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“Research department’s over there,” I pointed. “Sales and support in that corner. I’ve got Jennifer Akin coming on as the social media manager.”

Robert’s eyes went wide. “TheJennifer Akin?”

“Of course.”

“Wow.”

The admiration in his eyes was genuine, and it was good to see. Especially since I’d promised Jennifer the moon, Jupiter,itsmoons, and various other parts of the solar system to get her down here.

“As for the design team, I’m bringing four people over from New York, plus another three locals. I’ll have some floaters that will spend time at both offices, of course. Oh, and then of course there’s Anthony McKenzie...”

Robert was still gazing absently over the empty office space, taking in my vision. At the mention of that last name however, he whirled on me so fast I thought his head might spin off.

“You’re talking withMcKenzie?”

“Talked to, not talking,” I told him. “And yes, he’s coming on.”

My guest folded his arms and shook his head. “But he’s with Skyline!”

“Waswith Skyline,” I corrected. “I hired him as of two days ago. In fact, he’s landing tomorrow.”

“But—”

“In fact, I poached three others from Skyline too. All of them really good people,” I added proudly. “The cream of the crop, actually.”

“Surely they’re bound by a no-compete clause?” he theorized.

I shook my head. “James was too stupid to make them sign one.”

“Holy shit.”

“Yeah.”

For the first time in forever, I saw a glimmer of the old, savvy software developer. The one I’d met in that grungy New York coffee shop, a whole decade ago.

“Who’d you take?” he grinned devilishly.

“You’ll know the names, Robert. Trust me.”

He looked back at the empty room again, perhaps seeing the same vision I did. A Phoenix office was a perfect location, too. I had the Midwest, a good portion of the south, and from Sky Harbor airport it was a quick hop to Los Angeles or San Francisco. Coupled with what I’d already established in New York, it opened all new doors to all new things.

Hell, I probably should’ve even done it sooner.

“You’re nefarious,” Robert sighed finally. “You know that right?”

“Am I really?” I laughed. “Because the way I see it, if John James can steal my number one client, I can certainly skim off the best people he has working for him. Which of course leaves him nothing but a bunch of unimaginative, inexperienced college graduates.”

I saw his shoulders slump. Not sorrowfully, but in resignation.

“The ones with really lame advertising ideas,” I piled on.

We walked the entirety of second floor catwalk, past the sweeping, contemporary-style staircases that flanked either side of the main floor. By the time we’d returned to the elevator, I knew my old ally was fully on board.

“What do you need me to do?”

“You already know.”

“Go to the top brass?” he sighed. “Tell them what a mistake we made?”