"Alright, I need you to start from the beginning, starting with the auction"
Elizabeth calmly relayed the tale of her day's events, the bidding war with Jared Bentley at the auction and the subsequent offer that was made to her afterwards. Madeline listened patiently, withholding any comment until she finally said “Where is the ring, now?"
"Here with me. It wasn't taken. That's what's so strange. It was sitting on the counter, right next to the blood stains."
"After you just blew your entire savings consider yourself fortunate. You're lucky to be alive. Well, I'm calling the police right, now. I'll be over there, too. Give me twenty minutes"
Twenty minutes was a stretch. It was more like ten and she was there in a flash, standing outside Elizabeth front door with two policemen by her side.
The formality of their appearance caught Elizabeth by surprise.
"Come in, “she said awkwardly undoing the latch holding the door while they all stepped inside her apartment.
The whole situation was embarrassing, her standing there in the threshold in her nightgown and robe at two a.m., looking totally bewildered as two police officers stared at her while her sorority sister held her hand: too pathetic.
Elizabeth felt paralyzed. She looked on as Madeline boldly jump-started the process.
"Why don't you show these gentlemen where you first found the blood stains?"
Tentatively, Elizabeth led both policemen into the tiny kitchenette area and flipped the light switch on.
"About what time would you say you noticed the blood stains?"
"It was probably around a little after one. I woke up with a sore throat and came in here to get some water."
"And, you haven't touched the evidence, right?"
"No, sir."
As one of the officers pulled out some tape and began marking the area, the other began collecting the evidence, dusting for finger and footprints. Madeline pulled Elizabeth the other side of the room where they both took a seat at the table.
"I know you're upset, Elizabeth but we're going to get to the bottom of this,” Madeline said, lightly patting her hand.
"I know. It just threw me for a loop, that's all."
"Can I see it?"
"Sure."
Elizabeth pulled out the black sachet from her purse and handed Madeline the amber ring. Madeline's eyes widened at the precious heirloom her friend now possessed.
"No wonder he made you the offer he did. This piece is priceless."
"It was more a case of his pride not being able to handle the concept’ of losing to anyone. Especially, someone less affluent like myself."
"No, Lizzy, I think there's more to it. Have you done any research on this ring?"
"Nothing outside of what I've read in an article in the newspaper. It's of Egyptian origin, handed down from royalty only to end up in an estate sale. That's about the extent of it."
"It's unlike you to do so little homework. I'm surprised."
"I know."
"So, what made you go after a piece like this in the first place?"
"I've been under a lot of pressure lately. Things at work look entirely different from my cubicle than your office and you know I'm capable of so much more than what they have me doing. But, the senior analysts give me such a hard time for every suggestion I make, anything that might enhance business or make the department run more efficiently they completely reject. I just felt I had to do something to get myself out of this rut. I don't seem to be going anywhere."
"So you blew your entire savings on a ring?"
"I see it as an investment."
"That's an understatement. But, it must be worth a substantial amount; otherwise Jared Bentley certainly wouldn't have made you an offer. Which you then turned down,” Madeline finished wryly before returning the ring to Elizabeth.
"Right, I should've turned around and sold it to the person I bid against who probably has tons of heirlooms."
I'm just saying that I'm curious. Aren't you?"
Elizabeth sighed, shrugging her shoulders as she pulled out her laptop and turned it on, mostly for Madeline's benefit.
The search engine popped up on the screen and Elizabeth typed in the address of the publication that she'd previously read describing the history of the ancient ring. She pivoted the screen for Madeline.
"See."
Madeline took a few moments to read the article. She wasn't satisfied.
"Look, there's more. Click on the links."
As Elizabeth double clicked on the title, “Linage", a long list appeared of those who had previously owned the heirloom: names of affluent and famous families throughout history spanning the globe, the last owner residing somewhere in upstate New York.
"I guess they ran out of relatives, huh?"
Elizabeth was just about to close the laptop when Madeline suddenly stopped her.
"What was the name of the last owner?"
"Lindstrom. Why?"
"Don't quote me on this, but I think Bentley Industries just bought out the remainder of their stock at Tri-Star."
"How do you know?"
"It was in Friday's quarterly report. Didn't you read it?"
"No wonder he was so interested. Greed,” Elizabeth said with disgust before she glanced up.
An officer was hovering over her now.
"Ma'am, we've finished the preliminary and collected samples. We just need your fingerprints to wrap up so we can send them off to the lab. Also, I need to ask you a few questions.
"Certainly."
Elizabeth rose from her seat and followed the officer back into the kitchen where she helped them complete the process of the preliminary. Afterwards, as she walked them to the door one of the officers reached into his pocket.
"Here's my card if anything else occurs or if you think of something that might be helpful. If we find something, we'll be in touch."
"Thank you both for your help."
When they were gone, Elizabeth returned to the other side of the room to find Madeline still engrossed with the computer, searching Internet sites pertaining to the ring.
"Are you looking for something in particular?"
"No,” Madeline said before adding “Are you ready for tomorrow's presentation?"
"That remains to be seen, after tonight"
"You said you've spent months preparing for this, right?"
If she knew anything about Elizabeth, her friend was as meticulous as she was thorough, leaving nothing to chance. Naturally, when Elizabeth first told her of her desire to rise to a higher position, she encouraged her to pursue the idea and to bring it to the attention of her supervisor. Practically speaking, their friendship throughout the years seemed to be founded on the premise of women's advancement a kind of, an unspoken rivalry for a worthy cause. Since Madeline had already made her mark and was well respected in the company, it was only fitting her Elizabeth follow in her footsteps.
"Honestly, I don't have a clue how the board feels, though."
"But that's what makes it so and exciting. You'll be breaking new ground."
Madeline turned off the laptop. Rising from her seat, she suddenly gave Elizabeth a hug. “Well, I think I should be going, now. You try to get some rest. You'll need all your strength for tomorrow."
"Don't remind me."
[Back to Table of Contents]
CHAPTER THREE
Clearly, it wasn't a dream that she dreamt, it was nightmare; vivid, raw, one in which she saw herself trapped by her circumstances, alone and afraid, helpless to even help herself. It could hardly be ignored the following morning. At least, that's what Elizabeth had rationalized as she lay there in her bed, the sun creeping through the blinds with just enough light to signify it was time to get up and face the day. But she was exhausted, the vision she'd had the night before had left her drained with only a few hours sleep.
The intruder, though, had left her with something else to worry about: a reason to fear another break-in. She turned her head sl
ightly as if to get confirmation and stared at the ring a few moments, still sitting on her nightstand, untouched. No one had returned during the night to steal it, like she feared. Perhaps that's all that it was: a means of keeping her afraid, a one time shot.
Elizabeth finally hoisted herself out of bed and walked into the bathroom. As she quickly disrobed, gazing in the mirror, she saw the evidence, dark circles under her hazel eyes, testimony of how much sleep she'd actually gotten the night before. Not a good way to start the morning. She'd definitely have to do something about that.
After a quick shower, a double application of concealer and two cups of coffee, Elizabeth finally felt presentable, confident, and ready to face the world and do justice to the task ahead. Dressed in a conservative, navy-blue blazer with matching pleated skirt, she strode over to the table, turned on her laptop and consciously turned her thoughts to the day's events. The statistics report she was presenting to the CEO's and board members at Tri-Star later on that morning stood out in her mind. She hoped the concept caused a revelation; turned on a few dim bulbs enough to show those stubborn old cronies, regular fixtures on the corporate ladder how the company could actually increase its profit, even during an economic downturn, without raising percentage rates for its clients.
It was a totally new concept, a different perspective to an old problem. Elizabeth hoped it would be the one that would finally sever that impenetrable barrier between old establishment and new blood. Regardless of being a woman, more than anything she wanted to be set-free from the constraints of menial tasks and boredom. She so desperately wanted the chance to prove herself.
What she was up against was solid as granite and explosive as dynamite. It was no secret in the financial district that very few women were allowed to rise to the ranks of middle or upper management, the majority of them instead holding administrative or accounting positions. Of course, Madeline had proven to be the exception to the rule, an overachiever that also helped them qualify for some federal tax breaks, because she was a woman. Still, in general, acquiring the necessary education for these positions was only half the battle. More than anything, Elizabeth longed to find her niche, her specialty like her sorority sister. She might only be at a junior status now, but that was about to change, she quickly reminded herself.
Now seated, she scanned through several spreadsheets that reflected her projections for the upcoming quarter. Mr. Gobbel seemed intrigued by the idea when she first ran it by him. In fact, he was so impressed he even gave her permission to develop the concept further, providing reassurance that the company was always on the lookout for new talent and ideas. After, all, it would be a feather in his cap, especially when it came time for his annual bonus. If the board approved he'd be first in line.
So for the next few months she'd dedicated an extraordinary amount of time and effort to this presentation; a chance to prove just what she was actually capable of; a novice team player with the required credentials waiting in the wings for that one big break. If only the higher-ups and CEO's were impressed with her analysis there was no telling how far she could go. At least, that was the general idea.
Satisfied, Elizabeth rose from the table, packed up her laptop and confidently held on to her objective as she headed out the front door of her apartment.
Since the flow of traffic was usually heavy on Mondays, most city dwellers left for work almost two hours earlier in order to arrive at their destination on time. Cars and taxis stood bumper to bumper and then jockeyed for the best spot near the curb to pullover and drop off their passengers.
Emerging from the underground station, Elizabeth had grown accustomed to the blaring noise of synchronized horns greeting her Monday through Friday as she stepped onto the pavement bustling with pedestrians versus automobiles. Tempers flared, sometimes unnecessarily, adding to the chaos and the overall theme of ‘hurry-up and wait’ ... Elizabeth had refused to drive and be part of this madness: the subway was a saner method of transportation by comparison.
Tri-Star Investments was on the fifteenth floor of a towering skyscraper located in the heart of the financial district, and only two blocks from the underground station.
By the time Elizabeth had stepped off the elevator leading to the plush lobby of the executive offices, the front desk receptionist had already abandoned her post for a morning coffee break. Elizabeth would have to wait for her return, to get the key to the main conference room where the meeting was to be held. Not a good beginning, Elizabeth thought.
Since the NASDAQ had been steadily declining it seemed everything had changed, lately. An ever-increasing atmosphere at Tri-Star Investments festered, a mood of uncertainty that permeated the corridors of every department, a culprit lurking around every cubicle to tattletale on what an employee did or didn't do. It seemed everyone's job was on the line when the company began laying off employees. Once Mr. Gobbel finally arrived, he'd surely point out her unpreparedness: Mr. Gobbel, who could always be found catering to the outrageous whims of senior analysts while at same time criticizing her every move, should any of her actions or suggestions evoke disapproval from any of them.
Elizabeth felt her confidence level drop several notches as she slowly made her way to an empty seat. But, as she sat down and directed her gaze over to the other side of the reception area, the fear she'd managed to suppress all morning came bubbling to the surface, again, especially when she recognized who was sitting on opposite side. There, seated directly across the lobby was Jared Bentley. Bentley sat there elegantly attired in a suit, looking every bit as smug and pompous as the day before. At the moment he held the most curious expression on his face and seemed partially engrossed by what he read in one of the financial publications, partly annoyed when he first caught a glimpse of her. Chuckling to himself, he glanced up, smiled at her blank expression.
She'd completely forgotten. And, it showed.
Elizabeth cursed herself for her memory lapse. Of course he'd be here for the meeting with the senior analysts and CEO's. He'd sat on the board of trustees at Tri-Star Investments along with a long list of other prominent companies on Wall Street that were honored enough to have him accept their offer. Just the mere fact that he was a member of the board gave the company added clout at the New York Stock Exchange.
At first, Elizabeth didn't quite know how to approach his devilish smile and penetrating gaze. Smooth and cunning, he probably beamed all during the time he ripped companies and corporations to shreds, destroying the lives of employees and their families in the process while savoring the endless possibilities of expanding the markets of Bentley Industries—An explicitly heartless creature. Although that wasn't necessarily her situation, instinct advised her to exercise caution
In that instant Jared found his feet, started heading towards her, his gait confident and self-assured. As she watched him, Elizabeth's calmed her nerves and reminded herself of the facts; she was in control of the situation and her future with Tri-Star Investments.
Jared immediately picked up on her reservations towards him. “It's a pleasure, again Mrs. Lowell. It must be fate."
There was a sharp hint of sarcasm lurking in his greeting; probably he was still peeved from losing the ring and her refusal to sell it to him.
"Mr. Bentley, I make it a practice never to assume anything,” she said quietly. She opened her valise and grabbed a file inside and methodically began reading it. She hoped that would dampen his enthusiasm, an irritating reminder of the previous day's events. But he seemed undeterred, smirking, his eyes hooded so that it wasn't clear just what was going on behind his thoughts.
As Bentley observed her reaction, he found himself becoming distracted by her polished, professional appearance
"I suppose you'll be making today's presentation to the board, too.” He said, slyly reminding her of the obvious.
Oh, dear, standing before her was the most important factor into the equation. It was no secret that he held the majority of stock at Tri-Star Investments or that his o
pinion mattered greatly. If he wasn't impressed with her presentation, the others were sure to follow. If she valued the nights she'd stayed up late pummeling out the details of this concept, now was time to open wide, swallow her pride and turn up the charm factor.
Elizabeth swallowed hard and then gave him her brightest, enthusiastic smile. “Yes. I'm just reviewing some of the statistics. I believe I'll be able to save our share holders quite a bit of money this quarter without raising interest rates."
It didn't take long for Jared to merge his initial impression of her with the presentation she was now preparing. No doubt she was well educated, a young conscientious woman making her way through treacherous male dominated territory; a financial institution that more than likely didn't bother to recognize or develop her burgeoning talents and most certainly underutilized them. Jared could just envision the scenario when she was first hired.
After a few months of toiling away, proving she was worthy, once the discovery was made that far too many barriers stood in the way of advancement and that these obstacles had nothing to do with her dedication, hard work or even higher education, disillusion and discontent had most definitely set in. That stark realization, alone, was usually the force behind these kinds of presentations, notions that glittered brilliantly for their groundbreaking theory, but ultimately promised more than they actually delivered. Jared had seen this strategy enacted countless times by other employees, all of them seeking some sort of career advancement at other companies. Too bad the actual results rarely coincided with the effort behind them.
"Sounds intriguing ... as you noted at our last meeting, I'm not too familiar with the idea of saving money, so I'm looking forward to learning all about it."
It was probably best not to respond to that remark. Besides, in the distance she'd seen Mr. Gobbel step off the elevator and head towards the reception desk. Elizabeth carefully slipped the file inside her valise and rose from her seat.
"Well, I'd better get ready."
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