Page 98 of Pride and Protest

“Is this the same ex that killed their baby boy driving drunk?”

Anger shimmered around him. Who did these people think they were? Who did these people thinkhewas? “Is this the same sister that paid her way and part of her siblings’ way through college?” His voice shook. “This is not who we are. If we get this deal, it will be by the sweat of our own brow, not on the backs ofpeople who can’t defend themselves.” Dorsey pounded the oak table.

“This naiveté is precisely why this project is failing,” Mr. Hampden roared.

“What about all the other development deals? I’ve come in and closed them without exception,” Dorsey said.

“You know how important Netherfield is to the strategic plan of the company. We want to bid on federal building contracts, and this was our way in. You bungled it because you wanted to get in someone’s pants.” The table erupted in censure. Hampden was letting it all fly today.

“We can find another way in,” Dorsey said. He would not let them rile him.

“We’re tired of waiting, Dorsey. I’m afraid this little experiment isn’t working out. We have begun a search in earnest for a new CEO.”

“The WCO—” Dorsey started.

“You’re fired.” The word ricocheted through the room like a gunshot.

They would dismantle WCO. They would close up every school and orphanage, citing financial pressures. He had failed his mother and, as a result, failed women like his biological mother. For the first time in his life, he hadn’t gotten what he wanted. Liza had rejected him and dismissed him outright. He was being unceremoniously fired. And his mother’s legacy would be washed away with his job.

Liza had every reason to dread this meeting. Why had she called him? Oh right, she was desperate.

WIC walked into the coffee shop like a celebrity. Prettywomen’s heads turned. He flashed a brilliant smile and sat down next to Liza.

“Hey, lovely.”

“Um, hey.” Her heart rate was as slow and steady as an athlete’s. Amazing what information could do to your libido.

He sat wide-legged with the chair turned around like a cool substitute teacher. “I looked over the proposal doc you sent. Can we talk about it?”

“Sure. I wanted to go over some things with you and—”

“It’s a great idea getting these tax breaks, but it won’t help with our capital problem,” he cut in. He handed Liza the thick portfolio. He smiled, and Liza was happy to see he had spinach or broccoli in his teeth.

Liza flipped through the packet and noted all the red lines through the writing. “You’ve cut a lot.”

“Just the portions that involve a lot of red tape.”

“These are the portions that ensure financial oversight,” Liza corrected. “How do we know that the money goes where it is supposed to go?”

“Our organization has its own oversights,” WIC said smoothly.

“And that’s the Black Israelites, right?”

“Liza, of course.”

“It’s just I’ve called everywhere, and no one has heard of this fundraising effort.”

“Okay, Liza, why are you calling around behind my back? What exactly are you accusing me of?”

“Not accusing you of anything. Just can’t seem to map out your connections.” Liza saw the anger flash quickly in his eyes. She was glad to be in a public place. She brought this on herself. It was due diligence she should have done months ago. Shewantedhim to be right, and she just filled in the gaps along theway. She’d turned him into a knight by sheer force of will. He’d validated her feelings about Dorsey, and she had lapped it all up like a puppy.

“Oh, I know what this is about.” His handsome face twisted in a scowl. “You let Money Bags hit it, didn’t you?” He let out a mean laugh.

“WIC—”

“And he fed you some sob story about his thirsty-ass sister. But answer this. Gigi is a big lesbian. How didIlure her into some trap?” he said. He was offering up information Gigi hadn’t mentioned. It was all the evidence she needed.

“WIC, before this meeting goes off the rails—”