Page 3 of Pulse
“Although the parachute analogy was rough,” Ford says, “I’m going to use it as a jumping-off point.”
“No pun intended,” Lincoln says.
“That doesn’t make sense, Lincoln,” I say.
“Yes, it does. He’s using the parachute as a jumping-off point. Like you’d jump out of a plane. Get it?”
I shake my head. “No. I don’t. But let’s move on.” I turn my attention back to Ford. “What are we jumping into?”
He shifts in his seat. Instinctively, I move in mine.
There isn’t a thing in the world that I wouldn’t do for Ford. I owe him everything—most of all, my loyalty. But I know him well enough to know when he’s about to say something he knows I won’t like.
Like now.
Ford clears his throat. “I’m sending Calvin to Los Angeles to handle the Clementine project.”
“What?”
“I know.” He sighs. “Don’t be mad.”
A slow chill snakes down my spine.Take a deep breath, Castelli.
“Don’t be mad? I’m not mad,” I say. “Because I know you’re going to tell me you have a new client that you need me to handle, and I’m fine with that. Not a problem.”
Lincoln frowns.
“You do have a choice.” Ford eyes me warily.
“Everybody has choices. Just like you have one right now.”
I stare at him, trying to cut through our professional relationship and hit him in thewe were friends in a combat zonefriendship. It might come across a little more aggressive than I intend. Lucky for Ford, or for me since heisthe boss, he doesn’t call me out on it.
“Let’s remember I don’t have a say in anything,” Lincoln says, holding his hands at his chest in defense. “I’m just here.”
I turn to him and lift a brow. “Whyareyou here exactly?”
“Moral support.”
“Moral support?” Ford asks. “I’m giving Troy a choice of assignments, not firing him. He doesn’t need your moral support.”
Lincoln scoffs. “You’re the one who said Troy was going to be pissed. Maybe I’m here to offeryoumoral support in case he decides to use his particular skill set to force your hand.”
Ford volleys back at him, getting a quick retort from Lincoln. I glance at my phone.
Dahlia: Are you coming to see me or not?
Dahlia: Theo came by to see me, and I don’t even work directly with him.
Dahlia: I’m glad someone likes me.
Dahlia: Maybe I’ll ask Becca if she wants to trade—you for Theo.
I chuckle under my breath, my fingers flying across the screen. I stop myself and read through the text before I hit send.Thank God.
Me: Tell Theo to go fuck himself and to stay out of your office.
I backspace over the words and exhale sharply, hoping my cheeks aren’t as flushed as I think they are.
