Page 3 of Degrees of Innocence
CHAPTER TWO
I fire up my Macand curl into the oversized reading chair, but before I have finished signing on the swooshing sound of an incoming text alerts me to a message from my best friend, Jenny. She owns Torzial, the consulting firm I work for, but has become my best friend over the years.
Message:I hope you are relaxing!
Reply:Until a guy collapsed… Ended up giving CPR- I’m still decompressing.
Jenny’s ring tone is almost immediate, and I hit the button for FaceTime. “What the hell happened, Kate? You’re supposed to be relaxing.”
“I was having a drink and trying to do just that. All of a sudden the guy next to me collapsed. There was no one around, so I had to start CPR until Chase arrived. I didn’t even think I remembered how to do it. Thank goodness it came back to me.”
“I can’t even imagine. Is the guy okay?”
“As far as I know he is. We were able to keep him alive until the paramedics arrived, and they were able to get a pulse. They hooked him up to oxygen and were taking him to the hospital the last time we saw him,” I say.
“Unreal. Who’s Chase, the doctor?” Jenny asks.
“No, he’s just a guy who’s staying at the resort. He came into the bar and took over compressions. Good thing, too, my arms were just about to give out. He took pity on me afterward. Bought me dinner and walked me back to my room.” She is my dearest friend, offering me my first job at Torzial after high school and allowing me flexibility in hours as I worked my way through college. It feels comforting to talk for a while longer before reassuring her that I am okay.
I sign into my Outlook account, scanning the multitude of emails which have accumulated since I left Chicago, before settling in to read about the progress which has been made on the land contract for the medical facility. I send a response to the attorney and am just starting to peruse another when an incoming message catches my attention. I have to read it twice. I can’t believe the owner of Prestian Corp is emailing me, personally.
***
From:[email protected]
Good evening,
I don’t think your contract includes working all hours of the night. While I appreciate your dedication, you should be relaxing for the long week ahead.
C. H. Prestian
Chief Executive Officer, Owner
Prestian Corporation
***
From:[email protected]
Dear Mr. Prestian,
I appreciate your firm allowing me to arrive ahead of the team. The resort is beautiful, and I’m sure they will enjoy the luxurious setting. I do have a little more online work to ensure the week is a success.
Thanks,
Kate
Kate Meilers
Project Consultant
Torzial Consulting Firm
***
