Heels tapping on the cold marble floor. Making a rhythmic tap-tap-tap sound as I walked across the lobby towards the lifts located in the middle. I nod towards the security table and received their nods in response. There were few who were waiting for a lift. A blonde and petite looking lady turned and smile as I approached.
" Hey, Leyla. How are you doing? Looking tired," she said.
" Oh, hey Anna. Yeah, I had to redo the proposal for the Dinkman and Howard last night. They wanted it to be sent to Tokyo this morning at 4 a.m. Had to pull an all nighter."
" Ugh. That sucks. Don't they employ secretaries for that kind of crap?"
" Yeah, I know. It seems that some moron told them that secretaries weren't smart enough to handle such a mundane job. I'm going to put a bullet through Brian's head when I see him."
" He's such a dickwat. Dinkman and Howard should probably just fire him."
I snorted at Anna's remark. As if that is going to happen. Never in a million years. I just kept my peace as taking the conversation further will only aggravate my already sour mood. Anna Winter is the head of the Media Department in Dinkman and Howard. I, Leyla Carmel, am the head of Foreign Affairs.
Dinkman and Howard deals with property development and land related matters. Despite being a heavyweight in the property development industry, Dinkman and Howard managed to keep the original name of their business. George Dinkman and Ellis Howard the founders of Dinkman and Howard are two guys, despite their womanizing ways, who are geniuses in the property development area.
Just after five years in the industry, Dinkman and Howard managed to make a name for themselves in developing properties and emerged as one of the industry's giants. All this amidst predicted failure from various parties especially the giants in property development. Even with the use of extreme and unconventional methods, Dinkman and Howard beat and survived the odds. Rumours had it that they even gave the finger to those who ridiculed them. That was what I heard anyway. Rumours.
As the lift doors opened on my office floor the usual scene greeted me. People leafing through folders and having conversations on their phones simultaneously were at almost every table. Some speaking in English and some French, Italian, Chinese and Japanese elsewhere. Two receptionists are manning the phone and busy transferring phone calls to the appropriate associates. Secretaries jotting down notes and instructions from the associates from appointments with clients to what type of coffee to be served later.
At almost every table that I passed on the way to my office, I was greeted with a slight nod of the head or a "Good morning, Leyla.". I managed only the briefest of smile for my secretary, Judith, as I walked straight into my office. My office is large enough to accommodate a stack of bookshelves, one huge work desk with an equally huge work chair made of the finest leather, two chairs facing my work desk and a sofa set complete with a coffee table.
As I settled into my office, Judith came in just like every day and handed me a stack of letters and a few folders. She then proceeded to update me on my appointments and what-nots. It's the same routine everyday. Very efficient. Finished what she has come to do Judith left to do what ever it is that she does after the morning briefing. Sighing, I began going through the letters that were addressed to me. This morning is going to be a killer. I want my bed. No, I'll ask for a raise instead. Before that, I will throw Brian off the rooftop of this 36 floors building.
After three hours I was ready to just lie on the floor of my carpeted office and sleep like a baby. Being the boss is not fun. There are always problems to be addressed from monthly projects to employees disputes. Not to mention the ass whipping that is always handed out by George and Ellis at the bi-weekly meetings. Don't even get me started on the visiting foreign clients that we get.
Just as I was going to have a shut eye for a minute, there was a knock on my door. It actually sounded more like someone was thumping their fist on my door. Thump-thump-thump. Funny. Usually Judith knocks discreetly and gently. This is definitely not Judith.
" Come in," I said in my most professional and intimidating voice.
" Leyla," said the person at the door. It was Ellis. Standing at 6 foot 2 with chestnut brown hair and hazel brown eyes, Ellis Howard was definitely more than attractive. He would have been a model had he not ventured into property development.
" Good morning, Ellis. Have a seat. Coffee?"
" No thanks. But you definitely look like you need one."
" I'm fine. I don't need caffeine to stay alive." I smirked at him. Ellis loves coffee. It's a fact.
I wondered where Judith was. She usually admits Ellis or George and every other people into my office.
" How may I help you Ellis? The Hokasawa document? You need it to be faxed to some other place?"
" Funny Leyla. Nothing better than a dose or sarcasm huh?" Blank stare. I refused to give him the satisfaction of an argument.
" No, it has nothing to do with the Hokasawa document. Mr. Denki got it fine and they're very pleased with it. Thought that you might to know that."
" Huh." Considering that you and George made me stay up all night finishing it, yes, of course I'd like to bloody know about it.
" It has more to do with one of our clients. He is an American. Yes, I know you're the Head of Foreign Affairs but I need someone that I can trust with this client."
" I see. You have so many department heads in Dinkman and Howard and only I can entertain this American client? What about Brian?"
" Brian? Brian Johnson? He's an idiot. I don't want him screwing up this project."
I did a double take. I stared at Ellis Howard as if I have never seen him in my life before. Did I hear right? Ellis calling Brian an idiot. If only I had a voice recorder. I would play back this conversation over and over again like a mother's lullaby. Ellis picking me over that dickwat Brian. This is delightful. Considering that Brian is head of the local liaison team, me getting this account will be a huge smack to his ego. Take that, Brian! I don't have to push you off the building after all. You will do it yourself. Ellis cleared his throat.
" Leyla, did you hear me?"
" Uh, yes. Yes, I did. But are you sure you want me to take an American client? Brian will not be happy about it."
" Yes, I am sure. And I don't care what Johnson thinks. George will deal with him. This client is too important for us. Johnson has been under-performing for the past few months and George and I do not want to risk it."
Oooh...this is new. And not to mention interesting.
" Well, if you and George trust me enough to handle it..."
" That is why you have been assigned this account instead of Johnson. We trust you enough."
" Okay then Ellis. I'll take this account."
" And you are to personally handle it. I know how capable your employees are, but I do not want anybody on this case unless supervised or authorised by you to assist. You are to specifically head this account and be the main liaison person. Is that clear?"
" Yes Ellis. So, what's his name?"
" Jude Ryan Cortell."
To be continued...
©MaeQ 2010-05
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