#queenbook

“When we open up shop, all Hell will break loose.”

Cade stood up from his desk, eyeing the twelve business men and women sitting at the roundtable. He pushed back his chair and paced around the office, staring each member deep in the eye and returning his glance back to the gray carpet. No one dared to retain his gaze in equal prowess for fear of the consequences. Air seemed to remain still, only for that moved as Cade strode behind each chair, a hollow presence out of sight but ever so present once more. Starched suits grew even more stiff as he grew closer, and the scent of cologne more nauseating. He finally stopped at the head of the table, an unsettlingly neutral expression donned on his face.

“You have to be prepared for what’s to come. More work, more security, more profit, more, more, more. This place can’t keep running on its own, you know.”

Cade’s hands moved and swayed at every word, conveying that his statements were seemingly groundbreaking, although this type of lecture wasn’t new for the advisors. 

“Three years ago, our organization was founded on the principle of making life better for the masses with the most minimal expense. As you all know, we’ve made headway on this promise and been able to better the lives of over one hundred people, including you sitting here today. Each and every one of you is earning more than you ever would outside of Veteris. Let me see, for example...“

Taking a sweeping view of the room, Cade finally landed on an unfortunate counsel.

“David! You were a construction worker for Montgomery County, yes?”

David almost jumped out of his seat, then nodded slightly in agreement. His palms wet the arms of his chair.

“Your future didn’t look too bright, now did it? You were just a construction worker with unsung leadership skills, no life ahead of you. Veteris identified you for your potential, sent you through business school for your Associate’s degree, and now you’re here!”

A smile creeped across Cade’s face and he spread his arms out like a vulture’s wings.

“So! You all better be ready to give four hundred more people that kind of opportunity when we open the floodgates.“

No one made a sound, except for a single gasp released from the other end of the table.

The businessman's head turned fast enough to give someone whiplash.

“What’s wrong with that, hm?”

His arms dropped to his sides and he readjusted his posture. Cade strode delicately to the origin of the noise, a stick-thin businesswoman. Brown sleeves covered her delicate hands and her body shrunk back at his presence. A hand found its place on her back, and, to her surprise, Cade began to laugh.

“I know, I know, it seems quite ambitious, but I assure you, it’ll get done. As long as I have your help, that is. You’ll all be ready for this, right?”

No one responded.

“Right?”

A chorus of murmurs rang out.

Arriving May 18