Don't Tell Eve (19 page)

The new CEO of MaxMedia was attempting to ignore her neighbour. Passengers in Business Class were supposed to be better trained. They were
supposed
to know not to speak to the person next to them, except perhaps at mealtimes and only then if the person actively encouraged them – that is answered them with more than ‘yes’ or ‘no’ and actually looked them in the eye.

‘But you must read it,’ the man was saying, ‘it’s ground-breaking, fascinating, and funny too. Who’d have thought a serious book on management could be all those things?’ Still smiling to himself, he stood and hunted around in the locker above his head, before bringing it down, triumphant. ‘Here it is – have my copy.’

The CEO tried to refuse, but her companion insisted. ‘No, no, take it.’

Sensing resistance wasn’t the path to take, the CEO accepted the slim volume with the lurid cover. ‘Thank you,’ she said. ‘You’re very kind. I’ll return it before the end of the flight.’

Normally she wouldn’t have engaged, but her instinct told her this might be of interest – and she was a woman
who believed in instinct. It had got her a long way, and now researchers were finally proving what she’d known all along: the emotions and the intellect weren’t opponents who needed to struggle for dominance, but members of the same team. Before starting, she flipped through the book, hoping to find information about the author, expecting a list of previous titles or at the very least something that indicated why he or she was qualified to write this so-called ‘radical’ book. There was nothing of the sort. The only personal information was an enigmatic acknowledgements page.

The CEO returned to the beginning.

Hours later, her neighbour spoke again. ‘Isn’t this amazing? What a view! What a city! It must have an effect on you, living in a place like that, don’t you think?’

Far below, boats haphazardly crossed an azure harbour, the sides of which were fringed with green. It was a very long way from home. The CEO took a photo with the new digital SLR she’d bought in Duty Free; she did love a good camera and she never went anywhere without one.

When the aircraft landed she turned to her intrusive but, as it had turned out, helpful companion. ‘This book – I’d like to buy it from you.’

‘No, no. Please keep it, I insist. As far as I’m concerned the more people who read it the better, and it’s not available at home yet. I had to order this one on the net and have it shipped over from here, strangely enough.’

It crossed the CEO’s mind that she was sitting next to the author, that the person in the seat beside her somehow knew who she was and that this was a set-up. But if that were the case he’d have said so. Authors were like that – they always wanted recognition – recognition more than praise, in fact. ‘Well, I’m not sure what else to say but thank you – and thank you for telling me about it. I would suggest, though, that it’s not a business book so much as a manifesto. The author writes
as though,’ here she paused, ‘as though he knows what I’ve been struggling with —’ She didn’t finish her sentence and instead said to herself, quietly,
I wonder
… It was exactly the audacious, brilliant response she’d never have expected, which is exactly what made her wonder. Was it possible? It had been some time ago, but …

‘I can tell you now, it’s what a lot of us have been struggling with – not just MaxMedia.’

It was then that the CEO noticed the financial magazine on his knee. It had her picture on the cover and the lines: ‘Infotainment, MaxMedia: what next for the corporate world’s first lady?’

‘Good grief. First lady? Makes me sound like someone’s wife.’

‘What do you think?’ Eve was standing proprietorially next to the CEO, glass in one hand and waving around a piece of sushi in the other. She was dressed in a white puffy blouse, watermelon pink sash, tight black pants and high, shiny boots. Before leaving the house that morning, she’d spent a good long time examining herself in the mirror, thinking that her outfit was not only thematically appropriate, it was sexy. Even Todd had been enthusiastic. Now there was a man who needed more to do: why didn’t he get a job again? He was clearly well enough now – she hadn’t noticed any of that annoying checking business for months, and he had all those hobbies. And they were in a town that sorely needed management consultants; after all, every town needed management consultants.

‘I think it’s very impressive,’ said the CEO, taking a photo and wondering how much it had cost to hire.

Externally, the yacht was sleek and modern, but the interiors were fitted with glossy wood and polished leather. It was also large – large enough for many more people than would be on board for the day’s lunch.

Food was not on Hilary’s mind as she staggered towards Eve. Her face was greyish, with a hint of pastel green around
the eyes, despite the boat not having made it past the Opera House, the day being calm and there being no plan to leave the sheltered harbour.

‘I’ve told you about Hilary, of course,’ said Eve, by way of introduction.

The CEO did know a little about Hilary.

‘She’s doing a spectacular job and I don’t know where I’d be without her; her advice on just about every subject is invaluable. Such a strategic thinker.’

Just? thought Hilary.

‘She’s particularly good with the staff,’ said Eve. ‘She set up SAP as soon as she arrived and discovered there wasn’t any kind of employee assistance scheme, and she’s spearheading the up-skilling program – sending everyone on courses.’

‘Very good. So what kind of courses are people taking, Hilary?’ The CEO shifted her attention from Eve to Hilary.

Eve continued, regardless. ‘She even had me on a people-management one. People management. Me!’

It was true. Hilary had suggested they both go, the idea being they observe their senior staff in an environment in which openness was encouraged. What better way of locating their Achilles heels? Besides, neither Hilary nor Eve wanted anyone to know anything they didn’t.

‘Hilary?’ The CEO ignored Eve.

‘Time management – that’s been a really big one for a lot of people. It might sound a simple thing but it’s about efficiency. That’s the problem with people, they’re not naturally efficient.’ Hilary grimaced, thinking it was a smile.

The CEO waited.

‘But if you can make each person more efficient, then you can keep down the head count and lower costs. So the courses actually save us money.’ For the first time in her career at Papyrus, Hilary was pleased to see Roger approach. ‘You’ve
met?’ she said, grasping Roger’s arm tightly and launching him forwards.

‘We have, last time I was here,’ said the CEO.

Hilary left the two talking, feeling ill as well as seasick. She needed the CEO to believe that she was valuable. At least Eve had put in a good word for her so her strategy was working, but that wasn’t enough. She still needed to guard Eve’s interests. With this in mind, she made her way gingerly over to Jess, who was lurking inside the cabin with Noel. Not that Noel should have been there, but the man was everywhere; Hilary wondered if he stole invitations – or forged them.

‘I think we should talk.’ Hilary did ominous well.

‘Goodo.’ Jess’s tactic was to pretend this wasn’t the case.

‘I mean in private.’ Inscrutable though Hilary’s expression was, she still managed to imply that wherever the conversation was going it wasn’t going to be pleasant.

‘It seems I’m wanted,’ Jess said to Noel. ‘You can fill me in on that assertiveness course later.’

Once back on deck, Jess and Hilary stood watching the multi-million dollar harbour-front properties, pools, boat-sheds and moorings slide slowly past, each waiting for the other to speak.

Hilary broke the silence. ‘So, I’ve been doing some checking up on you.’

This didn’t surprise Jess. ‘Oh yes? What did you find?’

‘I think you know what I found.’

Jess studied the pallid face in front of her; she had no idea what Hilary had found. That Alex wasn’t on holiday? That she’d broken up with Jack? That the dolls existed? The truth about JJ? The list of possibilities was long. ‘Actually, I don’t have a clue.’

‘Let me give you one then. I’ve been talking to Justin and I’m prepared to share what I know.’

This was a surprise, though it shouldn’t have been. Jess thanked God she hadn’t told him about the project, as he really was a man loyal only to himself. Justin was also one of the few people to know about her early work, when JJ had been a tag, not just a pseudonym. As it was hard to believe that Hilary knew who JJ was, in terms of the contemporary art scene, the likelihood was that Hilary was referring to the scandal that had surrounded that early work. But it wasn’t as though Jess had ever been arrested, and she didn’t believe Hilary had evidence that she was still working under the name, or producing art at all. If she’d known about the dolls, she’d have said, so Jess decided to take a chance. ‘Go ahead then. Share.’

The CEO had interrogated most of the senior management team by this stage, and had moved on to Phil, having asked Eve earlier how Todd was doing, with what Eve didn’t recognise as wistful fondness and to which Eve had replied, ‘Let’s not talk about failure.’

While Jess was still sure that Phil was the one who’d set the journalist onto her, she needed to get to the CEO when she was with Eve – before Hilary got to either of them – so unless she pushed him overboard, she would have to have this conversation in front of him.

‘Nice to see you again, Jess.’

‘And nice to see you. Not too jet-lagged?’

‘Nothing to complain about. But what are you up to now? Still with that delicious restaurateur?’

The last time the CEO had visited, just after MaxMedia had acquired Papyrus, but just before she’d been promoted to her current God-like role, a group of them had eaten at The Beached Whale. Jess hadn’t been sure which the
new CEO had been more taken by, Jack, the food or the restaurant.

‘Mmm.’ While not a natural liar, Jess was skilled at evasion. ‘And the restaurant’s still going strong, better than ever – it’s been described as an institution, which they say is a compliment. I —’

Eve interrupted. ‘I was there a few weeks ago for lunch. It’s such a fabulous place – everyone who’s anyone goes there. We’re very lucky to have Alex on our list.’

Eve’s visit; Jess had heard all about that. There was even a photo of her at the back of the reservation book now, just in case a new member of staff at the door didn’t recognise her. There was also a picture of Hilary, in case she was sent in first. As far as those two were concerned, the place was going to be fully booked for years to come.

‘I’d love to go again,’ said the CEO.

The CEO’s wish was Eve’s command. ‘Well, of course we can organise that.’

‘Um … it might be tricky, they’re booked out pretty far in advance.’

‘Well, darlin’, you can pull a few strings.’ Eve’s tone indicated not just that Jess could, but that she would. ‘Besides, I got in at short notice last time I went. Make sure you say it’s for me.’

‘I’ll do what I can.’

Eve narrowed her eyes at Jess; a disturbing gesture Jess chose to ignore.

‘As I say, I’ll do my best. But on an entirely different matter, I have a hypothetical question for you.’ Jess directed this to the CEO.

The CEO tilted her head and Phil raised his eyebrows; Eve, feeling uneasy, glanced across at Hilary, who had just joined the circle and was holding tightly onto the handrail. Unfortunately for Eve, Hilary was able to provide nothing but a slight
groan, which may have had more to do with trying to keep down her vegetable smoothie than conveying information.

‘Say you had a professional and successful employee, but you discovered that they’d had a – how shall I put it? – “colourful” past. Would that be of concern?’

During the time it took for the CEO to respond, Phil watched Jess very closely and held off playing any imaginary sport. Eve and Hilary focused their attention entirely on the CEO.

‘An intriguing question. The answer would all depend on how “colourful” is defined,’ said the CEO, choosing her words carefully. ‘If “colourful” means having had broad life experience – and that can cover an awful lot of sins – then I don’t see a problem; in fact, it can be very useful in this business. Ultimately, good employees are a valuable asset, not to mention expensive to replace. That said, I’d be worried if “colourful” involved serious crime. I’d certainly want to know more, though even then there are discrimination laws to consider. What would worry me was if the company could be embarrassed in any way.’

It was now Jess’s turn to see how Eve and Hilary reacted. She wasn’t sure it was possible but Hilary’s face might have turned just a little greyer. Phil, she noticed, was quietly grinning, no doubt enjoying the idea of what broad life experience and a colourful past might add up to.

‘Hypothetically, what kind of situation are you talking about?’ asked the CEO.

Along with the nature of broad life experience, Phil had been wondering why Jess had asked the question. He’d seen her speaking intensely to Hilary moments before she had approached the cosy group. So Hilary knew something, but not, it seemed, what he knew. Assuming Jess was playing a defensive game. But what if she wasn’t, he speculated. What if she was playing offensive? What if she knew something about
Hilary? She certainly had something on Eve, although he still thought groping wasn’t anything to get excited about, unless you were the willing recipient.

‘Oh, I was just thinking,’ Jess accepted a glass of champagne from a passing waiter.

‘Surely you must come up against this kind of dilemma from time to time?’ Phil asked Hilary.

‘Yes, of course I do, and I agree with our CEO. I think it’s of the utmost importance that the company isn’t embarrassed.’

Roger, who’d joined them, nodded. ‘The image of the company is everything. Crucial.’

Phil bit his lip but said nothing, so Eve seized the opportunity for a bit more stage time. ‘That’s why when I do interviews, I think very carefully about the target audience. For instance, recently I met with a well-known magazine reporter who’s doin’ a feature on me. The point of my agreein’ to that interview was that, a) it’ll increase our profile locally and internationally, and b) it’s all about image – the company will be shown as stylish and contemporary, not old and fusty. It’s a great opportunity to showcase the new Papyrus.’

‘But really, do people care?’ Phil asked, sounding earnest. ‘Do they even know who we are? I mean, they know the books we publish, they know our authors, but does it matter if they know us? To put it another way, does a logo on a spine really make a difference to what people buy? A book’s not like, I don’t know, whisky.’

Jess tried to keep a straight face. Only Phil would compare books with alcohol.

He continued, getting more creative with his whisky analogy before summing up his position. ‘Bottom line is that our authors are the brands, and we should be throwing all our resources into making sure they get what they need. I think we spend too much money marketing ourselves.’

Roger, who’d been getting increasingly desperate at Phil’s analysis, cut in. ‘That’s a bloody limited and old-fashioned view, Phil, fucking old-fashioned.’

‘Old-fashioned doesn’t necessarily mean dated – or invalid,’ said the CEO, who liked playing devil’s advocate, especially when this particular devil looked like Phil.

Amused by teasing Roger, and hoping their sales and marketing guru would treat the CEO to more of his colourful language and unsupported arguments, Phil went on. ‘There’s a lot of money being spent around here on things that just don’t matter – this yacht, for instance. Lovely, yes; necessary, I don’t think so. Which is not to say that it’s not delightful to have you with us and we should certainly be marking your visit in a special way.’ The CEO was flashed the kind of look Phil normally reserved for young actresses he intended to bed. And the CEO, although immune to flirtation, did recognise that Phil did not suffer from a lack of charisma.

For once Eve was not affected by it. ‘Phil’s very good on suggestions for ways that we can save money. What was your competition entry? “Pay the executives less, get rid of their bonuses and make them take public transport?” I think they were your very words. Really helpful. Think of the calibre of people we wouldn’t attract to work for us!’

‘I don’t know. You have some excellent editors and the level at which they’re paid would suggest that’s not a particularly strong argument,’ said Phil.

‘So you’re volunteering for a pay cut?’

‘Oh, it wouldn’t work it if were just me …’

To everyone’s relief, lunch was announced.

Unfortunately, even a calorie-laden meal didn’t improve Eve’s mood, as the CEO had swapped seats in order to continue her conversation with Phil, leaving Eve stranded at the far end of the table with the finance director, who didn’t
appear to understand that talking – as well as eating – was required when dining in public.