He leaned his elbows on the desk, drove his knuckles into his temples.

What was he going to do? He knew some people with other agencies, maybe he could arrange something…

He flinched when his phone rang.

“Jeff Taylor.”

“Hi, Jeff, this is Gwen in Mr. Shore’s office. Foster and Leland will see you here now.”

“Thank you. On my way.”

Jeff took out a small mirror from his top drawer, checked his hair, tightened his tie and left his desk.

On his way down the hall, he passed the conference room where he’d made his successful presentation; he assured himself that he could handle whatever awaited him. But his gut tensed when he spotted Fred Bonner, who appeared to have just exited Foster Shore’s office.

“Hey there, big guy,” Bonner flashed a grin, glanced around and lowered his voice. “Tell me, who was that woman I saw in your office the other day?”

“Oh, just a former business associate.”

“She’s a real looker. Be nice to have someone like that here, huh?” His chuckle echoed as he left Jeff alone outside the door to Foster Shore’s office.

What a pig.

He pushed through his unease, knocked on Shore’s door then entered. Gwen smiled at him from her desk in the outer office.

“Go right in. They’re expecting you.”

Jeff’s shoes sank in the plush carpeting. The huge corner office smelled of fresh flowers and featured matching mahogany credenza, bookcase and oversize desk, leather sofa and chairs, and a majestic view of the city and the water.

“Have a seat,” Shore said.

Jeff took the sofa chair next to where Leland was sitting.

“We wanted to congratulate you again and tell you we’re pleased with your work and how things are progressing with Globo Aedifico.”

Jeff looked at Leland, then back to Shore. “Thank you,” he said.

“Don’t look so surprised,” Shore said. “Getting that contract was a huge win for us, and the big guns in New York and London have taken notice. Your name is on the lips of some powerful people.”

“That’s great.”

“Now, Jeff, we know you just arrived, your star is rising fast and we appreciate what you’re doing for us here.”

“I appreciate everything that you and the company have done for me and my wife.”

“Good,” Shore said. “Now, as to the reason we asked you to come in—all this is strictly confidential—Lee mentioned the bonus you’ve got coming?”

“He did.”

“Everything’s been approved and finalized, so you’ll see sixty-five in your bank account by month’s end.”

“Sixty-five hundred? Thank you so much.”

Shore exchanged a look with Slaughter.

“Jeff,” Slaughter said, “Globo’s a twenty-five-million-dollar account. Your bonus is sixty-five thousand.”

Jeff’s jaw dropped. “You’re serious?”

“Quite serious,” Shore said.

“I don’t know what to say.”