Page 10 of Stick to the Plan
“One of our engineers believes he has created an extremely efficient solar generator. The cooling system even doubles as a water purifier. Runs one hundred percent off the grid. Initial prototypes look good, but it can still use some refining and testing.”
“Why bring this project to us? Why not keep the profits for yourself?”
“Fair question. Innovative Solutions may have top rate engineers, but we’re still a small company. To put it bluntly, we need C.A.E.’s resources and financial backing. And you need our ideas. This project is really a test run. Our CEO and yours have been discussing a merger for a while. I’m here to protect IS’s interests and report back to Dublin. You’ll take the lead on managing this project - it is obvious it will be safe in your hands. My job will be to ensure you have ever’ting you need from us. Does that sound alright?”
Brianna leans forward as I speak, intelligence flashing in her eyes as she takes in the situation. “Yes, sir.”
“Grand.” I break eye contact to check my watch. “It’s six already. Let’s call it a night and get some food. We’ll have an early call with Dublintomorrow to discuss the details, then we’ll select the local team. Why don’t you pack up and I’ll meet you at your desk in… twenty minutes?”
“Ok, I’ll be ready.” She gathers her things and heads to the door.
“Oh, and Brianna?”
She stops and turns back to me, long fingers holding the door handle. “Yes?”
“You are now the only person besides myself and the executive boards that knows the details of this project. I trust you to keep it that way.”
“Not even Mr. Stone?”
“Especially not Stone.”
Without breaking eye contact, she gives a slight nod and another ‘yes, sir’ before promptly leaving the office.
Chapter five
Strategic Spying
Rachel
Many sneer at the titlePersonal Assistant, but I know the true importance of my position.
Richard Stone is the senior director of all research and development.
Withouthim, there are no new products, no new profits.
And withoutme, Richard Stone gets nothing done.
The saying goesbehind every powerful man is a woman- and that is my plan. Currently, Stone is concerned about this McLeary guy, so I’m going to find out exactly why the delicious Irishman is here. And what made him tick.
I make my way to his office to invite him out for drinks - hopefully followed by breakfast in bed.
That bitch Brianna better not interrupt us again. I fluff my hair and check my cleavage and yellow miniskirt one last time. I don’t care if she has the best project stats on the team. That woman has ice in her veins and I don’t like her.
Raising my hand to knock on the closed office door, I pause as I hear muffled voices within. The thick door blocks most of the sound. Leaning my ear against the door, I can barely make out Colin’s voice as he tells Brianna to keep the details of their project from Richard. Brianna’s voice is much louder. She must be standing just on the other side.
The door handle turns. Anxiously glancing around, I dart into Richard’s empty office next door - thankfully the carpeting hides the sound of my heels. I flatten myself against the wall until I hear Brianna pass by, count to 100, and then slip back to my office to plan out how to use this information to my advantage.
Chapter six
Office Confrontations
Brianna
Icheck my watch for the 10th time as I walk down the office hallway. 7:45 AM. Perfect. Enough time for a quick stop in the ladies’ room before joining the 8 AM call with Dublin. I’ve already reviewed the notes from Colin on the various engineers and executives who will be on the call. I’ve got this.
As I review my mental notes one more time, I think back to yesterday, working so closely with Colin. When he’d first suggested staying in his office, the idea of sitting so close all day sharing a laptop screen had made me shudder.
The day had been surprisingly comfortable, though.
