Page 36 of Take It Offline

Because Emma never stood a chance.

I grip the armrests as pure, unadulterated fury burns in my veins. It takes all my energy to keep my face clear of it, to think before I act for once.

Roberts gives me a smarmy smile when he’s sure I’ve caught on. As if we’re in this together. Buddies, sharing an inside joke.“Don’t worry about that. It’s merely a formality. You’ve already impressed the lead team, and you can’t ask for a better reference than a personal shout-out by the COO.”

Fuck.

He continues, every word cutting into my skin, a hundred nails sealing my guilt in with heavy finality. “Emma is a fine worker, but she can be… difficult. This role demands a leader, and I see a lot of potential in you. I want you to think about your future here. When you’re the lead, I’m going to delegate some responsibilities to you that I’m already confident you can handle. Enough time with me, and you’ll be ready to take on my job when I move up.”

Not if. When.

“What will happen to Emma?”

“Nothing.” He leans back in his chair with a flippant shrug. “She’ll remain a senior, although I’ll suggest to Emmanuel that we rotate her into a different function. She doesn’t have any direct experience in a project team, not like you, so that’ll be a good start. And, of course, as the lead, you’re welcome to offer your feedback on her development.”

What the actual fuck?

He can’t be serious.

He is.

He’s fucking serious.

My stomach has practically fallen through the floor, yet Roberts takes my silence as agreement. He smiles and pats my shoulder, and it’s only years of practice that keep me from peeling his hand away.

“Emma doesn’t have the visibility you have. All the hard work in the world won’t get you half as far as getting your name in the minds of the right people, and that’s something Emma has continually failed to do.”

That damn briefing is going to haunt me for the rest of my life.

Decisions, meet consequences.

Of course that’s what this boils down to. I wanted to earn this role fair and square, not cut her from the running and kill her career in single hit.

I can’t decide whether I hate myself or Roberts more.

Fuck it, it’s me.

“I disagree,” I say, finally, pushing the words past the lump in my throat. “I don’t know many people who aren’t aware of Emma’s name.”

“But is it for the right reasons?”

Bullies are bad enough. Give a mean guy power and a target, and he’s dangerous. But the truly despicable ones attack in the shadows, where no one can see them.

I force my breaths to remain slow and even. “Her work stands for itself. Introducing digital signatures, rolling out a companywide system upgrade, and that’s just in the last two years.”

By the patronizing look on his face, it’s clear he won’t be convinced. “How long have you worked for us, Charlie?”

“Eight years and some change.”

“And in that time, you’ve garnered the respect of several important people. That’s not easy to do. Don’t waste it. It takes all types to make a business successful, and if you play this right, you can share in that success. This role is a big win, both for you and the company.”

For him, he means.

“The Emmas of the world are necessary, of course,” he goes on, waving a dismissive hand, “but that doesn’t make her the right choice. ’Kay, son?”

Life flashes before my eyes. Not mine. His. Because I’m about to end it. I hope he’s said his goodbyes.

There’s a pen on the desk in front of me. Fountain tip. Solid. Not the best weapon, but it’ll work in a pinch. Reluctantly, I drag my eyes away, shoving my hands into my pockets.

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