Lang yelled. “Jade!” She rushed into his office with a feeling of dread. “What is it? What’s wrong?” “Not a thing. We got more of the grant money than even I expected on my most optimistic day. A grand total of 3.8 million dollars.” Lang waved a sheet of paper in the air. “That’s fantastic.” Jade read the award letter when he handed it to her. Lang rubbed his hands together. “But now the real work begins. We’ve got to set up a task force immediately to select a permanent project director.” He came to stand in front of her. “I’m going to recommend you.” Jade’s mouth hung open. “Oh, but—” “Wait a minute before you say no. I watched you in the meeting the other day. Even though it was the first time you’d met those folks, you had a way of pulling all their thoughts together and directing them toward a focus of effort.” “I don’t know what to say, Bill. Naturally it’s a wonderful compliment.” Jade’s mind was in a whirl. This was a great opportunity, but the work would be all-consuming.
