Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 79328 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79328 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
“As I said, he’s out of the office today.”
Ellen’s tone had turned glacial, and a bad feeling settled in my stomach. I was being brushed off. Before I could ask for an alternate number, I caught fragments of conversation bleeding through from her end of the line.
“I’m telling you, Harry, it’s worth the drive to Farmingdale to play at Bethpage Black,” a man said.
“You know I prefer the driving range at my country club,” another male voice replied.
My grip tightened on the phone. “Is that Mr. Frazier I hear? Has he returned to the office?”
“No.” The word came out sharp, almost defensive. “Good day, Ms. Seager.”
The line went dead. I stared at the phone in my hand, disbelief giving way to irritation. What the hell?
It was obvious now. Frazier was avoiding Simon. Why else would he ignore my message and have his assistant lie about his whereabouts?
Remembering Simon’s earlier impatience with me about getting this meeting scheduled, frustration coiled in my chest. This should have been a simple and straightforward task. Instead, I was being stonewalled, and I refused to let that define my first day. I was going to get this meeting on the books. Today, if possible. I refused to let one stubborn scheduling conflict become my first failure on the job.
I pulled up everything the system had on Harry Frazier and his company, scanning through the files until I found the most recent financial report. It only took a moment to identify the problem.
The company had experienced a significant dip in profits last quarter. According to the contract Simon and Liam had signed, they owned a portion of the company but would only see returns if its valuation increased. Until recently, growth had been steady, but that downturn changed things. The company wasn’t in serious trouble yet, but the CFO would still need to answer for the decline.
No wonder Frazier was dodging the call. The conversation he was avoiding with Simon probably wouldn’t be a pleasant one.
Too bad. It was my job to make it happen anyway. I needed a different approach. Something creative.
Navigating to the company’s website, I clicked through to the About section and scanned the management bios. It took only seconds to spot another Frazier—a woman named Melissa, listed as an executive.
Not a common surname, so it was unlikely to be coincidence and she was most likely related. A quick search on social media confirmed my suspicion. Melissa Frazier was Harry’s wife.
I didn’t love the idea of going around Ellen to reach her boss, but desperate times called for creative measures. I noted Melissa’s extension from the company directory and placed another call.
A different woman answered. “Hello, this is Melissa Frazier’s office.”
“I’m sorry—did you say Melissa Frazier?” I let just the right amount of confusion color my voice. “Oh, I apologize. I must have written down the wrong extension. I was trying to reach Harry Frazier.”
“That’s a perfectly understandable mistake. Their names are right next to each other in the directory. Melissa is Harry’s wife.”
“Is there any way I could be transferred to him? I’m Raina Seager, calling on behalf of Simon Powers. It’s rather important that I speak with Mr. Frazier directly.”
I hoped dropping Simon’s name would carry weight. The man had invested millions in this company.
“Oh, yes. I can help with that. I’m sure he’s in his office. Would you like me to transfer you directly?”
This time, my smile was genuine. “I’d like that very much.”
“Please hold.”
A click, a brief silence, then ringing before the call picked up.
“Harry Frazier.” He sounded confused, as if he couldn’t fathom why a call had bypassed his assistant. “Can I help you?”
“Mr. Frazier, this is Raina Seager from Simon Powers’ office.” I kept my voice pleasant but let a slight edge creep in. “I’m so glad I was able to catch you at the office.”
Silence stretched for a beat too long. He’d caught the implication. Good. I wanted him to know I was fully aware his assistant had lied about his availability.
“Um… yes, Ms. Seager. I actually just returned and was planning to call you back.”
Liar. “Well, I’ve saved you the trouble. I’m sure you’re a busy man, so I won’t take much of your time. I simply need to get a meeting scheduled between you and Mr. Powers.”
Another pause. I waited, curious how he’d handle this. Would he double down on his lie? Manufacture some excuse for why a meeting was impossible?
It didn’t matter. I was getting this done, and he was about to learn I didn’t give up easily.
“This call was transferred from within the building,” Mr. Frazier said, suspicion sharpening his tone even as he tried to deflect. “Who connected you?”
Ah. He was annoyed I’d found a way around his gatekeeper. “Does that really matter? What’s important is that we conduct our business. Mr. Powers wants to meet with you.”