Page 8 of The Mastermind

“At a glance, how does it look? Do you have a list of people we eliminate?”

Howard raked a hand through his hair and sighed. “Are you sure you want to follow through with the same method?”

The question surprised me. Howard had never challenged why I did anything, especially when it came to new businesses.

“Nothing has changed, Howard. This business is just like any other business I’ve purchased. I’m shaking it up, letting the loose ones fall as I rebuild and sell it. Why do you ask?”

“No particular reason.” He shrugged and leaned back in his chair. “I’m just worried about you.”

“Worried about me?” I studied him with keenness. “Why?”

“I’ve worked with you for a long time, helping you build up Starke Global. I wonder if you’d ever consider revising your method. You know, do something different.”

“Why would I want something different? I have a formula that’s worked. Why change what’s proven successful?”

Howard sighed. “Outside of business, I consider you a friend, almost like a son. I just don’t want to see you unhappy.”

I snorted. “Howard, thank you for your concern, but I’m not unhappy.”

“But you’re not happy either.”

Christ.Why was he bringing all this up now?

“When did you get a psychology degree, Dr. Wilson? The next time I need your feedback on the ‘happy meter,’ I’ll make an appointment.” I slapped a hand on his back. “I’m not married, so I may not understand the kind of happiness you’re referring to, but I assure you, I’m fine.”

If anyone else had spoken to me like that, I’d fire them on the spot. No one questioned my decisions, but Howard was like a father who actually cared about me.

I took a swig of sparkling water and let it cool my throat. I knew what Howard was referring to. When I reorganized a business, I trimmed it down before selling, and some people lost their jobs. That was the nature of business.

Softness would make me weak, and weakness equaled defeat. Remington Starke had stopped feeling defeated a long time ago.

A successful business depended on diligent workers, which was why I needed to know about the employees of Lafayette. Weedingout the weak strengthened the company. That was logic—the weakest link had to go. It could take me a year or two to reorganize and sell it for a profit. In the meantime, I had to shape it into a successful company.

Howard looked up from the computer screen. “You also need to take a vacation. The last time you took one was a year ago.”

“I didn’t know you became my babysitter too.” Amused, I crossed my arms over my chest.

“Just saying you’re not a robot.” A smirk crept onto his face. “You’re human. You need to take time off, especially when your schedule is always full. No matter how strong you think you are, you need to stop and breathe. It’s a natural process. Take it from someone more experienced.”

“Exactly. A ‘full’ schedule means I don’t have time for vacations, Howard.” That wasn’t true. I could always move my schedule around, but I liked to keep busy. It made me feel in control. I held up a finger. “I took a week off last month, didn’t I?”

Howard cocked his head. “The week you flew to Los Angeles to attend a gaming convention to schmooze with gaming executives, politicians, and celebrities?”

“Not true,” I countered. “I met up with some friends too.” Aside from running Starke Global, I also had my hands in the gaming industry. That childhood dream would come to fruition soon enough. It was a joint project with Grayson, Royce, Forrest, and Arrow. If there was anything that helped me overcome those tough years, it was the dream of creating WaterFyre Rising, a video game that would soon take over the world.

“A bunch of damn workaholics,” Howard retorted. “Your brain is always wired and moving too fast. I think you need to take off a month or two to make sure your brain synapses function correctly.”

“Not workaholics.” I smirked. “Passionatemen with a vision.”

“Keep going at this rate and you’ll bepassionatelylying in the hospital.” Howard stopped typing and looked at me. “Look, all I’m trying to say is for you to take a breather. When I was your age, I worked my ass off. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other health issues still affect me. I recognize the trend, and I don’t want to see you go down that route. That’s all.”

“Are you saying I don’t give you enough time off?”

“That too.” He grinned. Howard didn’t work like me, but that was because he was married. He had someone waiting for him at home.

“After this deal is completed, take a few weeks off. Your team can do the rest,” I said.

“And you should too.”

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