The Reunion Read Online Free PDF Page B

the wrong impression about the meeting.  This was to be an informal recognition and appreciation for a job well done."  He turned his attention to her directly. "And to offer you the position as lead in the project as you originally proposed.”
    “Months before some would have even begun to identify the vulnerabilities in the national network, not to mention the international network.”  Marshall interjected. 
    “Hamilton and Sanchez have already submitted the materials that were originally submitted to corporate and some of the enhancements you’ve done to their networks.  Marshall and Cummins have reviewed and evaluated the materials and found that the original concept and plan you submitted was more thorough and stronger than the one submitted by the former project analyst.  Therefore the consultants requested that they work with you on creating a new plan and schedule, then use our in house people to implement.”
    “Thank you.”  Em said quietly.  “I’m sorry I misinterpreted the attention to my work as something negative.”
    “I would suggest that since we have all parties present that we add the overseas sites.  We can work on a new proposal which would include them in the implementation.  We can hammer out the details immediately and I will present the findings to the board for approval and scheduling.”  He took a paper from his folder and spun it in her direction and in front on her.  “I’m here to offer you a promotion to Senior Analyst and lead in the planning and implementation of the project.”  He looked at Cummins and Marshall.  “I believe we should have this wrapped up Friday, Saturday at the latest.”  Em stiffened, Curtis immediately grabbed her hand under the table and shook his head.  Brockton noticed the surprise and was it distressed? reaction of the parties to his left.  The three seem to be otherwise occupied at the end of the week.  His curiosity was getting the better of him.  “If that would be convenient?” with just the slightest hint of sarcasm in his voice.
    “Sure.  We can do it by Friday.”  Hamilton assured them and pulled Em’s chair out as Curtis started pulling her to the door.  “Marshall, Cummins.  I have some offices set up that you can use while you’re here.”
    “Hamilton, Sanchez, I'll see you at lunch?”
    “Of course.”  Ham recovered quickly.  “We’ll be up around eleven thirty.”
    “Fine.”  Charles Brockton was known to have a good business sense and strong work ethic.  He’d been a part of Brockton officially since graduating from college and worked in several divisions before taking his position on the board.  He began to leave the office and noticed the contract was still sitting on the table.  He picked it up and started down the hall to where her office was at the far end of the floor.  He saw her leaning up against the wall with Sanchez leaning toward her and her hands up as of to ward him off.  He looked intent but he didn’t look to be intimidating the woman.  His moving toward them caught their attention and they both straightened and looked like a couple of guilty kids.  This was a funny group.  He didn’t remember seeing these kinds of dynamics since grade school.
    “Ms. Connally.  You left the contract.”  Brockton handed her the paper.  She blushed and took it.
    “Thank you.”
    “Is there a problem?”
    “No.” Sanchez said as Em said "Yes." She contradicted him then they looked at each other and laughed.
    “Sorry.  I’m his problem.  It’s an inside joke.”  She explained with a smile.  She looked different when she smiled.  He just realized this was the first time she'd relaxed and he'd seen her real smile.  “Thank you Mr. Brockton.”
    “Ms. Connally, Sanchez.”  As he turned around Hamilton came around the corner, spotted Brockton and turned another direction.  Another guilty child.  He stifled a grin and went back to the tenth floor.

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    “Janice.  How long