chapter 12

Bernard

“We will need a longer training program,” I said, pausing to switch the phone to my other ear. “And better benefits if we want to keep them from choosing our competitors.”

Quickly, I sat up and glanced out the window at the city drenched in shades of pink and purple. Once the sun dipped below the horizon, plunging the world into darkness, lighting streaked across the sky, a flash of yellow in the darkness. In the distance, thunder rumbled, and the hairs on the back of my neck rose.

“No, you don’t need to worry about the gala coming up. We’re taking care of all of the details.”

Someone knocked, and I spun around, spotting Raymond in the doorway, his tie hanging askew around his neck and a determined gleam in his eyes. He had his blazer draped over his arm when he stepped in, letting the glass door click shut behind him. I murmured something under my breath and ended the phone call.

Then I spun in my chair and pulled it closer to the desk. “I thought you were gone for the night.