Chapter 43 In Over His Head
“Ryan’s new in town,” Derek continued. “No roots, no local connections. He got lucky. Anyone could have walked into that order.”
Brian listened.
“Tell Parker he’s still on probation and you’re taking over to give a major account proper attention. Why would Parker risk trouble for a junior salesman? Especially if there’s extra money in it.”
Derek had an explanation ready for the office, too.
“We say the client had concerns and demanded changes. You stepped in and saved the deal. Even if Ryan complains to Ms. Morgan, he won’t have proof.”
Brian smiled.
“You’re resourceful.”
“Learned from you.”
“Let me think it over. If this works, I won’t forget your help.”
After Derek left, Brian lit a cigarette.
By the time he finished it, he had decided. Ryan couldn’t be allowed to pocket that commission and keep making him look weak in front of the team.
He opened the contract template, entered the equipment and prices, and printed a replacement.
Then he held a bottle of ink over the original and tipped it.
Dark liquid spread across the pages, swallowing Ryan’s signature.
Brian blotted the excess. The damage was obvious and irreparable. He put the document in a plastic bag; it would support his explanation to Parker before he disposed of it.
Near closing time, he took the replacement to the sales manager for authorization. Then he left with both versions.
The following morning, he drove straight to the hospital.
Parker welcomed him warmly when he heard which company Brian represented.
The welcome didn’t last.
“Where’s Ryan?” Parker asked after hearing the explanation. “Why has the account changed hands without anyone telling me?”
Brian produced the ruined document.
“He was careless with it. I’ve reprimanded him. I came to apologize personally and make sure there are no further mistakes. I’ll be handling the order from now on.”
Parker examined the name on the clean copy.
“So this becomes your contract?”
“Yes. It’s already authorized on our side. We only need your signature and the hospital’s final approval.”
Brian lowered his voice.
“Of course, any arrangements you made with Ryan still stand. And I’ll add something for the inconvenience.”
Discreetly, beneath the edge of the desk, he indicated thirty thousand dollars.
Parker stood.
“Have some tea. I need a moment.”
Brian watched him leave, suddenly uneasy. He couldn’t very well demand that the man sign before going to the restroom.
When Parker returned, his manner had cooled completely.
“I can’t sign this.”
Brian felt the blood drain from his face.
“Nothing has changed. The equipment and prices are identical. I’ll meet all your conditions.”
“Choose your words carefully. I have no personal conditions. We buy according to the hospital’s requirements.”
“I’m sorry. I only meant—what do you need before you’ll sign?”
“Ryan. Send him back. I’ll deal with him.”
Brian swallowed.
He had put a $2.7 million order at risk. If Ryan told Grace, he was finished.
“Could you tell me why it has to be him?”
Parker regarded him with contempt.
“You think he got lucky. Walked in at the right time, and anyone could have done the same.”
“Wasn’t that it?”
Parker gave a short, humorless laugh.
“No negotiation. No special demands. We agreed on the list and signed. Do you think you could have arranged that?”
Brian said nothing.
“Or do you imagine your company is our only possible supplier, and we’re begging you to sell to us?”