Conflict of Interest

Chapter 9

Jackie found it very hard to concentrate the next day at work. She was sitting at her desk, watching the main entrance hoping that Dom would walk through the doors, when Luke walked into her office and sat down.

"Jackie? I just wanted to come by and say thanks for helping out on Friday night. I think it worked out quite well tag-teaming the way we did."

"Oh, no problem Luke, It was fun." Jackie responded. She instantly snapped back to reality.

"I hear Dom came by yesterday?" Luke was fishing for intel. He had overheard the other staff talk about the dashing Dom Tyrell visiting Jackie yesterday, when he was at his meeting.

"Yeah he did. Just wanted to clarify a few points on his accounts and pick up those business cards as we had discussed." Jackie tried to sound matter of fact about the whole situation.

"And he's happy with everything?"

I would probably say more euphoric than happy, Jackie thought. "Yes he is. I think his father's impressed as well." She added diverting the conversation away from Dom. "I got an email back from him after I had sent my details as requested, thanking me for our company on Friday night, and that he would keep my details handy if he ever required them."

"Great. I'm glad that this is going well." Luke looked nervous. "I have another favor to ask."

"What?"

"I have been asked to help look after another branch while the manager is on extended leave. I need someone to step up and look after this place when I'm not here which is probably going to be 2-3 days a week."

Jackie's eyes lit up. She knew that Luke had been training her for a manager's position as part of her career development. "And you want me to be manager in your absence?"

"Yes. I have spoken to Harry about it and he's okay with the idea."

Harry was Luke's boss, and regularly visited the branches under his jurisdiction. He knew Jackie well.

"How long?"

"We aren't sure at this stage. Look, I can't go into too many details, just that this could be very lucrative for both of us."

"That sounds scandalous." Jackie had been around long enough to know that this sounded like someone has been caught with their fingers in the till.

"Yes it does. I don't even know any details, just that I have been asked to go in and help sort things out. I know I probably don't need to ask this but are you interested in looking after things here?"

Jackie was excited about the prospect but also felt bittersweet. While this is the opportunity she has been waiting for, she was also feeling guilty about her developing relationship with Dom. Why is this happening now? Just at that moment her phone buzzed and she could see that it was a text from Dom. She quickly turned her phone face down on her desk before Luke could see who it was.

"Jackie? You haven't given me an answer yet. Are you having second thoughts about being a manager?" Luke quizzed

"Oh, no Luke. I would love the opportunity to be able to do this." She tried to sound upbeat. "So when would all this happen?"

"Tomorrow. I'm calling a meeting after closing today to explain to everyone what will be happening. I know that they will be glad that you will be stepping up and they won't have anyone new coming in."

"Great. I'll keep it quiet until then."

"That would be appreciated. Thanks for doing this Jackie. You're the only person in this branch that I would consider capable of taking over." Luke left her office with a smile on his face. Jackie wished she could feel ecstatic about this news. If she hadn't met Dom it would be a different story. Then she remembered the text. Nervously she picked up her phone and read the text.