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choose from. Neon also has a great profit-sharing program and a 401(k) with company matching funds up to 6 percent of your gross wages, as well as other retirement benefits.
    “We’re all on the same team now, and I look forward to getting to know each of you as we progress through this three-month transition period. I’d be happy to answer your questions now.”
    A man lifted his hand. “My name is James Ferguson. I’m the installation foreman. How many of our jobs will be eliminated?”
    Ryan nodded. “Good question, and I wish I had the answer this morning. We’ve already identified some positions that will no longer be necessary or will be filled by Neon personnel out of necessity. Those employees affected will be notified privately as soon as possible. Other positions in question will be evaluated over the next several weeks.”
    “Will you be doing the evaluation and deciding who stays and who is booted out?” James asked.
    “I will be making the recommendations; however, the final decision rests with Neon.”
    “How special.” James narrowed his eyes and shot Ryan a venomous glance. “How soon will we know?”
    “Depends on the job and how quickly we all work through the transition. Quality service personnel are needed regardless of the buyout. You and I will talk privately about your team of installers and their qualifications.” The mixture of fearful and angry looks he received tugged at Ryan’s conscience, but he’d long since been schooled in keeping a professional demeanor.
    An Asian woman wiped a tear from her eye; she was Deidre Blackman, the secretary he’d seen at the desk outside Alina’s office.
    “Neon does offer a severance package for key individuals. I will have that information available for those affected in writing next week. What is important to remember is to continue your jobs as always. Fred or I will notify you if something changes.”
    “What about relocation?” a young man asked.
    “That is also a possibility.”
    “To Columbus?” Alina asked—her first verbal communication since Ryan opened the meeting to questions. She sat back in her chair as though she were in charge. How well he knew her facade, especially when she wanted to cover her emotions.
    “Not necessarily. We have offices around the country and in Canada, Germany, and Denmark. If a position is available, any of you are invited to apply.”
    “If we want to discuss this transition with you privately, is there a problem?” The sarcasm lacing Alina’s words were grim reminders of the past.
    “No problem. I understand Deidre Blackman will be assigned to me during this time, and anyone who wishes to see me can make an appointment with her.” He nodded at Deidre and smiled. “She and I have time scheduled right after lunch to go over procedures and establish when those appointments should be made.”
    “Deidre is my secretary,” Alina said.
    Whoa. Got her riled now
. “Let’s talk right after this meeting. I won’t have too many things for her, and I think we can both utilize her abilities without overworking her in the process.”
    Alina said nothing, but he had a strong feeling their meeting would be reminiscent of their college days just prior to graduation.
    “Where is your office?” James asked.
    “I will be sharing space with Alina Marlow.” From the corner of his eye, he saw her stiffen. Fred should have told her about the arrangement, and for a moment he felt sorry for her. Everything about this takeover had to be tough. “If there are no more questions, I’d like to turn this meeting back over to Fred.” Ryan paused, and when no one spoke he added, “Thank you for your attention, and I appreciate your cooperation.”
    Fred clasped his hand on Ryan’s shoulder before addressing the group. “I’d like to thank all of you for your attendance. None of this is easy, but I’m counting on you to support Ryan. I, too, am available to discuss the buyout and help with the transition in any