I spent my morning reviewing past financial reports and verifying payments and approvals. Right before noon, a message popped up on my computer: Meeting with the Board. Attendance Required.
I guess it was time to meet the sharks.
I walked into the boardroom, my pumps giving me an elegant lift and rhythm to my steps. I needed to tell my mother-in-law 'thank you'. Richard's father, Mr. Numero, sat at the head of the table, exuding an air of authority. Richard was already seated next to him, and then there was Sam, beside Richard.
"Ah, Mrs Numero," Mr. Numero said warmly as I entered. "Take a seat." He gestured to the empty seat closest to him, leaving him flanked by his son and daughter-in-law. A picture of that moment would have been nice, I could feel his shoulders lift higher, a proud father.
The meeting began smoothly enough—updates on projects in expanding the transportation fraction, I gave an analysis of my understanding of the financial reports in the past year and assured the board that I would deliver mine with more comprehensive detail, plus the usual corporate chatter.
But then one of the directors, a balding man I had met when I was just introduced to the board in our first days of being engaged, cleared his throat.
"There's a matter we need to discuss," he said, adjusting his glasses. "Regarding Richard's recent decisions."
Richard raised an eyebrow. "What decisions, exactly?"
"Your decision to hire your wife as Chief Accountant," the director said bluntly. "It raises... questions. Cover-ups become easier."
Mr. Numero cut in. "MRS NUMERO was hired because she's qualified," he said firmly. "Her credentials speak for themselves. And if something were to happen to Richard, I'd feel confident knowing she's here to handle things."
It was subtle but I caught the panic and surprise in Sam's eyes after Mr Numero spoke. I had a bad feeling about Sam but I couldn't express my doubts because he was family and Richard's best friend.
The director didn't look convinced. "Still…"
"It is none of your concern. The hiring decision was not Richard's but mine. I have to think of the future of MY company. My son married a wife capable, where else would I look? In your homes?" Mr. Numero said, his tone allowing no argument.
The conversation shifted to other matters, but I could feel the tension in the room. Then the board suggested bringing in an external evaluator to monitor Richard's performance for the next two months, I could practically see his jaw clench.
As the meeting wrapped up, Sam moved closer to me and whispered. "Told you I could make your life a living hell,"
"I don't understand how it's my life you just made a living hell. If you are the one planting doubts in the minds of the directors just to get me into submission, I don't think you realize that the person you just hurt in there wasn't me but your supposed best friend," I said and walked away.
Back in my office, I stared at my computer screen, and I made my decision right then and there. I would work my ass off to show everyone I am deserving of this job. I was going to give them much more than they bargained for.
I dove into the company's accounts, reviewing reports and creating projections. Hours passed in a blur and before I knew it, it was dark already.
Richard popped his head into my office. "Is this going to be your new home?" he asked, leaning against the doorframe.
"Well, it turns out I have to prove my worth to the board," I said without looking up.
"You've got nothing to prove, Nita. I know you're intelligent. You should have seen my dad's face while you were droning on about our numbers. You have been here less than a day and you already know the numbers by heart. My dad loved you, that is a very impressive feat."
"Thank you,"
"Anytime," he said with a grin. "Come on, we will grab take out for dinner or order in. Which is it?"
"Take out. I like to see when my food is being served," I replied.
"Of course, you know what, I think you have a food fetish," he teased helping me pack my bags and closing the door behind me.
We teased and taunted each other as we got into the elevator forgetting that just a few hours ago, we were disagreeing on an intimate topic and he wouldn't spend time with me or look me in the eye.
When we got outside the building, with Richard in front to get the car door open; I felt the feel of cold, round metal against my neck. "Don't move,"
The icy chill of the gun at my neck made my heart go into overdrive, but I kept my breath steady as I whispered Richard's name. He heard and I saw him stiffen even before looking back at me. He knew, he could sense it. I had learned in the past that staying calm in the face of danger was the only reasonable cause of action. Panicking back then had gotten me nowhere, fighting back immediately would only aggravate him further. I had to wait for my chance.
Richard's face was that of anger and fear.
"Let her go, Damon" Richard growled.
Damon tightened his grip, the gun pressing harder against my skin. "Stay right there, Richard. One more step, and I won't hesitate."
"Damon, right," I began. "can I call you Damon?" I didn't wait for an answer. "I'm just going to call you Damon. I don't know your last name so Damon it is." Richard gave me a weird look like 'Are you crazy?' I signified with my finger to give me a second. "Do you even know what you're doing?" I asked, my voice steady. "What are you trying to prove?"
"What does it prove? It proves that the perfect little family you married into is not untouchable. My Rachel died because of you people! Because of the impossible standards and the constant judgment. And now you're going to die because my Rachel can never be replaced. Not on my watch."
Richard's jaw tightened, his eyes on fire. "You're blaming us for Rachel's death? She was my sister, do you think you loved her more than I do?"
"But you're replacing her with this," Damon spat and then motioned to me, the air from his breath on my face. "I wasn't good enough for Rachel and she died, I won't allow anyone to live for them,"
His bitterness and pain could be heard in his voice, and I felt sympathy, even though his reasoning made no sense to me. But maybe that's what grief does, drive you crazy.
"Listen to yourself," I said softly. "Rachel wouldn't have wanted this."
"Shut up! You didn't even know her!"
"But I do. I know how Richard misses her, I know how her mother carries the guilt of her death around. You're not avenging her; you're dishonoring her memory. She may not give a fuck about me but hurting Richard or their family through me, wherever she is right now, she will finally realize the monster that you really are,"