“When Mrs. Vance regained consciousness an hour ago,” Arthur said, “the first thing she asked her assistant was the name of the man who stayed with her, held her hand, and gave his name to the paramedic. She remembered reading your name badge while you were kneeling beside her.”
The entire office was watching. Nobody moved. Nobody even seemed to breathe.
“Mrs. Vance called me directly from her recovery room,” Arthur said, turning back to me with a faint smile. “She informed me that she had no intention of doing business with a firm whose management lacks the basic humanity to value a life over a powerpoint presentation. She also informed me that she had absolute trust in the character of the man who saved her life.”
Arthur pulled a document from his briefcase and handed it to me. “Effective immediately, Vance Enterprises is pulling all pending contracts from this agency. However, Mrs. Vance is establishing an independent oversight team for our new logistics division, and she wants you to direct it. The position comes with a full executive package, complete stability, and complete authority over the department.”
I looked down at the paper, then up at Caleb. My former boss looked completely defeated, his eyes fixed on the floor.
“I came back for my desk,” I said softly, the emotion finally breaking through my voice.
“Your desk isn’t here anymore, David,” Arthur said warmly. “Your new desk is on the top floor of the Vance Tower. Whenever you’re ready, we can step outside and discuss the details.”
I walked over to my old workspace, picked up the small framed photo of Sarah and me, and placed it inside my jacket. As I walked back toward the elevator alongside Arthur, I didn’t say a word to Caleb. I didn’t need to. The quiet respect from my former colleagues and the open doors ahead were all the answer I would ever need.
