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Game on

I lean across the table “I’m here to help you I’ll do exactly what I proue to me, and you can’t tell me how to think or feel”

“Then keep it to yourself Rule nuive you is proprietary inforree”

Sloan sounds either insane or naive, and I know she’s neither I’m sure she hopes I won’t spill Reservoir’s tea to Evan, but she must know better

I don’t agree, merely cross my arms over my chest “What else?”

“You’re here when I tell you You stay as late as I want You do what I say”

“Trust me You have ears and get down to business “Let me see your first-quarter financials To start, I need year-to-date revenue figures, expenses broken down by both department and initiative, and second-quarter projections Once I have the big picture, we’ll touch base and compare notes”

“I already compiled that information into a zip file I’ll email it to you”

I reach for the laptop in my briefcase “Send it to—”

“Your Stratus eht you The one that’s not going home with you It’s loaded with all the software you should need, but if you find anything , let me know I’ll take care of it”

I shouldn’t be surprised she’s thinking ahead

With a tight smile, I settle my machine back into the case as she slides a shiny new laptop across the table at me “I assume I’m allowed to drink coffee?”

She sendsstare “Make yourself a cup Out the door, alcove on the right”

“Want any?” I ask as I get to my feet

“That stuff is like tar mixed with battery acid I’ll stick ater”