Betrayed Chapter 7

"So, uh, Mr. Nelson," I began.

"Lisa, please call me Rob," he interrupted. "This isn't office hours and 'Mr. Nelson' is way too formal for the occasion – and present company."

"Okay...Rob," I corrected myself. "I just wanted to express my personal pleasure in your choice of promoting my friend Angie. I know she deserves it and she will be a valuable asset to you and Mr... uh, Jim."

"Thank you, Lisa," Bob responded. "Angie's promotion is richly deserved. The men in the Major Trades Group give her rave reviews, particularly Lance Layton. Perhaps Angie has mentioned him to you? She thinks the world of him."

I stiffened – hopefully imperceptibly – at the mention of my alter ego, nodding my assent.

"Lance is the real reason we are celebrating tonight," Rob continued. "He really put us on the map today. He's the best of the best, and loyal to the core. Did you know he threatened to quit, and take his whole group with him, because some blue nose in Employee Relations got a bug up her ass about Angie's sartorial splendor? He was willing to piss away a six-figure income, plus stock options, for his secretary's honor. I wish all my people had that level of personal integrity. Jim and I have been wracking our brains all afternoon, trying to decide on a suitable reward. Angelina has even offered a suggestion or two, haven't you Angie?"

She smiled from behind pursed lips and nodded. Her eyes twinkled.

"From what I hear," Rob went on, "Angie is lucky to have a good friend like you. Your unselfish support of her career advancement is just one more indication of that. The truth is, she won't be working for us."

"She... won't?" I asked haltingly. "Then who will she be working for?"

"Our Executive Vice-President," Jim answered.

"Really?" I questioned with genuine confusion. "Angie never mentioned you had one. Who is it?"