Edward stood in his old office. Five days had passed since the meeting at the home of Kenenstatsis. He surveyed the room. Not much has changed. A new chair or two but otherwise the same. The sun poured in through the large window. He took in a deep breath and walked to it. Main street stretched out below and his gaze followed it to its intersection with Toronto Street. Karen. Was she carrying my baby? A chill rippled up his back. The last thing she must have heard was metal hitting metal.
“Edward. Edward.”
“I’m sorry Jagdeep, my mind was elsewhere.”
“What do you think?” Jagdeep asked. “I’d sure like to have you aboard. Given all you have gone through, I understand your hesitation. Maybe a short-term contract, say six months? At the end of it you can walk if that’s what you decide to do.”
Edward peered over his shoulder at Jagdeep. “Six months sounds like a good starting point. Do you mind if I roam the grounds? Get my bearings, that sort of thing.”
Jagdeep glanced at his watch. “You’ve got three hours before your meeting with the Board of Directors. And quite honestly, Edward, I’d like to go over a few more things with you during lunch before that meeting.”
Edward returned his attention to looking out the window.
“Why don’t I send along my administrative assistant to accompany you. If anyone can keep you on a tight rein, it’s her,” Jagdeep said.
“Much appreciated,” Edward replied. “Should I wait here? I promise not to wander off.” He heard Jagdeep chuckle and turned. “What’s so funny?”
He covered his cellphone with his hand. “One moment, Edward,” and stepped away to the far corner of the room. “Leave them on my desk. I told you I’ll sign them. You’ll have them before lunch. Yes. I’ll stay until you arrive.” He hung up and put the phone in his pocket.
Pushy for someone who’s an admin assistant. If that’s really what she is. “Charlotte and Janet have something or other going on this evening,” he lied. “So, I’ll be bacheloring it. What do you say? Pub grub, drinks and a game of pool at the local hangout?”
“It’s tempting,” Jagdeep said.
“You’re not a married man, Jagdeep. Enjoy the freedom. Come on. How does the proverb go? All work and no play—”
“—Makes Jack, or should I say, Jagdeep, a dull boy. Okay. What time are you thinking?”
“I’m flex. You call it,” Edward replied.
“Seven?”
“Seven it is then.”
Jagdeep stepped away from the door. “Your escort has arrived. May I introduce—”
“—Lola Albright! You’re a sight for sore eyes. You haven’t changed a bit.” She registered a half smile. He crossed the room and shook her hand. You still remind me of the actress, Jill Marie Jones.
“I was pleased to hear that you and Charlotte married,” she said.
“Two years ago, in Ottawa,” he replied.
“You know each other then?” Jagdeep asked.
“She was John Elkhart’s administrative assistant. Oh. I forgot. Doesn’t matter. I’ll fill you in over supper.”
An hour later, Lola and Edward returned to his office.
“Throughout our stroll about you appeared preoccupied,” she said. “Is there something troubling you?”
“I don’t think it’s my place to comment.”
Her eyebrows raised. “Since when did that stop you? Out with it. If I don’t like what you’re saying, I’ll tell you in no uncertain terms. Deal?”
“Deal.” I sure as hell don’t want to offend her. Hmm. How best to start. “Let me go right to the heart it. Do you enjoy working here?”
“That’s it? That’s what’s been troubling you?”
“No. I overheard a conversation you had with Jagdeep earlier.”
“You did? What conversation?”
“When he phoned you from my office to set up this tour.”
Lola scratched her head. “If I look puzzled, Edward, I am. Anyway, you’ve got a luncheon date with Jagdeep in about five minutes.”
“So, it wasn’t you he was talking to on his cellphone?” Her tight-lipped expression told him not to pursue it any further. Then I wonder who Jagdeep was talking to. Maybe a few drinks tonight will ply it out of him.