Shadows in the Dark (Dark Lotus #1)

39. Brynn

The fact that I had made the second round of interviews at Benedict Technologies was daunting enough, but the non-disclosure paperwork I had to review and sign ahead of the interview made me feel like I was under consideration for some top-secret agency. In a way, I suppose I was. Benedict was known for cutting edge projects and being ahead of their time. Corporate espionage was at an all-time high in general, but based on some of the past work BT had put out into the market, it was no wonder they wanted to keep as tight a lid on things as possible.

I checked my reflection in my bedroom mirror for the tenth time. I knew I looked calm, cool, and professional. I projected an image of an Executive Assistant. After all, I had been one to two high-level and one mid-level for over five years. I was more than capable of doing any job that I was given. Now was just a matter of selling myself to the interviewer.

I’d been advised that the person conducting this interview was Bea Smythe and that she had been with the company for ten years. The screener had told me that she was lovely, but no-nonsense. As long as I was myself and didn’t try too hard to impress, then I’d basically be a shoe in for the position. Not one to ever believe things like that, I was determined to succeed or fail based on the impressions I made. I would just cross my fingers that this would be a good one.

Swiping my lipstick across my lips one last time, I made my way to my office space and logged on. I was five minutes early, but I knew interviewers watched for things like that, especially when the meetings were virtual.

Soon enough, I was joined by Bea and immediately smiled. The screener had been right in her description of no-nonsense. The woman sitting before me was older, with beautiful silver hair and the kindest face I had ever seen. She introduced herself and even through the screen, I felt like I wanted to just have lunch with her.

We spent a few minutes making small talk because she said she wanted to get to know me beyond what was on a CV. She asked multiple questions about Lug Nut and even requested a picture, which I located and held up to the screen.

She told me about her husband and his current illness. She then explained that she was retiring to spend more time with Walter. I suddenly felt like there was another shoe that was about to drop, and when she informed me that the actual job I was interviewing for was to be Mr. Benedict’s assistant, I knew that was it.

“Does that cause you any concern?” she asked.

“Not at all,” I replied. “I have assisted three executives for a number of years, two of whom are high-level with demanding positions. It’s all about working smarter and managing time effectively.”

“This position will also require international travel. Will that be an issue?”

I immediately thought of Lug Nut, but I did have multiple neighbors who would be more than willing to look after him in the event I was out of town for work. “I have a valid passport and am up to date on vaccines and other shots. I am also an excellent packer and can fit six-weeks’ worth of clothing into a duffle bag if required”

She emitted a most unladylike snort. “You’ve got one up on me. My Walt always complains that I take my entire closet with me no matter how long we’re going to be gone. I may need to take packing lessons from you.”

I smiled. I really liked this woman. She was easy to talk to, and this really felt more like a conversation with some interview questions thrown in here and there. I knew I was being assessed, but there was such a casual feel to the whole thing… was I imagining things? Was I projecting my hopes onto the situation?

Bea went into more specifics about the position and what would be expected of the candidate who was selected. It all sounded very standard and what I had been doing for Edward and Thomas, save for the travel aspect. I actually thought that sounded rather exciting. Apparently, Mr. Benedict was heavily involved in several Asian markets at the moment, including Japan. I immediately thought of Colleen and that I might be able to connect with her in person if I was selected and was able to travel with Mr. Benedict to Japan.

“I do feel I should be honest about Mr. Benedict,” Bea said, almost apologetically. “He’s tough but fair. He has his quirks, but he means well. The man is definitely not the balloons and flowers on Administrative Assistant Day type, but he does do out of the ordinary things, which, when coming from him, mean that much more.”

I laughed a bit at her description. I knew someone like that. “I’m not much of a hearts and flowers type of person anyway,” I said. “I think Administrative Assistant Day is stupid, but an out of the ordinary surprise is always nice. Things like that you know were thought out with care.”

She nodded. “Yes. He’s not perfect. He can be a typical male, but he has been one of the best bosses I’ve ever worked for. It’s not been a picnic, but as I said, he’s fair… and he’s generous.”

It was then that she realized we had gone over time by ten minutes and apologized. I assured her it was fine, then confirmed I could talk for a bit longer, so we went until the top of the hour. Once the call ended, I hung up feeling optimistic and hopeful. I felt like things had gone very well, and I crossed my fingers that I would hear something very soon.

I had a busy workday prepping shareholder reports and end-of-quarter reviews. While they were mind-numbingly tedious and I could basically do them in my sleep, they did keep me occupied and not watching clocks or personal email.

Hitting send on the last review, I sat back in my chair, wondering briefly how many more of these I would be doing here at this place. I didn’t want to get too far ahead of myself, but my brain went down the path of Benedict Technologies and what type of reports would be needed by Mr. Benedict for his shareholders and business partners. Were any of them printed in other languages?

“Stop it, Brynn. Now you are getting ahead of yourself. Expect the worst but hope for the best.”

I heard my work email ping and checked to find a note from Thomas stating the reports had been received and feedback would be returned in the morning. I could check that off my list.

Switching over to my personal email, my eyes went wide when I saw a message from Benedict Technologies that had been sent over two hours before. How the fuck had I missed that? The subject read “Offer for Brynn Davis” and I thought my heart was going to beat out of my chest.

My fingers were shaking as I clicked the email, then my mouth fell open when I read the terms. The salary was almost two and a half times my current earnings, and the vacation package and benefits were beyond generous. Bea had not been kidding when she’d said Mr. Benedict was fair. I would say he was beyond fair.

I read the entire offer letter thoroughly, signed it, then made sure to hit “reply all” when I returned it. Within minutes, I received a reply from Mr. Benedict himself, acknowledging receipt of the signature, agreement of my proposed start date, and a comment stating he was looking forward to working with me.

I was stunned. He was THE Benedict behind Benedict Technologies and he replied to me before I had even begun working for him. Already, I felt like this was the start of a positive working relationship and I couldn’t wait to get started. My next task, of course, was to give notice to Edward and Thomas in the morning. I was glad they were retiring because I wouldn’t feel bad about leaving them.

Two weeks later, I was awake well before my alarm having not even slept well the night before. Today was the day: I was starting my career with Benedict Technologies and I couldn’t wait to meet Mr. Benedict and begin to learn more about him and his company.

I took care of the dog, opted for a protein shake instead of trying to choke down breakfast, then drove to the address I was given. Bea had provided great instructions on where to park and what to do once I entered the building.

Turning when I heard my name, I smiled when I saw the older woman, and by reflex, I hugged her, catching her off guard. She squeezed me tightly at the end, then started to give me a tour of the office space as we made our way up to the forty-third floor.

“I don’t expect you to remember all of this, Brynn. It took me a good two months when we moved into this building to not get lost just going to the bathrooms. Don’t hesitate to ask. We will all help you,” she said, giving me a wink. “And here we are. Mr. Benedict has been looking forward to meeting you, so you can go right on in. Even if he’s on the phone, it’s okay. You can wait and he’ll end the call so you both can chat. Welcome aboard.”

“Thank you so much. Would you have time to show me more on this floor once I’m finished?”

With a nod, she walked away and I was left staring at a large wooden door with frosted glass on either side of it. I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to knock first or just barge in, so I rapped twice, then turned the knob.

The space was exactly as I would expect the owner of a technology company to have - corner office… killer view… but that was really it. It seemed a little impersonal at first glance. There were no pictures, or mementos, or anything that would give a visitor any indication of who the occupant of the space was or what he or she liked.

His back was to me and he wasn’t speaking, but when I heard him say “Yes,” his voice caught my attention.

He ended the call, turned toward me, and I felt like the walls were closing in. I knew Adrian Benedict. I knew him very well.

“You,” I whispered. “It’s you .”

TO BE CONTINUED in “WHISPERS IN THE DARK”