Page 84 of Due Dilligence (Takeover)
“It’s not that simple.”
“It’s exactly that simple.” Eli looked away. “Excuse me, I need to call my boss and make arrangements to head home.”
“Mr. Ovadia...”
Eli shook his head.
“What is it with that guy?”
Both of the executives turned and looked at Fazil. “There has to be some reason you’re not canning him on the spot. If he were anyone else, he’d be standing outside with a box full of his shit right now.”
There was the crack. Sandra rubbed her forehead. “He’s related to the chairman.”
Eli let out a long exhale.
She continued. “Apparently he’s a ‘good guy who just gets in over his head.’”
“He’s over his head because he’s sinking the company.” Eli stood and hobbled over to the far wall to retrieve his cane. “He’s also anti-Semitic, and I can’t believe I’m the only Jewish person in your office.” He folded his hands overtop the silver handle. Armor, Fazil realized. “You have an HR situation on your hands.”
She twisted her face. “Believe me, I know. If I could, I’d fire him,” she said. “But my hands are tied.”
“Maybe Sam can help untie them.” Eli’s voice held less hostility. “I’m being truthful. No company will touch this one if Ryan stays and puts on that kind of act for them.” He waved his hand at the door.
“They say Sam’s a miracle worker.” Bitterness in her voice.
Eli almost looked sympathetic. “I have one request.”
“Anything.”
“Keep that fucking piece of shit away from me.”
She blanched but nodded. “I’ll do what I can.” She glanced at Fazil. “For both of you.”
When the door clicked shut after her departure, Eli took his seat again. “That fucking jagoff say something to you, too?”
Anger tended to bring out the Pittsburgh in Eli. “Remember I mentioned the camel incident at my former employer? Similar quip. Wondered why I was defending you.”
He rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Maybe because you’re a decent human being?” Eli reached over and pulled the Polycom toward them. “We need to call Sam and tell him what’s going on.” He paused. “Did she say Todd was the one who told her?”
Yeah, she had. Trust Eli to catch that. He nodded.
“That may not turn out well for him.”
“I know.” Especially if anyone caught on about their relationship. “I’ll talk to him off the clock. Tell him to lie low.”
Eli nodded. “Smart move.” He studied the Polycom and swallowed. “I hate to suggest this, but perhaps you two should cool things for a while.”
Easier said than done. “I know that, too.” He met Eli’s gaze. “I don’t want to fuck this up.”
“It’s already fucked,” Eli said. “We’re supposed to be here tounfuck it.”
Point taken. He and Todd would have to be a hell of a lot more discreet. Eli punched in the numbers for Sam’s office, and Fazil waited, heart in his throat, while the phone rang.
The usual greeting from Sam, then Eli spoke. “We have a problem.”
Silence. Then an exhale and Sam’s worried voice. “What happened?”
Eli filled him in, with Fazil including what had happened in the moment after Eli had left. Together they recounted the conversation with Sandra.
