Chapter 4

Oren

Thirty Years Ago

"Mr. Demetri," Nikki, my newest secretary, said as she opened the door to my office. "Daryl Frazier is here to see you."

I glanced at the clock on the corner of my desk. He was five minutes early—as far as I was concerned, a point in his favor.

"Show him in, and bring us both coffee."

"Yes, sir."

I didn't listen as she asked Daryl the obligatory questions—cream? sugar? Life would be much easier if everyone drank coffee the way it was intended, black. What was the point if sugar and cream muted the strong, robust flavor?

"Mr. Demetri," Daryl said as he entered my office, his hand extended.

"Oren," I corrected as he took the seat across my wide desk. "As you can imagine, my schedule is quite busy. I'm glad my girl was able to squeeze you in, but to be honest, I don't have much time."

"Yes, sir, I'll jump right to the point."