Chapter 38
CHAPTER 38
ELIJAH
T here’s a knock on my office door.
“Come in,” I say, looking up as Todd pops his head in.
“Hi,” he says, stepping into the room. “Got a moment?”
“Of course. What can I do for you?”
“Well, I wanted to give you the good news. The final release has gone live with no issues on any site.”
I drop back in my chair and smile. The tension I’ve been holding finally releasing.
Todd smiles back. “I also wanted to let you know the new procedures you recommended are also being installed this week. They should stop anything like this from ever happening again.”
I get up and move around my desk, holding out a hand.
“Thank you, Todd, for everything.”
He stares at my hand and grins.
“Don’t thank me. You’re the one smart enough to realise something was amiss.” His smile drops. “If you hadn’t.”
He doesn’t need to say anymore.
“Look I’m sorry I didn’t trust you with what I found. I was in a bad place,” I admit.
Todd inclines his head.
“I’ll admit it hurt, but I also get it. I’m not sure what I’d have done in your place.”
My mind wanders back to the woman who helped resolve the issues. What’s she doing now? The procedures Todd is implementing are one’s Pen, and I devised. She wanted to ensure what happened could never happen again. At least not easily. Random rotating security methods would mean someone would be constantly having to update their process to override current procedures, and it’s now something we’re looking to incorporate into future client rollouts.
“Thank you anyway. It’s not something I say enough.”
“You’re welcome, but working here... It’s more than I ever dreamed of when we left university. It’s been a pleasure.”
“It’s been quite the ride.”
Todd’s glass is always half full. He’s a positive influence around the office. I wonder if Pen realised that when she recommended him, how much of an impact he would have.
“The guys on the team are going out for a drink this evening. Would you like to join us?”
His words surprise me.
Do I?
It’s been years since I attended team drinks. Usually, I send my credit card to pick up the tab.
“That would be great. Send me the details.”
Todd’s mouth opens slightly before he slams it shut, his grin widening.
“I’ll get straight on it,” he says, making his way to the door.
I make my way back around my desk, my mind wandering to Pen. I made the right decision by not attending her wedding. I can’t physically sit there and watch her say, ‘I do.’ It’s selfish, but I have to think about my own mental health.
Out of sight, out of mind .
I can continue on as if nothing has changed, as I have done for many years.
Pen deserves every happiness. I’m glad one of us has finally found it.
I spin back around and face my computer, opening my email.
I send a congratulations message to all the teams and a more personalised one to each of the major players. They’ve all gone above and beyond over the past few weeks.
I spend the rest of the day throwing myself into work. Development meetings with team leads and answering client’s emails and phone calls. By the time six o’clock comes and Jules knocks on the door, I’ve distracted myself for most of the day.
“Come in,” I say.
“I hear you’re joining us for drinks this evening.”
“I thought I’d make an appearance.”
“Excellent. The team will love it.”
“Are you telling me I should have been making more of an effort?”
“I’m not telling you anything, but it will be a popular move.”
I shake my head as I get up.
“Only you would get away with pointing that out,” I tell her.
“Exactly, and that’s why I’m telling you now.”
I smile, and she shoots me an incredulous look.
“Who are you, and what have you done with Elijah Frazer?”
“Okay, okay,” I say, grabbing my jacket. “I’ve not been that bad.”
“No, you haven’t. But Elijah, it’s good to see you looking more relaxed.”
We move to the elevator in silence. I realise then, I am more relaxed. Since my divorce, an enormous weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I’m no longer trapped. I can do what I want. Within reason. Maybe I need to think about that.
The pub is bustling. Todd has rented the whole place, which is filled with faces I recognise. Sales team, human resources, developers, testers. It appears that most of the company has turned out.
“The man of the hour,” Todd says, coming up and handing me a beer.
I take it and chink the top of my bottle to his.
A cheer goes up, and I smile.
“Speech,” someone shouts.
I move further into the room. Todd on my heels.
I hold up a hand.
“I’d like to thank each one of you for the work you’ve put in. Not only on this project, but on making Frazer Cyber Security what it is today. The company is nothing without you. The past few weeks have been stressful for everyone concerned. I appreciate every person here who has worked tirelessly to ensure our clients were safe. Thank you.”
I hold up my bottle and I’m joined by the rest of the staff.
I spend the next few hours mingling, talking to members of staff I’ve passed in the corridors but never spoken to.
I relax, letting the old me rise to the surface. The one who, at university, was surrounded by people and who enjoyed social situations. A man who could be himself.
“You being here,” Todd says close to my side. “It’s made a huge difference to the staff.”
I turn to him.
“I’ve enjoyed it,” I say truthfully. “Let me know when they’re happening. I’ll try to put in an appearance.”
Todd nods and smiles.
“I’ll hold you to that.”
It’s then I realise Todd has been carrying this side of my business. His sunny disposition, with his fair but firm business manner has kept the staff happy. Every team member tonight has sung his praises.
I look around and smile as a thought begins to formulate.