A Second Chance

Chapter 2

“Ally, this is Coriene Shumaker. Coriene this is the infamous Allyson Brubeck,” Gary gestured to Ally as he landed the complement. She had worked for Gary for years. She thought of the aging man as almost a father figure. He did try and look out for her, but sometimes you can’t pass up a business deal. She understood that. “Ally, Coriene here has specifically requested you for their contract, and after hearing her situation, I agree that you are the best person we have for this job.”

Coriene cleared her throat. “Yes Ms. Brubeck. I have been told by many colleagues that you are the best. We desperately need your help.” Her eyes reflected the panic and worry her voice and the rest of her face was masking.

Ally sighed. “Okay what are the details of the contract.”

Coriene smiled a bit. “We are a technology firm based out of Chicago,” she started. Ally clenched up a bit. She didn’t like taking jobs in Chicago. Her two best friends lived there, but she tried to not stay in the city for extended periods of time. It was too risky. “Our father built the business, and I took over as CEO after he passed away. We struggled for a bit after that but then my brother returned to the company after he married and became the Director of our Technology and Innovation department. Things were good...really good…” Coriene shifted around anxiously in her chair. “ We were relevant and competitive. The board was happy. Then things started to fall apart in my brother’s personal life. It impacted his work. Things are better now, and he’s trying to get back to his old form, but he’s just not getting there.” She paused as if she wasn’t sure what to say next.

Ally looked at the woman. She could see how difficult this was for Coriene to say. “Ms. Shumaker, what is it you need from me?” Ally asked softly.

Coriene refocused and took a deep breath. “ We haven’t had a widely successful product in a few years. Our research and development guys are bringing in money with contracts, but we need our lifeblood to start putting out quality ideas again. The board has given my brother an ultimatum. Either he and his team have a slamdunk presentation at the Silicon Valley Tech Expo this November, or my brother is out. I can’t let that happen. He’s lost so much already”

“How am I a part of this solution?” Ally asked

“You are the best. We need the best,” Coriene replied. “We need someone who will work with my brother and his team and help him get things back on track.” Ally saw the panic and fear swell in the woman’s eyes. She knew Coriene thought Ally was her last hope.