“I have some feathers to ruffle.” Steel pushed from the desk and stood. “I’ll call you.”
“Deal’s done, we’re golden.” I reassured him clutching my slick new Apple iPhone with retina display and A12 Bionic chip pressed to my ear.
“Just give me the rundown, Harrison, I have a tight schedule.” Kendrick insisted impatiently.
“We had to pay through the nose, but it’s not my fucking money. The deal’s iron clad, we’ll own Tranquility Design and apparel company in a matter of days. The first thing I’m going to do is change the bullshit name.”
“Keep tabs on Nathan James Senior, he’s unreliable, what if...”
“Please.” I scoffed. “Your lack of confidence is insulting.”
“Save your breath, Harrison. You got what you wanted; we all did our part. Now we’re all taking a back seat to your plan, or your axe to grind, if that’s what it is.”
He took another drag of his cigarette and exhaled it into his receiver.
“Those things will kill ya’.” I said sarcastically.
All he did was whine like a little girl. He didn’t have the good sense to relax and let the money flow in. And it was more than an ‘axe,’ it was my future.
“Well, keep it on the legal side. I’m not falling with you on this, that’s not part of the deal.”
“Relax, it’s a piece of cake.”
“Where are you from, Cash? That twang can only get you so far before it starts to rub people the wrong way, so give it a rest.”
“Is that a real question?”
Asshole.
“No, I couldn’t give a fuck. Just tell me when you’re ready and I’ll do my part.” Then ended the call and the line went dead.
I ground my teeth together and cursed the man for being such an imbecile. Between the lack of sleep in this dive motel and the stench of stale cigarette smoke, I was ready to explode.
Sonja promised the cabin home would be set up and running by now. But, trying to knock some sense into her was like holding back a mudslide cascading down a cliff.
I wouldn’t put it past her to string me along. She was pissed, if only the circumstances were different, if the timing had been right, we’d be parked on an island somewhere, warming our bodies on the beach, sipping fruity concoctions together. Not running towards a disaster ready to risk everything we’d worked so hard to accomplish.
Unable to alter my direction, the plan began to take root, it all started to make sense in one eureka moment after another. Removing the main obstacle would come at a price, but one I was willing to pay.
The wedding seemed like a millennium away, but in reality, it was sneaking up on me and now it was smacking me across the face. Juggling a dozen tasks and obligations all from across the North Pacific, it was natural and all too-human to freak out.
“Pre-wedding jitters?” Gen asked in a soft gentle tone, normally saved for crazy people.
“No, I’m totally chill.”
“Uh huh.”
I simply took a deep breath and reminded myself every decision about color choices, flowers or come rain or shine. It would all come together beautifully, because I had the most incredible partner, and the moment I walked down the aisle to marry my betrothed, that would truly be the moment I’d been waiting for.
“I’m going to be straight with you.” She said. “I’ve seen some late stage bridezilla behavior.”
“Sure, okay whatever.” I snorted a laugh. “Is this a joke?”
Despite the fact that most brides start thinking about the big questions: Have I made a mistake? Am I ready? Is this really the rest of my life? Those doubts weren’t creeping up on me. I was completely in love and ready to get married.
It was the friend of the bride, Gen who needed to warm up her cold feet. Which was pretty daunting considering she didn’t even believe in the whole institution of marriage.
Normally she was a great sounding board, she just needed to sit there and listen, as difficult as that sounded, she just couldn’t cut it.
“Try not to let it consume you.” She said warily. “Breath deep, even though you’re normally a calm person my advice to you is just let it happen.”
“Come to think of it, I have been feeling a little stressed.” Because of Gen.
“I knew it! Think of me as a mirror, and I’ll explain what I’m hearing back to you. Feel free to reflect back to me what your fears are.”
“Gen.” I said, fisting my hips in frustration. “Stop. I’m fine. You’re putting so much pressure on my perfect day, it isn’t a fairy tale, it’s a wedding. For crying out loud, snap out of it.”
I needed to bring her back down to earth. Give her a healthy dose of reality. Wasn’t the bride’s expectation usually the one out of control? Ultimately, she was here to support me, not the other way around.
“I’ve got your back, sister.”
The clock read six o’clock and Nathan arrived home a black garment bag hung over his arm. He looked like power, sex, and money. The dark stubble of his jaw graced his handsome face with the sweetest grin I’d ever seen.
“Something for me?” I asked, then lifted to my toes and kissed him.
“You could say that.” Then hung the bag in the closet. “I have my tux, what’s the status on your list?”
“Umm—"
“It’s about time you showed up.” Gen scolded.
“Hey Gen.” He said, then turned towards her, his eyes narrowed. “What’s the problem?” Then glanced back to me.
“Gen thinks I’m being a Prima Donna.” I said and shrugged.
“And all this time I thought Gen had an inflated view of her own importance.”
“Wha-what?” She said then pursed her lips. “Contrary to popular belief, I’m far from being a princess. Possibly a dark queen, humble and kind. Decide what you must, I’m leaving.”
“You’re out of control.” I chuckled walking right into her arms. “But a loveably queen.”
Nathan and I exchanged glances. It was written all over his face, love and excitement. And any lingering feelings of anxiety melted away. I’d let Gen stress the details because when all that pressure came to a head. I just wanted to walk down the aisle towards the man in my arms. And what ever happened would only be a small glitch in the grand scheme of celebrating a life together with my new spouse. Nothing could stop us now.
It was eerily quiet as I made my way through the office. Then I was stopped short when I noticed Jake standing, his hands tucked into the front pockets of his slacks.
“It all happened so fast.” He sighed and shook his head.
“What happened?”
“A phone call, at seven am, dozens of employees got the pink slip. Fired, with no warning. I never got the call so I guess I still have a job. You too apparently.”
No wonder he was pissed with the economy going down the tubes getting canned was everyone’s worse nightmare. I was so angry I had tunnel vision; my entire team gone.
“Great, just great.”
This couldn’t be real, I was shell-shocked. My adrenaline was catching up to my numbness. I began to hyperventilate a little, fought the urge to start bawling, or scream and freak out.
“But that isn’t the best part.” He said. “He dismantled all severance packages and health insurance for everyone who lost their job.
“He, who?
“The new owner.”
“Is he here?”
“Oh yeah, he got here at five am. He made a point to mention that to me when I walked in, he’s in Thanes’ office, well his office now.”
I started to lose it, but clamped it down. My stomach was in knots. I was cold and shaky and sweaty despite the perfect seventy-two-degree office temperature. I dropped my bag on my desk and without a word, I turned towards the hall.
“What are you doing? Jake called out.
“Having a conversation.”
“I’m not so sure that’s a good idea.”
“Do you have a better one?”
> Heart pounding a mile a minute, I felt as if the world was moving a thousand miles an hour around me while I moved in slow motion. Suddenly, I was face to face with Thane’s old office. The pound of my fist against the door cracked through the hall.
“Can I talk to you?”
Silence.
“I know you’re in there Cash, answer the door.” I pounded again. “We need to talk, dammit. Now.”
After a few moments went unanswered, I was prepared to break the door down, but the click of the lock and the turn of the handle brought me back to my senses.
“You don’t look so good, Bryer.”
I composed myself, breathing slowly to bring down my raging pulse. Never one to miss an opportunity to play head games. I needed to find out what underhanded plan he had in store for this company, and me.
Turning pain into power I stepped through the doorway, only to be shocked by the changes. Had sure made himself at home. Noticeable was the Louis Vuitton monogramed Stokowski Secretary desk paired with two dragon’s chairs flanking his new desk. A smattering of art spread across each wall. One piece in particular, I recognized as John Richards’s modern Classic by Carol Benson-Cobb. Jesus.
One thing I discovered about the rich, the truly wealthy don’t flaunt it. The ultra-rich don’t go out of their way to stand out. Just the opposite, the richest person in the room doesn’t have a meet and greet agenda, they don’t need to, they have nothing to prove.
But Cash’s display of wealth was pure show. He tried to appear as if he had the world eating out of his hand. But he was full of it. He was a loud talking guy, glad-handling and trying to get his business card into everyone’s pocket kind of guy.
It was disgusting.
“Well, as you so eloquently put it, I don’t look so good. You’re right I’m pissed. You fired half the company. You want to tell me what you’re up to?”
“That’s none of your business.”
“Cash Matthew Harrison.”
“My middle name, you are pissed.” But his smug grin only widened.
Right I was. I was also both terrified over the new situation and devastated about the impact he had over the entire company. I was beating myself up over the fact that this was all my fault. I felt the whole weight on my shoulders, all my colleges who had to face their significant others and tell them they lost their job today. Not to mention the remaining employees whose future was still unknown.
“What are you grinnin’ at?”
“I’ve said it all, haven’t I? I want another chance.”
“So, you buy the company I work for?”
“It sounded like a good idea at the time.”
“Cash, I’m getting married in a week, to Nathan.”
“You’re not married yet, darlin’.”
“You’re delusional.”
“We’ll see, Bryer. We have a staff meeting in an hour, be ready for the briefing.”
I slammed the door behind me. I survived him once, I’d survive him again.
“It’s final, Nathan.” She said her eyes hardened. “He’s the new owner.”
I heard the agony in her voice, saw she was in trouble but I just didn’t know how I could help. She was my life, I wanted to sooth her, comfort her, fix it but this was out of my control which only ticked me off more.
“I don’t give a damn what the psychopath’s twisted logic is. It all boils down to his presence at Tranquility.” I said as I paced the length of the room.
Just one more reason why I wanted him out of our lives once and for all. He needed to march his ass back to Texas, and let him wreak havoc on his own town, but I wasn’t that lucky.
“I understand you’re angry.”
“Yes, I’m angry. But what’s worse is his power is malevolent, I can’t think about it without wanting to beat the shit out of him.”
I knew that face, it was the one she wore when her barriers went up. I wanted to beg, get down on my knees and tell her to leave her job, quit the job she once loved the one that meant so much to her. But no matter what I said it would only push her further away.
“You know that’s insane, Nathan. He may have control over my job, but not over me.”
“The truth is, you don’t know what his motives are.”
I should have known Cash wouldn’t give up; he was a bad guy. I couldn’t protect her there. Cool logical thought was replaced with great mental pain and fear that he would somehow get to her.
She let out a sigh, angled her head and set her face to casual indifference. Appearing nonchalant, masking her anxiety. Pinned me with a soft glance as she approached. Slid her fingers up my chest and over my shoulders braiding them behind my neck.
“We have a wedding to prepare for.”
“That’s not the point--”
“Shh.” She held her finger to my lips. “That’s exactly the point.”
I lifted her and wrapped her in my arms. Her smile was so engaging I was momentarily distracted. Her mouth was level with mine and our lips touched gently. Capturing a kiss that felt just right, my mouth crushed over hers slow and sexy. Eventually our breath evened out.
“Okay, okay. I’m late as it is.” I said then lowered her to the ground. “I have a meeting scheduled with Alexander Storm to go over details concerning M & M.”
She scrambled to her feet surprised. “Oh?” I understood her concerns, because I had my own. She nodded once and took away every feeling of safety I ever had, leaving, walking straight into the sinewy arms of a monster.
Perhaps if it weren’t for the fact, that deep down I knew the truth I could live with his intrusion in our businesses. But that wasn’t enough, he wanted Bryer. Thus far, making him enemy number one.
I marveled at the marble floor medallion made with whites, golds and midnight maples, the masculine sleek lines made a statement, sophisticated, yet professional.
I turned for the door hoovering over the threshold my palms grew damp with each intended footfall towards the receptionist and once there I braced my hands against the counter.
“Nathaniel James to see Alexander Storm.”
“He’ll be right with you, please have a seat.”
As I took my seat a wooden hanging mounted on the wall with the names Storm, Jenkins and Washington’s Law Firm hung prominently for all to see. The waiting room was filled with strangers. Many conversations in which everyone was talking but nobody was listening.
Only moments passed and the door swung opened. “Mr James will you follow me?” As I was ushered into the hall it felt as if I was walking on water, miles of white granite shone with each step I took. I was directed to an opened door office where the young, corporate attorney stood dressed in a fitted Armani suit with neat blonde hair and extended his hand, I returned his handshake with a firm grip.
“Nathaniel James, right on time. It’s very nice to finally meet you. Please, have a seat.”
“How do you do, Mr. Storm?”
“Never better.” Then gathered the papers in front of him, a bookshelf busting with books of law lined the entire wall behind him. “Please call me Alex. Steel Archer filled me in on your situation.” Alex frowned, filled with determination. “If you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to discuss my concerns over Miss Reid’s place of employment, Tranquility.”
“By all means.”
I saw his wheels spinning. He was more to the point, focused and determined. Forming an opinion of him in an instant. I liked him.
“It’s a distraction tactic. Trust me Cash Harrison is not interested in owning a women’s apparel company. He’s found a way to worm his way into Miss Reid’s life, whether she wants it or not.”
“Why would he—"
“Why indeed.” Alex said coldly. “It’s too convenient, what is he trying to hide? What’s his true motive?”
“Control, money.”
“Bingo.” Alex’s palm hit his desk in a loud slap. “Already ahead of you, what if you set up a company that couldn’t be traced back to you, and you trump his
original purchase price, and Cash walks away with all the money? He’s corrupted enough to do that, leave his partners in the dust. You could use M&M funds to back you up?”
“I like it.” I said, a counter attack, in theory the idea had potential, an offensive competitive strategy to actively pursue controlling interest. I’d need to invest heavily in an effort to stay ahead of Cash’s deal. “So, if I’m clear, we’ll be actively acquiring the purchase of Tranquility.”
“Exactly, and that’s when the real fun starts.” Power vibrated off of him in waves. I had a sinking suspicion by the time Alex was done, Cash would be seething. “A preemptive strike, unbeknownst to Harrison. An undisclosed strategy to simply take advantage of his greed. Thereby strengthening a company’s position in the market place, when operating legitimately.”
“I’m listening.”
I refused to be powerless, that was no longer an option. Was it ethical, was it the path I wanted to take? That was open to interpretation, I’d double cross a saint for her safety. Thankfully I was dealing with a sinner. And it was Bryer. Regardless, Cash lived in an alternate reality fueled by entitlement, greed and privilege. It was time I established complete control.
“And as far as M &M Global, he doesn’t have controlling shares, that would be a challenge going head to head with a company of that size and stature.” Alex scribbled notes on a yellow legal pad and closed the file, only to lock eyes with mine. “Do the unexpected,” Alex offered with startling insight. “He won’t see it coming.”
“Maybe he’s not as bulletproof as he thought. We have a plan, although spiteful, let’s move quickly.”
“It’s standard procedure Nathan, I’m not callous, I’m successful anyone who says otherwise doesn’t know me very well.” He stood, rooted to the spot. “Don’t you have a wedding to attend?”
“I do.”
“I’ll be in touch.”
Forgotten Chance: Book Three (Forgotten Trilogy) Page 3