Page 99 of Savage Bosses

“Selene, before you do anything else, I’d like you to complete an audit for me.”

Selene cocked her head to the side, and smoothed the wrinkles from her dress.“An audit of what?”

“I need you to research potential materials for the Daufuskie library's construction - things like wood types, metal alloys and fabrics that are recommended for use in a public facility such as this one. In addition, I need you to create a detailed budget so that we can allocate funds appropriately for the project before you travel there next week. Can you do that?”

Selene knew they had accountants for that kind of work in Jamel Taylor’s office. Why was he pushing that busy work onto her?

She smiled, but closed her hands in an iron grip around the files she was now holding. “Of course Mr. Kaplan, I’ll have that to you right away.”

Then she paused and remembered something Abdel told her during their last visit. Daufuskie library should not be the first on the list.

“On second thought, shouldn’t I complete an audit for Palenque in Columbia first? Your father told me that it was first on the tour design list because of the inability to build during the rainy season. He also liked the irony of it being the very first recorded Free Black Town.”

Emir didn’t like being questioned and certainly didn't appreciate his father calling the shots from his sick bed, but he knew there was very little he could do about his behavior.

Selene on the other hand, he could handle, and she was not going to Columbia anytime soon.

“My father has his whims, but you can’t go to Palenque right now. I forbid it. They don’t want the library and are the most vocal about their opposition. It’s not safe for you to be there without me, and I need to do more negotiating with the World Bank before that happens.”

Selene crossed her arms and glared at Emir. He could practically see the indignation rolling off her.

“You can’t just forbid me from going to Palenque! This is my job and my project. Furthermore, I’m not your child. As a matter of fact, you’ve made it more than clear that I’m nothing more than a glorified assistant. You are not responsible for my safety,” she spat out.

Emir held his ground, determined to make Selene understand why it was important for her to start with Daufuskie Island, right here in America. He gently grabbed her shoulders. “Listen, I understand your frustration. But my father does not have the connection I have with the Palenque community, nor does he care to form one. I made it very clear to him that this project must be handled delicately, or else we risk losing the support of the community entirely. They don’t want to feel like something is being forced on them.”

Selene was tired of hearing about Palenque and their opposition to this library. “Emir, it's just a library, and it will be a beautiful state-of-the-art media center. What community wouldn’t want that?”

Emir shakes his head. “A community that’s been given one too many Trojan Horses. No gift from the World Bank or International Monetary Fund comes without strings. Each community that receives one of these libraries will have to give something in return one way or the other. Give them the opportunity to negotiate without us breathing down their necks.”

Selene had to admit that Emir had a point. She decided the best thing to do was to go and meet with representatives from Palenque and ask them what their conditions were for the library. Those negotiations were a part of her job description, and she could do that alone. She did not need nor want Emir’s bossy ass chaperoning.

“Fine, but I still don’t know why that should stop me from going there now. I can have those conversations without you.”

He chuckled. “No, you can’t. No one there will trust you, and no one will talk to you. You’d be hard-pressed to find a way into the community without me. They don’t trust outsiders.”

Selene remained unconvinced as she rolled her eyes. “And you’re an insider? Well, if they let you in, they'll definitely let me in. I’m way more likable.”

Emir frowned. “This is not a game Selene. You underestimate the issue.”

Selene poked her finger into Emir’s chest. He grabbed it and placed her hand over his thumping heart. She was so beautiful and fierce he could eat her whole and still never be satisfied.

She pressed against his chest slightly before pulling away.

“No sir, it’s you that continues to underestimate me.” Selene grabbed her Macbook and pocket projector before pushing past Emir and storming out of his office.

He slammed his fist on his desk and cursed his father.

“Linda,” he screamed into his desk phone. “Cancel everything on my calendar. I'm going to see Baba.

But I’m going to need a drink first.

Emir stepped into his father’s house four hours later, slightly buzzed, and immediately returned to happy memories. His mother always made their cavernous house a home, and he and Asha were her world. He missed her so much it hurt.

He climbed the stairs to his father’s room, which was recently turned into a state-of-the-art rehabilitation center. It was amazing what money and influence could do.

Emir ran into Asha on his way up, and she eyed him cautiously. “Ah Ah, what do you want with Baba. he doesn’t need any stress, and your face is scrunched up tight.”

Emir blew out a breath. “Sorry, it's just a lot on my mind. Baba keeps interfering at work, and it’s driving me crazy.”

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