The One

I hear my mom’s voice, but I can’t make out the words. I just stand there, desperately trying to push the image of the photo away and stop the clutching in my chest and the pit that is growing in my stomach.

My phone is ringing. I feel like I’m moving in slow motion, but I turn to see it’s Lance Goode, the CEO of the new company I work for, and I have to take it. I can’t ignore him, not when I’m supposed to be working, so I grab the phone and put a finger to my lips for my mom to be quiet.

“Hello?” My voice is quivering, but I try to force it to stay even. I don’t need him to know about my personal life.

“Hi. Issi, it’s Lance.”

“Hey, Lance. I’m sitting here working the last bit on the—”

“Issi, it’s not about the project.” His voice is stern, and he never calls. And never on a Sunday.

“What’s going on?”

“I hate to do this. I don’t like messes, Issi. Do you know a Van Welch?”

I’m freezing and hot at the same time.

“Yes. Why?”

“Are you involved with him?”

“What is this about?”

“I’m going to be brief and clear, Issi. We have a new merger we are representing with Goshen Drilling, the biggest well driller in the U.S. and TransGen, a multi-national corporation that supports all aspects of the oil industry. We got some information, about you and Van Welch. His company is currently up shit creek with the EPA, and that’s going to be a potential problem, Issi. A big problem. And I don’t like big problems. I like business, and I don’t even want to know you have a personal life let alone let it interfere with my business. Are you following?”

Ice flows through my veins.

“I think so.”

“Take care of it, Issi. I’m not going to risk this new venture or my relationship with Congressman Ashby. He brought me the information about you and Mr. Welch. He’s got no influence, his company is nothing compared to our clients, but the mess he’s involved with and you being involved with him will have blowback on my company. That’s not acceptable.”

“Are you saying you’re going to fire me?” Nothing feels real. I’ve worked my entire life for this. My job is my world.

Was my world.

“I don’t want to, Issi. We recruited you for your skills. They are, and you are, an asset. But you are a liability if you are associated with someone that would hurt our venture. Distance yourself or send me your resignation. If you do neither, I’ll do it for you.”

He hangs up, and before I can stop it, I’m telling my mom what just happened.

“Honey, some things just aren’t meant to be. Remember, I told you, stay on your track. You were doing so well. This is a sign.” She points to the open laptop. Then my phone. “And that’s a brick to the forehead. You’re going to be fine. You’ve only just met him. Get out now and save yourself. Go back to the Issi that makes smart decisions. She’s never steered you wrong.”

She walks over and picks up my phone and hands it to me.

My fingers are shaking as I take it from her. Finding another job at this level could take a year. Or more. I just bought this house. I could lose everything.

Including my reputation. And my self-respect.

“End it now. Don’t wait. Don’t ruin your life.”

Seventeen

Van

“THAT SON OF A BITCH is behind it, Henry. I know it, and you know it, and as soon as you get me the proof I need, I’m going to shove my foot so far up his ass I’ll kick his teeth out.”

George pants and looks out the window of the truck. She knows the drive to the airport well, and she’s excited to go see Issi.

“Well, sure, it’s got to be someone up the food chain, and all the signs are pointing to the congressman. And, truth is, you’re not one to make a lot of enemies, at least not in the past. But actual proof, something you could take to court, might be difficult to come by. I’ve got the investigators I hired on it, looking for anything we can use, even if it’s not strictly legal. Trust me, if there’s something to be found, they’ll find it. They have connections, but it’s going to cost you. I told you their fee—”

“I said I’d pay. Just figure it out. I need my life back in order. I have other shit going on that for the first time in my life is more important than work, and this shit is keeping me from it.”

Henry’s deep chuckle comes through first. “More important than work?” He coughs. “Did Van Welch just say something was more important than work?”

“Yeah. Surprises the hell out of me as well. Okay, I gotta go. Email me, I’ll be in flight in the next hour. I want to know anything and everything they come up with.”