Page 5 of Devil in a Tux

“With whom,” she corrected me. “All it says is Three Sisters Fund cancer charity and Alex B.

“Give me the org chart for this group, and I’ll pick a brain or two about what’s important before the meeting.”

She laughed. “Org chart? There are only two names on it. You and me.” I’ll get Ms. Shorter on the phone for you.” When that didn’t seem to click with me, she added, “Zoe Shorter had this office before you.”

Nodding, I went to my new desk. Not only had I been demoted, but I had no staff. Dad had outdone himself with this punishment.

I had to wait a half hour for Diane to connect me with the previous occupant of this office.

“Mr. McAllister,” Zoe said when the line connected.

“Evan, please. I know neither of us was expecting this, and I’m rather unprepared. In a nutshell, what does this office do for us?”

“I handled our coordination with community projects, such as the public library book drive, and I coordinated community service days like local park clean-ups, and the Arbor Day tree planting in Central Park.”

I’d seen flyers for things like these in the cafeteria downstairs, but never participated. “And this afternoon’s meeting is with a cancer charity. What’s that about?”

“We also handle the company’s charitable giving—things that will put our name in front of the community in positive light.”

“So,” I summarized, “we’re buying goodwill.”

She sighed. “That’s a rather jaded way of looking at it, but yes.” An announcement sounded in the background. “If there’s nothing else, I have to get to my flight.”

I attempted some humor. “Leaving town?”

“Yes. My new posting is in finance in the London office.”

I wasn’t a total ass, so I wished her luck in her new position before we hung up. With the time difference, I wasn’t going to be able to pick her brain very often, but it wouldn’t matter, I decided. I was Evan fucking McAllister, and I’d put my own stamp on this position.

Calling out to Diane’s desk, I tried to project strength. “The cancer charity on the schedule… See what you can find in the files about it.”

She came in with a slim file. “Already done.”

I took it from her.

Diane’s head cocked slightly. “How much do you plan on committing to giving them?”

“Nothing today. It’s just another negotiation. Never agree to anything at the first meeting. You know that. We’ll handle it just like any other.”

Martin chose that moment to knock on the door frame. “Hi.”

“I’ll be outside if you need me,” Diane said excusing herself.

Martin strode in and looked around. “You’re a bigger man than me, Evan, taking this demotion like you are.”

I waited to see where this was heading. “I’m the one who embarrassed us all.”

“I would have quit on the spot if my old man did this kind of thing to me.”

I shrugged. “Sometimes family demands sacrifices.”

He returned to the doorway. “Right. Can I call you if I have any questions about where things stand?”

“Sure. Any time.”

Diane was back at my door after he left. “Ready for those poison darts yet?”

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