Midnight (McKenna Chronicles Book 1) by Elizabeth Miller Read Free Book Online

morning. How may I help you?” Her smile is
exuberant.
    I
can’t help my answering grin; hers is infectious. “Hi. I’m Charlie Carter . .
.” Before I can finish, her hazel eyes grow wide as she jumps up from her seat.
    “Ms.
Carter. Welcome. We’ve been expecting you.” She rounds from the desk to shake
my hand. “I’m Molly. Please follow me and I’ll take you back to Mr. Daugherty.”
    “Oh,
I wasn’t expecting to meet with him. I thought he was gone this week.”
    “There
was a last minute change to some plans.” She glances over her shoulder at me as
she rushes forward down a curved hall. The walls are the same brick as the
exterior, with rows of pictures lining the length—frozen memories of Colin at
some time in his life, most I suspect from the last five to six years. We’re
walking too fast for me to examine any of them closely; but the common theme is
his brilliant smile and breathtaking good looks.
    Evan
is working on the computer when we enter, a phone cradled in his neck as he
types, holding a no-nonsense tone with whomever he’s talking to. There's no
sign of the humor I’ve heard underlying his voice. “I don’t care what it takes,
just make it happen, Smith. We need to get him before Davidson does. Next week.
Call me when it’s confirmed.” He turns to me as he hangs up. “Charlie.”
Standing, he reaches for my hand. “It’s nice to see you. Have a seat.” The
laughter is back as he waves at a chair.
    Molly
disappears, closing the door discreetly behind her.
    “Can
I get you anything? Coffee, water?”
    “No,
thank you. I’m fine. I have to admit I’m surprised to see you here. I thought
you had already left.”
    His
answer is lighthearted, as is his grin. “Colin had some unfinished business he
needs to take care of before leaving. We’ll be back and forth from Indiana for
a while before taking to the road for longer periods of time.”
    Oh,
this is a change. I purposefully switch gears so I don’t get lost in the
reasons why. “Were you able to review the information I sent with an outline of
the site? I incorporated everything Colin asked for, and I added some of my
ideas to make it more interactive . . .” I trail off, knowing I’m talking with
nervous energy.
    “I
did. Your concept is exceptional; I’m impressed. My plan is to have you sit
with the leads in the office to learn their business and Colin’s so you have a
better understanding of his platform and campaign. As you get to know him,
you’ll find Colin is an exceptionally honest person; he’ll want the site to
mirror that.”
    I’m
thrilled he likes my concept and excited to get down to the details. He
continues, “Technically, your domain is under the communications division,
which is managed by John Montgomery. John is responsible for maintaining
consistency in product development and messaging. He has oversight of all
printed materials, press releases, advertising and anything stamped with Colin
McKenna’s name or associated to him in any way. For now, I’ll be your lead, so
run everything through me and I’ll keep him in the loop.”
    I
find this odd. Why would I roll up to Evan if John is my boss?
    “John’s
forte lies with printed campaign material; new technology and social media
aren’t his strong suit, so Colin and I will manage that side of the
advertising. Is there anything you need before beginning?”
    “No
thanks. I’ll be sure to let you know if I do.”
    “Good,
and Charlie?” he adds with an easy grin. I don’t say anything, waiting for him
to continue. “I’m glad you’re here. You’re a perfect addition to the team.”
    “Thanks,
Evan. I’m glad to be here too.” I realize when I say it that it’s the truth.
    ~
    Evan
hands me off to Sally for a tour of the building and introductions to everyone
working on the campaign. I spend the first half of the day in finance. Tim is
the lead, and he provides a detailed overview of campaign funds as per Colin’s
directive. He