‘Well, within reason. I specifically mentioned the new 911, and they said it wouldn’t be a problem.’
He looked at her curiously.
‘How long have you been planning this?’
It was her turn to laugh.
‘They first approached me through a headhunter six months ago. I played hard to get, but I soon realised they were serious. Barton’s don’t have a convertible team at all, and we’re one of the top three teams in the City by pretty much any measure. But I couldn’t do it on my own. I need you, and I need most of the rest of the team.’
‘A team move? They want to lift the whole team?’
She nodded.
‘Lock, stock and barrel. They’ll take everyone we think we need.’
‘Okay, so how do we do it?’
She paused. This was the tricky bit.
‘Well, I won’t pretend it’ll be easy. And I’m counting on you to play a pivotal role. The difficulty I face is that as a managing director my legal and contractual responsibilities are much more onerous than yours. If I act against the firm’s best interests, they can nail me. And to be frank I have a higher profile. You’re in a much better position. And the team look to you for day-to-day leadership. You hired most of them before I even joined the firm. Sure, they respect me, but I was just the hotshot the firm brought in to stir things up. You’d been there for almost five years before I even started. Do you feel up to it?’
He paused, looking pensive. Oh God, she thought to herself, I hope I haven’t blown it.
He nodded.
‘Sure. I can do it.’
He called across to the waiter, indicating his empty gin and tonic glass.
‘Waiter – mine’s a large one!’
She had heard him say that a dozen times before, and laughed now with relief as much as genuine humour.
‘Well it would be, wouldn’t it? Now, let’s think who to approach first.’
They met again a few days later. She would not discuss it at all in the office, and was paranoid about the lawsuits that would surely fly if it leaked.
‘How’s it going?’
He laughed.
‘So far, it’s easy. Jack, Nico and Ben are on board. All three will need guarantees, but two years will be fine. Ben will have to go up to senior manager. I said we’d raise their base salaries by twenty per cent. I’m waiting to hear back from Sandy.’
‘Brilliant, well done! Any problems with Sandy?’
‘There won’t be once I tell him the rest of us are off to Barton’s whatever he decides.’
‘Okay, keep me posted. What else do we need to worry about?’
‘I want to see my offer letter from Barton’s. I can’t take the risk of resigning without it.’
‘I know, leave it to me. Let’s get together again on Monday night.’
She sat in the corner worrying, checking and rechecking her watch. He arrived fifteen minutes late, breathless.
‘Sorry, got held up. I was chatting to Roger.’
‘Any problems?’
‘None at all, it’s sweet as can be. Sandy, Ian and Martin are on board. Roger, too, I think, but he wants to sleep on it overnight.’
‘Have you got the numbers?’
‘Sure – here.’
He handed over a list of what he had agreed with the team. Against each name was a title and job description, base salary and guaranteed bonus number, with either a two or a three against it to indicate the number of years that would be guaranteed. She glanced down the list. For a moment he looked concerned.
‘It’s a lot, but it’s right for the team.’
She smiled, looking at the totals at the bottom of the list.
‘Don’t worry, it’s well within budget. If we can do this so cheaply we may have to look again at our own packages.’
He looked at her, hesitated and then asked, ‘What is your package?’
She looked surprised, and he thought he saw the faintest hint of a blush.
‘Mark, I can’t tell you that. It wouldn’t be right. I shall still be your boss, after all.’
‘I know, but I feel right now as if I’m the one taking all the risks. I feel as if I should be more like your partner in all this than your number two.’
‘Mark, let’s get something straight. I’m the boss. You’re my number two. An important number two, but still number two. I’ve got you a fabulous package. Think what you’ll be able to do with that kind of money. If you’re not sure you want to do this, say so now.’
‘Of course I still want to do it, but you forget I’m having all these conversations and I haven’t even seen my offer letter yet.’
‘Leave that with me. I’m on the case.’
Over a week passed before they met again.
‘What’s going on? Why the delay? We’re losing momentum and I need those offer letters to give to the team. Doing things this way is fine, but if the guys are expected to come in on our coat tails without even having interviews with the Barton’s people, then they need those letters. Where are they?’
‘Relax. I’ve got them. Well, almost all of them. Here.’
She passed a stack of envelopes across the table. He leafed through them and looked up at her.
‘Where’s mine?’
‘Ours are both delayed. It’s nothing to worry about. Because we’re joining as MD’s our appointments have to be blessed by their senior appointments board. It’s a formality. We’ll have ours by the end of the week.’
He looked her in the eye.
‘Jane, just how certain are you of this? Once I start handing these out, the team will go ahead and resign, and we could be hung out to dry.’
She laughed.
‘Look, I’ve met the guys from Barton’s. They’re serious people, long-term, heavyweight, they don’t dick people about. You distribute the letters to the team, and I tell you what, I’ll resign anyway, even without my offer letter. You go in after me.’
He looked at her.
‘Okay, it’s a risk, but let’s do it.’
He raised his glass to her.
‘Success!’
‘Wealth!’
The chairman’s office was on the twentieth floor, with a spectacular view across the City to St. Paul’s. She took a deep breath, knocked and entered.
‘Ah, Miss Leach. How are things on the convertible desk?’
‘Very good, thank you, Sir Arnold.’
She was surprised to see Mike Hatchett, the Group Legal Adviser, sitting in the corner.
‘Sir Arnold, I wanted to have a word with you, preferably in private, if I may.’
‘By all means, my dear, but first I have something to say to you.’
She was startled.
‘I’m afraid, my dear, I have bad news for you. I’m having to let you go. You see, you’ve been rather naughty, haven’t you?’
She swallowed. What did he know? Who had leaked it? She had no choice now, she was committed. She would have to carry on regardless.
‘Sir Arnold, I don’t know what you’re talking about. But I may as well say to you what I intended anyway. I’m resigning. I have here a formal letter of resignation.’
She placed an envelope on his desk. He looked at her and without opening the envelope, picked it up and dropped it in the bin by the desk.
‘No, my dear, you’re not resigning. I’m dismissing you from the firm for cause. Effective immediately. Mike has an envelope for you here, outlining the legal and financial implications of the termination of your employment. Obviously you lose your stock options, your unvested shares, and your pension rights. I’m afraid you tried to be too clever. And that doesn’t always pay, you know.’
She heard the door opening behind her and turned to see who had entered.
‘Mark! What are you doing here? I haven’t finished yet.’
Mark was smiling.
‘I think you are finished, Jane. I think you’re completely finished. You see, the team aren’t going anywhere. You played a stu
pid, dumb, greedy game. I never rated you from the moment you arrived, and I don’t rate you now. You wanted me to poach you a team, and then you would have hung me out to dry. Left me behind. Well, I’m not as stupid as you think.’ He looked towards Sir Arnold. ‘I value loyalty, and so does this firm. I don’t need to move to Barton’s to get a world-class package, and neither do the team.’
‘Not at all,’ said Sir Arnold, moving to stand beside Mark and put his arm around his shoulder. ‘We have a world-class convertible team, and we’re very proud of them. A pay-rise has been long overdue and I’m very happy to sanction it.’ He beamed at Mark.
She gasped, feeling a rush of blood to the head. She reached inside her handbag and pulled out a piece of paper.
‘Here! Look at this list! Your blue-eyed boy wrote out a list of all the people in the team with packages, guarantees, the works!’
‘I know he did,’ said Sir Arnold, puzzled. ‘And I know exactly how you came by it.’
He walked over to his desk, opened a drawer and took out a folder. He pulled out an identical list from the folder.
‘This is the list that I commissioned Mark to produce. I needed to know exactly what was necessary to keep the team. That, and the knowledge that your previous share of the bonus pool would be prorated around them. Really, my dear. You don’t think we were born yesterday, do you?’
Mark smiled.
‘Don’t worry, Jane – I’m sure it was really you who Barton’s were after, and not the team. Mind you, without a team, you might have to do some of the work yourself!’ He laughed. ‘I’m sure you’ll cope.’
Infatuation
From: Alex Spears
Sent: 26 March 2009 08:11
To: Julia Peters Subject: Last night
How are you? I guess we all had a bit too much to drink last night. I’m feeling gruesome this morning. I feel like I made a bit of a fool of myself, but these things have a way of happening to me. For what it’s worth, I meant what I said, and I’d love to see you again, if you feel up to it. There’s a new wine bar on the Fulham Road called Lomo’s – it’s not far from your place and I’ve heard it’s really cool. Let me know if you fancy meeting up there one evening.
Regards,
Alex
From: Julia Peters
Sent: 26 March 2009 11:37
To: Alex Spears
Subject: Re Last night
I’m fine. I guess I was a bit surprised, that’s all. Those vodka shots didn’t help. My head’s killing me. I’d like to meet up again, but just for a drink. Let’s try to take it easy. I feel kind of weird about the whole thing, what with you being head of the team and a managing director. I’ve heard of Lomo’s – it sounds good, but definitely NO MORE VODKA!!!!
Regards,
Julia
From: Alex Spears
Sent: 26 March 2009 11:49
To: Julia Peters Subject: Re Re Last night
Fantastic! Does tomorrow evening work for you? I’ll make sure you’re not on lates. How about 7 o’clock sharp at Lomo’s?
Regards,
Alex
From: Julia Peters
Sent: 3 April 2009 08:50
To: Alex Spears
Subject: Wow!
How are you? Last night was amazing. I’m sitting here blushing just thinking about it. I still feel kind of weird, but wonderful at the same time. Has anyone ever told you you’re amazing?!!!!!!
J Julia
xxxxxx
From: Alex Spears
Sent: 3 April 2009 09:05
To: Julia Peters
Subject: Re Wow!
Now I’m the one trying not to blush. I keep wanting to look at you and grin! You don’t know how hard it is for me with you sitting just twenty feet away. Open plan offices are great, but sometimes I just wish I could shut myself away somewhere. You were WICKED last night. I’m so glad we got together. Don’t change!!!
Luv, Alex xxxxxxxx
P.S. What are you doing tonight?
From: Julia Peters
Sent: 3 April 2009 09:11
To: Alex Spears
Subject: Re Re Wow!
I hope what I’m doing is seeing my lover. I can’t wait to get out of here tonight. Time just seems to drag and d – r – a – g. Where shall we eat? Or shall I cook for you? My mother says I do the finest beef Wellington in the western world. Would you like me to cook for you?
Love and hugs,
J Julia
xxxxxxx
From: Alex Spears
Sent: 3 April 2009 09:15
To: Julia Peters
Subject: Re Re Re Wow!
Whoa girl! Cooking sounds great, but I can cook too, you know, and too much beef Wellington will have me looking like a sumo wrestler. And I don’t think you’d like that, would you? I wouldn’t want to squash you – well, maybe a little! I’ll have to catch you later. I’ve got to go upstairs to the MDs’ weekly bullshit session.
Seeyalater.
Alex Xxxxxxx
From: Julia Peters
Sent: 17 April 2009 08:20
To: Alex Spears Subject: That was cool
Alex darling, that was fun, fun, fun! I love your house. You are soooooo lucky. And so am I. And Gordon Ramsay is a great restaurant. But did you see how the waiter looked when I kissed you? I know you still feel self-conscious, but I DON’T. I feel great. I’m in love and I’m proud of it, and I don’t care if the whole world knows – even if my lover-boss is terrified of finding a client or some stupid colleague sitting at the next table! Imagine if it was Sir Oliver? He’d be so shocked!!!!! I want to stay at your house again. It felt as if we were a real couple, we could just be ourselves without worrying about other people. Tell me you love me and want to hold me tight.
Love,
J Julia xxxxxxxxxxxx
From: Alex Spears
Sent: 17 April 2009 08:51
To: Julia Peters Subject: Re That was cool
Julia my darling, you don’t know how good it feels to see those words from you. If you knew some of the things I’ve been through – anyway, enough of all that. One of these days I’ll tell you the whole gruesome tale. The main thing is that was the past and this is the present. I DO feel self-conscious at times, but you forget I’m fifteen years older than you. I was more of a free spirit once, but we older hands have learnt that it pays to be careful. I’m glad you liked the restaurant, and delighted you like the house. I gave it a total makeover after my divorce, trying to wipe out the memories. And it was good to wake up together. I watched you while you were asleep. You are truly wonderful and I adore you.
Lots of love,
Alex XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
From: Julia Peters
Sent: 30 April 2009 08:02
To: Alex Spears Subject: I missed you
Welcome back! The last week’s been too awful for words. While you were gadding off to Tokyo I just had the most miserable time imaginable. If only I could have come with you. I was so unhappy. I just wanted to be with you and for you to hold me.
Anyway, it’s confession time. I told Mummy and Daddy about you. I know you asked me not to, but it’s so hard not being able to talk to anyone. I’m sure some of the girls here suspect, but I don’t care. Anyway, when I explained who you are, they gave me such a terrible time. Mummy cried. Daddy was upset and would-n’t look me in the eye. I said you’re an MD and you’ll look after me, and I told them how I love you. They wouldn’t speak to me. I’m so confused, I just feel like bursting into tears the whole time.
Love,
L Julia xxxxxxxxxxx
From: Alex Spears
Sent: 30 April 2009 08:08
To: Julia Peters Subject: Re I missed you
I missed you too, my darling! It was just impossible to call you when I wanted to, what with the time-difference and my meeting schedule and the people from the Tokyo office always hanging around. I left you messages, but I kept missing you. My bed felt empty at night – what more can I say? I’m sorry to hear ab
out your parents, but it doesn’t surprise me. We’ll just have to grit our teeth and see it through. Perhaps I should meet them, try to put their minds at rest. When they see how happy we are together, they’ll come round. Chin up – we’ll tough it out together.
Lots of love,
Alex XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
From: Alex Spears
Sent: 15 May 2009 08:17
To: Julia Peters
Subject: Where were you last night?
My darling, what happened last night? I waited up for you until 2am. Your mobile was switched off all evening. I went round to
your old flat but you weren’t there. I even tried Lomo’s, but they hadn’t seen you either. Where were you? I know you’ve been upset lately, but things will be fine – believe me. For starters I’m going to get you promoted in June, it’s virtually signed and sealed, and you won’t believe the pay rise. And I’ve thought again about Bali – let’s just do it! Who cares if half the City are there? Please talk to me. We need to communicate. If we can’t communicate we’re nothing. We need to share things with each other, lean on each other for help when we’re down. You look tired today. I just want to come over to you and hug you and kiss you. PLEASE talk to me!
All my love forever,
Alex
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
From: Julia Peters
Sent: 15 May 2009 11:35
To: Alex Spears
Subject: Re Where were you last night?
Alex, I’m sorry, but I needed some space. I went home to Mummy and Daddy and spent the night there. I haven’t slept. I couldn’t sleep, with all that’s on my mind. They were very good, and they did finally listen to me. But I’ve come to a decision and you’re not going to like it. We have to stop seeing each other. I’ve thought long and hard about this, and I’m not saying it lightly. It’s been great, truly it has, but it’s not for me. I’ve never loved another woman before, Alex, and you opened my eyes. But I’m not a lesbian, I’m just confused, insecure and out of my depth. I’ll never forget you. Please don’t call me again.
Regards,
Julia
P.S. Daddy says he’s writing to Sir Oliver. He’s angry and spiteful and I just think he wants to hurt you. He says he’s going to tell Sir Oliver how you seduced me. I told him it didn’t feel like seduction at the time, but I don’t know now. I’m so confused. I hope this doesn’t ruin your career, truly I do. I know how much it matters to you to be the first woman MD at Barton’s. If I can help at all you know you can count on me. Please forgive me. I hope that when the dust has settled we can still be friends.
Dave Hart Omnibus II Page 33