Read Online Shatterproof by Yvonne Collins, Sandy Rideout - Free Book Online Page B

horrendously long flight four times to hook up with her. And when the project was over, and we were all under one roof again, he dumped her—but only after promoting her to another division. She’s leading a project in Utah now.
    NTA doesn’t object to employees dating among the rank and file. On the contrary, it’s tacitly encouraged, perhaps because inbreeding among followers is the strength of any cult. However, there’s one type of relationship the company doesn’t encourage, and that’s between boss and subordinate. It still happens, but it’s kept on the down low.
    “This guy’s a direct report,” he says.
    “He made a mistake. It won’t happen again.”
    “True, because we’re sending him to Calgary. Poor guy can’t even remember it happened. And that’s before EC got to him.” Reuben chuckles. “It’s for the best, considering you’re engaged.”
    “Actually, Noah dumped me. Because of the Ottawa gig.”
    Reuben leans back in his chair. “I don’t believe you.”
    “Have you ever known me to lie to you? For you, yes. To you, no.” I pause before adding, “I even lied to your wife about the girl in Australia.”
    Reuben’s florid face blooms. “Let’s not bring up ancient history. Anyway, that girl reported to you, not me. This Dylan kid was your direct report and it showed poor judgment. I’m surprised at you, Hudson.”
    Looking down, I find my hands clenched into fists. What he’s saying is that my credibility is shot. I will never win back enough support to be named partner, no matter how well I do my job.
    I briefly consider trying to dose Reuben with Wonder Glass, but decide against it. If he’s told EC and the other partners, the spider web is simply too big for the amount of serum I have left. Besides, I need those drops for Noah.
    It’s suddenly become as clear as glass what my priorities are, and NTA is no longer on the list.
    Reaching for my purse, I get to my feet so that I can look down at him. “Reuben, I quit.”
    “What? Don’t be ridiculous. You can’t quit.”
    “I’ll write the letter in the morning. I’m in a hurry, now.”
    Warning lights start flashing in his eyes:  we’re losing one!
    “Sit,” he says, picking up the phone and pressing a few numbers. EC, no doubt. He knows the deprogramming sequence has begun. “You’ve been working flat out for ages and the stress is getting to you. What you need is a break. An easier project.”
    In short, a demotion. “Don’t bother with EC,” I say. “I’m of sound mind and body and I quit the cult. I’ll get my things and go.”
    Reuben drops the phone and tries a different tack. “Look, is everything okay? I’ve barely known you to take a misstep in all the years you’ve worked for me. I’m worried about you.”
     
Unstable :  Not stable; easily upset; unreliable; emotionally unsettled.
 
    I glance at the door and see Baxter hovering just outside, while Sherri tries to herd him away. I’ll give him something worth the trouble of eavesdropping.
    “Hey Reuben, do you know what people call NTA? No Tits Allowed Consulting.”
    Reuben gasps, although it can’t be the first time he’s heard it. “Hudson, there really is something wrong with you.”
    “I’m just commenting on the double standard that allows you to paw at women and make sexist jokes, and deny me partnership because I might want the kind of life-balance you have. My opportunities are limited here. It’s constructive dismissal.”
    Beads of sweat form on his forehead. He may be smooth with clients, but he doesn’t have a clue how to handle this discussion. “Obviously your birthday set you off,” he says. “It must be a mid-life crisis. Can’t you just buy yourself a sports car, like I did?”
    “Expect a call from my lawyer,” I say. Reaching for a notepad and pen, I write:  “I, Ellis Hudson, hereby resign from NTA Consulting.”
    I sign and date the page, tear it off and slide it across his desk.
     

     
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