For Her Protection(13)

All heads turned toward her. She needed to act. But first she’d have to stall. At least long enough to think of a better action than to leap forward, grab the remote and jam it up Frank’s closest orifice.

“Perhaps I’m mistaken but I would imagine that one-fifth of production costs must equate to some reduction in quality materials and workmanship?”

A series of voices rose back up and drowned out the end of her words. Charlize pressed her lips together and breathed heavily through her nose.

Frank raised his hand and silence fell again. “Now, Charlize, I understand your concern. The reality is we no longer have the luxury of remaining static in our production practices, we need to move forward.” He slid a folder across the slick glass surface of the conference table. “Time is a crucial factor. It’s all been thoroughly investigated. Our legal team has vetted and approved the contract. All you need to do is sign at the sticky tabs and you can save the company.”

Charlize gazed at the folder then up at the fifteen faces studying her—waiting to see what she’d do. She looked at Frank. “Well this is certainly a compelling analysis you’ve put together, Frank.”

A satisfied quiver twisted into his smile. “Why thank you, Charlize. So let’s not waste time.” He pulled a pen from inside his jacket and handed it to her.

Charlize glanced back across the sea of faces. Neville, who moments ago had been so vocal, now watched her silently. She frowned. As director of manufacturing operations, Neville would lose almost all his staff, his factories, maybe even his own position. Yet there he sat, offering not a word of protest…

“You know what amazes me the most about this report? How you were able to put together projections without access to financial reporting.”

Deep lines cut into Frank’s cheeks. “You’re mistaken. We have access to all financial reports.”

Charlize smiled. “Is that so? Because I have been completely unable to obtain correct or accurate reporting at all since assuming the role of CEO.” She snapped the folder closed. “So if you could simply provide me with the full information referenced in your analysis, I would be happy to look at it and then make a decision.”

The silence in the room changed to a symphony of squeaking chairs and clearing throats.

Frank’s gaze darkened. “I can assure you—”

“Can you? Because I have been assured many things by your department that have been forgotten or overlooked. So I can only imagine what has been overlooked in this contract. It would be remiss of me not to give it proper consideration.”

She saw the shift in Frank’s body and rose. “Thank you, everyone. This meeting is concluded.”

After a few moments of deep silence the room came back to life and people filed toward the doors. Charlize turned to Frank.

“Frank, I’d like you and Gregory to stay.” She nodded to Bob at the other end of the room.

Bob reached her side and she released a breath. She’d need him beside her to do this.

“Bob, would you call security please and have someone escort Gregory from the building.”

“What—?” Gregory rose from Frank’s side, a scarlet flush toning his neck.

Frank shot him a glance and Gregory fell back into his chair.

“Charlize, I’m not sure I understand what you are doing. What cause do you have to make such a request?”

Charlize arched an eyebrow. “It wasn’t a request. It was an instruction. Today I gave Gregory a final opportunity to provide me with information promised to me and he failed. This kind of incompetence won’t be tolerated. He’s fired, effective immediately.”

Gregory sprang forward, up out of his chair. “You little bitch. You can’t do this!”

Frank clasped Gregory’s arm. “We understand. Gregory, I’ll have your things packed for you.”

“What the fuck are you talking about, Frank? She can’t do this.”

Gregory tugged his arm but Frank held fast, blasting him a long look. Gregory stiffened and gazed at Bob for the briefest moment before he jerked his arm free then stormed toward the doors.

Frank adjusted his tie stiffly and he gazed at her through half-lowered lids. “You may be CEO but you might regret such impulsiveness.”

He turned and followed Gregory out the door.





Chapter Five




Charlize pushed down the handle of the back exit and shoved against the door with her hip. She barely had energy to haul her own ass out of the building, let alone the box of files in her arms. To top it off she had to lug it through the massive rear lot instead of to her usual spot in the underground parking garage.