“Fascinating,” Armond said.
“Indeed. We’re still tying up loose ends, but I think we’ve gotten to the core of it at this point,” Robert responded. “Okay,” Victoria interrupted, “let’s move out of the past and into the positive. I want to wrap up a few loose ends of my own. Jenny, can you give us a status on the victims’ fund we set up? How is it doing, and have we located the other women?”
“We’ve raised $1.5 million in the first two weeks and money continues to pour in. As you requested, I’m in the process of finalizing the not-for-profit status, and I’ve sent you a list of my suggestions for board members to oversee the organization and its funds.”
“That’s an amazing amount of money. Jenny, I’d like you to be the chair of the board and CEO of the company once its charitable status is approved. Are you willing?”
Jenny’s face lit up and her eyes got a bit teary. “Yes, of course. We can do a lot of good with that amount of money and the drive we’ll have from the people I’ve suggested for the board. Thank you, Victoria. I am so honored.”
“You’re more than welcome. As far as I’m concerned, there’s no one better to run that foundation than you. Now, as to the women?”
“Serena, Gretchen, and Willow are doing remarkably well. Serena and Gretchen have decided to return to the firm, and each accepted your offer to run the departments where they had worked. Willow has asked me to convey that she is more than excited to run PR at the firm, and if we’re comfortable with her starting in two months, then she’s on board. She continues to detox and is doing remarkably well after all the drugs she was given. And, of course, after being away from her family for so long, she wants more time with her son and husband before she jumps back into the fray.”
“Please tell her I’m more than fine with two months and that we’re looking forward to meeting her family once she’s ready,” Victoria said.
“As far as the other women caught in Adam’s web,” Jenny continued, “we’ve found all but two. Our investigators are working with my friends at the FBI and the DOJ and I’m told they have solid leads and are hopeful. By the way, Ms. Carson has been a huge help with identifying people who might have some solid information about their disappearance.”
Victoria looked at Armond. “Speaking of Ms. Carson, what does Renoir Productions plan to do? She still wants to invest, and without her, it’s doubtful we would have reached the resolution we did or that the women would have been found. Granted, she has her own culpability in the situation, although she insists her escort work was allowed by the Thai government. You know my very strong opinion on the subject, but it’s Renoir’s decision.”
“My father and I are adamant that we don’t want funds that have any connection, either directly or indirectly, with her businesses or conduct. We have no intention of allowing her to invest in any part of our business. However, her personal story is extraordinary, so we’ve asked one of our top screenwriters to meet with her to determine if it’s the right fit for a documentary. We’ve already decided that if it’s a go, all profits will go to your fund.”
Victoria reached over and squeezed his hand. “I’m so pleased to hear that. But, I would ask one condition.”
“What’s that?”
“There is to be no mention of my name or even a reference to me in any film that might be produced about Caroline. Agreed?”
“We’ll see, my pet. You know we never agree to anything until our lawyer has looked at the contract,” Armond said, smiling at Victoria.
Robert interjected, “Jenny, how is Billy doing?”
“Well, I have to admit, and I know I’m biased, but I really think he’s coming along quite nicely. He’s been doing pro bono work for abused women and children. I think he’s getting the picture. He’s also agreed to fully cooperate with the authorities in exchange for immunity, although he insists he had no knowledge of what his partners were doing. He’s a work in progress but so far, so good.”
“Well, now that we’ve tied up the loose ends, I have a little something I’d like your help with. Are you in?” Victoria smiled and raised her glass. She watched in amusement as her friends groaned and looked at one another with the understanding that it was too late to change their respective life’s course. Then, they raised their glasses, acknowledging that for better or worse, they stood as a united force.
Private Agendas: A Victoria Rodessa Legal Thriller Page 26