Forcing himself to remain calm, Jeff checked his other messages, texted Lisa at home, downed the last of the coffee in his commuter cup, then went to the meeting.

Fred Bonner was already there, checking his phone, as was Nick Martinez and a handful of colleagues from other departments who Jeff didn’t know that well yet. Leland entered, taking his place at the head of the table. He was not wearing a jacket, his sleeves were rolled up, his tie loosened.

“Last night, Antonella Benitez, one of the executives of Globo Aedifico, called to inform me her team loved our proposal. They want it.”

Cheers rippled around the table.

Slaughter raised a palm. “There’s more. Her team will urge Globo’s executive approval committee to accept our proposal. A formality, she said. And they want to add another five million to the account. Approval may take longer, but she assured me nothing will prevent Globo Aedifico from giving us the twenty-five-million-dollar account.”

“Jeez,” someone said.

Someone else whistled.

“They were blown away by our presentation,” Slaughter said. “Foster and I were on the phone to New York early this morning conveying the news. We beat out some really heavy hitters, and New York was pleased, very pleased. Excellent job, everyone, and to you, Jeff, given all that you had going on at the time.”

Jeff nodded his appreciation. Martinez slapped his back.

“This week we’ll start planning meetings to initiate some of the preliminary work,” Slaughter said. “So again, congratulations on a helluva job, team. Now we get down to it. Jeff, can you drop by my office in a minute?”

“Yes, sir.”

As the meeting concluded, Jeff accepted handshakes, backslaps and attaboys. In the hall, Bonner pulled him aside.

“I have to confess I was skeptical,” he said. “That concept you developed—well, what can I say? It’s something.” Bonner gave him a once-over and winked. “It’s something, all right.”

Unsure if Bonner was challenging him or complimenting him, Jeff accepted Bonner’s hand, shook it and thanked him.

Slaughter was on the phone, standing at his desk, and waved Jeff in as he ended the call.

“I want to emphasize that I’m very pleased with your work.” Slaughter rolled down his sleeves, fastened his collar button, stretched his neck, then tightened his tie. “In the short time you’ve been here, you’ve proven to be a vital asset to this office.”

“Thank you, sir. I appreciate all you’ve done for me.”

“Your concepts are marvelous, brilliant. We’ll expect more work of that caliber from you. It’s why I brought you here.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Now, this is premature because the Globo Aedifico contracts haven’t been signed yet. But there will be a bonus for you, a very healthy bonus. Foster and I convinced New York of this, so keep it confidential, please.”

“Of course, sir. Thank you.”