Page 7 of Corporate Bondage

“I will be there,” I answered. “I just need to find myself a date.”

“Or don’t. Lots of single attractive women will be there that night.”

I chuckled. If only he had a clue. “Hmm. That’s a nice offer but I prefer bringing someone, preferably a friend.”

“You’re a very odd man, Eardley. I know they say you’re a wild one, but it wouldn’t hurt to settle down, you know. Have a few kids to leave all that legacy to.”

“All in good time, Bill.” I’d never thought about having kids nor being responsible for the wellbeing of another person. A kid didn’t deserve to have a fucked-up parent like me. There were enough of us in the world already. Raising another was not an option.

“Then back to the reason you’re calling.” He chuckled. “I know it’s not to hear my sweet melodious voice.”

“Ah, Bill. You never know.” I chuckled right along with him. “There’s a matter that I’d like to speak to you about. It’s quite serious. He goes by the name, Bryan Cummings.”

“Cummings, Cummings,” he repeated the name to himself. “Oh, you mean that Cummings I interviewed yesterday for the job as my new PA. What about him?”

“Well, he was a former employee here, and I had to fire him,” I answered.

“Hmm, we were about to call you to find out about his tenure there. He aced that interview like a champ. Knew his stuff and came prepared. He’s a poised and confident young man. I think he would be a great asset to the company.”

“If you’re into that sort of thing.”

“What do you mean, Eardley? Why do I have a feeling you’re going to ruin this young man for me?”

“Ah, it’s nothing if you don’t mind the sexual scandal,” I told him in a nonchalant tone. “I thought you should know exactly the behavior behind the person. He was fired for sexual misconduct with a male employee.”

“What? I thought he looked a little gay. Not that I have anything against gay people, but Fritz was fired from Human Resources when we were sued for sexual misconduct last year. The last thing I need is another lawsuit on my hands. Thanks for letting me know, Eardley. I appreciate it.”

“No problem, Ingram. Just looking out for one of our own.” I smiled, feeling better than I had all day. “Now about that charity event…”

I brought up the charity to show a little interest in what Ingram had to say. His wife Cynthia held a charity at Goshen Country Club every year to support disabled army vets and the families of those who died on active duty. It was the charity I donated the most to annually.

Ingram was the sort of man who, once he had your attention, could go on and on without stopping. I was relieved when the phone buzzed announcing another incoming call.

“Ingram, I’ve another call coming in,” I said, smoothly interrupting him. “We’ll catch up some time to discuss this charity again.”

“Sure thing, Eardley. See you around.”

I ended the call and answered the incoming one, noticing the extension.

“What is it, Lindsay?” I snapped into the phone. My euphoria at yanking that position right from beneath Bryan was short-lived.

“There’s a visitor here to see you, Mr. Eardley,” she answered, her voice sounding like she had been crying. Damn if I was going to have any compassion for her and keep her on because of tears.

“What’s the name?”

“Uh, I’m sorry Mr. Eardley. Just a minute please.” She muffled the phone but I could still hear her asking the visitor for his name. That was the first thing she should have done before calling me. Sweet mother of all was holy, did this woman know how to use her common senses?

“His name is Giovanni Arcuri.”

Though it was an interesting name, it didn’t ring a bell. “What does he want, Lindsay, and does he have an appointment?”

This time she didn’t bother to beg my pardon again but asked the man what he wanted.

“He doesn’t have an appointment sir, but he said it's something to do with a Bryan Cummings.”

My interest piqued. Who the hell wanted to see me about Bryan? “Send him in, Lindsay.”

I hung up and rocked back in my chair, eyes trained to the door as I anticipated who this Giovanni Arcuri was and what he wanted. Except for my friends, who I had to tell about Bryan, no one else knew about our intimate relationship. I doubted he would have reported me smacking him. He never did before, and it had happened weeks ago.

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