Page 117 of Rich and Bossy

“There was a hugely positive response from the warehouse workers, correct? To your initial efforts?”

“For the most part, yes, the response was positive. There were still a few people on the fence. Considering the fact that I lost my job, I can understand why they’re probably all apprehensive about moving forward now. I hope they understand how important this vote is. Anyone can be fired at any time, and they can just manufacture a reason out of thin air. All the employees that just happened to be fired are coincidentally the same employees supporting the union push the most vocally.”

“Would you say this is an intimidation tactic by Rapid? What many would refer to as union busting?”

I snicker, even though I know I technically shouldn’t. “It felt pretty intimidating when they did it. Parading us out in front of everyone with armed security guards. It’s not the first tactic they’ve used but probably the most blatant.”

“What else have they done?”

I tell her about the meeting and the tracking, trying to keep employees from going to the hospital. I even manage to describe the urination scenario without being too gross. We went over it a million times on what language to use.

“Wow, that is just…” Even she looks taken aback. Then, something in her eyes changes. “Wait, hang on…” Leslie stops in the middle of her thought, her brow furrowing. She touches her fingers to her earpiece. Suddenly, her eyes light up, and my heart responds by almost leaping out of my chest.

What the hell is going on? I shoot a look to Campbell, who only shrugs before going back to staring at Leslie in confusion. We were not briefed on this. Not at all.

Leslie nods, then takes a deep breath. “I’m sorry, Hazel, but we’ve had a last-minute development. I truly am sorry.” She gives me a sympathetic look. “We actually have Paxton Briggs, current CEO and founder of Rapid on with us, and he would like to weigh in on this.”

I practically swallow my tongue, shooting a terrified look to Campbell. I thought they weren’t supposed to surprise me like this. She only shakes her head, giving me a thumbs up like she wants me to continue. Her look says this may be a positive development, and I do my best to school my features, but it’s almost impossible. I have to look horrified.

Is he going to really hijack my interview to make excuses? Derail this whole thing? I know he was mad, but this is really below the belt.

Suddenly, instead of the monitor projecting my face, it’s Paxton’s that fills half the screen with me. He’s standing outside somewhere, and it looks like he’s using his phone as a camera. It’s all shaky,Blair Witchstyle. What, is he Facetiming somebody on the show? This is getting too bizarre.

It’s also too painful, just seeing the way he looks on camera. My stupid heart swells at the sight of him, and now it’s impossible to deny the pain on his face. I’ve done everything I could to push him out of my mind, out of my heart, but it was obviously no use. I’m just as in love with him as I ever was, and I hate him for that. For the things he said to me last time I saw him.

“Mr. Briggs.” Leslie’s tone suggests she’s now speaking directly to the villain in this situation. She doesn’t hide her disdain, and it almost seems like she’s taking this whole thingas personally as I am. “Do you have any response to the claims being made by Hazel and the other workers who were fired?”

I realize I’m holding my breath, just as unsure of what his answer will be as anybody else watching.

“Ms. Hartman, thank you for taking the time to speak with me. And massive apologies to Miss Strous. I know this is unexpected.” His breath forms a cloud around his head. “However, instead of answering your question, I would like to make an announcement.”

“An announcement?”

Meanwhile, I’m digging my nails into my palms hard enough to hurt. He would pull something like this, trying to take the focus off the union and what we’re trying to do.

“Effective immediately, I’m resigning as CEO of Rapid due to internal disagreements with the board of directors and major shareholders and their intrusion into this situation.”

There are gasps from all over the room, including my own.

Only Leslie manages to contain herself. The expert journalist she is, immediately hits him with a follow up. “Exactly how have they intervened?”

“It was their decision to terminate all employees with a proven record of working to organize the warehouse. They threatened myself and my Chief Operating Officer with being removed from the company via a vote of the board if we refused to go along with their demands.”

I look over to Campbell, silently pleading with her with nothing but my look of shock.Son of a bitch, she mouths, shaking her head slowly. It’s the look of a person who knows they should have seen something coming but missed all the signs. It’s clear she believes him.

Me? I’m still not completely sold. I want to be—God knows I do—but he’s already hurt me enough. This can’t be some kind ofnew tactic, can it? My mind is totally a mess. I can’t even form a thought.

“Do you have direct proof that the employees were deliberately targeted for termination?” Leslie asks.

I could kiss her, I really could.

“As a matter of fact, I do. The board of directors brought in a team ofconsultants.” He uses air quotes with one hand when he says the word. “They specialize in crushing labor dissent. They conducted a formal presentation in my conference room, along with handouts outlining various tactics they planned to use.” Paxton holds up a separate phone. “My COO recorded it all, we have audio.” He holds up a sheaf of paper. “I have the documents in their company letterhead they gave us for their multipronged approach. I’m also in possession of the engagement letter our chairman carelessly allowed his name to be attached to. I’d be happy to provide you with all of this.”

It’s like a punch to the stomach. All the air leaves my lungs at once. This can’t be real. I must be dreaming. Is he actually doing this? And why? He’s going to lose everything.

It’s clear Leslie and I are thinking along the same lines. “Mr. Briggs, with all due respect, why would you do this? It’s going to sabotage your company’s stock price.”

“The stock price will recover. The company we built, that I know still exists within whatever we’ve become, has a strong foundation. I truly believe it will weather this storm, even without me. I thought about this decision for a long time, and ultimately, I love my employees and I believe this is what’s best for them.”

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