Page 4 of Out of the Shadows
DANIEL
My office door closes, and I slump back into my chair. Just a couple of days after William introduced me, it’s my first day at the Kingsbury Group where I’m Director of Vision. It is, frankly, a ridiculous title, but William was keen and there’s no doubting vision is what he’s got for Cleaver Jackson. Whatever moniker he wants, my role is to get this sinking ship not just to float, but sail full steam ahead.
I push my glasses to the top of my head and rub my dry and gritty eyes. It’s been a long day but a productive one, meeting the team members I’m going to lead, one on one. William was right, there is talent but it needs direction. Or there’s mostly talent…
As soon as I could get away after William had introduced me, I’d read through Cosmo’s CV with an eagle eye. It was no surprise he was the last man I’d expected to see. Somewhere along the line Cosmo Campion became Cosmo Stern. In his otherwise impressive CV, there’s no mention of his short lived stint working for me. A deleted job and a new name, he’s reinvented himself.
Why did he decide to join Cleaver Jackson, and just six months ago? A firm on the rocks, and for less money than he was earning before. It doesn’t make a lot of sense, but I’ll find out soon enough — although not yet, because I’m making him wait until last. Yes, I’m making him sweat but if I’m honest with myself I want to put off the moment when it’s just us. And that irritates, annoys and surprises me. There’s no reason why a man I fired, and deservedly so, five years ago should be responsible for the apprehension tingling deep in my gut.
“Screw it, just get it out the way,” I admonish myself before I glance at my watch, surprised to find it’s 6.45pm. My PA will be long gone.
I rub at my eyes again and yawn long and loud. I’m tired and the thought of a long, hot shower followed by a cold beer wraps itself around me and holds on tight.
Cosmo Stern, I decide, can wait and sweat it out until tomorrow.
I’m about to power down my computer when there’s a decisive tap on the door and I hardly have time to say come in before it opens.
“Mr. Russo.” Cosmo’s face is expressionless but his eyes meet mine without flinching. “Are you ready to see me now or would you rather reschedule?”
He’s caught me on the hop, and he doesn’t much look like he’s been left to sweat. I won’t give him the satisfaction on knowing he’s caught me unawares.
“No, we’ll meet now. Come in and take a seat.”
Cosmo gives me a sharp nod and does as he’s bid. His face is serious, almost solemn, but once again as his eyes meet mine they don’t waver. They’re confident eyes, and steady, telling me he’s sure about himself. I’m impressed even though I don’t want to be. Just about everybody I’ve met today has been either nervous or overly eager to please. I can understand, because I know my reputation and if some have a reason to be nervous they’re going to find out very quickly I don’t suffer fools, and incompetence, gladly.
But I don’t see a flicker of trepidation in Cosmo’s eyes. Cosmo’s very green, large eyes. I’d forgotten how captivating they are.
He coughs and it makes me realise I’m staring. Cosmo’s head is slightly tilted to the side and although his expression is still bland the corner of his mouth twitches and his eyes narrow very, very slightly. I’ve been caught on the back foot again, the second time in just seconds, and I don’t like it. I don’t like it one bit.
“I’ve read through your CV. It’s impressive for somebody of your age.”
Straight in, no padding with idle, meaningless chit-chat. The words maybe stripped down to the bone, but it’s still praise, and praise he’s not expecting. Those large eyes of his grow larger and I resist the urge to smirk. Now, I’ve surprised him, and puthimon the back foot.
I lean forward, and rest my forearms on the desk and smile, lowering my voice as if for a confidence. I keep my gaze locked to his. He opens his mouth ready to speak but I cut across him with the razor sharp tip of a stiletto blade.
“But how can I trust a word it says?”
His shoulders twitch, just a fraction.Good.
“I don’t understand.”
“Then let me explain. Your name, for one thing. When did Campion become Stern, and why?”
If I expect even a hint of awkwardness, I’m disappointed.
“A couple of years ago, I switched from my father’s name to my mother’s former surname. As to the why, strictly speaking that’s personal and nobody’s business but my own.”
His eyes stay focused on mine.Strictly, he’s right. I don’t expect him to elaborate, but he surprises me.
“My father is not what you might call a role model. My parents divorced some years ago. Since then he’s shown no interest in me, and I have none in him, including bearing his name.”
He says nothing further. I don’t dig because I have no option but to concede it’s his affair and not mine, but what is my affair is his work history.
“Why is there no mention of your time at Russo Wealth Management?”And the screw up which almost dragged the name of my company and my reputation through the mud.
He takes his time to answer. I may have knocked him off centre, but he’s recovering fast and even though I don’t want to be, I’m impressed. He tilts his chin upwards before he answers. Cocksure and confident as ever, the twenty-two-year-old is still there, disguised as the twenty-seven-year-old sitting in front of me.
“Because I worked for you for only a handful of months. Weeks, really. My first job in the industry, and I wasn’t prepared to let a rookie oversight blight the rest of my career.”
