Unexpected Impact

Prologue

This story is a sequel to The Essence, but the books can be enjoyed in either order. Unexpected Impact takes place several years after Sophia’s first adventure, The Essence, where she earned her stripes as a magazine feature reporter.

In The Essence, Sophia was sent to interview a reclusive military dictator, General Nicolai Hewzenko; her preliminary research warned her he was a dangerous man. After a rocky start, her perceptions changed, and she began to admire Nicolai and his ideas. Choosing Nicolai over her own safety, Sophia's quick thinking helped to avert a destructive situation.

After the close of the first book, the articles Sophia wrote about Nicolai triggered a Senate investigation into the military conglomerate responsible for actions against him. Sophia was called to testify and also wound up on several television talk shows, which added to her reputation as a journalist. The following years at Personna Magazine were filled with more articles and adventures. Nicolai continued to inspire her, but their long-distance relationship strained over time.

Unexpected Impact

Worse than Office Politics

The last time Sophia had felt this much tension, she was in an airplane going through turbulence and a major lighting storm. But there was no reason for that here in the Personna Magazine office, she thought, standing up and scanning the view from her cube. Everything appeared to be normal.

Maybe she was just being paranoid. Sophia turned her focus back to her article on the relationships between several politicians’ wives and their cooperation to promote international standards for working conditions. The interviews had gone well but she was having a rough time polishing it and giving it her usual pizazz. It would have been easier to finish it at home, but the new management that had acquired the magazine retracted work from home privileges last week.

In the next cube, she could hear Steve clicking away at his keyboard—he’d only been working at Personna for six months and was most probably updating his resume. She thought about doing this herself but felt pretty secure in her position as one of the Magazine’s most productive reporters. She also had a great working relationship with Ellie, the Senior Editor. Ellie appreciated Sophia’s popularity and gave her credit for much of the magazine’s twenty percent readership growth.

Sophia had paid her dues. When first hired, she had slugged through lots of fluff–entertainment and gossip stories--until she interviewed a reclusive dictator. Her adventures and subsequent articles had earned her awards and a promotion to senior reporter status that she’d happily held now for four years.

But the atmosphere had changed with the new ownership. Ellie’s usually perfect nails were bitten down to stubs and people snapped at each other during staff meetings and gossiped in low tones. With a sigh, Sophia gave up on her article and wandered down to talk to Ed, a senior reporter and one of her best office buddies.

Even down the hallway, she heard his hoarse smoker’s cough. This was another bad sign.

Ed, don’t tell me you started smoking again!

He looked up from the mass of papers on his desk with a sheepish expression. He shrugged. It’s the stress.

Ed, nothing has happened yet.

Oh, but it will. It always does. Heads will roll. Sophia visualized a head rolling down the hallway; a shiver ran down her spine. I’ve done my research on Quain Associated Industries. They specialize in slash and burn, making a quick profit for their stockholders but laying waste to the landscape, so to speak.

Maybe not. We’ve been profitable; hopefully QAI won’t want to mess with success.

Ed shook his head and smiled. You are forever the optimist, Sophia.

The next day, there were suits in the office. The QAI corporate people marched in, staring straight ahead on their way to the conference room—they didn’t even try to look around or pretend to smile. They were on a mission.

Sophia spied Ellie leaving her office and heading in the direction of the conference room. What were they doing? Hadn’t they re-organized enough?

Twenty minutes later, Ellie returned with a manila envelope, her face ashen with a blank look of shock. Not Ellie… we can’t run this place without her, Sophia thought as she stood to go comfort her editor, but the jangle of the phone detained her.

Miss Dubonnet? Could you please step down to the conference room? The voice was crisp and had a Boston accent. A cold wave of realization hit Sophia. She wanted to scream NOT ME, YOU HAVE THE WRONG PERSON, but she pulled herself together. In a few minutes. I need to stop by the ladies room.

See you in a minute, then. The voice on the line was not sympathetic.

Damn – I can’t believe they’re going to lay me off and they want me to hurry? A friend of hers had been through this and had lost most of her personal files. Thinking quickly, Sophia quickly created an email to her personal account and attached the file she was working on. Then she found a flash drive in her desk drawer and filled it with all the files she thought she might need.

The phone rang. Miss Dubonnet, where are you? Please get down here immediately!

Sophia slipped the flash drive into a pocket of her purse and closed her desk drawer. She took a deep breath, clinging to the hope that they were just briefing everyone about their roles in the new structure.

Arriving at the conference room, she recognized Wanda Fernadette, the Human Resources Director from QAI. She was the same wooden faced woman who had given out Welcome to QAI brochures a month ago. How ironic.

A man with slicked-back hair sat next to Wanda. He looked up and waved her in, pointing to the chair opposite them and introducing himself as the new Vice President of MM. Personna had been rolled into a division called Managed Media, or MM for short; apparently saying two words was too much for them.

Thank you for coming. Vice President Slick began.

Like I had a choice, Sophia thought wryly.

As we announced earlier, we are restructuring the magazine. There was something in his expression that confirmed she was not going to like what he was going to say.

As a result, your position has been eliminated.

Sophia stared at him in disbelief — this couldn’t be happening.

Wanda from HR broke the silence. We are sorry to have to do this. Here are the details of your severance package. It’s very generous, two weeks for every year of service. As of Friday, your health benefits will cease, but you may continue them on COBRA – all the forms are enclosed. She handed Sophia a thick package. You’ll have to sign the form on the first page stating that you will not sue us in order to get your benefits. We also expect you to be available during the severance period for any questions on your job.

This is generous? Sophia’s fought to reengage her mind. It was like throwing a cold engine into second gear.

Can I ask a question? Sophia addressed this to Vice President Slick.

Of course. He said impatiently.

Do you know who I am?

Slick lowered his eyebrows. Apparently, this was not an appropriate question.

Have you actually read anything I’ve written? Do you realize how many readers I attracted?

Slick’s eyebrows almost knitted themselves together over his frown. Of course we know who you are. He glanced at his laptop for verification. You are Sophia Smith Dubonnet.

So you’ve read my articles?

He looked up at her with a haughty expression; Sophia expected him to say he wouldn’t waste his time as it was better spent reading the Wall Street Journal.

It took a moment for him to answer. I have not. But we know your salary is too high for next year’s budget. It’s all in this spreadsheet. He indicated the screen of his computer.

This made Sophia more incensed, as she had heard QAI had added a whole layer of Vice Presidents. Is your salary on that spreadsheet? How does that fit in the profit picture?

He gave her a look one might give an idiot.

Sophia glared back at him and then asked, Did you lay off Ellie too?

Looking uncomfortable, he leaned forward, clearing his throat while eyeing Wanda for support. As we said, we are sorry to have to do this, let’s let Wanda go over your package. He wasn’t a very good actor; Sophia could tell he really didn’t care about anything except ending the meeting.

At the conclusion, Slick stood up and extended his hand. You’ve been a great employee, let me know if there is anything I can do for you.

Yeah, right. She gathered her papers and stomped out of the room.

Good News, Bad News

Sophia wasn’t sure how she arrived at the townhome she shared with her sister. Even her favorite brown corduroy recliner didn’t make things seem much better. She sat, numb, staring at nothing; wanting to talk with someone but lacking the energy to pick up the phone. It was like part of her was missing.

She got up and poured some cereal into a bowl; it didn’t look appetizing. She flipped the news on; it annoyed her, so she turned it off and closed her eyes, feeling stupid and telling herself that it was just a job, not someone dying, but she couldn’t help feeling low. As she wiped away the tears with her sleeve, Sophia realized a large part of her life was gone. She’d worked hard and given the magazine her best efforts and enjoyed doing it. She just hadn’t realized until now how much it meant to her.

It wasn’t fair! She flopped down on her bed, curled up in fetal position and pulled the covers over her head, but it didn’t help—her mind continued to rage, thinking of wild schemes of revenge until her cell phone rang.

It was Ed. Sophia, I just heard. I’m so sorry. I will miss you so much! What are you doing?

Ranting and raging against QAI. I was just visualizing giving VP Slick a good Karate kick.

In the crotch maybe? So you finally took my advice and got some martial arts training?

No, but this might make me check out that place you recommended.

Either way, it’s quite healthy to vent somehow. Here’s a trick that worked for a friend of mine: try calling them totally heartless corporate gargoyles!

Totally heartless corporate gargoyles!

Now say it three times fast.

Sophia managed a weak laugh. What about you—are you still there?

For now, they’ve left me alone, but I don’t think it will be long before they call my number.

Sophia agreed and after she hung up, she realized that talking with Ed made her feel better—it was nice to know someone cared.

She picked up her old laptop and plugged in the flash drive to transfer her files from work. She was glad she had them—QAI had promised to send a CD of her files, but that could take weeks or might not happen at all.

She did a quick search on the web for job information but didn’t see any jobs she’d want to apply for. That was depressing.

She closed the laptop and dialed her sister.

Anne – so glad I caught you. Can you talk? Anne had a bad habit of answering her phone during meetings and Sophia had learned to ask about the situation before engaging in conversation.

YES! Anne almost squealed with delight. It’s so awesome you called. You must have ESP! I have some news I was going to tell you in person when I got home, but this is better because otherwise I might burst!

Sophia blinked at her sister’s uncharacteristic outburst.

Hannie just asked me to marry him at lunch. I’m engaged! Anne bubbled. We went to lunch, then he wanted to walk by that big fountain on the plaza. I kept thinking how I had to get back to work and wanted him to hurry, but he just sat down and wanted me to sit with him. Then he looked at the fountain and said, ‘remember how you said the drops look like diamonds?’ and then he pulls this little box out of his pocket and opens it up and says, ‘will you marry me’?

And this all happens today? Sophia thought as she did her best Oh Wow! for her sister’s news. To be honest, she was not totally surprised. Hanover Lindstrom Dinwiddie (the Fifth) had been head over heels in love with her sister for two years now. The surprise was it had taken him this long to propose, but then maybe it was some family tradition – he came from an established upper-class New York family.

I’ve got to show you this ring. I’m almost afraid to wear it, it’s so beautiful – it was his grandmother’s, which means he’s talked this over with his family, which is good. Anne continued her happy tumble of words.

I thought he wasn’t close to his family.

He isn’t close like you and I are, but he still wanted them to approve. I think they’ll be somewhat intimidating.

So when do you meet them? Sophia asked.

Next week. He’s taking me to Long Island for the weekend. Now for the important question: Will you be my maid of honor?

Of course! When I get a new job, I’ll be sure to get those days off! Sophia blurted out, trying to sound more cheerful than she felt.

New job? Anne asked carefully, just now catching Sophia’s tone.

I was just laid off. Sophia blinked back tears, knowing her voice was quavering. She felt bad for bringing it up. That’s why I called … I should have waited until you got home.

I’m so sorry! And here I’m babbling on, not even asking how you were! Anne’s tone changed from giddy bride to her normal self. How could they do that? You’re so good. Anne paused. After an awkward moment, she continued. Can I do anything for you?

Thanks, but I just have to regroup. It’s not like anyone died. Though it feels like my career has passed out, Sophia noted silently.

How about I bring home some Mo Goo Gai Pan and a bottle of Pinot Grigio to make you feel better?

Who Needs a Shower When You Can Have Ice Cream?

Anne was picking up the dirty dishes and garbage that had accumulated all over the normally neat living room. She wrinkled her nose -- the townhouse was not only a mess, it was beginning to smell, but she was more worried about Sophia’s state of mind.

It wasn’t like Sophia to have a hard time getting out of bed in the morning, so at first Anne figured her sister was tired and advised her to take a few days off and enjoy herself. She hadn’t anticipated that Sophia would spend days in her pajamas, watching the long version of Pride and Prejudice over and over, followed by all of the recorded TV shows in the DVR.

Sophia’s hair was greasy; it seemed too much effort for her to take a shower. She ate cereal, leftovers and all the ice cream in the house, leaving the dishes on the coffee table.

Sophia claimed she searched job boards most of the mornings, with little to show for it, and Anne realized that could be depressing. She didn’t think Sophia had reached out to any friends to help with the job search; in fact, she seemed embarrassed to talk about it, even with Hannie.

Two weeks like this were one too many. Anne felt like she should do something and finally got her opportunity when she found her sister dozing on the couch. Feeling like a secret agent, she tiptoed into Sophia’ room and checked the contacts in her sister’s cell phone. She wrote the number down and put the paper in her pocket. It made her nervous to call him. She had only met Sophia’s mysterious foreign lover once and something about Nicolai had been intimidating, perhaps those wild-looking gray eyes. But despite his formidable appearance, he had been very gracious; assuring her that she could call him if there was anything he could do for them. Since her sister had been partly responsible for saving his life, she figured it was a genuine offer and now seemed a good time to test it. Maybe he could get Sophia out of her slump.

Closing the door quietly, she headed to her car. Sitting for a moment to gather her courage, Anne then pressed the send button on her phone.

A Knock on the Head

Sophia woke up and stretched the full length of the couch, knocking off one of the throw pillows. She clicked through the TV channels and sighed; they had hundreds of channels but nothing good on any of them.

She heard her phone ringing in the bedroom. Maybe it was Ellie? She tripped over a stray shoe on the floor, thinking about how she hadn’t moved this quickly in days. She managed to grab it, and answered without looking at the caller ID. Hello?

Sophia! It was Nicolai. Are you busy? Nicolai always asked that, which was ironic as he usually worked 18-hour days leading his small, poor country. Sophia had met this intriguing dictator when she was assigned to interview him, and they’d been through several years of long-distance romance. They had recently agreed to trade love for friendship, but her heart still skipped a beat when she heard his voice.

Sadly, not busy at all. It’s wonderful to hear from you.

Not busy? Why not? His voice was gentle. Nicolai was so perceptive; he usually was able to tell when she was upset, even from thousands of miles away.

Sophia tried to keep under control, but the whole story came tumbling out, along with a stray tear that she let roll down her cheek.

Nicolai was quiet for a moment after she finished. Did I call the right number? Do I detect self-pity? Sophia Smith Dubonnet, feeling sorry for herself?

Hey, I just lost my job! You don’t know what that’s like.

You, my dear, have many attractive qualities, but holding on to perceived wrongs is not one of them. He used that reproachful tone that she’d heard him use on his staff. When I first met you, you were blaming the whole male half of the species for your ex-husband’s transgressions. Now you are probably blaming all corporate entities for your job loss—am I correct?

Sophia stuck out her lower lip. Just the greedy ones.

Of course. He chuckled. You are educated, talented and the world needs your talents. And you are only responsible for yourself. It’s not like you have starving children holding on to your skirts while men with machine guns trample the garden that was supposed to feed everyone.

He paused