Gavin cooperated with investigators.
His legal problems were only beginning.
Mercer & Field’s board removed him permanently.
Richard Field returned as interim CEO.
Then he called me.
“I want you back.”
I stood in my kitchen holding the phone.
“As what?”
“President.”
I laughed.
“I’m serious.”
“So am I.”
“You know the clients. You know the employees. They trust you.”
“Richard…”
“I’ll give you equity.”
I looked across my kitchen.
Bills sat on the counter.
Normal bills.
Electricity.
Insurance.
Tuition.
Strange how ordinary paper could feel comforting after the week I’d survived.
“I appreciate it.”
“But?”
“But I don’t want Gavin’s chair.”
Richard was silent.
“Why?”
“Because I spent four years trying to become important enough for people like Gavin to respect me.”
I looked toward the window.
“I don’t want to spend the next four becoming him.”
Richard laughed softly.
“That may be the best reason I’ve heard for offering you the job.”
