Chapter 29: I Pray for Absolution
Javier’s POV
I slump back in my seat and consider what I’ve heard. Everyone knows I’ve had a bad year. Lester is probably ready to hand me my ass. The general consensus is that Shane has to go. I don’t know what decision to make.
One of the founding principles of RangeMan, one of the reasons I signed on, was the idea that loyalty was important. That once we hired a man, we didn’t fire him unless we were looking at gross incompetence or misconduct. We coach him, motivate him, and/or kick him in the ass as appropriate, but you do everything you can to get him performing at standard. That’s part of the reason why I won’t fire Shane.
It makes me wonder which one of those I’ll get.
Danny’s call was probably the most encouraging one tonight. I like talking to Danny, especially when I’ve got a problem, because like me, he’s not military. He’ll give me options and suggestions instead of orders, which is what Mark did tonight. Danny encouraged me to come clean to the CO, ask for help, and lay my problems out on the line. Hal advised the same thing, that Steph is good at thinking creatively and she’s trustworthy.
I’m not sure that’s really what I want to do, but I’m realizing it’s what I have to do. No one outside Atlanta knows what she’s looking for in these management reviews. Atlanta has completely plugged all holes; even Mark can’t get any information out of his sources. Her process is a secret, so it’s better to put myself out there and take my beating like a man.
This is why I joined the reserves. I like to have as much information as I can get to make the hard decisions. I give myself time to consider all options.
First thing first. I need to hand someone else their ass.
“Mark?”
“Javier. Good. Look, Patrick will be there in two days to tell you—“
“No, he won’t. You’ll recall him immediately. I didn’t ask you to send him here nor did I agree when you announced you would. This isn’t your branch, Mark, it’s mine—“
“And the way you’re going on, it won’t be your branch for long. Don’t be prideful, Javier. Let me send Patrick. He’s the best.”
“Best or not, I didn’t request him. This isn’t your branch. Now, can you pass the message along to Patrick? Or do I need to call him personally and tell him that if he shows up at RangeMan NYC I’ll turn him right back around to Boston?”
Silence. “On your own head be it. I’ll tell him.” Click.
I don’t trust Mark, so I wait 15 minutes and call Patrick myself.
“Patrick? Javier here.”
“Hey man. Look, Mark just told me I need to be in NYC in 48 hours, that you need some help and are resisting it. I’m not coming to poke in your branch. Just here to help.”
What part of ‘Stand Down’ does Mark not understand? Arrogant fucker! “Patrick, I told Mark, and now I’m telling you, that if you show up at RangeMan NYC I’ll turn you right back to Boston immediately. I didn’t request your services. Nothing against you personally, but I have a plan that I’m executing now. Any questions?”
Silence. “No, Javier. Look man, I apologize for getting in your business. Arrogant of me. Your branch. Do as you will.”
“I will.” Click.
OK, so the nosy fucker is taken care of. Now for the hard call.
“Stephanie Plum, please.”
“This is Steph. Who is this?”
“This is Javier. Look, I need to talk to you, and this won’t be a short call. Do you have some time?”
I can hear her moving around in the background. “Give me 30 minutes then call me back. Is everything OK?”
No, it isn’t, and I’m praying you can help me save my ass. “I’m OK. The branch is not. That’s why I’m calling.”
“Ok. 30 minutes. Talk to you then.” Click.
Thirty minutes gives me time to sketch out everything I need to cover with her and get comfortable. 31 minutes later, I call her back.
“Steph?”
“Javier? OK, tell me what’s going on.”
I take a deep breath, gather my courage and confess my sins. I tell her everything, every lost contract, every lost man, every hemorrhage in my office.
“So that’s it. I’m in deep trouble here in NYC, Steph. I just lost three men in the last quarter and I haven’t been able to replace them. I haven’t grown the branch in four quarters, and I’m having problems with recruiting. My pipeline is completely busted. And most of my problems lead back to my strategist, Shane. I’m a problem too, but between the two of us we haven’t been able to fix this branch at all.”
I hear a deep sigh on the other end of the line. I check the time. 2000. It’s not that late.
“OK. Have you considered your solutions?”
I don’t like my solutions. That’s why I’m calling you. “Yes. My best solution is to transfer Shane to Miami. He’s a natural fit for Miami, but Armando won’t be willing to let go of Diego for all the tea in China. At minimum, I gotta get Shane out of my branch. My other problem is pay scale. RangeMan pay starts at 65K. Anywhere else in the country that’s great pay, excellent pay really, but in NYC it’s middling, especially for all the stuff we do.”
“OK, let’s start first with your strategist. Assume I can move Shane out. Who do you want to replace him and for how long?”
For the first time in weeks I feel a bit of hope. Can she really do it? “I don’t know who I’d want. I was thinking Diego because I think Shane is suited to Miami, but I don’t actually know anything about Diego really. Mark offered, well ordered me to take Patrick, but Patrick won’t mesh well here. I like Chase but from what I know of him, he’s better suited to the laid-back atmosphere of Atlanta. Manny might not be a bad option, but Trenton is brand new. He doesn’t have a track record as a strategist. I don’t know who to choose, but what I do know that everyone is possessive of their strategists because they’re the office idea men. Losing one is akin to losing an arm and leg.”
I hear silence on the other end of the phone. “OK, let’s move to the pay issues. What do you want there?”
I’m a bit surprised that she’s simply asking me what I want. “Umm . . . a higher starting pay for NYC would be great. I don’t know what RangeMan pay is based on, but if you do a cost of living adjustment for NYC, NYC RangeMenare underpaid compared to the rest of the company.”
“OK. Pipeline. What there?”
“Anything. I don’t know how you’re conducting your management review, but I’m asking to be next. I need a top to bottom review. I’ve tried and failed to fix this problem so I’m hoping you can come in and tell me what you think.”
Silence. “Ok, Javier, I’ll consider what you’ve said. I’ll call you back tomorrow, 2PM. You available?”
“I will be.” I mean that. If she’s willing to help me haul my ass out the fire, I’ll do whatever she wants. “Question.”
“Yes?”
“How come you’re asking me what I want to do?”
I hear quiet laughter. “First thing to understand about me, Javier, is I hate being ordered to do something. I hate having my choices taken away from me. Even Ranger knows that giving me options to choose from will get more cooperation than ordering me to do something. So I won’t take your choices away from you. The way I see it, it’s my job to help you weed through your choices and decide what’s most appropriate for you. It’s not my job to tell you what to do if I don’t have to. That’s Leadership Core. Besides, sometimes you know what you need to do, you just don’t want to do it or acknowledge it. AKA Denial Land. I’m a frequent visitor.”
I laugh. I get it. Now I understand why Danny told me to come clean. This isn’t going to be like confessing to Ranger or Lester that I fucked up and praying I live through my session on the mats. This is someone willing to pat my hand, nod and say, ‘Yes, you really fucked up, but we’ll make it better’.
Steph’s POV
Javier’s call tonight was surprising. I check my email, pull Javier’s financials and am stunned at the results.
RangeMan NYC is bleeding red ink all over the place. Their reserves are as bad as Atlanta’s were and they don’t have enough contracts to cover their costs. Worse, they don’t have enough men to cover the contracts. It’s Trenton with a twist. This is at an emergency level.
I consider the options Javier presented and decide that I need higher level approval before I do what I’m thinking. I call Tank.
“Tank?”
“Nope. Hey Beautiful!”
“Les! How’s Texas?”
“My balls are sweating.”
“Great. Thanks for the visual, Les. Look, you got some time? I need to talk to you.” I can hear Les moving around in the background and speaking to someone else.
“Hey Little Girl!”
“Hey Bomber!”
“Hey guys! How’s it going? Please, no updates on the state of your balls. I got that already from Les.” I hear chuckles and a head slap.
“So Bomber, how are we looking? Atlanta OK?”
“Yeah, I know what I’m going to recommend for Atlanta, even with a week to go. The issue tonight is NYC.”
Les is serious now. “OK, let’s have it Steph. What’s wrong?”
“Long story short, they’re on the verge of collapse.” I hear the sharp intake of breath three times. “Pull their financials and take a look. This was their worst quarter yet and they lost three men. They’re losing contracts all over the place, and Javier is recommending the removal of Shane. I’m thinking I want to Trojan Horse his operation until I can get there.”
There’s silence on the other end of the line. Finally I hear a string of curses from Les. He’s not a happy man.
“Fuck that. Javier has to go. There’s no way you can continue to fuck up at this level and still survive.”
“Yes you can. Atlanta did. The reserves were the problem here and once they got Bonds Enforcement under control we were able to straighten everything else out.”
“So are you saying that you think this is fixable?”
“I’m saying I don’t know if it’s fixable, but until I can assess it, let’s not assume it’s all Javier’s fault.”
“So what’re you thinking, Little Girl?”
“You guys know the men. Who is the most innovative Strategist in the company?”
The answer is quick. “Patrick. No doubt,” Lester answers.
“Patrick won’t mesh well in NYC, according to Javier. Who’s next?” Please say Manny, please say Manny.
“Fine. Manny is next.”
Thank god. Now for Javier’s concern. “He doesn’t have a track record.”
“Trenton Apprehensions and his FBI career is his track record. He’s the strategist I’d put second in the company, followed by Diego and Chase then Shane,” Les replies.
Excellent. Javier has already rejected Patrick so it’s not inappropriate for me to send Manny and Diego. They’re numbers two and three. “OK, so I’ll send Manny and Diego to NYC. Diego and Shane will swap and I’ll give Diego a quarter to do what he can. Manny will be there as the Trojan Horse, to review them both. Javier for competency and leadership skills, Diego for strategy.”
“Bomber, I’m not sure I’m following your plan.” Bobby sounds confused.
“See, it’s easy for Javier to say Shane is the problem, and I’m sure that if I ask Shane he’ll say Javier is the problem. So, this tests them both. If I send Shane to Miami and Miami starts having problems, then Shane is an issue. If Manny finds that Javier is a weak leader, then Javier is the issue. If they both perform well, then it was a branch-strategist mismatch. If they both bomb then they both go.”
Silence on the other end. “Fucking brilliant,” says Les.
“Glad you think so. Here’s the kicker. Armando isn’t going to want to give up Diego, from all I hear, so I have a question for you guys. Who takes over San Antonio when you leave?”
Silence on the other end of the line. “Haven’t thought about that yet, Little Girl. We’re having enough trouble integrating the men. SOP is to appoint the best of the new men into the roles.”
“Well, if one of the goals of the company is to get the men to start thinking that there’s room for growth in the company, one of the ideas each man should have in mind is that when a new branch comes up, there’s a possibility for a leadership role there. Win-win because you end up placing men with experience in the company in the leadership of the new branch and every man starts thinking about his performance in terms of promotion and future leadership roles. If I can sell Diego on the idea that I’d like to see his performance in NYC with an eye toward XO status elsewhere, do you think he’d jump at the chance?”
I can hear Bobby whistle on the other end. “Bomber, that is positively Machiavellian, and it resolves an issue for us. OK, I’m in. Guys?” I get two more positives from Les and Tank.
“OK, here’s the hard part of the equation. NYC pay.”
“Little Girl, we’ve been over that with Javier time and time again. It’s a no go.”
“Then you might as well shut the branch down, Tank. It has to be on the table. I went online to a cost of living calculator and did the math. $65K in Miami is equivalent to between $30K and $45K in NYC, depending on your borough. Would you be a RangeMan, with all the standards and requirements, for $30K when average starting salaries for bodyguards in NYC range between $45K and $60K, which is equivalent to $21K to $29K in Miami? It has to be discussed, Tank. $65K is not the same everywhere.”
I can sense reluctance to this plan. “Look, I did the COLA for every current RangeMan location with the assumption that $65K is Miami baseline. In Trenton and Boston, the COLA is in the guys’ favor by about $10K. In Atlanta, it’s about equal. Only in NYC is it way out of line. We need a way to deal with it.”
“So, what’s an equivalent salary in NYC? I’m guessing Liaison level, right?” Tank asks.
“At a minimum. I’m not ignoring the fact that the men elsewhere would revolt, but when you do the math, the money disappears faster because of the housing and transportation costs.”
“So what are you recommending, Little Girl?”
“NYC Differential of 30%. That brings NYC salary up to $85K, which is competitive in NYC, although it’s still out of line for the company. What it means is that we have to be more creative with their pipeline. That’s why I want to send Manny and Diego there. Let them figure out how to make it work. And if the men start revolting, we’ll allow transfers to the NYC office. That takes care of staffing levels for NYC.”
Silence, then, “I don’t know why we didn’t bring you into the company earlier, Steph,” Bobby says. “That’s so sneaky it’s scary.”
I smile. I’m feeling good tonight. Sarah, Rose and I all had two hour massages, courtesy of the Atlanta Bonds Enforcement Department, so all my tension has floated away. I called Lula and Connie to get the ‘Burg scoop and Grandma to hear about a viewing at Stiva’s. Javier caught me on a very good night.
“So, can I move forward with this plan?”
“You certainly may, Little Girl. Keep us informed.”
“I will Tank. Talk to you guys later.”
Click.
Sigh. They still haven’t improved in phone manners.
Now that I have my plan, time to execute.
“Hello, Manny?”
“Hey, Wifey! What’s going on?”
“Quiet night here in Atlanta. Look, I have an assignment for you.”
“Oh yeah, what is it? Oh, and I need to talk to you about something later.”
“OK. Look, it’s about the NYC branch.” I hear Manny start laughing in the background. “What’s so funny?”
“That’s what I needed to talk to you about. How soon are you planning to go, Steph?”
“I haven’t made up my mind yet, but what I need is for you to go. ASAP. Like in 48 hours.”
Silence on the other end. “OK. That’s surprising. What’s going on?”
I lay out the full situation for Manny, including what I need him to do. I can hear him chuckling and taking notes.
“So I’m going in as the corporate spy?”
“Yup. I need someone I can trust and who is creative and has good instincts to tear that office apart until I can get there. That’s you. Do whatever you need to. Send me back the info and whatever orders you need me to make in order to get that office under control. I need a break between Atlanta and NYC, so I’m thinking it will be a month before I come in to do the management review. That’s enough time for you to get started.”
“I think it’s a great plan. Suggestion.”
“OK?”
“Call a full meeting tomorrow. Me, Hal, Javier, Shane, Armando, and Diego. Let them know the decision you’ve made and who’s going where. The only negative to this plan is that you leave Trenton without an in-house strategist for a while. I can do it from NYC, but Hal and Ram definitely need to know they’ll need to cover my gaps. And I’ll need to give point on the SharePoint project over to Ram.”
“OK. Anything else?”
“Call Diego tonight and get him onboard. If you order him to go to NYC at tomorrow’s meeting without having sold it to him first, all he’ll hear is the order, not the benefits. Get him on board now. And make sure he knows he’s part of a two-man strategy team, but that he’s taking point in front.”
“He was my next call. I’ll do that. Anything else?”
“Nope. I’ll start packing my bags and I’ll call Hal tonight to give him the heads up so he isn’t caught off-guard tomorrow. 2PM, right?”
“Right. Thanks, Manny.”
Click.
My next seminar is going to be on RangeMan phone manners.
It’s 10PM, but in RangeMan time that’s not late. I look up Diego’s number and call him.
“Hello? Can I speak to Diego?”
“Fuck off. I’m busy.” Click.
OK. Let’s try again. “Hello, this is Stephanie Plum. Is this Diego?”
Silence. “Uh . . . yes, Ms. Plum, how can I help you?” All background noise is gone, as if every man in the room has gone silent.
“Diego, I need to speak to you and I need this conversation to be kept absolutely confidential and private. Are you in a place where you can talk?”
Silence again, then, “No, I’m not. Can I call you back in five minutes? That’ll give me time to get by myself.”
I agree and wait for him to call back.
“Ms. Plum, how can I help you?”
“Stephanie, please. I’m hoping that you can, and will, help me. Just so we’re clear, I’m not calling about the Miami branch. I need to talk to you about doing me a favor.”
The thing about talking to Core Team members is that no matter which one you talk to, they’re all deeply suspicious. They’re weighing every word you say against what they believe to be true and looking to see if you are lying to them or if your conversation has a trap. I can feel Diego’s disbelief. We’ve never met. Why would I want him to do me a favor?
“OK, Ms. Plum, shoot. What do you need?”
“As much as you guys in the company gossip, I’m sure you’re aware of the situation in NYC, correct?”
“Correct.”
“I’ve been on the phone with Javier and Leadership Core tonight, and I’m offering you an opportunity. I want to switch you and Shane for one quarter, and I’d like to see what you can do with the NYC branch.”
“I don’t follow, ma’am.” He sounds genuinely confused.
“All I hear is that Shane is a natural fit for Miami and that you would be a better fit in NYC. I don’t know but I’m willing to test the theory. I’d like to send you and Manny to NYC for a quarter, with you as the point man, to see what you can do with that branch. The assignment may run longer as necessary. I’m working to resolve other issues in the NYC branch, but what I need is a creative strategist who can take control there. I’ve been told you’re the man to place there. Can you do it?”
“Ms. Plum—“
“Steph, please.”
“Steph, permission to speak freely?”
“Go ahead.”
“Thank you. Steph, I’m flattered but I’m already a strategist in Miami. It’s a downgrade for me to take NYC. Pay sucks, the pipeline’s busted, and the leadership is a joke. Where’s the incentive?”
“Have you considered being an XO?” I hear a small intake of breath and realize he’s on the hook. Good. Time to reel him in. “An XO is more than just a leader. He’s a problem solver, with the ability to inspire those under him to do better, work harder, and be more creative. San Antonio is going to need a Leadership Core in a few months, and you saw what happened in Trenton. That may be the method for filling in Leadership spots from now on.
So basically, I’m using NYC to audition future XOs, strategists, and liaisons. The people who can help Javier pull NYC out the fire will be the first people we look at when the new offices come up later on. I’m working on the pay issues, but what’s most important is getting the pipeline fixed and determining if there really is a leadership problem in NYC. That’s why I need you and that’s why I’m sending both you and Manny. You can report on the branch and Javier, objectively please. Facts only. Now, will you take the position?”
I can hear him looking for the trap. It sounds entirely too good to be true. “So if I can’t get the pipeline fixed?”
“I need to know why. What are the options and what do you suggest.”
“If I get the pipeline fixed and want to return to Miami?”
“I’ll make it happen.”
“Does this make me a front-runner for leadership positions across the company?”
“Yes.”
“Then I’m in, Steph. When do you need me to report?”
“48 hours. I’m sending an email now with a request for a meeting at 2PM tomorrow. I’ll detail the assignment to all involved. SOPs for short term assignments apply.” I’m assuming there’s some in that huge book of SOPs I have yet to read.
“OK. I’ll follow the guidelines. Thank you, Steph. May I ask, who recommended you call me?”
“Who else? Leadership Core.”
My morning is spent in church in Atlanta. I learn that my partner, for all his reputation, is a deeply religious man and wants to ensure his nephew grows up with the same principles he did. He wouldn’t take Holy Communion, for personal reasons, so Nikki and I took Hector Manuel to the altar for Holy Communion and prayer.
I spent my time at the altar praying. I prayed for Ranger’s safety and that he wrapped this op up soon. I prayed for Tank, Lester and Bobby out in Texas since they were having so many problems getting the new RangeMen to operate as a group. I prayed for Hector, that whatever it was (and I had a good idea what it was) that was preventing him from taking Holy Communion resolved itself before his death. I prayed for all the men of RangeMan, the ones I’d met and the ones I haven’t, that they remained safe in the field and healthy and that I didn’t bankrupt the company and put them out of jobs.
I prayed for myself, for wisdom and guidance, that I did what was right, not just today at 2PM but every day. My decisions affect this company’s very existence. I can’t afford mistakes.
I figured with all that prayer I was covered for another 364 days.
After lunch we hit IHOP and I indulged in a massive omelet and fluffy pancakes. Thankfully my moans don’t seem to affect Hector, and Hector Manuel just thought they were funny. Nikki looked at me in awe.
“Girl, I’ve never seen anyone put away food like that.”
“They have me on a new diet. No carbs, no calories, no fats, no taste. And a personal trainer who has an incentive to try to kill me.”
Nikki shuddered. “Does it work?”
I nodded sadly. “I’ve dropped from an 8-10 to a 6-8 in five weeks, with a fractured tibia. I’d hate them if it weren’t so effective.”
Nikki looked, wide eyed, at Hector, who shrugged. “You need a personal trainer? I’ll get you the gym membership and a contract if you want it. Or you can work with the RangeMan Atlanta group. That’s probably a better option. Danny won’t mind having Hector Manuel in office, you’ll both be safe there, and the guys will know how best to get you where you want to be.”
“Yeah, but again, I’m relying on you for something I should provide for myself.” She sighed unhappily.
I cut in before she could continue. “Nikki, believe me, it would make the guys happier for you to go there. RangeMan is definitely a ‘we take care of our own’ company. You’re Hector’s. The guys will always want to keep an eye on you and Hector Manuel. He’s charmed the office.” I reach over the table and pinch his cheeks, which makes him grin at me.
I take a moment to consider the irony of what I just said. I’ve gone from only wanting to be at RangeMan when absolutely necessary to encouraging someone else to hang out there.
Nikki smiles. “I’ll think about it.”
“Well, while you’re thinking about it,” Hector says, “let’s get back to the office. Steph has a 2 o’clock call and I can show you the gym and introduce you to the guys in charge. See if you feel comfortable.”
We return to RangeMan and I hit the CO’s office to prep before the meeting. I already know what I’m recommending for Atlanta and I’ve started writing Danny’s report. My mind is on the 2PM call.
Shortly before two, I get two drop-in visitors who surprise me. First is Ram.
“Steph?” I motion for him to take a seat while I finish typing. Finally I look up and Ram is grinning. “You look very managerial.”
“I’m going stir-crazy.”
“Hector has Hector Manuel again and he said something about an afternoon stroll in the park. You interested?”
Fresh air. Sun. Sounds good. I nod.
“Second thing. Manny tells me I’m taking point on the SharePoint deployment with Hector?” I nod. “OK, I’m assuming Manny’s headed to NYC?” Ram smiles slyly.
“Is there a RangeMan in this entire company who doesn’t know what’s going on in NYC?”
“Nope. Javier’s office leaks like a sieve,” Danny replies, walking in. Surprise visitor number two is with him. “Sorry to intrude, but Hector Manuel is determined to say hi to you. Got a minute?”
For that curly haired cutie? Absolutely. Hector Manuel comes running in, all three year old energy and enthusiasm, and immediately climbs into my lap and starts telling me how much he’s missed me. I glance at the clock; it’s only been two hours. I understand a quarter of what he’s saying but I’m able to occasionally ask a question, which makes him grin. Hector is smiling; this is hilarious to him. Finally he runs out of steam, kisses my cheek (aww. Sticky toddler kisses) and runs out of the office, Hector right behind him. Danny and Ram look at each other, look at me, and laugh.
“That was adorable, Steph.”
“Yeah yeah, he’s the cutie. I’m just his favorite lap. So what’s up?”
“Nothing.”
Yeah right, nothing. These two are grinning like they know something good. “Spill.”
“Armando’s already having shit fits,” Danny says. “When you called last night, the Miami guys were at a club, and a call from the CO to the strategist, with no preceding or follow-up call to the XO, got everyone’s attention. Then Diego, who is a hound-dog at the ‘Lester’ level, leaves and doesn’t return. Evidently, Armando returned to RangeMan to find Diego packing and wanted to know what was going on. Diego said the CO had an assignment for him that she was detailing at 1400 so he was going to be prepared for whatever she requested. Completely threw Armando for a loop. Next thing Armando knows, Mark’s on the phone asking how he lost control of his office. This entire thing has turned into a slapstick skit.”
Ram is wiping his eyes from laughing. Danny is biting his fist trying not to laugh. I’ve rolled my eyes directly up to the ceiling.
Ram picks up. “Meanwhile, Hal’s at home base wondering when it became fashionable to poach his best men from his office. He’s grumbling that if the CO is taking his Leadership Core, she’s gotta come home and help. He said, and I quote, ‘You tell her I’ve got a few hours of monitor duty for her’.”
Ram can barely finish, he’s laughing so hard, and Danny is trying hard not to. He finally breaks and they laugh till they cry.
Wonderful. I wonder where the closest church is. I may need to attend another Mass before this call.
A/N: If you are confused by the constant use of the word ‘pipeline’ and need to know what it means, please click here for a really great explanation.
