The next day.
"Investigators stated that it was an execution-style killing."
The television was showing a news report about a gang dispute. Five people had been killed.
John held a pen, looking from the documents to Hattie beside him.
He remembered coming here for a vacation.
"Sorry to spoil the mood, but I need to remind you," Hattie said with a smile, "there's more for you to deal with at Hammer Industries than you think, Mr. Wick."
"Is that why you rang my doorbell first thing this morning?" John sighed, looking at her like a disappointing little sister. "You should know I hired you precisely because someone needed to handle this mountain of work."
"Yes, I know, Mr. Wick." Dressed in white, Hattie held her neck high like a proud swan. "But I'm only an assistant."
"Should I take that to mean you're asking me for a promotion and a raise?"
Despite his reluctance to work, John signed the documents, muttering, "This will break Ferdinand's heart."
With the pen in his right hand, he quickly worked through the pile.
He set a few pages aside to examine more closely.
"The Iron Soldiers have gone into production, and General Ross wants modifications in a few areas?" John thought for a moment. "Tell him we can provide external Iron Soldier equipment, but that will cost extra."
"Why are Taran Industries' documents here too?" The next page John saw bore Taran Industries' name and concerned a new bulletproof vest material.
Hattie shrugged. "Besides you, Mr. Orlov from Taran Industries is on vacation in Miami too."
"I should call him back." John studied the bulletproof vest material, looking thoughtful. "Speaking of which, I need a new outfit for Dax."
Keeping those two documents, John handed everything else to Hattie and headed out.
Outside, Ferdinand