Play with Me (An Empyrean Novel)- Season 1 - Book 5

Part 2

"If you'd continued to build your team, this situation would be easier," Dominick replied as he walks through the door. "I always thought Thomas would make a find Major Domo and from the looks of this place, he was doing a good job at running your House while you were... indisposed."

"Dominick," I acknowledge.

I watch his eyebrow raise in a question but he does not verbalize it.

"This isn't your concern," I continue. "Mr. Kinkaid did indeed run the club, and some of its major events, with efficiency but it is my understanding he struggled under the stress and weight of them. It is unfair, as the head of this House, as you put it- or club as it is in actuality, to unduly place such weight on staff."

Kade does not move, as Dominick walks behind him.

"I'm not in disagreement of your failure. If you'd continued the correct course of training and provided the necessary skills to Mr. Kinkaid, and the other staff members, the burden would not be as heavy. However you chose this course. Now, you must train and release control in dire times. A more difficult situation without doubt," Dominick says as he lowers himself into the chair to my right in front of my desk.

I pull my shoulders back and straighten. This is a battle of wills and Dominick has a clear advantage of position and history.

"It's not your call," I state. "Mr. Kinkaid is capable. You are correct that I should expand his training in this job when the timing is better. For the moment, I am more than able to right this ship, so to speak."

"Pardon my disagreement," Ian says from the doorway.

I take a deep breath and sigh.

"As a fiscal investor in this enterprise," he says as his arms motion to the room and club, "I am in agreement with these two gentlemen."

"You are a thirty percent investor," I remind him.

"Fifty-two. Your absence caused a need for an influx of funds in several divisions of your enterprise and I stepped in to help," Ian replies as he takes the seat beside Dominick.

Kade visibly cringes.

"I'll discuss this with you later, Kade," I say through clenched teeth.

I take a deep breath to calm the swirl of emotions and reach for the next logical step.

"Gentlemen," I address them, "I appreciate your concern. Mr. Breckenridge, I will be glad to discuss our current business arrangements enacted in my absence. Mr. Dawes, your personal insertion into this matter has caused quite enough issues. Mr. Kinkaid, you and I will discuss your decisions at length. Now, if you all will excuse me, there is a mountain of work which requires my attention."

"You're southern hospitality is slipping. Along with its accent," Samantha quips as she walks into the office. "Just accept the help."

"Why does this feel like an ambush?"

"More like an intervention," Dr. Jillian Hart replies as she enters.

"Out, all of you. This is my office and my realm," I command.

"Hear us out, Alexandra. Give us an hour. We're here to help," Jillian replied and stepped towards my desk.