Chapter69:

Kent nursed his whiskey, lost in thought, when his phone rang. He took another sip before picking up, his eyes scanning the screen to reveal Nicolai's name. "Hello?" Kent answered, his voice low. "Kent, where are you? You're not at the office." Nicolai said, concern etched in his voice. Kent hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "I'm just clearing my head somewhere." There was a pause before Nicolai spoke again. "Tell me where you are, and I'll come over." Kent shook his head, even though Nicolai couldn't see him. "You don't have to do that, Nick. I'm fine." Nicolai's response was firm. "You've always been there for me, Kent. Now it's my turn to return the favor." Kent changed the subject, trying to deflect Nicolai's concern. "How did the interview go? Did you give him the job?" The line went silent, and for a moment, Kent wondered if they'd been disconnected. But then Nicolai spoke, his voice measured. "I gave him the job, Kent. He was overqualified, and I think he'll be perfect for t