A camera flashes in the background as he continues. “As you can all imagine, this has been a difficult time for everyone involved, from Mark’s loved ones, to his employees, to friends and acquaintances. It has, personally, been the most difficult time in my life. Mark was my mentor, friend, and first big client at SGM. Without him, I sincerely doubt I would have realized the success I have with SGM. A week ago, Mark and I scheduled a mini-vacation and strategy session regarding many of the difficulties surrounding Global Metal Refining’s association with Diablo Mining, in Brazil. As many of you already know, Global Metal Refining was evaluating its relationship with Diablo Mining. We were in the process of ensuring Global Metal Refining’s desires to comply with best practices, environmentally, and taking Diablo Mining along with us. Mr. Hugo Montes, the CEO of Diablo Mining, explained to us he hadn’t violated any laws in his mining practices, which Mark acknowledged, but Mark wanted Mr. Montes to adhere to stricter industry practices. The two were in the process of reevaluating their positions and desire to work together when Mark was killed. This mini-vacation and strategy session was going to take place at my vacation home in McCall, Idaho. Mark arrived Friday night. I had prior business commitments, so I was scheduled to arrive around eleven the morning after Mark arrived. When I got to my home, I found Mark’s body on the deck.” Sean proceeds to explain the way the scene was handled. “At this point,” he continues, “I’ll open this conference to any questions you may have, with the understanding that elements of the FBI investigation will not be discussed.”
Next come the barrage of reporters’ questions. “Mr. Green! Can you describe what you saw when you discovered Mr. Stevens’ body?”
Sean represses a shudder. “It was the most horrendous thing I have ever seen in my life. It made me sick.”
“But can you describe Mr. Stevens’ body position and surroundings?”
At this point, SAC Hill steps up to the podium and introduces himself, saying, “I apologize. Sean will not be able to answer these types of questions, as they may compromise our investigation.”
A collective sigh moves through the media, and the next reporter asks, “What happens to Global Metal Refining and Diablo Mining now?”
Sean suggests, “That question could be better addressed by Ms. Charlotte Evans, the interim CEO of Global Metal Refining.”
“How will the death of Mr. Stevens affect your company?” comes the next question from the crowd.
“Mark’s death will have an immense impact on SGM in several ways. First, I have lost a mentor and close personal friend—in fact, I would say my best friend. Second, I would hope the services SGM performed to date have been profitable to Global Metal Refining, and that long-term business can continue. However, I’m fully aware each CEO has their own relationships that they like to maintain. Should Global Metal Refining choose to go a different direction that doesn’t include SGM, while I would certainly be disappointed, SGM is still and would remain a leading marketing firm internationally, thanks to Mark’s mentorship. We will continue to move forward and grow with all of our clients.”
The next reporter asks, “Can you tell us who has been interview by the FBI so far?”
Sean looks to Agent Hill for approval and when he nods, Sean says, “As far as I know, the immediate family, myself, and Ms. Jessica Silva.”
“Do they have any suspects? Are you a suspect?” comes the follow-up question.
Once again, Agent Hill steps up to the podium and says, “At this point in the investigation, no suspects have been identified. The interviews conducted to date are routine and should not cast suspicion on any of those spoken to. Interviewing family and close friends of the family is standard protocol.”
Sean nods to Agent Hill as he steps away from the podium. “Last question, please,” he announces.
“How is Mrs. Stevens really doing?”
Sean looks surprised at the question. “She is a strong woman, but she is devastated by losing the love of her life. Now that the memorial service is over, I suspect she will be able to truly let go and grieve. Bonnie has good friends and family surrounding her, so for now, we’ll all take it one day at a time. Thank you all again for coming.”
Sean then steps down off the podium, even as a barrage of questions explodes from the press. He exits the press area with David Hill and thanks him for his time. Then each of them goes their separate ways.
After a moment of appreciating the quiet in his car, Sean returns to Bonnie’s house. Jessica immediately asks how it went with the press. Sean says he felt it went well. He suggests everyone should relax by the pool and share in some downtime for the rest of the day. Bonnie has the staff prepare a light snack of fresh fruit and various cheeses, and they all share wine and good memories of Mark. It is a silent struggle for Wendy that only she and Sean understand what Mark truly was, so she concentrates on the things Mark did as a big brother before he went to college. It is good for everyone to see that, at least for a couple of hours, Bonnie’s emotions are focused on good things, and she appreciates it very much.
Suddenly, she turns to Wendy and asks, “When are you leaving?”
Surprised by the sudden turn of conversation, Wendy blinks, then answers, “I’ll stay tomorrow, but I’d like to fly back to San Diego the next day, if I can book a flight. I need to meet with my attorney and accountant regarding the new assets I own.”
Sean snorts. “Don’t be ridiculous. I’ll have my pilot fly you home.”
Wendy glances at him. “Really? Thank you. I appreciate it.”
For some reason, Sean’s generous gesture toward Wendy really bothers Jessica, so much so that she has to force certain unpleasant thoughts out of her mind. She struggles to maintain her indifference to her business partner.
“What about you, Sean?” Bonnie asks. “What are your plans?”
Sean considers. “Well, I need to spend some time in the office tomorrow, but I’ll go in early. I promise I won’t spend the entire day there, though.”
Jess reaches over and pats Bonnie’s hand. “Don’t worry, honey. Nate can handle things for one more day, so I’ll be here to spend the day with you. Maybe the three of us can lounge by the pool and have girl talk?”
Bonnie glances in Jessica’s direction with her all-knowing ‘what’s up?’ lift of her eyebrow, then says, “I would love to catch up with both of you tomorrow.” Wendy agrees as well, and they return to conversation.
Sean decides to head to his room early, hoping to actually get some sleep. He excuses himself under the guise that the three of them need to spend some time alone, without him around.
Bonnie, into her second bottle of wine, giggles. “You’re not fooling me. You just feel like there is too much estrogen in your life right now.”
Sean smiles. “You got me there. Besides, the game is on tonight, so that’s the real reason. I need my sports fix.”
Bonnie smiles groggily and says, “Enjoy your fix then.” On a more serious note she continues, “Thank you for everything, Sean.”
After Sean leaves, Wendy asks Bonnie, “What’s the real story on Sean?”
Bonnie begins explaining by saying, “Well, he’s a really terrific guy. He’s just the consummate bachelor, interested only in work, who doesn’t know how to enjoy downtime.”
Wendy asks, “Has Sean ever been married?” After a moment’s thought she adds, “And what was his business relationship with Mark like?”
Jessica shifts in her chair. As Bonnie begins to answer Wendy’s question, Jessica’s movement catches her attention and she sees the little look of jealousy on her face. Bonnie thinks, huh, this could get interesting and ugly at the same time.
She returns her attention to Wendy. “Sean was the first marketing guy to get Mark’s attention. First, they developed a business relationship, and their deep friendship followed. Sean is a brilliant, self-made millionaire, with enough of his simple arrogance to make him edgy for most women. You know, the kind of guy you would want to take to bed, but no
t home to meet your parents.” She chuckles.
Wendy smiles and says, “Oh, my. Well, I don’t have any parents for him to meet—”
Jessica clears her throat and jumps in. “You know, Sean can be a real asshole. The first time I met him, he was condescending, rude, arrogant, and sarcastic all wrapped up in a confident swagger.”
Wendy replies, with a raised eyebrow. “Interesting. Have either of you slept with him?”
Jess makes an indignant noise and Bonnie chuckles, then says, “No. I haven’t because he was Mark’s best friend. And Jessica hasn’t because she’s been too busy pursuing business excellence to enjoy carnal pleasures.”
With that, Jessica rolls her eyes and decides to call it a night and head to bed. Bonnie now knows she’s correct that Jessica was seriously thinking about her feelings for Sean, and this conversation has made her jealous.
After Jessica excuses herself, Bonnie tells Wendy she believes Jess is romantically interested in Sean.
Wendy laughs and says, “Oh, heavens. He is definitely not my type. I just wanted to know if you guys thought he could be trusted. Is that why she left so abruptly?”
Bonnie replies, “I think so. Jess hasn’t been involved with anyone for over a year. Not even just flings. I think it’s cute that your questions about Sean bothered her. It’s a good sign.”
Wendy, still chuckling, says, “I’ll let her know tomorrow that coast is clear for her. I just wanted to know if you both felt like you could confide in him and if he was stable.”
Bonnie nods her understanding and they chat for a while longer before heading to bed themselves.
The next morning, Bonnie, Wendy, and Jessica enjoy a leisurely breakfast and head out to the pool.
The conversation is light, and Wendy says to Jessica, “I hope I didn’t offend you last night with my comments about Sean?”
Jessica looks surprised and responds, “Of course not. Why would you think such a thing?”
Wendy smiles. “Oh, I don’t know. I just got the vibe you are interested in him in more than a business sense.”
Jessica chuckles and tries to brush it off. “We are business associates, and as such, nothing can ever happen between the two of us.” Thinking she has ended the conversation, she turns to rub some suntan oil on her legs.
Then Wendy and Bonnie simultaneously ask, “Why not?”
Jess flinches, then turns back to them and answers, “Because it just wouldn’t be right. It could seriously complicate the working relationship we currently have.”
Wendy nods and says, “Okay, as a psychologist, I will concede to that point. However, as a woman, if you’re interested in Sean, you’re stupid not to see how dating him would turn out. Times have changed, honey. It is perfectly acceptable for business associates to pursue romantic inclinations. Sean isn’t your boss, so that’s not an issue. He also isn’t one of your employees, so that excuse is off the table. I just have to ask… Why wouldn’t you take things a day at a time and see what happens? He is obviously attracted to you.”
Jessica starts at those words. “Really? Why would you say that?”
“Well, for one,” Wendy says, laughing, “I’m not blind. I see how he looks at you, and also how you look at him. Let’s be honest here. You’re attracted to him, aren’t you?”
Jessica opens her mouth, then glances at Bonnie, who is glaring at her in a way that tells her she better not lie. She shuts her mouth, sighs, then turns back to Wendy. “Yes. I’m attracted to him.”
Bonnie chimes in then. “So, go after it, woman! What have you got to lose?”
Wendy chuckles and agrees, then says, “Look, he is a very attractive, successful man who has one kick-ass set of abs, arms, and a nice chest. Quite frankly, I’ve never even looked at his ass, because I’ve been too distracted by his upper half.”
Jessica laughs and admits, “His ass isn’t bad either.”
The three of them dissolve into giggles, then Wendy asks, “Why are you afraid to get involved or even explore the option of dating him then?”
Jessica hesitates, then attempts to explain. “The last guy I dated was a serious douche bag. He treated me like someone who was totally insignificant in his life. My opinion never mattered, and he used to ignore me for weeks at a time as punishment when I did something he didn’t like, even if that something wasn’t wronging him in any way. I’m not sure I’m emotionally ready to get into another relationship… especially if it turns out that way again.”
Wendy nods sympathetically. “Okay, that’s an excellent reason to be hesitant. Has anything about Sean led you to believe he would be the same way?”
Jessica bites her lip. “Maybe…”
Wendy says, “Go on.”
“Well, I told you last night that when I first met him it didn’t go well. I wasn’t lying about any of the things I mentioned. I guess the way he acted did kind of reflect my ex for me.”
“Understandable. But didn’t he later apologize for his behavior, and didn’t you two correct the issue enough to travel to Brazil together?” Wendy asks.
“Yes. Yes, we did exactly that,” Jessica replies, a little suspicious that Wendy seems to know so much. She gives Bonnie a look, and Bonnie simply shrugs with a slight smile on her face.
“Has he ever treated you, or anyone else that you’ve noticed, like that, since?” asks Wendy.
Jessica shakes her head slowly. “No. He has actually been an amazing supporter, mentor, and gentleman.”
Wendy smiles. “Let me tell you right now, from much psychoanalyzing experience, I believe Sean Green is an amazing man, and I can see he is attracted to you, but if you aren’t going to pursue any possibilities with him, you need to make that very clear. I would also like to know your intentions, because if you’re going to pass on that hunk of prime meat, I’m going to try and get a huge mouthful for myself—” She is interrupted by Bonnie, who chokes on laughter and spits out the sip of water she had just taken to continue laughing. Wendy grins, then looks back at Jessica. “What’s it going to be?”
Both of them stare intently at her, waiting for the answers, and Jess says, “All right, fine! I’ll pursue my feelings for Sean!”
Just then, Sean steps out of the house onto the patio and asks, “Um, what are you going to pursue with me?”
All three women jump and all the blood drains from Jessica’s face. Bonnie quickly jumps in. “Oh, you’re back. Um, how long have you been eavesdropping?”
Sean shakes his head with a confused look. “I just got here and heard Jessica say she would pursue something with me. What?” When his question meets an awkward silence, he glances at Bonnie and asks, “Did you tell her what we discussed yesterday?”
Bonnie clears her throat. “No, I didn’t, but now that the cat is out of the bag, let’s do it together.” Jessica shoots a piercing glare at Bonnie, who catches the look and continues, “Oh, jeez, relax. We talked about a business proposal I have for you.” Bonnie watches Jess relax, then says, “I have been discussing your expansion plans with Sean. He went to the office this morning to put some numbers together for me.”
Jessica looks surprised, then asks, “What have you two been dreaming up then? And what about my expansion?”
Bonnie smiles at her. “Well, I’m glad you asked. I figure your expansion into the international fashion scene will cost you around two million dollars, is that correct?”
“Initially, yes, that’s the number I came up with,” Jessica agrees.
Bonnie nods and, jerking her thumb at Sean, says, “And then you have to pay this marketing leech five hundred thousand for his services, is that right?”
Sean smiles and shakes his head, and Jessica raises her eyebrows. “For the first year, yeah, about that much. What is this all about?”
“Be patient, I’m about to tell you!” Bonnie exclaims, then pauses, all dramatics. She takes a breath and announces, “Jess, love, I have already paid for all your expansion fees. I’ve paid SGM’s first-year service contract, a
nd I’ve set up an expansion fund of five hundred thousand dollars for incidentals in the Beauty Boutique’s name.”
Jessica’s mouth drops open, and then she exclaims, “Absolutely not! I can’t accept all of that.”
Bonnie scoffs. “I knew you would react that way, so all the funds were entrusted to Sean. You see, you can’t say no.” She giggles a little diabolically. “It’s already done. However, I would accept a hug and a thank you. Besides, it’s not like I can’t afford to. I just received a fifteen-billion-dollar estate. There is one condition you must meet though. You must keep me in the latest designs from the Beauty Boutique.”
Jessica, speechless, gives Bonnie a huge hug. Finally, through tears of gratitude, she manages, “I’ll never forget this amazing gift. Thank you.”
Bonnie gives her a squeeze and then whispers, “When I let go of you, I’m going to give Sean all the credit, so you better give him a hug as amazing as this one. Please just go for this opportunity, girl.”
Jessica is crying and laughing when she and Bonnie pull away from each other. Lifting Jessica’s face in her hands, Bonnie says, “This was all Sean’s brainchild.”
Jess nods once, decisively, then stands up, walks over to Sean, and throws her arms around his neck. “Thank you so much. You are a truly amazing man.”
Sean is startled at first, then goes with it. He hugs Jessica amazingly close and holds her tightly in his arms. Wendy and Bonnie wink at each other as they watch the almost physical vibrations of emotion begin to solidify between Jess and Sean.
When they release each other, they make eye contact for a moment, and then Sean clears his throat and sits down on a lounge chair. “Okay, on to the next item. We all need to talk a bit.”
Uncontrolled Spin: The Power and Danger of Spin ( Un missable Series Book 1) Page 19