Dan at work

“Dan, I just got off the phone with Marcus at the Lincoln Group,” Walt shared as he paced back and forth in his office.“They love the direction we’re taking them in and they're confident we’ll be able to deliver on our promises.”

Walt stopped, looking at Dan, and smiled. “Great work son, you really outdid yourself.”

“Thanks, Walt.” Dan said, “It was really a group effort here. You’ve built a great team, and they pulled this all together just as much as I did.”

Walt moved behind his desk and sat down “They are a great bunch, you’re right about that. But none of them are willing to step up and lead an unknown account like you did, Dan. You’re really the missing piece to the puzzle. I just wish we’d found you sooner…”

“Well, I’m glad to be here now. If there is anything else you need – aside from the Lincoln Group – just let me know. I’m eager to contribute.” Dan said.

“No, you focus on them for now. I need this one to go well.” Walt eyed the closed door. “Dan, can I tell you something in confidence? It stays here in this office.”

“Yes, of course. I can be discreet.” Dan was unsure what was coming next, but he didn’t like the direction this conversation was heading. It was great that Walt would trust him with something like this, though.

“Some of our other clients haven’t been overly enthusiastic with the work that has been delivered lately.” Walt made a gesture with his open palms as if laying bare all his secrets to Dan. “A few of the other team members have dropped the ball, and it's hurt us.”

Walt leaned forward, “I really need this project to go well.” He removed his glasses and looked Dan right in the eyes, “The Lincoln Group can mean a lot of repeat business if we get this just right, followed by a lot of referrals to other firms. In our industry, one both lives and dies by those referrals.”

Dan paused and thought about this revelation. It seems like Walt was looking at the Lincoln Group as a golden goose while some of their employees and – by extension – other clients were faltering. His gut twisted at that news.

Dan tapped down his emotions and smiled warmly, “I’ll make sure this project exceeds their expectations, Walt. You don’t have to worry about it.”

He leaned back slightly in his chair, “And you also don’t need to worry about me. I won’t say anything about the other projects. My job is to make sure we shine with the Lincoln Group so you can keep an eye on other issues.”

“That’s a relief to hear, Dan.” Walt had a faint smile but looked exhausted. “I know they are in good hands with you.”

Walt paused with his eyes on the office door, seemingly lost in thought. Looking back at Dan, he let out a breath he had obviously been holding. “Actually, I wanted to ask you a favor.”

Dan groaned internally. Alright, what did I accidentally set myself up for now?

“Sure, Walt, name it,” Dan answered.

“Some of the other issues we’ve been having…” Walt let the words sit there in the air for a moment. “There have been some assumptions and missteps by one of our junior team members, Jesse. I know you haven’t worked with him directly, but he was in the meeting on Saturday a few weeks ago and sat next to you, I think.”

He knew exactly who he was. Dan was pretty sure Jesse had seen the sexy pictures on his phone that Sarah had taken for him in Lester’s room. He never did get the chance to bring that up with him, and it seemed like the time for that confrontation had passed.

Walt sat back down and continued, obviously a little uncomfortable. “Jesse’s made some mistakes, and it cost us. I’m not sure how many people even know what I’m about to tell you, so I’d like to ask for your discretion here as well. You see…Jesse is the son of a family friend who I’d promised to help out, and I really feel like I will be failing them if I have to terminate him. I was hoping you could take him under your wing and help mentor him.”

Dan was flabbergasted. If he had asked him to do this a few months ago it wouldn’t be a problem, but Jesse had obviously been avoiding Dan and the unresolved issue of the pictures still sat over his head like a storm cloud.

“Yeah, Walt, that's no problem.” Dan tried to figure out a way out of this. “But are you sure you want him working with me on the Lincoln Group project? If he messed up other accounts and this one is so important…”

“I know, I know.” Walt put his hands up defensively “But he’ll have you to look after him and double-check things. I’m confident you can handle this.”

Dan shrugged, pretending nothing was wrong. “I got this, Walt. Don’t worry about it.”

“Good. Great!” Walt stood, extending his hand to Dan. Dan rose and shook it. “Now, Dan, if you’ll excuse me, I have some things to attend to. Oh, and have a great weekend with the family.”

“Thanks, Walt. If I don’t see you again before 5:00, have a great weekend.” Dan left Walt’s office, closing the door behind him.

Dan’s thoughts were all over the place. He had been happy to avoid Jesse and pretend like nothing ever happened, but now he was going to have to work directly with him. Better put that pin code on my phone soon.

More disconcerting, though, was the news that some clients were unhappy with the firm’s work. That was a red flag that Dan would need to delve into further. If there was a chance of layoffs, he wouldn’t be caught off guard again.

It was getting close to noon and, needing a breather, Dan headed to the break room.

The room was empty, so it looked like he was the first one there. On Friday, most of his colleagues went out for lunch, a luxury Dan couldn’t afford at the moment.

He retrieved his lunch pail from the fridge and got ready to microwave some Chinese leftovers from the night before. “What the hell?” he murmured.

The Tupperware containing his Chinese leftovers was missing. Dan now vaguely remembered seeing the container in the sink filled with dirty dishes this morning. “That fucking guy…”