevue on Sunday. We've all been invited. As neither Kate nor Elliot are scheduled to return to work until July fifth, I doubt we'll see much of them before then."
"I won't be able to go to the barbeque," I told Ethan. "I'm going home to Montesano this weekend. Dad is attending two estate sales, one in Eugene on Saturday morning and one in Portland on Saturday afternoon. He has a list of what's available at both sales and what he is comfortable restoring and selling. I'm teaching him how to research other estate sales. I will give him my New York itinerary and explain leaving Montesano early on July Fourth. Since I have my permit, I can pick up my Glock. Maybe Dad and I can target practice on Sunday. I won't be home until early Monday morning."
"What's hot in Ray's world right now?" Ethan asked.
"Family antiques, mostly. The holidays are coming. People want to prove they are taking care of great-grandma's prized antiques." I laughed. "I built an inventory database, so Dad is sorting through sheds, taking pictures, and inventorying in his off hours."
Jack Hyde stared at the screen on his cell phone and then dropped it in his pocket. He definitely listened to our conversation.
While attempting to put the wedding invitation in his pocket, the envelope soared out of Ethan's fingers and landed at Jack's feet. He reached for it and then stood between Jack and me. Ethan handed me the invitation, while he faux checked his phone. I try not to hold my breath while he clones Jack's phone. I hope we have enough time. If not, Ethan will follow him into the bathroom.
"Geez, Ethan," I looked at the invitation. "Did they kill enough trees for the three hundred invitations for the wedding? Outer envelope, inner envelope, response card, reception meal card, envelope for response and reception, directions and map card, accommodations card and charity card? Plus, paper wedding confetti in the shapes of hearts and flowers in her wedding colors of claret and champagne." I try to reassemble the invitation but the cards and envelopes fly everywhere. Ethan and Jack scramble for them, while I apologize because I'm so uncoordinated. Jack tries to shove all of them back at me to get to the open elevator doors, but Ethan delays him. The elevator doors close and the elevator starts moving up.
"Damn," Jack swears.
"No, Ana…the invitation acts like a folder to hold everything; followed by the reception card with envelope." Ethan acts like he's drawing cards from Jack and my hands. "Map and accommodations," he draws from me. "Charity," he takes the last card in Jack's hand. "Thanks, man," he slides everything into the inner envelope, which he slides into the outer envelope.
"Do you want the confetti?" I look at the pieces on the floor.
"I think not," he glanced at Jack. "There's a few pieces of wedding confetti attached to your tie." Jack picked them off his tie and thrust them at Ethan before the elevator door opened…revealing Mr. Roach. He joins us and converses. I introduce Ethan to Mr. Roach as my roommate. Mr. Roach talks with Ethan about the books he's currently reading. Ethan apologizes because his booklist for fall classes doesn't contain a single fiction book.
When the elevator stops, Jack practically bolts. Ethan and I stroll from SIP to the parking lot. In the car Ethan checks his phone before grinning. "I managed to clone Jack Hyde's phone."
XXX
"Ana, this is a friend of mine, Harley Harrison. Harley works for the SEC," Ethan handed the weird piece of hardware to his friend. His friend arrived about the same time as the pizza we ordered for dinner.
Harley inspected the usual piece of hardware and smiled. "We have it. Any calls Hyde makes to his broker, we'll know the name and location. We'll observe." Harley turned to me. "You say he's been asking about proprietary information?"
"Yes, Jack Hyde and I are attending a conference in New York the first week in July. I'm supposed to report all gossip: who is seeking a new publisher, which publisher has upcoming blockbuster promotions, which publishers are having economic issues, etc."
"We'll start an investigation, but I need your help. I'd like to take you out a few nights as your schedule permits. If Hyde sees me pick you up a few times, he'll ask what I do. You can tell him I'm a stockbroker. Tell him I always email about my day or week so I don't talk work at dinner."
"That will help because?" I asked.
"Because if Hyde is willing to blatantly ask you about proprietary information, he may be checking your emails," Harley said. "Checking your emails is an invasion of privacy and illegal."
"I have a problem about the pieces of information we just fed him." I admit.
"You were talking about an event you attended. If Hyde's stockbroker bases personal purchases of stock on information obtained by completing sales for his client, that is insider trading." Harley explained. "You will not say buy XYZ Company stock tomorrow because next Thursday they are merging with ZYX Enterprises. We would never put you in that position."
Ethan told him about the invitation debacle which delayed Jack and kept him around long enough to clone his phone. Harley has a good laugh and congratulates Ethan on his quick thinking. "I received an invitation also, scrambling after the pieces all over the elevator would have been a fun sight." Harley and Ethan left to have a drink.
While waiting for Kate to Skype, I research insider trading. I watch two You Tube videos on how to use closet organizers. I also visit a chatroom and read a thread by ex-submissives about their issues with the BDSM lifestyle. I learned more than I ever wanted to know. I am relieved when Kate's Skype starts, until she notices I'm in my room and not with Christian. Then I endure reporter Kate questions. Just telling her we're taking a break from one another doesn't seem to work. I finally tell her about giving Christian back his things, buying a new car, etc. Although Kate is with Elliot, our friendship comes first and I am not to keep secrets from her again. Then Kate reminds me to take this relationship with Christian at my own pace.
XXX
I admit I've been thinking a lot about Christian this week. I fill my work hours by following the micro-management schedule and making and fetching Jack's coffee. I read manuscripts on the bus, at work and at home. I write synopses of manuscripts. I save manuscript synopses on the server. Packets for editorial meetings are easier since I can access the agenda. My work is more streamlined because Amber shared a streamlined procedures manual with me. I'm not wasting hours of my time because Jack is a passive aggressive asshole and Elizabeth is a jealous bitch. Sometimes I eat lunch with co-workers, sometimes I read. Sometimes I just go to Fifty's and sit in the sunshine. However, the hardest part of my day is deflecting Jack's intrusive attitude or dealing with his leering at me. Dealing with Jack is even harder than not thinking about Christian.
On my free nights, I work for at least one hour in Kate's room. Her clothes are hung by item, her shoes are sorted by colors and her bed and bath linens are washed and put away. The pile of clothes on her bed is moved to the middle of the closet floor. Purses are sorted by colors and put in the purse cubbies.
I've been careful not to give Ethan the wrong impression. I've turned down his offers for movies, drinks and dancing or dinners with his friends or colleagues since running into Jack and Elizabeth at the Metropolitan Grille. I won't use him to keep me from thinking about Christian.
I've spent my time thinking about the things I read on the submissive support site. I need to research more before Kate gets home. The RROP is a secret I'm carrying to my grave. I'm glad tomorrow is casual Friday at SIP. I can wear jeans, shirt and converse tomorrow. I'll drive to work tomorrow and leave right after work. Dad and I can work out a schedule for me to help in the shop through Christmas. I pack my bag for Montesano this weekend with lots of comfortable clothes. I pack my laptop. Since Ethan went out with Harley for a few drinks, I have a long soaking bubble bath.
I know Ethan advised me not to overload my schedule, but staying busy is the only way I know to keep Christian out of my head. Especially since I sent Mom downloaded Coping Together pictures. She's not happy I attended with Ethan not Christian. However, she was happy to see a picture of me with Mia. Of course, I see pictures of Christian while finding pictures to send Mom. He was so gorgeous – his black mask accenting his grey eyes and copper curls. There's a great shot of him laughing with the expensive charlatan. I expect they were laughing about my text. I am tempted to use a picture of the Botox Bitch for target practice, but the picture might raise questions I won't answer. Mom is concerned about my Fourth of July plans; I explain I don't have a choice. I'm flying to New York on business. She asks if Christian will be in New York at the same time and I tell her, I don't know his schedule. She's uncharacteristically quiet during the remainder of our phone call.
Friday, June 24 – CPOV
'It was nice knowing you,' Anastasia blows me a kiss and my dream fades away.
I groan and throw my arm over my eyes. Some friend of Ethan Kavanagh's was at their condo last night for pizza. They went out for a couple beers without Anastasia. Contrary to several nights these past two weeks, I don't remember last night's dream, just the ending.
I remember our tryst that night, the necktie, the wine, blindfolding her as a training exercise, the ice torture and the one slap on her ass. She came almost immediately after I thrust into her and I made her come a second time while I fucked her hard. Why can't she see how good we will be together? Why won't she give me a second chance? She's still friends with that asshole Rodriguez and he ignored her when she said no. I deserve a second chance also. There's no sense thinking about us. I dress in sweats, ready for a run. However, I can't run in the direction of her condo because someone who lives in the area recognizes me and posts on social media.
XXX
"Ros, I'm tired and this has been the week from hell. Just cut to the chase and lay out the issues," I ordered. I need coffee and Andrea is away from her desk, meeting with M&A and Legal. I don't feel like dealing with Olivia. I wonder if Taylor would bring me coffee from the Security Office.
"SIP – financial irregularities since we began the buyout conversations," Ros passed a spreadsheet over to me. "We're a breath away from acquiring this company and their staff is planning trips to New York and New Orleans with company-issued credit cards." She tapped her Louboutin-clad foot on the floor with impatience.
I looked over the current expenses listed on the spreadsheet. "NOT JUST NO, BUT HELL NO!" I roared.
Taylor came running into the office with his gun drawn.
I shook the paperwork in his direction. Taylor holstered his gun and reached for the paperwork.
"OH, HELL NO!" Taylor roared, echoing my comments. "What are you doing about this?"
"Why the hell didn't Ryan know?" I demanded. "I thought he started dating the receptionist so we could get information. I thought we froze their travel accounts?"
"No one knew until Barney started downloading information off their server. We have confirmation for over a dozen of their staff to attend conferences in New York and New Orleans. We're due for an M&A meeting with them – less than thirty minutes from now. Barney barely has time to interrupt the accounts and keep them in limbo until the paperwork is signed. Then we can legally freeze the accounts to keep anyone from misspending. I'm coordinating with Barney and setting up the meeting. The minute the paperwork is signed, Roach will be ordered to vacate all travel and order staff to return their charge cards." Ros left me alone with Taylor.
"I'll talk to Ryan and see what we can discover," Taylor assured me. "I will do everything in my power to keep Miss Steele from traveling to New York with Jack Hyde. She's not going anywhere with that bastard. I will throw her over my shoulder and deliver her to Raymond Steele in Montesano with a new pair of leg shackles and handcuffs."
"Taylor, once paperwork is signed today, I want someone at SIP sorting through their mail. I don't want Anastasia receiving more of those anonymous notes. She won't let me assign surveillance, so we must observe her covertly when we're in the building. Do you understand?"
"How soon does SIP/GP move to Grey Annex?" Taylor checked the calendar on his phone.
"Monday, July 11." I gave him copies of the proposed timeline. "I'm desperate for coffee."
"Olivia?" Taylor suggested.
"Oh, hell no," I banged my forehead on my desk…which didn't feel good.
"Reynolds – two black coffees, large, two minutes, Grey's office. I'll be waiting at the elevator for you." He shrugged. "Reynolds is a good man, but Andrea scares the pants off him. He'd spill the coffee before he delivered the cups."
I laughed, "Better he spills coffee on me than Olivia. He'd be embarrassed but he wouldn't be trying to cop a feel while wiping coffee off my pants."
"TDMI, boss," Taylor shudders.
XXX
"Roach, time is money. You are wasting our most precious resource by dragging your feet. End your bartering mentality right now. This isn't a negotiation. I am buying SIP before the company bottoms out and isn't worth the attention of a dozen hungry corporate raiders." I coldly informed him.
"Jerry, you signed the preliminary buyout paperwork yesterday afternoon. You agreed to the terms before you signed. You will adhere to the conditions of the contract or suffer financial penalties. There will be no plundering resources, no bankrupting divisions, no padding salaries, no fiscal year bonuses, and certainly no insider trading of SIP stock. When you sign the final papers today, SIP becomes Grey Publishing. Our HR people will determine which staff we keep and which staff we terminate. Grey House will move SIP from the current location into Grey Annex. All travel is curtailed; all company credit cards relinquished. Details of the buyout are embargoed. Grey House PR will announce the acquisition of SIP on July fifth." Ros began her list of rules for Jerry Roach and SIP.
XXX – CPOV
Striker emailed me that Anastasia went to Montesano to see her father. She departed after work. Striker's men will attempt to follow her throughout the weekend.
I ate Mrs. Jones' excellent macaroni and cheese with a glass of Sancerre. She made a broccoli and pear slaw with ginger dressing as a side, but over half my plate is filled with macaroni and cheese. When Taylor disassembled the playroom, he gave Mrs. Jones directives to prepare eight weekends of freezer meals for four. I text Taylor; I want to schedule some down time for him and Mrs. Jones – especially his two weeks with Sophy this summer. I ask if Taylor and Jones have Labor Day weekend plans? I have orders from Flynn to plan and/or attend family events. I can hope Elliot and Katherine invite the elusive Anastasia to sailing, swimming or barbeques with my family.
I read Welch's reports on three traumatic touch therapy specialists. I researched every site on the web which dealt with traumatic touch therapy. I read recommendations and blogs from patients. I agree with Flynn, the young woman has excellent references and recommendations from abuse, burn, and PTSD patients. I email Flynn an NDA for her and ask him to set a meeting after he's shared my history with her.
I read the report from Barney about two different commercial printing companies. One specializes in business cards, brochures, reports, etc. and the other specializes in large print projects like posters, foam boards, tabloid and larger photos for tabletop and freestanding displays. They also print vinyl signs, like the one Elliot has to announce Spokani Eden. I see examples of their work. If I wanted to torture myself, I would recreate Anastasia's sun-ray picture.
Barney recommends consolidating both print companies at the large print location which is centrally located downtown. They currently rent half their building to a group of artists. We'll consolidate the most experienced staff, the best and newest machines, plus resources. He recommends keeping the name Seattle Business Printing (avoiding any mention of Grey Enterprises Holdings). We help both companies merge, with the understanding Grey House plans to use their services. All staff would sign an NDA. He recommends hiring a director who has experience in different printing formats and who has an MBA to keep the consolidated company afloat. I forward his report to Ros. I send an email to HR to search the backgrounds of the staff at both companies. If the new company does not have someone to fill the role of director, I add a bullet list of what is needed. Grey House HR will help the new company develop a job announcement, conduct interviews and negotiate salary and perks.
Reading and working have not exhausted me. I'm not tired enough to sleep and too wired to play the piano. I change into clean workout clothes and head upstairs to the gym. I can run on the treadmill until I exhaust myself. Maybe I can collapse in bed by midnight.
XXX
No! My scream wakes me from my nightmare. The sound of my shout echoed through my bedroom, but did not drive back the darkness of the night or the darkness of my soul. The clock reads almost four in the morning. My nostrils register the stale beer, cigarettes and grime from my childhood…not the sweat which covers my body. I sit up, balancing my arms on my knees, putting my head in my hands. I try to calm my erratic breathing and my pounding heart. I am grateful I am not tortured by night terrors every night. I have night terrors two or three times a week. Flynn would call that a win. I call it exhausting.
Sunday, June 26 – CPOV
I scan The Wall Street Journal, New York Times and the business section of the Seattle Times. Taylor made breakfast and coffee and I ate. However, I will have a long day if I don't find something to divert me. I'd give anything to spend the day in bed with Anastasia. I want to get in my R8 and drive to Montesano, she can't know I'm having her followed. I pore over the few pictures sent by Striker. She is unaware several men check her out while she follows Ray at an antiques auction. I just want to kill the fuckers for having eyes on my Anastasia.
I email Elliot, suggesting we go kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, or swimming. He votes for swimming at Mom and Dad's house, followed by dinner with the family. Kate wants to have a quiet day, do laundry, catch up on life and just chill. I call Dad to make sure we're welcome. He says to come out at any time and stay as long as we would like. Mom's not on duty. I ask him to ask Mom to please not invite Elena. Elliot and I want some quality family time.
XXX – 3PPOV
Striker email to Grey: Disguised male, under six-feet-tall, approximately 200 pounds, black clothes, ski mask with hoody, black leather driving gloves left the message for A. Steele. He approached the building early Monday morning via shadows, left the same way. No car spotted. Less than ten seconds at the door to drop envelope through the slot. We've hacked all the cameras in a three-block radius, no sight of mystery man.
On another topic, my men spotted the doppelganger several times in the park near Pike Place. She was spotted twice at a bus stop near Miss Steele's condo. We have yet to ascertain her base location.
XXX – APOV
I'm glad Dad has Internet. The weirdest dream woke me this morning. I dreamed I was on a bus, heading to work. We traveled past Graffiti Row in Seattle when lava flowed over the wall and headed for the bus. I woke up in a panic before the lava hit us. I research the dream definitions of lava and laugh to myself! 'Soon something will explode in your life. Perhaps you will meet someone with a fiery personality. While a relationship will be difficult to maintain, he/she will change your life for the better. Lava predicts a sizzling ending to a project which took your focus and dedication.'
I think Christian is possessive because he experienced loss as a child; arrogant because he knows he's smart; smug because he owns incredibly talented hands, mouth and penis; and occasionally thoughtless in his words and actions. If Christian is the explosive personality, my life is changed for the better because?
Because I know what love is, and I don't intend to live my life without it.
Tuesday, June 28 – APOV
The editorial meeting was definitely a meeting from hell. I finally meet the other four editorial support staff: Nicolette, Wendy, Heather and Victoria. Nicolette and Victoria have been on vacation. Wendy and Tori worked nights and weekends while attending UDub. Since they graduated and took some down time, they will work normal SIP hours like the rest of the staff.
The room separated into halves – those attending the New York conference and those attending the New Orleans conference. Support staff attending the New Orleans conference (Wendy and Tori) are jealous because they heard support staff attending the New York conference (Amber and me) will be paid double time for the eight hours we are at the airport, flying red eye to New York, and checking into the hotel since we begin our travel on the holiday. HR attends and explains no one earns OT/double time on any conference travel in July. HR estimates, with travel time…each person will work about 39 hours during the three-day conference. Once the conference is over, we are off work until the following Monday. HR warns us to keep the number of hours we work under forty. HR leaves and the meeting starts.
Jack is in an uproar because I didn't follow his directives about preparing for the editorial meeting. I followed the procedures manual and the training provided by Amber, the senior editorial assistant. I make two copies – one for him and one for me – not thirteen for editors, nor an additional seven for editorial support staff. I take minutes when I'm not passing coffee carafes. At the end of the meeting, I ask Amber if she needs my meeting notes. She takes my written notes and crosses through Jack's orders which make me complete someone else's work. She says there is no reason for me to research authors attending the New Orleans conference. I can ask Wendy or Tori if they have that information. She takes a copy of my notes with her phone so she adds his appropriate directives to the minutes. Amber returns my notes so I can complete action items directed by Jack during the meeting.
When lunch is served, I sit with support staff, with my back to Jack. Support staff discuss packing for New York and New Orleans. We discuss the pre-conference tours and the post conference tours. Amber brings up the weather forecast for New York during the conference. She expects warm weather with a possibility of rain. Thanks to Ethan, I have a list of the literary events in New York during the conference. Amber shares a quiet fist bump with me. She knows I plan to avoid Hyde at evening's cocktail parties. Since Amber and I are room sharing, Finance expects Wendy and Tori to share rooms also. They complain about having to share a room…but Amber and I are thrilled.
XXX
"You're not working overtime?" Jack's astonished face at the end of the day caused two reactions – fight or flight.
"No, I'm not working overtime," I quietly inform him and finish cleaning my desk.
"You have ten tasks to complete before we attend the New York conference, in addition to your regular work." Jack snapped at me.
"Which reminds me, these came at the end of the day." I hand him a copy of the minutes from today's meeting. Amber took the tasks Jack requested and assigned them to six editorial assistants and me. I have two tasks – a background report on every writer and one for every presenter at the New York conference. Jack feels the bio paragraphs in the conference brochure don't provide enough information. Amber took the tasks of getting the vendor list and the registered attendees list for the conference. She gave Emily the task of background reports for the two companies hosting the cocktail parties at the New York conference. Our reports are due to Amber by two o'clock Friday so she can proofread them, and provide copies to all editors attending the New York conference.
The tasks he requested for the New Orleans conference are identical. Amber, as the senior editorial assistant, assigned the projects to Wendy and Tori who are attending the New Orleans conference. I did not question Amber's authority to assign projects…I'm sincerely grateful I don't have to work unpaid OT for other duties as assigned.
XXX – 3PPOV
Ryan email to Grey: Boss…staff at SIP still believe they are going to New York or New Orleans. Claire complained because Hyde assigned extra, time consuming busy work to Ana. The work required Ana to work unpaid overtime nights at SIP and through the weekend to prepare the ten reports he wants. The senior editorial assistant distributed the tasks to all the support staff. They have until Friday to complete the assignments. Hyde was furious Miss Steele did not work OT tonight. She left with the staff at the end of the day. Strongly suggest SOMEONE SHUT THIS DOWN.
XXX – 3PPOV
"I don't want Grey questioning the validity of his feelings. Traumatic Touch Therapy is one cornerstone of my practice, Dr. Flynn. I don't want him to think his physical response to touch is exaggerated or inappropriate. By reviewing his files, I believe his previous therapists retraumatized him by making him relive his child abuse. Several therapists told his parents he would outgrow the night terrors. I think Grey failed to connect to his previous therapists because they failed him through inadequate testing and inappropriate assessment. I don't think his previous therapists fully heard him. I think his fears were dismissed. Grey lost himself, lost his voice. He considered them assholes, and no doubt they thought the same of him. I believe I can help him, Dr. Flynn. I'd be willing to meet with Grey, but I need you to be comfortable with what you share with me regarding him. I want him to be comfortable and discuss his experiences and history with me. I want to be able to discuss the effects of the abuse – his touch issues, night terrors, etc. If Grey doesn't want to go that route, I don't know if I can help him." Sela Koch reread the history and background of Christian Trevelyan Grey.
"We'll be there at seven on Friday evening," John Flynn promised.
Friday, July 1 – 3PPOV
Upper staff attended a mandatory staff meeting before last break.
"Do you know what's up?" Elizabeth whispered to Jack. She was late arriving to the meeting as she had been at a dental appointment.
"All travel and expenditures are cancelled. We will relinquish our company credit cards before the end of the day. SIP is in play. The information is embargoed. Jerry will not tell us who bought the company. Staff will interview with the new HR team to determine if we are redundant or if we are kept by the new owners." Jack groused to Elizabeth. He could tell she was impressed. Elizabeth thought Jerry confided in him. His secret of hacking everyone's emails was safe…for a bit. He didn't order Ana to cancel their travel arrangements, Finance handled cancelled all travel for all SIP employees for the next eight weeks. No New York trip meant no opportunity to seduce Ana…no gossip from the printing world…and no guarantee any of them would survive a merger.
"Settle please," Jerry addressed the room. "We have a lot to cover and virtually no time."
XXX – APOV
Last break was an unscheduled rendezvous at Fifty's with Amber.
"Did you hear?" Amber gushed. "Let me tell you – it was ug-lee in Finance this afternoon. No travel for the next eight weeks for anyone. All flights, hotels and registrations have been cancelled. Staff relinquished credit cards."
"Wow…" I am shocked. "Double wow…"
"We just got f-ing lucky," Amber announced. "No flight, no conference and no hotel stay with Jackass. Hell, I'm buying a lottery ticket."
"Hot damn," I can't help but smile. "I'm going home to Montesano, and I won't return to Seattle until early Tuesday morning."
Amber grimaced. "Have you had your employee evaluation yet?"
"No," I took a deep, steadying breath. "Am I borrowing trouble by worrying since I haven't been summoned to Elizabeth's office?"
Amber sighed and then addressed the issue. "None of Hyde's interns have ever received a good thirty-day evaluation. They all received doesn't meet expectations evaluations. They tried to make meets expectations at their ninety-day evaluation. Most left after getting a second bad evaluation. I never knew any intern to stay after their one-hundred-and-eighty-day employee evaluation. However…none of them busted ass like you have. Claire, Emily and I know how many manuscripts you read and critique. I wish Elizabeth would ask me about you – you work hard, you learn fast, and you always offer to help. I wish we had a permanent editorial assistant position for you instead of an intern position. Hyde is the only editor to use interns…and use is the appropriate comment. He treats his interns like crap, yet he expects his interns to make him look good. Word of warning…he's never in the office for employee evaluations."
"Jackass," I finished my lemonade.
"Hyde's also on a tear about the ten reports he tried to assign to you at the editorial meeting. Mr. Roach asked me about the situation. I explained we don't pay OT to prepare for any conference. I shared the tasks between the support staff. Fewer manuscripts were read this week, but all ten of those damned reports were finished during the work day. As senior editorial assistant, my WPS specify I watch workloads and adjust tasks accordingly. Mr. Roach agreed the reports could be handy for the staff, and complimented the support staff for completing the work in a timely manner." Amber wrinkled her nose…she could smell the bullshit even if Mr. Roach couldn't.
"Jackass," I commented again.
Amber and I returned to SIP in a happier frame of mind.
XXX – 3PPOV
'Christian Grey gets to fuck up my life, not once but twice? First Detroit, now Seattle. I won't wait any longer for some payback.' Hyde double checked Roach's emails. Grey Enterprises Holdings was now the new owner of Seattle Independent Printers. Hyde called his stockbroker. "I need you to buy every possible share of Seattle Independent Printers," he ordered. "I've got $150K to spend, buy what you can, today, this hour, now."
Jack needed to rethink his plan for Anastasia Steele. She was supposed to receive her thirty-day employee evaluation from Elizabeth with a does not meet expectations rating. His biggest issue was her refusal to complete other work as assigned according to his directives. Jack anticipated Ana would, like the other interns, come to him to discuss the evaluation. He would have suggested her rating might change, depending on her performance in New York. She would have been bedded and Christian Grey would have been shredded. Two birds…one stone. Knowing she did not have a strong relationship with her mother made Jack think she didn't have a strong relationship with any of her stepfathers. He wasn't scared of Raymond Steele, but he had to quit underestimating Ana. She was a lot stronger and more intuitive than he anticipated. She had too many protective layers around her. Jack had to reformulate his plan to use Ana for his benefit.
XXX – CPOV
"There's something hinky," Welch referred to the files in his hands. "I've talked to three of Hyde's previous interns."
"They all say he's a bastard and I need to fire him immediately," I couldn't hide the hopeful tone in my voice.
"No, they are all complimentary about his knowledge, skills and abilities." Welch argued.
"So, what's hinky?" I hate the word hinky…especially when Welch or Taylor uses it. Half the word refers to their expertise and half refers to their gut feeling.
"Exact same order of explanation – knowledge, skills and abilities. Almost exact same phrases when discussing said knowledge, skills and abilities. I think they are all reading from the same playbook," Welch could not have been more dismissive if he tried.
"Perhaps they are." I commented. "Do your best to talk to more of them. Are they working at publishing companies in other states?"
"None work for publishing companies. Four are teachers; two are office managers; two work for family companies; one is seeking her master's degree in urban planning." Welch ran down the list. "However, other than Jack Hyde…the previous interns have two things in common. His interns were all slim, petite, long-haired young women. Additionally, none of them are originally from Seattle. Miss Steele physically fits his type…however, intervention could protect her from early termination." Without elucidating, Welch meant Christian Grey.