“Told you he would.”
She rolls her eyes.
“Sixth floor, right out of the elevators.”
“Thank you.”
She purses her lips but doesn't entertain me with a verbal response.
Whatever.
I make my way up to the sixth floor, adjusting my tie and preparing for war. Just because he agreed to see me doesn't mean this engagement is going to be pleasant.
The elevator doors ding, and I’m met with more sleek, black marble and an older woman with white hair sitting behind a large desk right next to an impressively large window.
“Well, Ty Winters, as I live and breathe.” It takes me a moment to realize who the woman is, but when I do, I'm flooded with fond memories.
“Caroline.”Caroline Tiegs worked for Winters Travers for years. She would always let me play under her desk and sneak me chocolate when my parents weren’t looking.
“It's so good to see you, honey.” She stands and hugs me. “What a handsome man you grew up to be.” She holds my face in her hands. She’s still as warm and genuine as I remember her.
“Thank you. It's really great to see you, too.” I smile broadly. “I can't believe the old man still has you working.”
“I can't give it up.” She waves me off. “I'll shrivel up and die at home all alone.”
“Alone? What happened to Pete?”
Caroline’s whole demeanor changes. “We lost Pete a few years back. It's just me and Buster now.”
“Your dog?”
“No, Joseph.” She thumbs to the door behind us.
I laugh. Caroline always did have the best sense of humor.
“Speaking of, can I see him now?”
“About that.” She rings her hands together.
“He’s not here?”
“Oh, he is. I just didn't tell him you were. I wanted you up here when I marched you in.”
“Good tactic.”
“I needed someone to protect me for letting you past the gatekeepers.” She winks.
I chuckle. “Let's not put off the inevitable.”
Caroline knocks on the door, then opens it when Joseph voices, “Come in.”
“Joe, there’s someone here to see you.” She sticks her head in first.
“Who?” I hear him ask. That’s when she fully opens the door and I get a good look at the bald man behind a large, wooden desk peering at us over his cheaters.
Instant irritation appears on his face. “What the hell do you want?”
“To see you.”
