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Victor’s Point Of View
Over many years of working in business, banking, and finance, I prided myself on doing the right thing as far as possible. When others called me a self-righteous prick, I plowed on, paying above-market-average labor rates and ensuring working environments were safe and had good amenities.
I had taken my eye off the ball this time, which panicked me. For the first time in a long time, I felt nervous and sick to the bottom of my stomach.
I waited patiently in the Manhattan conference room of a man I had trusted for years. Orville and I had been best friends in our youth, partying on Wall Street, doing deals, and winning the game. I attended his wedding and the christening of all his kids.
“You have flustered Orville, Victor. I see it in the faces of his staff all around the office.”
“Yes, well… a 6 a.m. call demanding a meeting three hours later will do that to any man. Orville has cleared a heavy schedule and is currently pirouetting in a blind panic somewhere in his private offices.”
“I never liked him. Obsequious little cunt.”
“Wow, Kasimir, tell me what you really think?”
“Sorry.”
I laughed so that my friend knew his outburst didn’t trouble me. My long-term bodyguard was always a trusted advisor, but now that we had made it official, he was far more relaxed in my company.