“Well I guess you could say he was a friend. I suppose we’re enemies now. I can comfortably wage my war since I know where he stands now.” His expression was vicious as he spoke to my father.  

“This sounds like nonsense that could have easily been told to us in a phone call or not said at all, though, I digress. If you’re done, you should make your way to where you belong.” His words seemed to cut into Grey like a knife. 

“You don’t have to tell me twice. I know I’m not welcome. Let me just say one last thing. You know that what’s to come is all your fault. I think your son deserves to know that at least.” He let out a laugh before lighting a cigarette and leaving the building. 

The whispers from onlookers were rapidly being exchanged amongst the crowd. What a terrible first impression I made. My father turned to me and had returned to his normal state. 

“You have a big first day ahead of you. We will talk about this later.” Just as fast as he had appeared, he was gone. It was as if nothing had ever happened. Everyone quickly went on their way. 

It was clear that I would need to now find my way on my own until I met with my father and the rest of the team. 

I ventured to the elevator alone. The strangers that entered with me seemed uncomfortable in the elevator. I’m sure they had just witnessed our awkward exchange and were wondering what my connection to Grey Salvatore was. However, they weren’t openly hostile as I would have assumed they would be after that. Then again, much of our conversation could only be heard by my father and me. 

As I exited the elevator onto the fifth floor, they all followed suit. It was an agonizing walk to the conference room, but they gave me little nods and smiles as they took their seats. The team was relatively small, three women and two men of varying ages. It honestly didn’t matter much to me what others thought. I was too preoccupied with the thought of what this feud between my father and Grey Salvatore was. I would have assumed they didn’t see eye to eye since my values are similar if not identical to my father’s. Their relationship was deeper than that of investment rivals. There was clearly bad blood. My father was looking into him for years and it was personal. 

My thoughts were interrupted by one of the women I’d entered the room with. “Mr. Eden. We can begin now, I have all the necessary materials now.” It was seven on the dot when we got started. 

It was relatively routine. We ran through investments they were currently looking to make and the ones I had brought with me. Everyone was pleased and even at ease by the time the meeting was set to close. Like with every meeting I attended I always asked for any questions or simple comments. Though they were somewhat hesitant someone spoke up, Miss Lee, to be exact, she was fully in charge of this department. 

“About what occurred earlier in the lobby. This isn’t to be further discussed or acknowledged in any form.” She wasn’t addressing me, but rather the team. I felt the need to add my two cents.

“To ease any of your worries, I would just like to state what I feel is obvious. Had I felt my values resonated with Mr. Salvatore, I wouldn’t be working here.” There eyes showed me that they had faith in that statement. After that everyone dispersed except Miss Lee. She was slightly older than me, probably her mid to late thirties. She clearly was a no nonsense type of leader while still respecting her team, I liked that. 

“Is there anything else I need to know, Miss Lee?”

She nodded shutting the door quietly. 

“I’m sure you’re now aware that Grey Salvatore isn’t on friendly terms with our firm in the slightest. One might even say he despises us.”

“I don’t believe that’s something that’s publicly known, but I naturally assumed.”

“Yes, others who don’t work at either company wouldn’t readily know. I’m just advising you that you should stay as far away from Salvatore as possible. He’s a much more dangerous man than he seems.”

She didn’t wait for me to say anything further, she simply bowed her head and let herself out. It seems my assumptions were right about Grey. It surprises me how this fight isn’t more public. 

I didn’t have to worry much about this team. My father had made it very clear that I would only be present at most twice a week if I was lucky. I would mostly communicate by email or phone calls with the team lead. I was sure I was in for an earful as I made my way to the top floor where Karma Police resided. 

I was given a path to follow up until the point I met Astrid who would guide me the rest of the way. I couldn’t lie, I was a bit nervous to see her after what had gone down this morning. 

Once in the elevator leaving the fifth floor, I was instructed to head up thirty flights and I would get off on an empty floor. The thirty-fifth floor was the only floor with access to a private elevator that took you straight to the top. Like the floor I’d just left, there was a lobby, glass door and of course, cubicles, just no workers. Letting myself in I was surprised to see no one in sight, or so I thought. 

I heard a loud tumbling of what I assumed was office supplies and a sudden burst of laughter. 

“Oh, sh—.”

Someone immediately popped up from behind one of the cubicles with a handful of papers. Smiling ear to ear was Howl Silva. 

“Did ya miss me?” He was as shameless as ever, not that I’d expect anything different from my childhood friend.