fast. Today is the day I go to work as Dominic Blackwood's assistant. I go to bed, wear the grey skirt and white s

aths," I

Percival speaks. "Good morning, Ms. Hart. You have thirty minutes

respond, trying

n the direction of the elevator. The metal walls that mirror back at m

he long hallway with glass on all sides. I remember Percival's direction

room. I stand outside, smooth my skirt, fluff out my b

oor and go in. Go to the chair

re on me. I move across the width of the table, my legs growing heavie

," the chairman says, his vo

a peek at Dominic. He glances at me, then at the d

hroat. "We will begin wit

h appears on the screen. I push my papers under the chai

ugh he can

ofit margins. I jot down some figures on my legal pad.

rupts, "Now then the merger propos

perused the draft contract. I'd like to take a

. I take it with some apprehension. My

ere is the interest cap

t." My heart freezes. I recall Astell's us

rman?" My voice soothes

ood?" asks

Astell's reports mention a three point five percent limit. Accep

his copy. He points to Dominic.

hisper: "Goo

fy the clause to three point five

ecks away. Two seconds later he glances up. "She is correct. The clau

I steady myself and keep my hands still. The chairman smi

catch Dominic's eye. He nods curtly in approval, and then

notes. Percival grumbles something about a lot of figures I haven't and th

ions an indemnity clause. The chairman says, "Sec

der that we ought to d

ble for all damages resulting from the content of advertisements." No comma. Without a comma, the

The chairman sighs

tes that liability extends only to actual damages, not all conceivable dam

his screen. His eyes go wide. "Yes. Th

d. Dominic raises an

I mark the highlights. I feel more at ease. The rhythm of the meeting does

. "Unless there is further busi

dividuals stand up. I silently close my book and put away my

e a wea

his papers. He turns to me and says, "Ms. Blackwoo

erence room. The hallway lights are blind

we reach the outdoors. "You d

level now. "I never thought

your instincts. You we

hope I c

shoulder. "Yo

cival and two directors. The doors shut. They talk in hu

I step out. Castillo waits b

er or somethi

I stuff my note

ss. I drink a mouthful, feeling th

it behind me. I lean against it and exhal

ther has sent me a me

I found two errors. They wi

nstricting from sitting for so long, and I unbutton

ise. I take into account Percival's assurances. I take into accoun

, "I can

mother in her hospital bed. I will visit her tomorrow mornin

ackwood merger on track-new Mrs. Blackwood catches critical m

head. I wonder what tomorrow will bring

face them. I will make the

Dominic Blackw