Maxckcorp was a global technologies investment firm, privately owned without a board of directors; that didn't mean there weren't people within the company who vied for the top spot. Or at the very least, the most favor with the owner, Viktor Maxckmillian.
It was Audrianna's skillful and intuitive thirst for knowledge, and her ability to break down that knowledge into data, which drove the pathways to successful acquisitions.
"Crap, Audrianna is like the yin to my yang, I don't think I can tolerate working there without her."
Would I even have a job if Audrianna left Maxckcorp?
"You see," Mat pointed at Lincoln with his pinky finger on the same hand that held the beer bottle. "That's another problem right there. I told you when you first got on the job you have to stop all this chummy-chummy stuff you have going on with Audrey."
Lincoln scowled.
"You're making a case for Viktor to hate you. Stop being so close with another man's wife. Audrianna is a married woman, with kids. He hates the fact that you're with her on the job more than he is."
"We're close friends, associates at best."
Mat snickered as he took another swig of his beer.
"You're just as close to her as I am; we attended the same military academy."
"Yeah, but I managed to convince Viktor that I'm into blondes, brunettes, and redheads-if you know what I mean. And I don't partner up with her every chance I get. She visits with you both during and after work hours. Adopt conference calling, get Skype, and just don't see her as much as you're used to."
Lincoln raked his hand through his hair.
Mat sighed in exasperation. "Viktor would be more likely to push her out if he knew for sure it would get her away from you."
Lincoln picked up his phone from the table and pocketed it. He removed a burner phone from his pocket and proceeded to dial a number. After a few tries he hung up the phone.
He cursed, looking somber. "Enrique's not picking up."
Mat looked at him. "How long has it been since…"
"Eight weeks."
Mat stared at him, whistling low. "You can't lose Mexico, man, that's one quarter of the company's budget. Roku is out for blood- Audrianna's blood."
"Crap!"
"You're going to have to head over there?"
"Shit no. I can't - they know me there. I can't show my face there. And my plate is damn near full."
"Gotta send somebody." Mat finished his beer. "You think Enrique is…" Mat used his index finger to cut across his neck.
"Shit, at this point I really don't care. As long as he doesn't bring down the company with him, nobody is to know that we are in Mexico. Hell, we are not supposed to be in Mexico. He can die if he wants to, as long as it's just him."