Phoenix

4. The Protégé

Here we go.

Jason’s entourage finally pulled at Phoenix Global HQ after the short ride from the mansion. Ever since the ride had started from his house, the rate of his heartbeat didn’t cease to increase exponentially. And now that they had finally gotten here, he thought that his heart was going to pop out any moment.

This is it. No turning back now.

“Here,” Came the voice from his right. It was Adam; he had insisted on accompanying him to Phoenix today. He was holding out a handkerchief for Jason because he was sweating profusely, all over.

“Thanks,” Jason said, collecting the handkerchief and wiping his forehead with it. He then nodded to Adam to signal that he was ready to get down from the car, but as he raised his hands to push the door open, he froze. “I can’t do this.”

Adam sighed and then resumed his sitting position. “Yes you can. Besides, you don’t have a choice. Don’t give the board another reason to critic you by arriving late.”

“You’re right.” Jason exhaled and then raised his hands to push the door once more, but again halted. “The press and media, they’re everywhere!”

“Oh, so you were expecting them to respect your privacy, eh?” Adam snorted. “We don’t have much time, Jason.”

You can do this, you’re a man.

If you use your normal days well then, I don’t think there would be cause for scrutiny on the board.

He remembered Taylor’s words of encouragement once more as he exhaled.

“Jason!” Adam cried this time around. “There is no point anymore, everyone knows we’re around. They’ve seen the cars troop in, so if we don’t get down now, they’d think we’re frightened and fidgeting. You told me you don’t want to give them that impression.”

He is right, Jason. Man up.

“Let’s go.” Jason raised his hands to the door this time to push it open. As he stepped out of the car, the sun suddenly became brighter and the light it shone stunned him. The detail surrounded him of course, with Adam by his left and then they all began to approach the building. Just like when he had visited with George about a week ago, the press and media turned upon seeing them and started heading their way. He knew how to handle them; he had seen it on TV multiple times. All he had to do was keep his head low and keep his mouth shut.

This is the easy part.

The detail of course ensured that the press couldn’t get to them. That didn’t mean their questions didn’t penetrate, though.

“Mr. Chairman, is it true that you dread being here today?”

Mr. Chairman.

Chairman.

You’re now the Chairman.

“The former Chairman’s ailment, is it hereditary?”

What!

Yeah, of course. If it was I would tell you, wouldn’t I?

At some point, their voices began to fade out gradually as they got closer to the building. As the detail opened the doors for him, he felt a gush of heat brush past him. Every eye in the room was on him as he walked past the reception and ventured further into the building. Looking around, he couldn’t spot any board member.

Good grief.

They finally got to the lift and he dismissed the detail. He and Adam then journeyed up to the last floor to where the chairman’s office was. About some few minutes later, they were in the office scanning the place.