by Maria Milot
Ken watched Jared strip off his top then handed him a striped, long-sleeve dress shirt. “This is why you need me.”
Jared smiled at Ken’s pointed remark.
“And don’t you forget it!” Ken called as Jared headed out the door.
TWELVE
Maddie opened her closet and picked through dresses on the rack. Let’s see, something nautical, this one is definitely not classy enough, what’s back here? She spied a box half hidden under a long wool coat. She yanked it out into the room and pulled it open, oh crap, that’s why I didn’t unpack this. She reached in and carefully raised a photo of Joe. Damn you, Joe. I loved you so much, too much. Hot tears stung the corners of her eyes for a few seconds before the ache turned to anger.
Seeing Joe writhing on top of their landlady was the catalyst that hurled her out of the relationship. But the damage her fiancé had caused started long before she witnessed him cheating on her.
At first, it worked. She had spent many years without a father and being with Joe was a comfort. He was strong, and not just physically. He was also confident. He would fix her car, help her balance her checkbook, encourage her to save money, call to make sure she made it to the hospital for her shift. She liked having him take care of her. He invited her to hang out with all of his friends. He involved her in his activities. He even picked out the movies they watched. He was so decisive, and her job at the hospital was so stressful. It was simple to let him take over the reins of their personal life.
Over time, all her friends but Kelly dropped away as Joe made it clear he did not like them. It was easier to hang out with the guys than to get into another fight about her ‘stupid friends.’
She had worked for Mr. Whitmore for two months before she mustered the courage to tell Joe she had left the hospital and started a new job. The fight was inevitable, but at least she could stand by her claim that the position with Mr. Whitmore was working out.
The hurt Joe had caused Maddie went beyond his physical pushing and shoving. It was the emotional betrayal and self-doubt he inflicted which really wounded her. Only after she moved out of his apartment did she realize what used to seem like a caring concern for her was actually domineering control over her.
You betrayed my complete trust, Joe! But that’s the problem, isn’t it? I trusted you and stopped trusting myself. I let you make all the decisions and now I talk to myself and question my own choices. Mr. Whitmore reminded me I am smart, and I can be strong. But now that he’s gone, I don’t feel very strong. Mr. Whitmore…
Maddie stood up, walked to an antique chest of drawers and pulled out a small envelope. Jeff Shorey had given it to her at the law office. Although she had read it before, right now it felt like Mr. Whitmore was speaking in her ear. She needed to re-visit his words. She opened it and re-read the craggy writing.
My dear girl Maddie,
I know you love to learn. Life will continue teaching you lessons. Even when they are hard, you must find meaning in them. I hope that you will keep learning about life but most importantly you will learn about yourself.
With Love,
RW
THIRTEEN
“Hey, Jared! Glad you could make it.”
The invitation to this enclave of capitalists extended only to the presidents and CEOs of companies. Spouses were not allowed at the meetings, but sometimes they would show up and gather about in another part of the host’s home.
“Thanks, Bret. Is your wife here?” Jared asked.
“No, she arranged for a spouse outing so we don’t have to meet behind closed doors. Let’s grab a drink at the bar and then I have a couple people I want you to meet.”
Jared looked around Bret’s family room, filled with well-groomed men. Jared had worked with some business savvy women but sadly, as evidenced by this group, Captains of Industry was still a male-dominated group.
“Jared, I want you to meet-”
“Charlie Mara!” Jared finished Bret’s introduction as Charlie and Jared clasped hands and beamed.
“You two know each other I take it?” Bret commented.
“Yeah, Jared and I went to high school together.”
Bret smiled and stepped back. “I’ll let you guys grab some drinks and get caught up. The program starts in about half an hour.”
“So, I know what you’ve been up to Jared; between interviews and every money magazine keeping tabs on you it’s pretty hard not to,” Charlie said with a smile.
“Yeah, things are going pretty well. So, Charlie, what are you doing these days?”
“I have my own accounting firm. I do audit work, handle some individual accounts and some consulting. Most of the stuff I do is with small to mid-size companies, like yours. Who are you using as an auditor?”
“I got a friend of mine, invested in the company early, he helped me get the business end set up. He comes in and helps out, you know, guides my in-house accounting people, checks over the books.”
“That’s fine for everyday stuff but from what I’ve read, your company’s growing, Jared. You really need to have an independent auditor, not just a friend who helps out. It’s standard business practice for a company your size. Correct me if I’m wrong, I heard on CNBC you might be planning an IPO.”
“Yeah, I don’t handle the business stuff, Charlie, but the applications I’m developing now could very well expand into the civilian market. I’m not sure about taking the company public yet but it certainly could be a reality.”
“You know Jared, I’d be more than happy to come by your office and look things over. No charge. See if I can help you out.”
“That would be great but my business guy, Ken Tate, will be out of the country starting this Monday. Honestly, I don’t know how much help I can be on my own.”
Charlie held up his hand like a cop stopping traffic. “Do you know how to access your accounts?”
“I do.”
“No problem then, as long as you can get me to the information I can start a review. I could even come by tomorrow.”
“Sure, if you don’t mind working on a Sunday, Charlie. I’m free all day. I’ll meet you there and try to get you everything you need.”
“Sounds good. Let’s go hit the bar before the program starts here.”
Jared thought briefly about texting Ken to let him know he and Charlie would be at the office tomorrow but dismissed the idea. No need to bother Ken, he’s heading away on Monday. Charlie knows what he’s doing and it wouldn’t kill me to get involved with the business end of my own company instead of relying on Ken all the time, he thought.
FOURTEEN
Maddie left for the New York Yacht Club early. Very early. Once, she would not have shied away from a new experience but heading solo to a private club made her a bit anxious; lately, it seemed most things made her anxious. Unbelievable, she thought as she looked from the GPS to the familiar road ahead. I’ve driven this road a thousand times and never knew this was the club.
A barely noticeable small bronze plaque, half covered with ivy, was posted on a privacy wall denoting the French style chateau beyond was the NYYC. She angled her car into the tapered driveway which opened up to large gravel parking areas surrounded by lush hillside gardens. Good thing I don’t like wearing heels, she thought as she finished her hike from the lower parking lot and arrived at a circular drive on top of the hill. Just beyond the fountain in the center of the loop was the main entrance. She hung back a moment and watched an older couple slowly emerge from a classic Jaguar then push open the enormous carved wood doors and disappear. She stood back as the Jaguar whisked past her down to the parking lot. The grin on the valet’s face made her think of the movie Ferris Buehler’s Day Off.
The confidence she had mustered to proceed inside was swept away with the closing of the door behind her. She had barely taken in the foyer when a reedy man, about her age, dressed in a navy-blue suit with a pink silk handkerchief poking out of his chest pocket approached her with raised eyebrows and asked if he c
ould help her. She felt her right hand reach under the nails of her left hand, then reminded herself she was an invited visitor and deserved to be here as much as anyone else. She pulled her posture up a little higher and met his eye. “Yes, I’m a guest of Winston Cooper. He is meeting me here.”
His officious expression immediately changed and he became a smiling sycophant. “Oh, Yes! Mr. Cooper! Welcome to the Club, Miss—?”
“Marcelle. Madison Marcelle.”
“Welcome Miss Marcelle. Please follow me.” Maddie fell in line behind him. She allowed her eyes to wander up the walnut wainscoted walls, past large oil paintings of ships, to the intricate coffered ceiling. It didn’t matter how much money she had inherited, she was still impressed every time she entered one of these mammoth old mansions in Newport.
The salon was warm inside from sunlight pouring in through large, high set windows behind the bar. French doors flanked the room offering spectacular water views. Maddie stepped through a glass door onto a stone patio set as if it were the apex of a pyramid; as the lawn just beyond pitched steeply down to the water and the club’s docks. She ventured past a few umbrella-covered tables and settled into one of the inviting Adirondack chairs, lined in a row, overlooking Brenton Cove, the Pell-Newport Bridge and the boat filled harbor.
“It looks like you could use a drink as much as I could use another one.”
Maddie shielded her eyes from the late day sun and looked up toward the cheerful voice matched by an engaging smile. “Been a long day has it?” she commented.
“Well, let’s just say wading through numbers and looking over accounts left me out of my element at my own office.”
Maddie cocked her head to the side and took in the attractive man standing over her chair. Is this guy flirting with me? Probably not. He’s cute, must have a girlfriend. Probably just being friendly. No one else sitting out here. What is wrong with me? We’re at a private club, he’s not going to kill me. She decided there was no harm in continuing the conversation. “Working on a Sunday?”
“My business knows no day of the week.”
“And what is your business?”
“Diamond Enterprises, it’s a computer business.” Jared thrust his hand down toward Maddie’s face. “Hi. I’m Jared Diamond. I create computer applications.”
“Nice to meet you, Jared, my name is Madison, Maddie, Marcelle and I used to be a nurse.”
A server arrived, dressed in a white polo shirt emblazoned with the New York Yacht Club’s navy flag, red cross, and white star insignia. “May I take your order?”
Maddie ordered a chardonnay. Jared ordered another gin and tonic and gave the server his account number.
He relaxed into an Adirondack chair next to Maddie’s and asked, “So, are you a member here?”
Maddie gave him a nervous smile and quickly rambled, “No, not a member. I’m actually new to money, but I’m meeting a friend here. A date. And he’s a member.”
Jared found her nervousness to be disarming. This girl wasn’t like the usual suspects hanging out at the club. Definitely worth the risk to pry about the date situation, he thought. “I’m fairly new to money too, I mean I didn’t grow up with a lot of it, but now that I’ve earned some I’m enjoying it.”
As the conversation continued Maddie was struck by Jared’s unpretentious attitude. His clever wit and irreverent observations of their surroundings had her laughing and feeling like a spy performing reconnaissance on foreign, opulent terrain.
“Maddie, I must tell you, I find you quite refreshing and easy to talk to. So how serious is this date of yours?”
Maddie’s eyes opened wide. She was completely taken aback by this sudden turn in dialogue.
“I’m sorry that was rude,” Jared apologized and looked down into his glass. “It’s just that it’s been a long time since I’ve met anyone as interesting, down to earth, funny and pretty as you. I apologize if I offended you and I wish you the best with your boyfriend.” Jared rose from his chair but Maddie caught his arm.
“He’s not my boyfriend,” she blurted out.
Jared couldn’t suppress the stunned smile that came over his face.
Maddie was just as surprised at her own impulsiveness. But the wine had relaxed her and she had enjoyed her talk with Jared way too much. She didn’t want it to end yet, but she also realized she needed to be clear about her dating situation. “I mean, I am dating Winston but we’re not exclusive.”
“So, Maddie, if you were to give me your phone number and I were to call you, you would consider continuing our conversation?”
Maddie smiled. She could hear Kelly inside her head telling her to be open to meeting new men. Jared whipped out his phone and tapped in the numbers. He had just set his phone on the arm of his chair when a tall shadow appeared next to Maddie.
“Hello, Madison.” Winston Cooper bent down and gave Maddie a kiss on the cheek then stretched his hand out, giving a self-introduction to Jared.
Jared stood up, gripped Winston’s hand firmly, and returned the pleasantry. However, much to Maddie’s dismay, the exchange did not end there.
The two men were clearly sizing each other up. Oh, crap, thought Maddie they look like a couple of grizzly bears, all puffed up, circling each other, growling and jabbing. Except their jabs were verbal.
Jared dropped his hand but continued to look Winston in the eye as he silently assessed him. Damn, I’m no slouch but this guy is handsome. For cripes sake, he even has a chin dimple! I’m six foot, so is he. Soft hands, wouldn’t do well in a street fight. Probably better suited to a round of fencing.
“So good to meet you, Jared. Thanks for taking care of Madison before I got here. I didn’t realize I was running late,” Winston stated as he took in his potential competition. Good looking. About my height and age. He looks athletic, but so am I.
“Oh, you weren’t late,” Maddie jumped in. “I got here early.”
Winston turned to her and nodded dismissively, he wasn’t done with Jared yet. “So I take it you’re a member here. Where do you keep your boat?”
Jared pointed across the harbor. “Right over there at my dock in Jamestown.”
Throws and shots about houses and boats continued to fly. Maddie was unsure how to play referee.
“You look familiar, Jared. Did I play lacrosse or football with you at Harvard?” Winston’s eyes narrowed thinking he might have Jared backed into a corner, he continued. “Of course, if it was football you might remember me. I was the quarterback.”
“No, I was never a lacrosse or football player. Baseball was always my thing, pitcher, from little league through college. And I went to Tufts, not Harvard,” Jared said with a smile, time to take Winston down. “Maybe you recognize me from the cover of Forbes magazine? I was just named the top entrepreneur to watch for my computer company, Diamond Enterprises. What line of work are you in?”
“I’m involved in a lot of philanthropic work,” Winston punched back.
That’s it! Maddie couldn’t take the macho dance any longer. “Jared, thank you so much for the drinks. I believe Winston and I have a reservation for dinner inside.”
Winston turned and gave Maddie a pacifying smile, then turned back to Jared, his smile slowly pushing the corners of his mouth even higher. I win! “Please, allow me to put your drinks on my tab.”
But Jared insisted, “No, no I’m a gentleman and it was my pleasure to meet you both, besides I’ve already signed for it on my account.”
“Alright, have a good evening.” Winston took Maddie by the arm and steered her back towards the French doors.
As Jared watched Maddie and Winston disappear inside his phone buzzed. “Hi, Charlie. Missing money? Money transfers, no I haven’t moved any money. Okay. Okay. Yes, keep digging and let me know what you find. I’ll do some investigating on my end too. And Charlie, let’s just keep this between us for now.” Jared hung up. He could feel his blood pressure rising. He punched numbers into his phone. It was not a call he wanted to mak
e, it was a call he needed to make.
FIFTEEN
“Hello, handsome. I thought you weren’t going to call me ‘til mid-week? It’s only Sunday. I just saw you.”
“I know,” he said to the man on the other end of the line, “but I need to see you, I need to be with you right now.”
“Yes sir, I’m all yours tonight.”
SIXTEEN
“The London Exchange has been open for over five hours and I still haven’t received confirmation of my order. I don’t give a crap if your wife is sick, Monty,” James Cooper barked into the Bluetooth attached to his ear as he fished around the cavernous athletic gear room. “If you don’t execute my sell order in the next five minutes you’ll wish your only problem was your wife!”