After Hours Read Online Free PDF Page A

you fully understand that....” He took several moments to catch his breath. “You’re just pathetic. Cut the costs on the holiday party and the bonuses.”
    Curtis bit his cheek and silently counted to ten. Even though he never attended the holiday party, he knew that was one event many of the employees at headquarters looked forward to. “It helps morale.” Curtis knew that news of Valdan closing at the end of the month would affect people at headquarters and he wanted to show them that business was still good.
    “I don't care.”
    “We’ve got a good team.”
    “And you’re afraid of losing them?” He shook his head. “Rats will feed on whatever you give them. Let them quit, if they want to. If you worry about them, then they own you. If you care, they can manipulate you. Do I have to remind you of this every year? I don’t care what they do. People can quit. But where will they go in this economy? With what we’re paying? I’d like to see them try. You’re job is to do what I say. You're just my puppet, don't start getting strange ideas that you matter around here. No one would miss you. I'll be missed. My blood is on every item, every brick. Bishop Enterprises bears my name. You’re only standing there because of me. I gave you life and I gave you a purpose. You owe me.”
    “It costs more money to retrain key people. In the long run, the party keeps our profits high by reminding people who to be loyal to.”
    Bishop Senior narrowed his eyes. “Are you saying you’re determined to give the rats their little piece of cheese?”
    “Yes.”
    He shrugged. “Fine. You win this round. Have you spoken to your mother?”
    Curtis hesitated, startled by the change of topic. “No.”
    “Do you plan to?”
    “No.”
    “Her son is married with a kid. You know I don’t like to be outdone. You’re getting rid of your assistant and getting a wife. I want an heir. Make it happen.”
    ***
    He wasn’t getting rid of Amera, Curtis silently vowed as he left his father’s bedroom and walked down the stairs of the elaborate mansion he’d grown up in. If his father wanted him to have a wife, he’d get one, but his work life was his. He shoved his hands in his pockets, not fully understanding why his father’s demand made him so angry. It shouldn’t. He’d gotten rid of assistants before. But he’d done the firing. The sight of the pink slip in Amera’s hand infuriated him. It made the action feel personal. He should have told him first. It was the principle of the thing. But that conclusion still didn’t satisfy him. There was something else that bothered him, he just didn’t know what.
    Curtis silently swore, passing by the household staff who went out of their way to shift their gaze away from him when he walked past. Only his footsteps could be heard on the marble tile, they’d learned to move about like ghosts, being as unobtrusive as possible. He didn’t know their names or faces and didn’t care to. The dark paneled walls had the same solemn sheen of a house that absorbed sunlight, casting everything in shadow, no matter how bright the day. Curtis walked out the front door, briefly shielding his eyes against the sun. The cold, crisp day swept a blanket of blue across the sky. It probably wouldn’t snow until the New Year.
    “Where to?” his driver asked, holding the door open.
    Curtis got into the backseat, for a moment wishing he had Em to plan his schedule. Had he become too dependent on her? He touched his sore jaw. Maybe it was good for his father to slap some sense into him. He had to remain focused. It was time for him to marry and start a family to continue the bloodline.
    “Sir?”
    He glanced up at the driver annoyed. “What?”
    “Where to?”
    He sighed and let his hand fall. “Just drive, I don’t care,” he said feeling lost.
    ***
    Amera sat at her desk and drummed her fingers, trying to formulate the best way to get back at Curtis. Closing the factory was bad enough, then