Aud shrugged. “We file the papers, the
applications, and the justifications, and hopefully everything will go through
as it has in the past.”
“Assuming Martin doesn’t get his way and start
cutting staff and reorganizing the agency.”
“Admittedly, Emily’s status isn’t as…secure
as it might be.”
“Is there any way to secure her status for
the long term?” Derian filled Aud’s glass and her own.
“Well, ideally, she would become a permanent
resident, which is another long and less-than-certain process. But even that
wouldn’t put her in line for taking over the agency, despite what Henrietta
wants. You know the unwritten word—family first.”
“Martin doesn’t care about family,” Derian
said. “That’s just a smokescreen to manipulate me and everyone else.”
“Not entirely true,” Aud argued. “Part of the
strength of Winfield Enterprises is its legacy of being family run. If you
really mean what you say about staying, then you should be Henrietta’s permanent
successor.”
“I don’t want the job permanently.” Derian
considered all the permutations Aud had just told her. “Emily needs her green
card.”
“That would solve a lot of problems, yes.”
“Well, then there is a solution. She needs to
get married.”
“That’s the best solution.” Aud laughed. “But
probably not a timely one, unless you plan on marrying her yourself.”
Derian smiled and sipped her wine.
Aud stared. “You can’t be serious.”
“It would certainly solve all the issues at
one time—for everyone. She’d be established here in the country, and she’d be
family, so she could take over from Henrietta.”
“Really, Derian. That’s crazy.”
“Why? It’s not illegal, and she’s already
proven she deserves the position.”
“What about the small issue of the marriage
being a sham?”
“Lots of people get married for lots of
reasons, and this is as good as any.” Thinking of her parents, she grimaced.
“Better than many.”
“What about the small matter of love?”
Derian went very still inside, the kind of
icy calm she always experienced in moments of highest risk. “Emily’s career is
her main focus, and you know what the circuit is like. I’d be away frequently.
We’d have a very compatible relationship.”
“If I really thought you were serious, I’d
try to stop you.” Aud shook her head. “But even you can’t be that crazy.”
Derian didn’t argue. Aud wasn’t the one she
needed to convince of her seriousness.