Page 20 of The Reluctant Roommate

Morgan answered the call. “Morgan Favola.”

“Hi, Morgan, this is Jerry Grogan. I’m sorry our last call ended abruptly—I had to take a call.”

“I understand. How are things, Jerry?”

“Good, good. Look, I won’t draw this out. I’ve always considered us equals in the financial world, and I appreciated the business you sometimes passed my way. You were decent, Morgan, and that’s not something you often come across in our field.”

“Thank you,” she murmured. Where was he going with this? Surely he hadn’t called to pat her on the back?

“I heard what happened to you.”

“I’m sure everyone has. Bad news travels fast, although I think it was good news for some.”

“You’re right there. For what it’s worth, I heard Javid took over your accounts and is struggling. But that’s not why I called. I know of a job opening.” He cleared his throat.

A job. Her breath hitched, and she concentrated on breathing slowly and deeply. Maybe the job at Blackstar was on offer after all. “I’m listening.”

“It’s not at Blackstar. But one of the senior advisors here is going out on his own. He’s looking to hire two advisors, plus support staff. Nothing’s advertised yet, and he’s not opening shop for another month, but, if you’d like, I could put in a word for you.”

“I’d like that very much, Jerry. Thank you. Can you tell me who it is?”

A slight hesitation on the line. “It’s Murray Price.”

Murray.The bubble of excitement in her throat popped. Murray had a reputation for providing advice that skirted what was ethical. Before he came to Blackstar, he’d been with two or three other firms, never staying too long with any of them. There were whispers of kickbacks.

“Do you know why he’s leaving Blackstar?”

Silence sat on the call. Then, “I can’t say, Morgan. Not officially—”

“Unofficially? Our industry knows a millisecond after someone treads outside the lines. I’d rather hear it from you.” No need to mention to Jerry that for all intents and purposes she was no longer a part of that industry, and there was no one —apart from Jerry—who would give her the down-low. She shot a glance at the kitchen door. Still closed.

“Give me a moment.” Footsteps sounded, then traffic noise. “He’s being encouraged to resign.”

“Because? I count at least three other firms he left abruptly in the last six years.”

“Two years in a job isn’t unusual.”

“No. But you would have heard the rumors the same as I did. Thatisunusual. Our industry has worked hard to build the public’s trust after the global financial crisis.” She grippedthe phone and suppressed a frustrated scream. Had she come to this already? Mere weeks after a single mistake? That the only person who would even consider hiring her—even with a recommendation—was the most dubious of all. Murray’s shingle should say ShadyBros.Inc.

Jerry sighed. “It seems Murray doesn’t learn from his mistakes. That’s all I’m saying.”

With him as the principal of his own firm, there would be no one to check him. Not until he was reported, or sued for malpractice. The final hope that this might be a worthwhile position withered and died. Was nine in the morning too early for wine?

“Thank you for thinking of me, Jerry, but I don’t think I’m the right person to work with Murray.”

“I understand. And if you can wait this out, I’m sure you’ll find a position soon. It could be a career death slide with Murray. If he goes down spectacularly, you don’t want to go with him.”

“No, it seems I’m doing that all by myself right now.”

Jerry didn’t laugh. “I think you’ll get past this. You had a solid reputation, Morgan. Murray never did. Would you like me to put the word out that you were notified of Murray’s interest but that you declined his offer?”

She considered. That should demonstrate she was ethical and help mitigate any reek of desperation attached to her name. “Please. And, Jerry… I still owe you lunch. Maybe in a week or two?”

“Sure. We can do that. Why don’t you give me a call when you’ve got time?”

She had all the time in the world, and Jerry had to know that. The traffic noise receded. Jerry had to be back in the office. “I’ll do that. And thanks for thinking of me, Jerry.”

“No problem. We’ll do lunch soon. Ciao.”