Chapter 37
JACK
“Mr. Spearman,” Carla says outside the office. “Alistair Dalton is here. You asked to see him when he was finished with human resources.”
I shut down the VAES app and wave my hand so she can let him in.
A man, almost as tall as me with blond, unruly hair enters the room. He’s wearing khakis and a button-down shirt. I’ve seen pictures of him before, but he looks different. Maybe it’s the stress of having to meet his new boss.
“Mr. Spearman,” he says as he enters my office. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“The pleasure is mine,” I say shaking his hand. “I’ve heard a lot of great things about you.”
He frowns and steps backward.
“Your references had nothing but great things to say about you. We’re excited to have you on board.”
He relaxes and says, “Thank you, sir. I feel like I won the lottery. With a newborn, everything changing so fast, this really came at the best time.”
“I can only imagine,” I comment. I want to bring Em to the conversation, and ask how she’s doing, if her hand is healing and her head is okay. “If you need anything let me know. I know how it is to be away from your family and friends.”
He nods. “It’s difficult. But our best friend lives here. It’s like having family close by.”
“Which reminds me, I noticed you disclosed in your application that you have a second job that you can’t leave,” I add.
“Yes, I hope you don’t mind. I created a server where a company can communicate internally and with their clients. I support it and the website.”
Do it smoothly, Jackson, just mentions VAES and see what happens.
“Those servers are helpful. I had a virtual assistant for a few months, and that’s how Amy and I communicated.”
His jaw tenses, he bobs his head but doesn’t say anything. “Sir, if that’s everything, I’m heading back home. My first day is Monday, and I want to make sure everything is in order at home.”
“Welcome,” I say defeated.
How do I get Em back?
From J. Spearman
To: A. Walker
Subject: Monday
Monday, June 20th, 8:13 a.m.
Good morning, my friend!
I hope you’re having a nice Monday even without making my playlist. Did they give you a new assignment? Starting my week without your quotes doesn’t feel right. What’s the quote of the day? Be the boss of your own boat? I found one: Always believe something wonderful is about to happen.
It’s not the same without you. Waiting for your next move, friend.
J. Spearman
Mail Delivery Notification
To: J. Spearman
Re: Monday
Monday, June 20th, 8:15 a.m.
The email account you tried to reach does not exist. Please try double-checking the recipient’s email address for typos or unnecessary spaces.
From J. Spearman
To: VAES customer service
Subject: Account deactivated
Monday, June 20th, 8:49 a.m.
Earlier today, I tried to connect to my chat account and it no longer recognizes my email. I emailed Amy Walker, and her address came back as nonexistent. Please advise as to how I can get in touch with her.
Regards,
Jackson Spearman
From VAES customer service
To: J. Spearman
Subject: Re: Account deactivated
Monday, June 20th, 8:50 a.m.
Thank you for contacting us. This is an automated message. We have received your email, and someone will respond within twenty-four hours. If you need immediate assistance, please call our customer service number. We are available 24/7.
Best Regards,
Customer Service.
From VAES customer service
To: J. Spearman
Subject: Re: Account deactivated
Tuesday June 21st, 8:19 a.m.
Mr. Spearman,
Thank you for contacting VAES customer service. If you would like to hire a virtual assistant, we suggest you fill out an application. I looked into your email and our records don’t show an employee named Amy Walker. Our Human Resources department confirmed our findings.
If you need any further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Regards,
Linda Seagal
VAES customer service representative.
From J. Spearman
To: E. Lancaster
Subject: Account deactivated
Tuesday, June 21st, 8:21 a.m.
I demand you reactivate my chat account on the VAES system immediately.
Jackson Spearman
From E. Lancaster
To: J. Spearman
Subject: Account activation
Tuesday, June 21st, 10:49 a.m.
Would you like to hire an assistant? I’m attaching an application so you can tell us how to better meet your needs.
Laura Dalton
Assistant to Emmeline Lancaster CEO
What the fuck? Laura Dalton is answering her messages. Since when does Emmeline have her assistant responding in her place. She knows I’m Jack, doesn’t she?
I search through my emails and find the couple of exchanges I had with Emmeline. She answered them, personally. At least, I hope she did. Reading the last email, I decide to call Alistair into my office.
“Sir?”
“Alistair, are you familiar with VAES?” I ask, tapping my pen on the desk. “I assume Laura Dalton is your wife, is she not?”
“Excuse me?” he asks, his face guarded.
“She just answered an email on behalf of Emmeline Lancaster,” I admit, pointing at the monitor. “I’m trying to figure out what happened to Amy Walker’s account.”
He chuckles and shakes his head.
“I can’t get in touch with either one of them,” I continue. “Since you take care of the VAES system, I thought, you might have a few answers for me.”
He shoves his hands in his pockets letting out a loud breath.
“No offense sir, but why would you want to reach either one of them?”
I lean back on my chair, cross my arms and look at him.
“Why wouldn’t I?” I challenge him. “She pushed her way into my life. ‘It takes twenty-one days to create a habit,’ she said. After ninety days, having her around is a lifestyle. We have a routine. I want her back, but she disappeared without notice.”
The rest of what’s happening to me remains silent. He doesn’t need to know that I’m having trouble breathing without her.
He crosses his arms and observes me. “Which one are you asking for?”
I chuckle. “Emmeline had me fooled for a while. I’m guessing they were nothing alike, were they?”
He scratches his beard and says, “I was five and new in town. My parents divorced, and my mom brought us to her country where I didn’t know anyone.
I barely talked, but Em took me under her wing and made sure I found my footing.
She’s always taking care of everyone. This time, she has to take care of herself. ”
“Where is she?”
He glares. “She’s out of town. Her team is pretty efficient so no one will miss her. Laura’s the only one who knows how to get in touch with her, but she won’t contact her unless it’s a real emergency.”
The last sentence sounds like a warning. I don’t read much into it. So far there’s no indication that she has me figured out or that she hates me.
“When is she coming back?”
“We don’t know. Tomorrow, next year… she didn’t say. But she won’t be away for too long.” He gives me a sharp nod. “If that’s all, I’ll heading back to work.”
“Thank you,” I say.
From J. Spearman
To: E. Lancaster
Subject: Account deactivated
Tuesday, June 21st, 12:07 p.m.
I don’t want an application. I want to talk to her. Please, tell her to contact me. She knows how to reach me.
Jackson Spearman