by Latham, D
Back at the house, Ivan made a fuss of the girls. "Are you cooking something?" He asked, sniffing.
"Yeah, a roast beef dinner," I said sulkily.
"I'm not hungry," he snapped. I went to the oven and switched it off. I gathered up my bag and laptop.
"I'll head back to London." I fully expected him to ask me not to.
"Ok." He strolled out of the kitchen, and went upstairs. So rude. I called Roger to ask if he would drive me to Derwent station. I didn't even want to put them out by asking for a lift home. Roger seemed puzzled, but did as I requested without comment. I was back home by seven.
I dumped my laptop in the flat, and whizzed round to the mart. When I got back I opened my laptop, and composed an email to Ivan, adding the recording.
From: Elle Reynolds
To: Ivan Porenski
Date: 30th June 2013
Subject: ungrateful git
Attachments: memo A4m 632KB, cache 14ce
Dear Ivan
I have no idea what your bad temper earlier was all about. All I can say in my defence is that I did what I thought was right at the time. I have attached a recording of my meeting at Retinski with the other board members. Also attached are all the emails that passed between us. I also need to advise you that I changed the password on your computer. It took me about ten seconds to figure it out, so it wasn't terribly secure. It's now Tania2013
I appreciate you have had a tough time, but I'd like to respectfully remind you that I buried my mother yesterday. I've not had a great time either, so I kind of expected a little understanding.
I was advised of your will and contingency plans by Ms Pearson. I would like you to change that please. I have come to realise that I cannot live in your world. I'm sorry.
I would like to resign the directorships too. I think a clean break is better for me. I have never been so terrified as I was in the Retinski offices, knowing your colleagues wanted me out of the way. I may have misjudged them, and it's a 'Russian' thing, but it's way too brutal for me.
I'm sorry to let you down, but I just can't do this.
Elle
I pressed send, and closed my laptop, before making myself a sandwich, and switching on the telly. I watched the news coverage about Ivan's 'courageous' escape, and glugged down a large glass of wine, while wondering why I was so shit at relationships.
By half nine, my eyelids were growing heavy, so I turned off the telly, and washed up my glass. I checked my emails, to find one from Ivan that simply said 'fine'. I dragged myself to bed, and lay in the darkness, sobbing like a baby. All the stress, emotion, and anxiety of the past couple of days poured out in a fit of uncontrollable tears, soaking my pillow. Eventually, I fell into an exhausted sleep
I slept in until nearly half seven the next morning, probably due to my lack of sleep the night before. I dragged myself out of bed, and made a coffee, before looking out over the river, and contemplating the day ahead. I decided to head over to the West End, and spend a self indulgent day mooching around the shops. With nobody demanding to know where I was, or what I was doing, I thought I'd better enjoy my new found liberation.
I showered and dressed, debating whether or not to leave my phone behind, in case I was tracked. I decided against it. I felt safer having it, and if Ivan started stalking me, I'd stop him through legal means.
It felt great to hop on the tube, and travel anonymously. I started off with Oxford street, looking in the shops I'd never dream of going into with either Ivan or Oscar. I found a couple of cute little tops in Zara, and a funky pair of shoes in Russell and Bromley. I scoured Topshop for casual clothes, and picked up a couple of bargains. I bought a pair of skinny jeans in Miss Selfridge, and even braved Abercrombie and Fitch to pick up a hoodie and a couple of vest tops.
I hauled all my purchases home on the tube, which was a bit of a pain, and got home around four. With no word from Ivan, I cleaned the flat thoroughly, did my laundry, and managed to sit down in time for Top Gear. For the first time in ages, I felt relaxed and normal.
I got straight back into my routine Monday morning, and was at my desk by half seven looking immaculate. I scrolled through my emails, and deleted the Retinski ones that I had forwarded to myself on Friday. I checked my schedule, and added myself back in every day. Laura had booked me out due to me being granted leave of absence, so I sorted it all out, and added Steve Robbins back in on Wednesday for his company float. I emailed Ms Pearson, and copied Lewis in, informing them that I wouldn't require the time off, and that I wouldn't be accepting Ivan's offer of non exec positions in his companies due to my personal safety being compromised. Approximately two minutes later Lewis appeared.
"Ok, what happened?"
"Long story. The other board members took exception to me being foisted on them, made it plain they weren't keen. Tried to get me to sign off some cheap share options, and when I said no, scared the beejeebus out of me."
"And what did Ivan say?"
"I don't think he believed me. I emailed the recording, but he was so angry with me for getting him rescued that he just dismissed me. Want to listen to it?" Lewis nodded, and I played it.
Afterwards, Lewis shook his head. "I'm not surprised you wanted to get out of there. I don't understand why he was angry with you though. I would've thought he'd have been angrier if you'd let his directors help themselves to shares at a knockdown price."
"I don't understand it either," I admitted, "I genuinely thought he'd be pleased that I managed to face down his board, and assist in getting him freed. He was livid about the whole thing though."
"Maybe it's a case of the male ego being dented," said Lewis, "he was probably embarrassed enough about being captured in the first place, without you being the one to sort out his escape."
"You're probably right. Doesn't excuse it though. That's why I turned up here Friday evening. It was the only place I felt safe enough to have a cup of tea."
"Jesus Elle. I wondered why you came back here. Oh well, best off out of it. Now, does this mean you're at a loose end today? Only I have a contract that needs writing up."
"Sure." Lewis went off to get the file, and email me the details. Five minutes later he was back. He ran through the list of requirements, and I made a start. I enjoyed the intricacy of contract work, and the intense concentration it needed. I worked my way through methodically, pausing only to sip the tea that Laura brought in.
I finished at midday, and sent it back over to Lewis, as well as printing out hard copies to add to the file. I grabbed my handbag, and dropped the file into Lewis on my way through to reception. He was busy on the phone, so just gave me the thumbs up.
Priti was on annual leave, so I bought a magazine to read while I had my lunch. I just finished my chicken wrap when my phone chirped with a text from James. Eagerly, I opened it,
*arrive back Fri afternoon. Can't wait*
I text back that I couldn't wait either. I was excited to see him, and glad that it was less than two weeks until our holiday. I needed some fun time, and some time without a boyfriend. Going straight from one mental billionaire to another had proved to be a bit of a mistake. I stuffed my magazine into my handbag, and cleared away my lunch tray, before heading back up to my office.
Laura was still at lunch, so I made a tea, and checked through my emails. To my surprise, there was one from Ivan.
From: Ivan Porenski
To: Elle Reynolds
Date: Monday 1st July 2013
Subject: sorry
Dearest Elle
I listened to that voice recording this morning, and I'm genuinely horrified at the double crossing bastards. I'm sorry you were subjected to that, and thank you for not giving in to them, and allowing them to plunder Retinski in my absence.
Ivan
I read it twice, debating whether or not I should reply. Ivan was still a client, so I decided I needed to respond.
From: Elle Reynolds
To: Ivan Porenski
Date: Monday 1st
July 2013
Subject: re sorry
Ivan
You're welcome.
Elle
I pressed send, and got on with getting everything ready for the factory purchase completion the following day, organising our bill, which would be paid at the same time as completion. An hour later, I checked my emails, immediately seeing one from Ivan.
From: Ivan Porenski
To: Elle Reynolds
Date: Monday 1st July 2013
Subject: re re sorry
Elle
Would you like to come to dinner tonight? We need to talk.
Ivan
I replied straightaway.
From: Elle Reynolds
To: Ivan Porenski
Date: Monday 1st July 2013
Subject: re re re sorry
No thank you. I have nothing to say to you that I haven't already said. Unless you have a legal issue, please leave me alone.
Elle
I pressed send, and minimised the screen. The afternoon proved to be quite hectic. One of my colleagues, Peter, had been working on an extremely complex merger, which was scheduled to complete the next day. There had been a flurry of last minute caveats and issues raised by both parties, so it ended up being 'all hands on deck' to get new contracts ready. We all helped out, finally getting everything done by around nine. I grabbed my gym bag, and headed home.
I was puzzled to see Roger waiting for me outside. I thanked him, but explained that I wouldn't be needing him anymore. He looked surprised, but I didn't hang around to argue. Back home, I kicked off my heels, poured a glass of wine, and heated up a pasta carbonara. I had just started eating when there was a knock on the door. "Who is it?" I yelled.
"Oscar" I opened the door, and stood aside to let him in. Pushing my carbonara aside, I poured him a glass of wine. "You look better," he observed.
"I feel much better thanks. A couple of good night’s sleep works wonders."
"Ivan came up to see me today. Wanted to know how come you now control the SAS. I told him that someone in a high place was simply returning a favour. I gather he was rather angry with you over the whole affair."
"Yes, but I've got no idea why. He was livid with me for interfering."
"He wanted his colleagues to step up to the plate, and move mountains to get him out. I think it must have been quite shocking to discover that the only person who actually gave a toss was you. He made all those men extremely wealthy, so it must have been terribly disappointing listening to them trying to grab a bit more, and ignoring his plight."
"They were all too busy figuring out ways of extracting as much out of Retinski as they could. While the cats away, as they say. Besides, did he tell you I resigned the non exec positions? Asked him to change his will too. There's no way I'm dealing with those people again. I was bloody terrified."
"So is it over with him?" Oscar looked hopeful.
"Yes. He took his anger out on me, and I really don't want to be a part of that world anymore. I came back here on public transport, with no bodyguards or staff, and finally felt like I could breathe again. This is where I belong."
"I'm really glad to hear it. I've been so worried about you. He's used to living with the dangers that surround him, but you're not. It would have taken a heavy toll on your peace of mind."
"Did you sort your building work?"
Oscar pulled a face. "Yes, well, sort of. I spend my life patching up that castle. There's always something that needs doing on a place that size and that old. Between my father and I, I think we've practically rebuilt the damn place. One of the castellations needed repointing. Unfortunately English heritage have to be consulted on every bit of work, and an uninformed busybody normally likes to put their two penneth worth in, which is usually wrong. I think I know better than them which type of lime mortar should be used, given that almost half the castle has been repointed in my lifetime." I could see the annoyance written all over his face, so I refilled his wine glass.
"Have another drink."
Oscar sipped his wine. "I have something I need to tell you."
"Go on."
"Ivan asked me to join his board as a non exec today."
"You are his banker, so it makes sense. Plus you're rich enough not to want to screw him for some of his money, pardon the pun."
Oscar smiled. "I think he's planning to fire the board. He was meeting Paul Lassiter this evening."
"I don't blame him. The only one with any savvy was Ranenkiov, the rest were just greedy and rather weak around that slimy finance director, who incidentally, I wouldn't trust one iota."
"My guess is that Ivan's changing the board to try and persuade you to stay."
"He already accepted my resignation. So it's too late for that. I do think changing some of the board members isn't a bad thing though."
"He'll try and get around you, mark my words, and if he doesn't, then he's a fool. You were the best and most loyal member of that team this weekend. I did point that out to him by the way."
I finished my wine, and announced that I needed my bed, as it was getting late. Oscar leaned in to kiss my cheek, but ended up lightly brushing my lips instead. "Night Elle, sleep well." He left, and I headed into my room. I lay in bed thinking about Oscar, and how normal and comfortable he was beginning to feel.
Chapter 3
I was in work early the next morning, just in case there were any further last minute issues to help Peter with. He seemed confident that it was all done and ready, so I made a drink, and switched on my screen. Straightway I saw the email from Ivan asking me to attend a breakfast meeting in Smollenskis at eight. I quickly replied that I'd be there, before attending to the other messages in my inbox.
I headed down at ten to, and arrived before Ivan. I ordered myself a latte, and sat and waited. I was quite nervous about seeing him again, after being the target of his bad temper on Saturday. I concentrated on remaining cool and focused. He arrived exactly on time, flanked by two guards. They sat at the table behind us, and Ivan ordered our breakfast, scowling slightly when I said I just wanted a slice of toast. "So you have some work to instruct me on?" I kept my face impassive as I asked.
"Yes, I have several things I need to discuss with you. I have fired Marakov, on the basis of his lie about the share options, among other things. If he challenges me in court, I may need to call you as a witness."
"That's fine. You still have the recording I sent?"
"Yes. I played it to him. I hope it's damning enough to prevent him taking legal action to challenge his dismissal. To be truthful, it's damning enough to give me good reason to fire the entire board, as not one of them lifted a finger to help you, or me for that matter. Only Ranenkiov caught on that you were the person he should be loyal to."
"Very true. So what's the work you wish to instruct me on?" I didn't want to sit around listening to Ivan whine about his staff. He either had work for me or he didn't.
"I want to keep you on the boards. I don't want to accept your resignation."
"Too late. I resigned, you emailed back 'fine', it's too late to change your mind, and it's not a question of more money. I won't do it for any price." I looked him in the eye as I said it. I needed to wean myself off him, starting with allowing him to keep getting round me.
"And if I change the board completely? Maybe let you have a say who's on it?"
"Nope."
"Elle, be reasonable. I shouldn't have reacted in the way I did on Saturday, but I did say sorry."
"You emailed 'sorry' regarding the other directors. Now, I felt my safety was compromised at Retinski on Friday. I was scared to even drink a coffee. You may think that's normal, but I don't. I will play no part in your business or personal interests. Do I make myself clear?"
He looked sulky, "So that's it? You're just gonna leave me?"
"Well, imagine if you put up with intense fear on the day of your mother's funeral, sat awake for a night, listened to others being not fussed if I was alive or not, then at t
he end of it, I treated you as though you were something on the bottom of my shoe. Would you go back for more? I forgave you for Dascha, gave you another chance, which you threw back in my face. So yes, that's it." I kept my voice low and controlled. "So is there any work you wish to instruct me on?"
He ignored me. "If you check your contract, you have a three month notice period if you resign. If you don't attend board meetings as requested, you will be in breach of contract."
"Ok, that's fine. I can ask Oscar to organise some security to accompany me while I'm in your offices. It's not a problem. I would hate to renege on a contract, and of course you're aware that if I was sued and lost, I would end up disbarred. Three months isn't a long time." I smiled sweetly at his scowling face. You won't win here Ivan.
"Elle, there's nothing wrong with my offices. Nobody's going to hurt you there," he was getting exasperated. "I don't want it to be like this between us. I'm not going to hurt your career, you know that."
"Riiight, so that's why you brought up my contract. That doesn't exactly make sense. You want to invoke a contractual arrangement to have me there for the next three months, which I'll be doing under duress, but you want me to know that you're still sweet, cuddly Ivan who wouldn't hurt me. Now, if you don't want me there under duress, don't threaten me with my contractual obligations."
"You know how I feel about you, how you feel about me, let’s not throw that away." His voice took on a pleading tone.
"You put my life in danger twice, now I know you'd say that I can have security, but that's not the same as not putting me in that position in the first place. You don't love me Ivan, you love money. This is just an infatuation you have. A man who loved me would have been thrilled to see me on Saturday, not sulky because the wrong person rescued him, just like you were when I rescued Bella instead of Nico doing it."