Dead Presidents (An Aria Raymond Thriller Book 3) by Thomas Ransom (that summer book txt) 📕

“Look,” Diaz stated, “You need to start living your life. I know and completely understand why you can’t go back to your old job. But you shouldn’t lose confidence in yourself. You are one of the strongest women I have met. You have been through hell and survived. You deserve to be happy and successful. I know this offer isn’t much and we won’t be earning a lot initially, but this will be something we can do together and build it eventually.”

Aria shook her head, “This is perfect honestly. I couldn’t ask for anything better. I just…”

“I know… it might seem challenging, but from what I have heard from Tanya, you will once again be a force to reckon with.”

Aria laughed, “Tanya is always so extra!”

“She is right, you know?” Diaz grinned. “Come on! This could be good. Also, you need to move from this place. I know you loved that apartment. Tell the realtor you want it and put in the offer. You’re going to soon be getting a lot of dough after I am done with this lawsuit,” she winked. “It’s finally time to move on.”

Aria smiled, “Yeah, you are right. Okay. I will do it!”

“Really?”

“Definitely!”

“Awesome!” Diaz hugged Aria, “Now to the other business. We have to go through the lawsuit procedure so you understand everything. Let’s unleash some hell on those idiots.”

While Diaz and Aria discussed the case, Wayne Mark stood facing the window in the opposite side of the city. He was staring at the glistening skyline, but his eyes were out of focus. Instead of taking it in and admiring the stunning view, Wayne was lost in thoughts. He was often found in this state during the past month or so, his head throbbing most of the day. He never thought it would be like this. He was sure being in this position would be different. This is what he had set his eyes on when he had joined the company and was delighted when Coons took him under his wing. Of course, there was Aria competing with him for every project, every responsibility. It didn’t help that Coons was grooming both of them for a strong position in the department. Both of them were always aware of the fact that it would be only one of them who would end up being the boss of the other. The competition between them was always intense. They were excellent team players but even when in the same team, they had to compete… to show they were better than the other.

When Aria was given the Cooper account, Wayne had lost it. He was absolutely sure it was only because Cooper had an instant liking for Aria, who knew exactly how to play her cards. He had an argument with Coons too, but the decision was final. Cooper was the one who could decide who would lead the project and he had already selected Aria. Not even Coons could do anything. Wayne had to admit defeat and work under Aria. It was a torture for him. However, what happened after that – Coons’ murder, Aria’s wrongful conviction, and now Whitney’s supposed murder –sent shivers down his spine. To think it could have been him! He could have been rotting in the prison. Aria was lucky that there were people willing to help her and that they did it successfully. Who knew if it was him instead of Aria, he would probably still be in prison!

His thoughts were interrupted by someone clearing their throat behind him, Wayne turned around and saw Tanya standing at the door with a few files in her hand.

“Are you okay?” she asked him.

Wayne nodded, “I thought everyone had left for today.”

“Yeah. I just had to complete some paperwork, which needs to be signed by you and sent first thing in the morning. So…” she held up the files.

“Sure. Just place them on my desk and I’ll sign them before leaving and put them on your desk,” answered Wayne.

Tanya looked skeptically at him but didn’t say anything. She placed the files on his desk and turned to leave.

“Is…,” Wayne started, but his voice trailed away.

Tanya turned and looked at Wayne, waiting for him to continue.

“Umm…,” Wayne started again.

“What is it?”

He cleared his throat, “Is… How is Aria doing?”

Tanya looked taken aback. She and the entire office knew about the intense rivalry between Aria and Wayne. She never thought he would actually be concerned about her, ever. She had figured Wayne must be happy to take her place and now even replace Whitney after her death.

“Umm… well, she is okay.”

“Good. Good. It’s good that she is taking it easy for now.”

“Uh yeah, I guess,” Tanya stood awkwardly by the door, looking uncertain. Wayne and Tanya had rarely exchanged such pleasantries and had only conversations they ever had were strictly work-related. Since she and Aria were friends, Wayne stayed away from her too.

“She should come back; her position is still open. It would do her good,” Wayne suggested.

Tanya was quiet for a while, “Umm… yeah she did get the offer from HR, but she doesn’t want to come back.”

“How come? The package is even better than what she was getting before… you know.”

“I know, but she doesn’t want to work here anymore… after all that happened. She wants to move on.”

“Oh!” Wayne looked disappointed. “It makes sense. Well! Umm… give her my best,” he tapped the files on his desk, “I should finish up.”

“Of course!” Tanya stood awkwardly by the door. “Okay, then. Umm… I’ll just go then?” she looked uncertainly at Wayne, who already seemed lost in thought.  Tanya took a step back, considering what to do. He seemed out of it. She hadn’t seen him like this before. She had noticed him distracted, but she figured it was probably because of