“I called Saint Jude Medical Center an hour ago to confirm the admission.”

Michael tugged at his watch strap.

The huge library was empty except for an older security guard reading a paperback by the elevators.

“So my firing stands,” Michael said.

“The board demands strict adherence to protocol during quarterly budget presentations,” Carla said.

“Walking out was a breach of your employment contract.”

Over the phone Michael could hear Carla’s red pen tapping sharply on her leather notebook.

“I’m offering you a formal compromise,” Carla said.