The Memory Child Read Online Free PDF

with her.
    Brian felt sorry for Neil. The poor guy’s cheeks flamed, and he almost tripped going up the stairs. Walter was there to lend h im a hand.
    “Neil here is one of those guys who like to keep me on my toes. He’s always coming to me with new ideas, wanting to buy new equipment that will increase our productivity, and forcing me to slow down on my innovative dreaming. Apparently, what I want isn’t always available, and I need guys like Neil to keep me on the straight an d narrow.”
    Brian didn’t think Neil’s face could turn another shade of red, but it did right there. “Neil”—the audible slap from Walter to Neil’s back echoed through the microphone—“you’ve shown nothing but dedication to this company. You’ve proved to me over and over that you are a man I need to keep by my side. So it’s with that in mind that I’ve decided to make you head of our technical department! Congratulations!” Walter stepped back and thundered his hands together, the smile spread wide across his face. Brian stood up beside Diane to show their support.
    Neil stood there with a goofy grin on his face. “Ah, wow, ah…thank you.”
    “Now, just don’t be letting it go to your head. Remember, I’m still in charge of this company, and we can’t be installing all those newfangled pieces of equipment you want to requisition.” He winked at Neil.
    “Let’s talk on Monday.” Neil shrugged. Walter struggled with his words while Diane almost choked on her sip of water.
    Thunderous applause filled the room while Neil stepped off the podium. Brian shook the stunned m an’s hand.
    “You deserve it, man.”
    Neil pushed his glasses up. “It’s just a glorifi ed title.”
    Brian smiled sympathetically and moved off to the side for Diane. She hugged Neil, placing her lips close to his ear. Brian couldn’t make out what she said, but no doubt it was a threat coated with honey, if Neil’s slumped shoulders gave any indication. He knew how much Diane fought to keep Neil in Walter’s good graces. If Walter had his way, Neil would have been sent packing over a year ago, after Walter crashed their network and Neil yelled at him for his care lessness.
    “Diane, why don’t you come on up here,” Walter ca lled out.
    Brian grabbed his wife’s hand. A fragile look crossed her face.
    “I love you,” he whispered. There was a slight tremble to her lips before she blew him a kiss and headed toward the stage.
    What was going on? She’d been so excited about tonight. This was the night she’d worked so hard for—why did she seem hesitant? Whatever Walter had in store, he just hoped it wouldn’t put too much pressure on Diane.
    Once again applause filled the room as Diane took the stage. Brian puffed out his chest, proud to call the hot woman who commanded the room his wife.
    “This woman here is a cornerstone to our company. I may have known her since she was a teenager with a mind of her own, but I knew from that moment that she was someone special. Through thick and thin she’s been by my side as HK Solutions grew to become the company I knew it could be. I couldn’t trust anyone more than I trust this woman. And, folks, without Diane, we wouldn’t be where we are today. She’s not only the perfect business partner but also a dear friend and part of my family. She’s the daughter I never had but always wanted, and I’m very glad to have her by my side as we forge new grounds in the exciting world of creating software for the visually impaired t ogether.”
    “Aww. How sweet,” Neil muttered.
    “I am very proud to announce that”—there was a slight pause—“Diane Wright is no longer the vice president of HK Solutions, but is now the new CEO while I take on the role of chief operating officer!”
    A round of enthusiastic applause followed his anno uncement.
    “Did he just say what I thought he said?” N eil asked.
    Brian sat there in stunned silence before he jumped from his seat and clapped