Page 82 of Due Dilligence (Takeover)
Hopefully that would be enough.
Eli took only himself and a notepad, while Fazil grabbed his laptop. He had a game plan for the next week, and if things went well, they’d nail everything they needed. He’d clean up loose ends remotely.
The other conference room was stuffed with more than the senior management. Eli straightened to his full height and the hairs on Fazil’s neck rose.
Ryan was there, along with Stephen. So were Nathan and Todd and two of the folks from QA. Todd didn’t look apprehensive. Fazil focused on that and calmed his pulse down. Nathan was an asshole but still a team lead.
They both settled into their seats. Eli’s smile was professional, even with the edge to it. “I suppose you’ve all heard about Fazil’s extension. He has a plan for the rest of the week.”
Nice of Eli to throw him to the wolves first. He cleared his throat, faced Stephen and the other engineering staff, and dove right in.
Stephen had a few questions, but the plan seemed to make sense to him, judging from his nods. The QA folk were on board.
“Shouldn’t be a problem,” Todd said.
A snort from Nathan. “Of course not. It’s your old chum.”
Todd shrugged.
Before Fazil could mouth off a reply, Eli spoke. “All finished?”
“Yup, that’s it from me.” Shutting up was a better plan than taking badly laid bait.
Eli launched into a recap of his own work and what was left, which were a few outstanding pieces. “The financial paperwork is just about in order,” Eli said. “I hope going forward you’ll keep more... regular... records. There are some corners that can’t be cut.”
Ryan glowered at that, his face both pale and red. “I saved the company money.”
“You nearly sank any chance Singularity has of being acquired.” Eli leaned forward, one hand on the table. “And where, exactly, did the money you saved go?”
“You little fuck, are you—”
“Ryan.” Stephen’s voice was sharp. “Enough.”
“I believe I’m done here.” Eli rose from his chair, his hand wrapped around the shaft of his cane. He tucked the notepad under his arm. “It’s your bottom line, Mr. Kendall. You might not be interested in that, but your investors are.” He headed for the conference room door.
“It’s all penny-pinching to you, isn’t it?” Ryan said. “Typical. Just what I’d expect from a Jew.”
The room fell silent on an intake of breath from more than one person. Eli’s shaking hand hovered over the doorknob. He’d gone pale—almost gray.
Fazil’s heart rammed against his ribs, his body frozen in that ticking of time.
Eli curled his hand into a fist before letting it fall to his side, and when he turned, his expression was almost neutral.
Almost. Fury peeked out from under the impassive stare. Fazil had never seen Eli so angry or so calm. Both were terrifying. He couldn’t catch a breath.
“Thank you,” Eli said in a quiet, controlled voice. “You’ve made my job much easier.” He turned, opened the door, and strode from the room.
Fazil glanced at Todd. His face was bloodless as well, mouth open and eyes wide and focused on the spot where Eli had stood.
Nathan glared at Fazil, his contempt obvious. Then he turned that same sneer on Todd.
Shit. Last thing he wanted was for Todd to be in the crosshairs. Fazil knew too well howthatwent down. “If you’ll excuse me.” He rose and hurried after Eli, but not before he caught the words chasing at his back.
“Didn’t think the camel jockey would take a Jew’s side.” That from Ryan. Fazil cringed and his back felt like fire.
Todd’s voice rose. “You arrogant...” Then the door closed and he was out of earshot.
Eli strode down the hall at a clip, despite his limp, and Fazil had to jog to catch up. No sign from Eli that he registered Fazil’s presence, even when they entered their conference room. Eli took a few steps and stopped, his hand gripped so tight around the shaft of his cane his knuckles looked unreal. His entire frame trembled. He whipped out his arm, and the cane arched across the room, striking the far wall in a shotgun of clattering before falling to the ground.
