Knox

I’ve been summoned to a meeting with Mr. Halsey, and I’ll admit I’m a bit nervous about it. I’m the new kid around here, still within my 90-day probation period, and every time the old man asks to see me, I’m half-convinced he’s going to give me the boot.

When I get to his office, I see that Kelvin Anderson and Barbara Evans are already sitting at the small conference table in the corner. He wouldn’t invite the office manager and the CFO to my dismissal, would he?

“Knox, come on in,” Halsey booms. The man wouldn’t last a week as a librarian. “Help yourself to the food.” He motions to the side table, which is overflowing with breakfast items and two dozen varieties of hot tea. Where’s the coffee?

“Thanks,” I say, grabbing a muffin and skipping the fancy Chai Masala, since I don’t know what the fuck that it.

“Okay, I won’t keep you long,” Halsey begins, which is one of the things I love about him. When he says meetings will be short, he actually means it. “I’m taking a medical leave of absence next month. I’m going in for a kidney transplant.”

This news is followed by the appropriate level of gasps and concerned clucking. I join in, because Halsey’s kind of my mentor here, and I’m a little apprehensive about making certain decisions without him as a sounding board.

“For the first month, I’ll be incommunicado, but after that I’ll be checking in on Mondays and Fridays. Are there any pressing issues we need to deal with before I go?” I’m about to bring up my growing concerns about the Hilton account, but I’m lulled into a stupor by 20 minutes of financial drivel from Barbara, and lots of “who’s gonna” questions from Kelvin.

“Knox, what about you?” Halsey bellows, bringing me out of my fog. “Everything under control? Did you talk to Jason about Hilton?”

“We…worked something out.” I’m not going to admit that I didn’t take him off Millennial Financial. He nods his approval, but his eyes crinkle up a bit, which tells me he knows I’m not being one hundred percent forthcoming.

“Sounds like you’ve got a handle on things. Good, very good.” He slaps his palms against the top of the conference table, which I assume us our cue to leave. I swallow the dozen or so questions on the tip of my tongue and begin to pack my papers when Halsey places a hand on my shoulder. “Stay a second, Knox.”

We move to his desk, where he pulls out a bottle of single-malt scotch, pours a generous shot, and scoots it in front of me.

“No thanks, Don Draper. It’s 10:30 am.”

“C’mon, boy. I’ll be on a mashed potato and jello diet for the foreseeable future. Have a drink with me.” I relent and take a healthy gulp, then stifle the shudder that runs through me.

“Good. Sit.” I settle in the leather armchair beside me. “I didn’t want to mention this earlier, but my sister Rose will be coming in to keep an eye on things while I’m gone. She ran this place back in the late nineties, but she quit to be a full-time mom. Her kids are all grown now, and she’s happy to come in and lend a hand.”

“That sounds great, but why didn’t you mention this in the meeting?” I watch his cheeks deflate on a slow sigh.

“Well, Rose is great, but she’s got a reputation as a bit of a ball buster. Barb and Kelvin have worked with her before, and they may need some time to get used to the idea of her return.”

“You’re not going to tell them, are you?”

“I knew you were smart,” he says with a laugh. “Now listen, I want you to go to Rose if you get in a bind. I'll admit she can be a bit off-putting, but she knows her shit, and she’s here to help. It’s your job to put your ego aside and let her.”

“Yes, sir. I understand.” Hell, I’m not afraid to ask questions, and if Rose is as sharp as Halsey says she is, I’m looking forward to working with her. “Try not to worry about the office-just concentrate on your health.”

“I’m trying not to think about it. It’s bad enough I have to have a transplant, but my daughter’s the donor, and I’m scared to death for her.” His face is tense with worry, and I try to ease his mind the only way I know how.

“I’ve got it under control, boss. You can count on me.”