Page 15 of Wolfish Player
I don’t see Heather Barrett on the orientation list for tomorrow…
Because she wasn’t hired.
We just lost ANOTHER exec we have to replace.
Then tell Human Resources.
Why didn’t you hire Miss Barrett?
Personal reasons. Plus she owes us money. Seems counterintuitive.
Also, you AND Theresa are forbidden from signing off on any seven-figure deals without me from here on out.
Hire Miss Barrett, or I’ll quit.
You would never.
I can’t keep managing a short-staffed team and expecting to deliver high-level results.
Then hire more people.
You know what I realized this morning?
That I hate text messaging. Will you stop now?
I have enough paid time off to take the next six months off, and last time I checked I’m not replaceable.
Fine. I’ll hire her.
DO IT NOW.
THE AUTHOR
HEATHER
The following Monday
Thank you for attending orientation & welcome to Grey Wolf Publishing!
The banner still hangs over the balloon-decorated floor as I smooth my new employee badge and step into the elevator. When the doors slide open on the marble floor, I tuck a folder under my arm and grip the map, trying not to look as lost as I feel.
“Uh-uh, no!” A man in a rumpled button-down and scuffed loafers steps into my path. “Don’t go up there yet.”
“Why not?”
“I’m Liam from Editorial.” He shifts the folder from under my arm, flipping it open like it’s his. “You’re the new junior exec, right?”
“Um… yes.”
“Sorry to hear that.”
He uncaps a highlighter, dragging it across a few lines in my contract.
“Here’s the deal. Never go to the top floor on Monday mornings unless the Wolf summons you.”
“My office is on the main floor?—”
“Are you trying to survive or not?”
