too much of a coward. She’d already lost her parents. She couldn’t bear losing them, too.
The phone rang again, providing a merciful distraction from her thoughts. The number on the screen was unfamiliar, so she answered. “Hello?”
“I’m looking for Raven Donovan.”
“That’s me.”
“I’m thrilled to reach you. My name is Susan Blackwood, and I work for Executive Placements, LLC. We’re an upmarket corporate hiring firm.” Susan sounded like she worked in an office covered in marble and crystal chandeliers.
Executive Placements was the premier headhunter for senior executives. Even though Susan couldn’t see her, Raven sat up and adjusted her messy bun. “How did you hear about me? I didn’t submit my resume.”
“We have contacts throughout the business world. When people recognize talent, they pass those names on to us so we can marry brilliance to available positions. I understand you’ve got quite a lot of experience turning around highly technical companies.”
“I do. Would you like a rundown on my background?” Raven asked.
“I make it my job to know that before I place this call. You’re exactly the kind of executive I’m looking for.” Susan answered.
The compliment buoyed her. It was a welcome vote of confidence she hadn’t realized she needed. “I’m driven, and I’ve turned lots of troubled companies around.”
“I’ve got a couple of great opportunities for you to consider. How do you feel about software companies? This one’s a real mess. They built a bunch of apps that sent a ton of personal data to an eastern European mafia ring. Consumers got prickly. We need a true turn-around artist to rebuild brand confidence.”
“Uh, sounds like an interesting challenge.” Raven would rather drink gasoline next to a campfire.
Susan laughed. “That’s one way to put it. Of course, the salary will more than make up for the headache. I’ve also got a pharmaceutical company formerly headed by the most obnoxious speculator. You’ve probably heard about him. The pharma bro who price gouged a lifesaving drug?”
“He’s in jail now, isn’t he?”
“For securities fraud, but the pharmaceutical company is still viable and needs a new face to change the narrative. You could be that leader.”
Or she could stay on the couch and finish her Netflix binge. Neither of these opportunities sounded inspiring. They sounded like torture. When Raven put her heart and soul into turning around a company, it had to be something she believed in, not a mob front or price gouger.
A stress headache began to creep across her skull. These jobs weren’t her. The timing wasn’t right. “I appreciate your call, but they’re not the right fit.”
“That’s where I come in. New opportunities will arise that you couldn’t dream of. Let me send them to you. No pressure. If one piques your interest, let me know,” Susan said.
Raven glanced around her apartment at the paused TV screen and stack of empty boxes from her recent purchases. Not exactly the best use of her time.
It couldn’t hurt to read the available job openings. There might be a gem among the junk.
“Okay, I’ll give you my email address.”
Jack drummed his fingers on his desk as he waited for his video call to start. It’d been two weeks since he’d passed Raven’s name on to the headhunting agency, and he wanted a progress report.
Susan Blackwood entered the chat. “Hello, Jack! It’s fantastic to see you. The beard’s looking great.” No wonder she was the top job placement officer at Executive Placements. She knew how to schmooze.
“It’s a pleasure, Susan. What can you tell me?” Jack asked.
“I’m afraid my report is the same as last week. Ms. Donovan hasn’t expressed interest in any of the positions I’ve sent her.”
This was un-fucking-acceptable. “Why the hell not?”
“I can’t say. I’ve sent her the best opportunities I’ve got. These corporations are in terrible shape. Any fixer would love them.”
Raven wasn’t any fixer. “Do they have redeeming value? That’s important to her.”
Susan chuckled. “Well, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”
Jack exhaled hard as he scraped his hand through his hair. “Okay. Keep trying. I’ll check in next week.”
He ended the call and leaned back into his chair. Brilla scooted across the office and laid her chin in his lap. He rubbed the spot behind her ear. “You love me, don’t you, girl? You don’t think I’m a monster?”
Kiara knocked on the door. “You free?”
He nodded. “Yup. Come in.”
Before she sat, she spied Brilla’s head draped over his Armani-clad leg. Kiara’s lip curled. “The dog is comforting you. I guess your call didn’t go well.”
Jack shook his head. “Raven