Page 61 of The Director's Daughter

As Jerry paused and took a breath, Zach prepared himself, sensing his boss was about to make a profound statement.

“Zach,” he said, lowering his voice and stepping towards him, “you’re on my short list to fill John Stanley’s position. Get this thing with Emma right, and the job’s yours—assuming you want it. If that happens, it will resolve the issue with you and Emma. She’ll end up working for someone else.”

Stunned, Zach had to take a moment to process the incredible offer.

“Absolutely I want it, and thank you, Jerry. You can count on me.”

“Then it’s settled. Before you leave, did Emma say anything to you about Kurt? I know he interviewed her for several hours. That’s the report I received.”

“Say anything like what?” Zach asked, not sure where the conversation was going.

“Anything disparaging. Tell me everything she said.”

“He really pressed her to work for him, and he talked nonstop. It was so bad, she actually thought he might have been high.”

“Crap.”

“Jerry, can you tell me what this is about?”

“She told her father the same thing.”

“I’m sorry, Jerry, I don’t see the connection.”

“Zach, Kurt has a problem, a big one. I’ve suspected it for a while. On Friday I went into his office after hours and had a poke around. I found a vial of white powder taped to the back of a painting, and another one hidden behind some books. That’s why I had to let him go right away, but I can’t let it get out. Especially after all that drama with John Stanley. A drug addicted executive at Continental is the last thing I need.”

“Jerry, you may not want to hear this, but it’s not uncommon,” Zach said slowly. “Half the people in this town have some kind of alcohol or drug addiction. I seriously doubt anyone would care.”

“Having an executive doing drugs right under my nose? People will wonder why I didn’t spot it. No, it’s bad for business, very bad,” Jerry said sharply. “Emma has already mentioned this to her father. You have to make sure she doesn’t tell anyone else.”

“I’ll make it clear she’s not to share her suspicions.”

“I’d appreciate that. There is one other thing. She knows her father opened the door, but he wants her to think she got the job on her own merit.”

“But I’ve already told her she can’t work for me. She’s going to ask why I changed my mind. The thought of lying to her...”

“You’re in a difficult situation, and I’m sorry about that,” Jerry said, lowering his voice as he sat back down. “Find another reason, a real one, something that makes sense.”

“So, you’re saying tell her half the truth.”

“Yes, half the truth,” Jerry repeated gravely. “I’m sorry, Zach. Justin called in the chit. I must make the payment.”

“And that payment is Emma working for me, based on her merit?”

“Yep, I’m afraid so. Now let’s talk about Moonbeams.”

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