Kiss Lonely Goodbye Read Online Free

sign an agreement not to leave for at least six months. Your expertise and knowledge of this company in particular is invaluable in a transition. Summers Security and the employees need you.”
    The words raked her throat raw, but Nicole’s delivery was flawless. Marcus had shown himself to be an inflexible, misogynistic, condescending smart-ass. She’d play the game for now, though.
    â€œFrankly, my daughter needs all the help she can get,” Stanton said. “I’ll be here two days a week to support her as well. But of course I’ve got my own company to run.”
    Uncle Lionel leaned forward. “Naturally we’ll compensate you.”
    â€œThank you, that’s very generous.” Marcus turned toNicole. “The late Mr. Summers and I worked hand in hand. More important than money is knowing the new boss has confidence in me.”
    â€œAs I said, we realize that one asset of this company is its staff. You’ve done so much to build up the customer base and infrastructure.” Nicole smiled at him with effort.
    â€œSo you want me to stay?” Marcus pushed.
    Nicole wanted to swipe the smarmy set to his full lips right off his face. He wanted her to crawl, to admit she couldn’t handle Summers Security without him. Be damned if I will, you cocky chump!
    â€œI want what’s best for the firm right now. With your skills and knowledge, of course I want you. To stay on, I mean,” Nicole added and blushed. She glanced away from the glint of amusement in his arresting eyes. His mouth twitched a fraction, but he continued to wear a professional demeanor.
    â€œI care about the people who work here and the customers we serve. I’ll stay for at least six months,” Marcus said.
    â€œExcellent!” Stanton beamed and rubbed his hands together.
    Uncle Lionel clapped a hand on his shoulder. “Knew we could count on you, son.”
    â€œJust a minute.” Russell stood. “You talk about the future of this company as if I’m not in the room. May I remind you that I’m vice president of development. My father founded this company. I intend to run it once this absurd will is invalidated. I—”
    â€œShut up, Russ,” Uncle Lionel rumbled. “You’re vice president of exactly nothing. Hosea had sense enough not to put you in charge of anything you could damage.”
    â€œThe important thing is to pull together as a family, not just think of ourselves individually,” Stanton replied.
    â€œNice speech, Uncle Stanton. If we’re going to pull together, then why won’t Nicole resign and give the business to me as its rightful owner?” Russell wore a scornful smile, and he leaned on the table with both fists. “I’ll tell you why. She’s holding this company ransom hoping I’ll pay her extortion money. Well, you can forget it!”
    â€œRuss, don’t be an ass,” Uncle Lionel barked. “Sit down and listen to reason.”
    â€œUnder Texas law there can only be one person responsible for the license of a security agency. They call that person the manager,” Russell said. He stuck out his chest. “Nicole doesn’t qualify because she doesn’t have three years’ experience in the security business. Which means I’ll be the manager.”
    â€œEverybody can kiss their jobs goodbye.” Uncle Lionel shook his head slowly.
    â€œLionel, please! You’re not helping,” Stanton admonished.
    â€œExcuse me,” Marcus said. “Mr. Summers designated me as manager six months before he got sick. So, there’s no problem with the license.”
    Nicole didn’t like the sound of that. She made a mental note to study the state licensing regulations. “Good. Now Russell doesn’t have to lose sleep over our license.”
    â€œI’m just as qualified to be manager,” Russell protested.
    â€œDon’t worry, Russ. We’ll let you