Now here she was, a thirty-two-year-old accounting audit specialist with an infallible employment record and her mind wasstillracing to explain why the most powerful man in the company had requested her presence.
Don’t forget the shutting-the-door part. That means he wants the conversation kept confidential. And everybody knows confidential means serious business.
Mr. Schwartz gathered the papers on his desk with a sigh. “I apologize for not being ready before you got here. Let me just put these away, and…”
More time to sit and drive myself crazy trying to figure out why you asked for me by name, but please…take your time.
If Hunter were here, he’d probably tell her to take a deep breath and calm her crazy. Then he’d demonstrate while instructing her to breathe through her nose and out through her mouth. And then he’d remind her that it’s possible Mr. Schwartz called her to his office because he recognizes what a kick-ass job she does for his company.
And then he’d kiss her and tell her how proud he was of her. And after that…
He’d kiss me again.
“You’re probably wondering why I asked you here.”
Natalie blinked as she realized the man behind the desk had spoken. “Oh,” she gave a nervous chuckle. “I have to admit, I was a bit surprised when Brenda told me you’d sent for me.”
“Well, you can relax, Mrs. Garrison.” Mr. Schwartz responded with his own kind smile. “The reason I asked you here has nothing to do with the work you’ve done for us here at Schwartz and Associates. Actually, I suppose it does, but in a positive manner, I can assure you.”
Thank the Lord.
“That’s good to know.” She did relax, then. “And please, call me Natalie.”
I’m no one’s Mrs. anymore.
“All right, Natalie. So the reason I wanted to visit with you is a bit…sensitive. An unfortunate situation has arisen, I’m afraid. One which requires…kid gloves, if you will.”
Confusion had her brows turning inward with a frown. “Kid gloves, sir?”
“I just got off the phone with the firm’s biggest client. They’ve requested we conduct their annual audit a couple months early. Not unheard of, by any means. However, this client is very particular about who we send to look over their books. Sadly, Peter Weiss was the specialist assigned to this account.” A somber expression fell over the older man’s face. “I’m assuming you knew Peter?”
“I did.” Natalie nodded, her heart aching for the poor man and his family. “It’s still so hard to believe.”
Peter, her co-worker and the office’s senior audit specialist. had been killed in a car accident the week before. According to the rumor mill, he’d missed a curve on his drive home from the office after having worked late several nights in a row.
“Yes, it was very upsetting news, for sure,” Mr. Schwartz nodded. “But as crass as it may sound, business must go on. Which brings us to why you’re here. I’d like for you to start gradually taking over Peter’s accounts. Starting with this one.”
Natalie swallowed so hard, if she were a comic book character, her eyes would have bugged straight out of their sockets, and there would have been a decidedly large speech bubble above her head with the word “gulp” printed in its center.
In bold print.
With a giant exclamation point behind theP.
“Sir, our biggest client is Frost Avionics.” She stared back at the man expecting him to realize his error any second now. Because someone had clearly messed up and sent for her by mistake.
He wouldn’t wantherhandling an external audit of a multi-billion-dollar aviation company’s major finances. Alone. No way that’s what he actually meant to say.
Peter had conducted the company’s audit solo, sure. But Peter had also been with the accounting firm for over ten years. She hadn’t even hit her official two-year mark yet.
“I can tell by the look on your face my decision surprises you.”
The man’s nothing if not perceptive.
“Uh…yeah. I mean, yes, Sir, it does surprise me.” She swallowed again. “A lot, actually.”
His thin lips curved into a grin as he dipped his head in a single nod. “I thought as much.”
“Mr. Schwartz, please don’t misunderstand. I’m not being ungrateful. This is an incredible opportunity. It’s just…” Natalie sighed. “I’ve only been with the company two years, Mr. Schwartz. There are others in my office who’ve been here much longer and have more experience.”