Fatal Attraction

by Mia Ford

  I gulp noisily. I can’t tell him that I informed Ally that she needed to field all his calls and make excuses for why I can’t speak to him because I don’t want to face the impending truth. I know it won’t make any difference, I’m sure things will happen regardless, but by burying my head in the sand I thought I would buy myself some more time. Now, I’m stuck facing it.

  I should have let it go to voice mail, I think sadly. What an idiot.

  “Oh, Barry. Sorry, you know Ally. Sometimes she doesn’t realize when people are making essential calls…” Maybe I should feel guilty for sullying Ally’s name, but I don’t.

  “Right, well. I do need to speak to you. Is now a good time?”

  No! Make an excuse. Run away… but I know I can’t. I need to work out what I can do.

  “Sure.” I fall wearily back into my office chair. “I can talk.”

  “I won’t take up too much of your time, I just need to discuss the financial situation with you.” My eyes fall closed as guilt threatens to consume me whole. “As you know, things are not good. They haven’t been good for a very long time. As I tried to advise you, you expanded at a pace that was much too rapid and now you are hemorrhaging money and you don’t have to focus to start making money back because there is just too much for you. There have been threats from investors and the banks…”

  “I’ll just put more of my own money into it,” I interject quickly, needing to make all these horrible thoughts stop. It’s easy to lose my confidence which often borders on arrogance, when I have this heavy reminder that I’ve failed. I knew this was coming. “This is my fault so I’ll foot the bill…”

  “Quite frankly, you can’t.” Barry is firm with me. “That won’t work again. You will end up bankrupt yourself, and as well I know you cannot allow that to happen.

  “Then I will restructure…” I run my hand through my hair and tug at the ends with stress. “I’ll close some of the offices, make the operations smaller, get things back to how they used to be…”

  “That is coming much too late, Evan, I’m afraid that just isn’t going to work.”

  A thick silence clings to the air which makes the ice-cold terror bolt through my system. I’ve seen the numbers, I knew that things weren’t good, but it’s starting to sound like Barry thinks I don’t have any options. I don’t want to hear that! I need answers and fast.

  “Look, Evan.” Barry sighs. “I don’t want your firm to go to auction. I know what the stakes are for you and I also know how hard you’ve worked. The last thing anyone wants is for everything to go belly up, but you need to be realistic. Maybe it’s time you find a buyer…”

  “No,” I shoot back quickly. “The company is mine. I’m not getting a buyer.”

  “I know that’s your opinion, but I don’t want you to lose everything. I can’t see any investor worth his or her salt getting involved with a business that has such a poor structure. You know?”

  My heart races painfully in my chest and my head starts to spin. It can’t end like this, it just can’t. I absolutely refuse to accept it. “Are there any other options?”

  “I mean, you can present a case that suggests you will make things better, but you need a lawyer for that to work and I’m not sure that’s something you can afford right now…”

  “I’ll do it.” A ray of hope, that’s all I need. A small ray. “I’ll sort it, don’t worry.”

  “I don’t know if that’s what I would advise. You’ll need the best of the best.”

  My computer is already rebooting, I’m doing this. Even if it’s a last ditch attempt then I have to try. I can’t give up, that will never be me. And if I can do this in a discrete way so no other businesses work out what’s going on, even better. I already feel happier knowing that I’m trying.

  “Yeah, thanks, Barry.” I’m already pulling the phone away from my ear, distracted. “Bye!”

  I slam the phone back down and I flick through the Internet at the speed of light. I’ve used various law companies during my time as a business man but there’s only one that I remember really impressing me. Harrison and Associates. I had a young lad representing me then and he did an incredible job. I think they’re the only company I would trust with this.

  Once I find the number I put in the call without even considering the time. It’s nearly seven PM, so there’s a chance that I won’t get a response, but any law firm worth anything tends to work through the night. I’m sure Harrison and Associates counts in that.

  “Hello, Harrison and Associates, Deborah speaking.” She sounds professional, not exhausted. She must be a secretary. I’m impressed! Deborah isn’t out the door at five! “How may I help you?”

  “My name is Evan Debroils,” I begin. “I have used your law firm in the past…”

  “Ah yes,” she replies warmly. “I remember. I spoke with you a lot then.”

  I feel horrible that I can’t remember, but that’s because I’m usually pushing forwards, never pausing to stop in the present to consider the past. Maybe that’s what got me in such a mess in the first place.

  “You worked with Grant then, didn’t you? Back when he first started at the firm.”

  “Ah yes, Grant. Can I speak to him?” It sounds like he’s still there, which is perfect.

  “He’s actually with another client at the moment.” Of course, he is. Busy as always! This is the sort of thing that makes him the best, his dedication. “But if you give me some details about what you want, then I will pass the message on and get him to call you back at his earliest convenience.”

  “Ah right.” I feel nervous. I don’t know if I want to share such details about my current situation with Deborah, but I suppose I have to. There’s a high level of confidentiality anyway, so I really shouldn’t worry. I just don’t like it, it hurts my pride. “Okay, well here it is…”

  ***

  A long hour passes before I get off the phone, but after the call I feel much better. Deborah has reassured me that Grant will speak with me soon so I know where I stand when it comes to him. She was kind as well, I didn’t sense even a moment of judgement in her tone which is what I need right now. Once I have finally ended the call, I rub my eyes and let out a deep sigh of relief.

  “Right,” I mutter to myself. “Time to go.”

  Just before I leave, I find myself drawn to the photo of my parents that I can stand to look at. Since I lost them three years ago, maybe I should be more over it now, but I’m not at all. The senseless, needless way they were stripped from the world still crushes me painfully every single day. I grab the photo off the shelf and I run my finger idly along my mother’s face. She has dark hair, just like mine, and a bright, beaming smile. I recognize a lot of myself in her, which only makes me miss her even more. My mother was warm, kind hearted, and would do anything for anyone. There’s no reason at all her wonderful soul should have been taken from this Earth.

  Then there’s my dad. I don’t look much like him, aside from the green eyes and tall stature, but I get my fierce ambition from him. That’s why all of this failure hits harder and why I definitely can’t take the easy way out and get a buyer. I inherited this business from him, before then I was merely an employee, and I need to make it a success. When I got it from him, it was a low level start up tech company and I made it explode. Of course, as Barry said, I pushed too hard and I expanded too quickly, but that’s all come from a good place. I just want to make this work for him. I want him to see that I’m worthwhile. Maybe that’s why I’m such a control freak about it. There’s been so much happening in my life that I’ve had no power over. This I need to control.

  “I’m sorry, Dad,” I mutter to the picture. “I didn’t mean to make such an epic fuck up of things. That was never my intention. I just want to make Debroils Enterprises a name that means something, you know?” I sigh loudly, knowing that I probably sound like a crazy person right now. “That’s why I’m doing everything that I can to keep it. I won’t give up. Never ever!”

&n
bsp; He stares lifelessly back at me from the picture frame, like a constant reminder that he’s gone. If he was here with me, I just know that he’d give me the absolute best advice that I could ever want. He would know the answer much better than me. That’s probably why he kept it small because he was wiser than me, he could always see the much bigger picture that however hard I try, I just can’t. But he isn’t here. He’s gone, and I’m in a mess of my own making. The only person that can get me out of this is me. And Grant. Good old Grant, get me out through this mess.

  Just before I make another move to go home, I pull out a bottle of Brandy that I keep stored in the locked drawer at the bottom of my desk for emergencies just like this one. There’s a small tumbler in there as well so I can only pour myself a small measure. I don’t want to ever get wild at work. That’s the last thing this company needs. Once poured, I spin in my chair to look over the city as I take a big swig of the cool, delicious liquid that warms me up as it slides down my throat.

  I can’t lose all of this, it just isn’t possible. I can’t let go of the last thing my father left for me. I know that Barry understands and I can also see that he only has my best interests at heart, but this is something I need to do. I have to keep fighting, right up until the very last moment. I’ll throw my heart and soul into it, I’ll give it all I’ve got, I’ll be willing and open to change, I’ll even stop being a stubborn control freak and I’ll listen. Whatever Grant tells me, that’s what I’ll do. I have to. For Mom, for Dad, for their legacy and for myself too.

  Chapter Four – Katy

  Nerves cascade through my system as I make my way down town to the Debroils Enterprises office for an emergency meeting with the owner there because his company is having some serious financial issues and they need a new plan. I wasn’t intending to take on any more clients until after the partner decision meeting, but since Grant asked me in front of two of the senior partners, including Doug Harrison himself, I felt like I couldn’t say no. To be honest, I don’t know if that was an intentional thing. I don’t know if he meant to throw me under the bus like that in a way to sabotage me, but here I am, doing it for him, wondering how I allowed myself to get railroaded.

  It doesn’t matter now, I tell myself firmly as I step much quicker. I just need to do a good job, that’s all that matters. Screw Grant, screw worrying, I just need to prove myself.

  Maybe I can use this as a way to make myself look even more suited to the position. After all, it isn’t me who said I didn’t have the time, it’s Grant. That won’t exactly look good, will it? I mean, I might end up pulling a lot of all nights, but again it’ll all be worth it.

  The only night I absolutely cannot back down on is Friday. I can’t be in the office then no matter what. It’ll be the absolute last straw with Robyn since she’s been planning a low key night out for my birthday ever since last year. I promised, and after the double date nightmare I cannot do it again. I just can’t. No matter what, Friday is to be kept free.

  I have to admit when I stand at the foot of the Debroils Enterprises building, I’m impressed. I’ve been to a lot of offices in my time, but this just screams ‘luxury’. What a shame that it’s all just a sham and that it’s all falling apart. I clutch my briefcase closer to me and shake my head in dismay. The best looking things are always the messiest inside.

  Right, I think with sheer determination. Get in there, make this work somehow.

  Easier said than done, I know, but I have to put my best foot forward. I step inside and head to the front desk where a bored looking receptionist with the longest nails taps away at her computer. She types so fast, even quicker than me, so I have to assume that she’s not really writing anything at all. I guess she’s one that’s just an expert at making herself look busy.

  I stand in front of her desk, waiting for her to give up the rouse and finally acknowledge me. She knows that I’m in front of her, my shadow is casting over her, this must be a power play on her part. I don’t care if she wants to play that, if that’s what makes her happy. I need the moment to get my brain in order anyway, to prepare myself for this unexpected job.

  “Yeah?” she finally drags her eyes away from the screen to ask in a tone that shows no respect whatsoever. Much as it gets my back up, I refuse to rise to the bait.

  “Oh thank you, I didn’t want to interrupt you. I’m looking for Evan Debroils.” I only remember it so well because it’s such an unusual name. “Do you know where I might find him?”

  “Top floor. Elevator’s there.” She pointes behind her then gets right back to fake typing again, effectively ending the conversation before I can get a chance to say anything else. Maybe this rudeness is something I should mention to Evan, but it seems she works for the building rather than his office.

  “Right, thank you.” I’m not going to let her rudeness affect my behavior.

  I make my way over to the elevator and wait for it to descend. Luckily because it’s late morning now, there aren’t hundreds of people jostling to get inside like I’m sure there are early on in the day. I need this alone time to steel myself. The thing is, I always have confidence when I go into meetings, that’s essential for getting people to believe in me and in Harrison and Associates, but that’s always because I’ve had time to do some solid research and I’m properly focused. It’s just lucky that after filing the paper work for Mr. Thomas that there isn’t anything I can do for him for the moment, but I still don’t feel as focused as I’d like to be.

  I need to recover from that quickly though, because it’s almost time for me to put my brave face on! I need to remember who I am, how hard I’ve worked, how I can do this.

  I step into the elevator and take some deep breaths. I slide my eyes closed to center myself, which isn’t easy because of the terrible music playing over my head. Why do people think that elevator rides can’t just be silent? It’s beyond me! It’s a time to focus and relax. I don’t need tinny, horrible, old fashioned music getting in the way of that.

  Before I feel like I’ve had enough time, the elevator stops and the doors open wide, bringing me right into the middle of the office space. Workers scurry busily around me, completely ignoring my existence as if they’re used to people randomly bursting in during the day… which judging by the elevator positon, I suppose they are. To me, it’s strange, like nothing I’ve ever seen before.

  I tentatively step forward, wondering who the face of the company is, the person that I’m supposed to talk to right away. There’s usually a clearly indicated desk, but not here. I can’t help but wonder if it’s designed to confuse people on purpose. Suppliers, clients, visitors, they are already at a disadvantage for not understanding the structure properly.

  “Hello there, Miss,” a syrupy voice grabs my attention. “Can I help you please?”

  I twist to see an intimidatingly sexy woman smiling back at me. She’s one of those who might not be a classical beauty, but knows what she has and she works with it well. Her face is painted to the max, she has red lips that are almost intoxicating, her blonde hair falls past her shoulders in waves, and her clothes are tailored perfectly to her frame. She’s the sort of woman that I imagine men desire to work with, she’s like an office fantasy brought to life in front of me.

  I glance down at myself, seeing a crisp, slightly washed out and very tired version of myself. I know that I can look better, I just don’t ever have the time to. And to be honest, people respect lawyers who look all business rather than someone with a face full of make-up. Still right now that doesn’t make me feel any less intimidated. I’m like the nerdy girl faced with the cheerleader.

  “I, erm…” I can feel my face flame with embarrassment which is very annoying. “I’m here for a meeting with a Mr. Evan Debroils this morning. I’m the lawyer.”

  “Oh, right sure.” I almost sigh with relief that she’s expecting me. “Please come with me.”

  I follow her through the office and as we go I can feel all eyes upon me. I have no doubt that th
e employees of this business have no idea what’s really going on, and my presence alone is bound to cause whispers. I know why business owners do this, they don’t want to cause panic and low morale, but sometimes I’m sure the rumors are worse than the truth… although maybe not here.

  “Hold on a moment, I’ll just go and see what Evan is up to. Please take a seat.”

  I perch my butt on the edge of the chair and I wait. And I wait, and I wait a bit more. I can’t stop my eyes from darting towards the door of Mr. Debroils office and I get a strange feeling about what might be going on inside there. Normally I would know about a man’s reputation before I got involved, so I could prepare myself, but today I wasn’t given the time. I wonder how tacky it would be to do my research while I wait. Is this the sort of man who would fool around with members of staff? In my personal experience, that always leads to failure because of distraction, because of the strain that it puts on the business owner’s family, and because it’s just damn mess.

  “Right.” Finally, before I get the chance to pull out my phone. “Evan is waiting for you.”

  I search her discretely, trying to see any signs of fooling around, but there doesn’t seem to be any. Maybe I’m just cynical now and I’ve seen too much so I judge everyone whom I’ve seen in the past. Maybe what I need to do is go into things with an open mind.

  I push myself into a standing position and I try my hardest to find a more positive mind set, then I step inside the office. A luxurious room with the largest mahogany desk I’ve ever seen. The illusion of money is definitely here, but not the actual cash flow!