“He’s not thinking about doing something foolish, is he?”
“Look Ron, not everything revolves around suicide.”
“You’re living in denial, Sara.”
“And you have a one-track mind. Please call him. He’s agitated and thinks Leonardo caused the destruction. I don’t think that’s possible. Remember the break-in at Stacy’s? Maybe Jordie is next on the list. I think he needs a security system installed and maybe the police notified. Cass is here with me and we’re both concerned. Will you call him?”
“I’ll call him. I’ve got to go now; I’ve got a trowel of spackling in my hands.”
“Don’t put this off, Ron.”
“Dictating again, Sara?”
“Please.” She’d reduced herself to begging and pressed her palm against the pounding in her forehead.
“Sara?”
“What?”
“Aspirin and black coffee.”
She slammed the case shut on her cell and turned toward Cass’s worried look.
“He’ll call him. He’s probably doing it right now.”
“Why did you slam the phone shut?”
“Allen blabbed.”
CHAPTER 11
“Sara, how was your weekend?” Louise asked from the door to Sara’s office.
“I’m all moved in if that’s what you mean.” Sara reached into her desk drawer for her emergency bottle of aspirin and dumped two into her hand.
“Headache already? He isn’t even here yet.”
“It was a very interesting weekend. I inherited a cat yesterday and he spent the night prowling the house. He meowed each time I drifted off to sleep.”
“First night adjustment?”
“I’m hoping that he gets it out of his system today, and that he doesn’t trash the place while I’m at work.”
“A cat?”
“He has a history.”
“Oh, well, I hope everything works out. Did he come with a name?”
“Leonardo.”
“As in Di Caprio?”
“As in Da Vinci.”
“Aha. Anyway, do you want to spend lunch at the pool?” Louise asked. “I could use the exercise.”
“Sure we can swim, as long as we both make it out of the department meeting on time. Do you have all your data?”
“I do; but I’m not sure Steve does.”
“Ross?”
“He’s stonewalling everyone.”
“Have Steve come to my office as soon as he gets here.”
A few minutes later, Sara’s email download surprised her with a message from Ross telling her to cool her ass. She’d had it; enough was enough. She hit print, grabbed the sheet out of the printer, and marched into Jonathon’s office. On the bottom she wrote: He needs to be fired, NOW!
***
An hour later, they sat like birds on a wire in a semicircle around Jonathon’s desk. All financials were in, except San Francisco.
“Sara,” Jonathon pointed his bone handle pen in her direction, “anything more since your last message this morning?” He glanced down at the email on his desk with Sara’s angry print.
“My recommendation stands.”
“Good morning, everyone.” Robert Starr walked into the room. “I just got off the phone with Myers. It appears we do have a problem out on the coast. Thanks to Sara’s persistence, we are now in a position to act. Jonathon, get Ross on the line if you can. Sara, the call is yours.” Robert pulled up a high backed chair from the conversation group in the corner.
“Ross, this is Sara Stafford. I’m glad to hear you’re at your desk bright and early this morning. Where is the information I asked for repeatedly over the last three weeks?”
“I’ve got problems out here. When I’m ready you’ll get it.”
“If the figures are not collated you should have sent me a report with the situation and your impression of the problem.”
“Look, I’ve had just about enough of your attempt to take over my position.”
“Ross, I’ve given you every opportunity to act in a professional manner. Your persistent and continued attempt to sabotage communication in this company has finally reached the breaking point. Your employment is terminated effective immediately.”
“You think you’re so big you can do that? You can’t do jack shit to me!”
“There again you’re wrong, Ross. I have the authority and the grounds, documented and recorded. I have evidence of your evasion, willful misconduct, and your flagrant disregard for company policy.”
“Jonathon Pierce is behind this, isn’t he? He’s been trying to get rid of me because I know too much. Well you know this; Robert Starr hired me and only Robert Starr can fire me. And, he won’t do that because when Pierce goes down he’s going to need me to pick up the pieces.”
“I think old boy, you might want to put a muzzle on your mouth before we collect enough information to put you away for a long time.”
“That you, Pierce? I thought it sounded like a speakerphone. You might want to take that off unless you want your prissy little bedmate to hear what you’ve been up to.”
Sara’s face heated up and she knew from the intensity that she was probably glowing red.
Robert handed a note to Jonathon who nodded his agreement and walked out of the room.
“Ross, I believe you’ve said enough. This conversation is being recorded as part of the minutes to the finance department meeting. As such, everything you’ve said was heard by all members of the finance department, including Steve Jost, Louise Stevens, Jonathon Pierce, and me. And, although I have the authority to fire you for cause, I also have the blessing of Robert Starr himself.”
“You stupid little bitch! You don’t have the authority to piss without observation.”
“That is enough of that, Mr. Gordon. This is Robert Starr, you’re behavior is unconscionable! I demand an apology for the ladies in this room, particularly for Mrs. Stafford.”
“Ah, Robert, so you’re the sleeper. Just a minute, I have company.”
They heard the sounds of three other voices. “Mr. Pierce, this is Ralph from security. We removed Mr. Gordon from his office.”
“Thank you, Ralph. You are talking to Robert Starr. Document all your encounters with Mr. Gordon up to this time and fax them to me in Portland.”
“Yes sir, I will.”
When the connection was severed Robert turned toward the finance crew surrounding him. “I apologize for Mr. Gordon’s horrific behavior on the phone. I ask that you all keep the details of this last hour strictly confidential.” Then he turned to Sara and lifted her hand in his. “Sara, I am truly sorry for the crude comments you had to endure.”
“You’re not your brother’s keeper, sir. Let’s get on with the communications business.” Sara smiled as Jonathon walked back into the office.
“Jonathon, whom are you sending?” Robert looked up at his second in command.
“I’ll go. A big stick has a louder voice. Sara will stay here and cover my spot. I trust Steve and Louise can cover most of Sara’s duties between them.”
CHAPTER 12
On Monday evening at the Starr home, Jonathon said, “Well Robert, what do you think?”
“I think we’ve got a problem. How do you expect to watch Mrs. Stafford and investigate the situation in San Francisco at the same time?” With bourbons in hand, they observed the flow of people Elaina had selected for her little eight-million dollar project.
“Second team should be here any minute. He knows his job.” Jonathon watched Sara work the crowd. “She’s very good at what she does.”
“That’s why I married her.” They watched Elaina thread her hand around Senator Warner’s arm and guide him to where Sara was listening intently to John Thomas, purported to be the best legal mind in Portland.
“I was talking about Sara,” Jonathon clarified. “She could be Elaina’s daughter the way she finesses the crowd.”
“I was impressed with her style at this mornin
g’s meeting. Sometimes it’s hard to remember she’s here under protective cover.”
“She doesn’t know that, Robert; and I have to admit she’s a good fit for the position.”
A burst of laughter erupted across the parlor. A crowd gathered around the pink-marble fireplace watched one of the artists pantomime a skit pulling a very large dog stuck in the chimney.
“When do you have to leave, Jon?”
“After we introduce Farrell to Elaina.”
“I’m not so sure this agent will fit in. He’s too quiet and secretive; I don’t like it.”
“Spend some time with him. You’ll change your mind. His family history gives him credibility in this group Elaina’s putting together, too. Hell, Sara just might fall for his British accent. For some reason, women usually do.”
“Your replacement just arrived,” Robert nodded toward the front entrance as they turn to greet the second team.
Matthew Farrell walked through the elegant front foyer, smoothing his tuxedo jacket. “Welcome to my home, Mr. Farrell. I hope you were able to find your way without any difficulty.”
“I had no problem finding the house, sir. It’s the largest one on the block,” he jested while he unbuttoned his jacket and slid his hands into his side pockets. He looked up at the crystal chandelier and curving staircase in the center of the cavernous foyer. “This entrance hall reminds me of my grandparents’ country place in Yorkshire.”
“I’m glad you like it.” Robert shook Matthew’s hand. “What can we get you?”
“Ginger ale with a slice of lime, if you please.”
“Nonsense son, you have to have something stronger than that.”
“My liquid preference is soft, sir, but thank you for the offer.”
“All right,” Robert turned to the staff person hovering behind them. “Patricia, see to it that Mr. Farrell gets his preference.”
In a soft voice, not meant to be overheard, Matthew whispered, “I trust Jonathon has covered my reason for being here.”
“Yes, he has, son. I’ve set you up in a workspace next to mine at the office. Let me introduce you to your hostess this evening.”
“Elaina, my sweet, I would like you to meet Mr. Matthew Farrell, a liaison from Washington who will be working closely with us for awhile. He is also a good friend of Jonathon’s, has an interest in international finance, communications, and is a patron of the arts.”
Matthew bowed over Elaina’s hand with continental flair. “Mrs. Starr, I’m pleased to finally meet you. Your generous interest in the arts precedes you well. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to join you this evening.”
“Oh goodness, my heart is all a flutter.” She placed her jeweled hand over her ample cleavage. “Thank you for your interest in our little project. I understand Jonathon is being difficult and flying off on business. You will be a marvelous replacement. What part of England are you from, Mr. Farrell?”
“Yorkshire, Mrs. Starr, and my friends call me Matthew.”
“And I am Elaina. There is someone special I want you to meet.”
Jonathon watched Elaina shepherd Matthew Farrell into the throng.
A few minutes later, Jonathon turned to Robert. “I believe we can leave this budding relationship in your wife’s capable hands. I saw her matchmaking antenna surface the moment Sara’s eyes glazed over at Farrell’s introduction. When Elaina caught Farrell’s little hand maneuver, she beamed a hundred watt smile. I’ll keep you posted from the coast.” He swallowed the last of his bourbon and placed the glass on a passing tray. “Enjoy the game.”
“The game?” Robert asked.
“Romancing the Mourning Dove,” Jonathon said with a smirk on his face.
***
Sara watched Elaina lead the new arrival through the throng in the front parlor. She looked into a pair of steel gray eyes she’s seen before, but not in the GQ image standing in front of her. Black wavy hair, thin aristocratic nose, and a trim body that filled a custom made tux. Reaching out to shake the hand he extended, Sara searched through her memory for where she’d seen those eyes before, and missed most of his long list of accomplishments.
Elaina was just finishing the introduction when Sara finally registered that he was holding her hand longer than politeness required, rubbing his thumb intimately over her knuckles. Gently pulling away, she looked up at a very sexy smile. “I’m pleased to meet you Mr. Farrell. I’m sorry I didn’t catch your first name. I was trying to place where I’ve seen you before.”
“I was thinking the same thing; we definitely had a previous connection but I can’t place it. And my friends call me Matthew. You haven’t been to Brussels, have you?”
“Not since I was a child. Was it Washington?”
“I spend a great deal of time there, but you would have known that had you not been gathering wool during Elaina’s introduction.”
“I am truly sorry. I’m not usually this inattentive. You’re from Washington then, and obviously raised in Britain.”
“I grew up in Yorkshire but I do travel extensively; we could have met almost anywhere. I understand you work in the finance department at Starr Shine. We will probably see each other at the office next week. Robert has been kind enough to offer me some workspace while I’m in town.”
“Oh? Are you interested in Starr Shine Communications?”
“I’m the government liaison for the new chip Starr Shine is developing. I look forward to getting to know you better.”
Elaina guided the two of them through the crowded room and Sara could feel the warmth of a strong hand gently leading her into the crowd. She smiled at the gesture.
Promptly at seven, Elaina tapped on her water glass with the side of a spoon as they took their seats. She had seated Matthew Farrell next to Sara.
“We’ve gathered you here this evening to invite you to be part of a wonderful initiative furthering the arts in Maine, New England, and the world. Robert and I,” she nodded to her husband at the opposite end of the crystal and china-laden table, “are creating The Starr Foundation for the Arts. Each of you has special qualities that would enhance both the board of directors and the advisory panel for our foundation. Below your dinner plates are cordial invitations to join our new endeavor. We ask each of you to seriously consider the positions requested of you. Bring your time, talent, and generosity to support New England artisans and showcase their work.”
The room filled with the sound of opening envelopes and questioning voices. “What does yours say?” Sara asked Matthew.
“She’s asked me to join the Advisory Panel as financial advisor to the grant committee, whatever that means. What about yours?”
“I’ve been asked to join the board of directors as a financial expert. She seems to think I will be a good treasurer for the board of directors. I’m not sure I have the time available to commit to this position.”
“We understand if your lives are already on overload.” Robert rose from his seat. “What board member’s life isn’t? We ask you all to think over this request during dinner, ask questions as you need, and let us know that you intend to accept our invitation and join our project.”
It was obvious that Elaina and Robert had done their homework. There weren’t any duplicates in specialty; most were carefully selected as movers and shakers in the artistic and business communities; although Sara was not quite sure why they selected her. No other financial person was asked to sit on the board of directors. No other financial expert was asked to sit on the advisory panel. It looked like they’d covered every available excuse to bail out. Matthew Farrell and Sara appeared to be stuck.
“You dropped your napkin,” he whispered.
Sara reached down between their seats to retrieve it and collided with his head. He reached out to steady her arm almost shoving her out of her chair.
“I’m terribly sorry. Are you all right?”
“I’m not sure.” She tucked an errant strand of curls back into place. “I’m not usually this k
lutzy.” Sara sat back as her half empty soup cup was replaced with a bowl of salad greens.
“I wish I could say the same. Whenever I am near a beautiful woman, disaster seems to follow.”
He handed her the elusive linen, brushing the back of his hand against Sara’s in the process. His touch was warm, electric. She pulled away. “I’m sorry; I’m not used to gallantry.”
“Maybe I can find a mud puddle to lay my dinner jacket over to impress you.” He smoothed the edge of her napkin across her left thigh.
She replaced his hand and laughed.
“What do you find funny about my chivalrous offer?”
“I just had a vision of two of us upon a tuxedo float sinking into a deep muddy sea.”
They both laughed bringing questioning looks from those near them at the table. Three seats down at the left end of the table Elaina Starr was smiling like a Cheshire cat. Sara wondered what that was about.
“Do you spend a lot of time in Washington?” he asked.
“I did while both my dad and grandfather were in government service. I was placed in the position of hostess on occasion. Mother was...often indisposed and Gran had fragile health in her later years.”
Sara reached for another sip of the chardonnay and noticed his was untouched. “The wine is very good. You’ve not tried it.”
“Alcohol of any kind and I don’t get along,” he whispered far too close to her ear. “I like it far better than it likes me.”
She nodded and asked, “How did you end up working for the government?”
“My father was in government service and spent several years in England. He met Mum there. Her family is titled and was horrified that she brought home a commoner from the states. They disowned her until I came along. They were frightfully concerned they would never see their only grandson and recapitulated. I spent my youth in Yorkshire. When we moved back to the states, my grandparents begged me to spend summers with them. I did undergraduate work at Duke, then, at their insistence, graduate studies at Oxford. What about you?”
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