Page 1 of Bling

Chapter One

Twenty-six.

That’s how many people were about to lose their jobs at the hand of Garrett Oliver, and it was likely to be more than that if things continued the way they were going. Sitting in his downtown Philadelphia office, he felt like a bastard as he signed the paperwork making the layoffs official.

He couldn’t bring himself to read the individual names on the list, so he shut the folder with disgust and dropped it in his outbox for Regina to pick up later. Learning their names would just make it harder. His management team in Colorado had come up with the list, and it was up to them to handle the logistics of when to let everyone go.

Now, he turned his attention to the two familiar faces who sat on the other side of his desk.

“Thanks for coming. Having another pair of eyes on this makes me feel better. Not that I think you can do anything, I just need to make sure there isn’t anything I can do to save these people’s jobs.”

“I know this sounds harsh, Garrett, but twenty-six people isn’t that many in the grand scheme of things,” Elijah Barrett said, as he twirled the wedding ring on his finger.

Hunter Novak leaned forward, elbows on his knees, and gave Garrett a sympathetic smile. “He’s right. You employ thousands all across the country and around the world. The severance package you’re offering is more than generous. I still think we need to figure out how Maxitech Solutions got that government contract out from under you. Paul Andrews is one of your best friends. It seems odd that he would pass up the use of your fulfillment center in his own state.”

Garrett agreed but waved his hand. “You don’t need to get involved. I just needed someone else to look over my numbers and make sure there wasn’t a way to save more jobs. My people have been over it a dozen times, but with the unknowns of why that facility isn’t hitting quarterly goals like it used to, coupled with losing this contract, there doesn’t seem to be a way around it.” What he didn’t say is that it was already in the back of his mind to do a deep dive on Maxitech. There was definitely something off about how they swooped in on his deal at the last minute.

Hunter nodded. “I understand. Fresh eyes are a positive thing. I still say you need to insert yourself into the day-to-day operations in Colorado until you figure this out. My gut is screaming that you have someone leaking information, if not outright stealing from you.”

Garrett didn’t want to believe that, but when a company grew to the size his had grown, it was impossible to keep an eye on everyone at all times. He had fulfillment centers in eight states and fourteen cities along with shipping centers and manufacturing plants peppered across the country from a variety of companies he’d acquired. Shipping and e-commerce made up the bulk of his portfolio

Elijah cleared his throat. “You’ve dealt with some negative press in the past few years over your decision to take your entire operation private. Is there a chance someone is angry enough about that to try and sabotage you?”

Garrett shrugged. “I’m also on the president’s economic advisory panel. Plenty of people don’t like me. I just don’t know how any of them could get to me.”

“Didn’t you have a falling out with a brother or something?”

Garrett shook his head. “I wouldn’t call it a falling out. I got the company, he got five million dollars. There are days when I’m fairly sure he got the better end of that bargain.”

Both men chuckled. They were no strangers to the stress that came with owning multi-faceted companies.

Standing, Garrett moved to the bar along one wall and lifted a crystal decanter of his favorite scotch from a tray. After pouring three glasses, he motioned for the men to move to the sitting area where they could be more comfortable.

“I think you’re right about Colorado, Hunter. Can I get a long-term suite at the Glenview, or should I just use my room at Solitaire for a while? I can get an apartment, but the Glenview is easier until I know how long I’ll be there.”

Hunter flashed him a grin as he stood and stretched before making his way to the couch. He’d recently acquired the upscale hotel since many of the members of the BDSM club they all frequented used it. Club members got a discount, and he used some of the hotel’s profits to funnel resources to Solitaire. “I can get you the top floor suite.”

Garrett gave him a thumbs up as his eyes swept to Elijah, who had crouched on the floor at his desk.

“What did you find, Eli? The cleaning lady miss something?”

His friend was standing now, frowning as he read what looked like a business card.

“When did Grant Sterling give you his card?” he asked, turning it over in his hand.

Garrett frowned as he tried to remember. “That must have been three months ago, right before your wedding. I think he was hitting up a number of big companies. He’s trying to rebuild his PR firm from the ground up. Nicholas Sutton was his only client for several years because he was paid to be exclusive.”

Garrett shrugged and sipped his scotch. “I told him I already had a firm on retainer. Card must have fallen off my desk.”

Elijah tucked the card into his pocket. “That man still rubs me the wrong way. There’s something off about him.”

Hunter shoved his shoulder as he settled onto the couch. “You’re just pissed that he dated your wife before you did.”

Elijah scowled as Hunter chuckled around a sip of scotch. Garrett noticed that he didn’t deny the accusation, though.

“Now that you’ve listened to my troubles, what did you fellas want to talk to me about?”

Elijah gave a slow smile. “We want to exploit your political connections a bit.”

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