by A Lexy Beck
“I know. They have to decide whether to let me run my own company or not. This is exactly what Dylan was after, except I don’t think he planned on being caught in the middle of this.” Cain collected his thoughts. “Jen, I’ll be there, and I’d like you there as well. I’m sure your dad and the others will be there representing the interests of Vawter and the board. I’d like one person in my corner.”
“I’ll be there, Cain. Try to get some rest and just be ready.” I hung up the phone and closed my eyes. I reflected on what Dylan had said when he showed up at my house. How Cain had it all and would someday be in Dylan’s position, looking in.
Dad stopped by my office looking for Reese and noticed me in a trance, staring out of the window. “Jennifer, have you spoken to Cain? He’s out.”
I spun my chair with a flick of my foot, barely moving the rest of my body and breaking my stare. “I have, he just called. Dad, tell me this is going to be Ok? Tell me Cain will be alright and he has a chance?”
“I wish I could. If—when—the police finally catch Dylan, it will help Cain’s case even more.” Dad took his normal businesslike attitude and paused. “But what you did—the recording—it’s a huge win for Cain. You helped him a lot.”
I smiled and thanked Aimee in my head. “Thanks, Dad.”
“Now, get ready, I’d like for you to come to the board meeting with me. I think it would be good to have you there as well, especially considering the part you’ve played in all of this.” Dad turned and left, and I couldn’t help but smile a little bit.
The board meeting was to be a small, intimate meeting of the twelve board members, a few of us from DDC, and Cain. I had never been in a meeting of such magnitude; or at least one that would potentially affect someone I cared about so much.
I arrived with the rest of the group from DDC and found a chair near the door, anxiously waiting for Cain to arrive. I had hoped to catch him before the meeting started, but he was nowhere in sight. I wondered if the board would actually have the meeting without hearing from Cain. Moments later, I caught a glimpse of him from the corner of my eye and jumped up to meet him before he entered the room.
“Cain, I just wanted to say, that no matter what…” I wasn’t sure how I intended to finish the sentence and fortunately, Cain didn’t let me.
“Shh, there isn’t going to be a ‘no matter what.’ I’ll be fine, Jennifer. It will all be fine.” Cain didn’t look overly confident, lacking the posture and commanding look of his usual self-assuredness.
“Cain, I wanted to be there for you. When Ashley told you, when you found out, when you got out.”
“I know Jen, it’s Ok. We need to get started.” Cain leaned in and kissed my forehead and gave me a short, one-armed embrace. He was a man defeated, beaten down.
The remaining board members and attendees took their seats around the large boardroom table. I counted seventeen people consisting of board members, attorneys and senior executives. I sat next to Reese, who gently patted my arm as I settled in my chair. Dad sat across from me, toward the head of the table.
Jeffrey Ballard’s voice cut through the hushed whispers. “I’d like to call this meeting to order so we can get started. I’d like to thank everyone for making it at such short notice. We have only a few things to discuss today, and then we will break into executive session.”
“Jeffrey, before you get started, I would like to address the board. I realize you have an agenda, but this meeting is about me, and everything going on at Vawter. I hope the board can give me some latitude.” Cain looked serious, but still lacked his normal confidence.
“Cain, I think we can do that, please go ahead.” I was relieved to see the chairman acknowledge Cain and give him the opportunity to speak for himself.
“I am sorry that we have to be here today. I would prefer to be working on the expansion projects I pitched to you a few weeks ago. I know that you have serious doubts about me at the moment and have concerns about my leadership. Let me assure you that I am not guilty of any of the things I’ve been charged with, and I believe that in the fullness of time, I will be exonerated. But for now, you have a decision to make.” Some of the board shifted in their seats. It didn’t take a profiler to see that they were nervous and unhappy about the situation their CEO was in. Undaunted, Cain continued.
“I have no doubt that some of you doubt my competence as a leader, but let me remind you of what we have accomplished, together…” For the next fifteen minutes, Cain went through an impressive list of accomplishments, including the launches of some notable businesses. He finished his plea with a powerful ending. “Listen, I’m not asking you to keep me because I saved the company millions with our technology upgrades last year. I’m not even asking you to keep me because you like me. I’m asking you to keep me as CEO because you know that I care about Vawter. This company was created by my family, and exists because of all of you.” Cain paused and took a moment to look at each person around the table. “I welcome any questions or comments.”
A woman in the middle of the table raised her hand.
“Joan? Go ahead.”
“I support you, Mr. Parker. I just wanted everyone to know that. We have a long history. I’ve known your family for years.”
“Thank you,” Cain said quietly. A few others nodded their heads in agreement, but the majority of the group remained silent.
I could feel the tension in the room rise and shift against Cain. I felt panicked, but Cain stood tall and confident. Suddenly, my dad’s eye caught mine and he gave me a slight nod.
“Mr. Parker, Mr. Ballard, if you’ll give me a minute?” Cain and the chairman both acknowledged Dad as he stood to speak.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I know many of you. I’ve been part of the business community here for over twenty-five years. I have had the pleasure of working with some of you personally, though others I only know socially. You know me. You know I am a cautious man, who doesn’t take risks. I believe that business matters should always be considered from an intelligent and unemotional standpoint. However, there are times when you should listen to your gut. I’ve heard your concerns and I understand them all. You do have some tough choices to make. Of course, I have no standing with Vawter—no real interest outside of our working relationship—but I have had the recent opportunity to work with Cain Parker.” I held my breath; I couldn’t believe this was happening. “Cain Parker is an honest man and an intelligent leader. From a legal standpoint, I can offer you my advice. These legal concerns have no standing. There is no substantial evidence, just some circumstantial evidence that will be easily eradicated in court. It’s unfortunate that Cain Parker and Vawter will be forced to take that route, but that’s not something in your control. Personally, I recommend that you keep Mr. Parker as CEO for Vawter. I think that changing leaders know, in the midst of these challenges, is a big mistake.” Dad set his stare at Cain and then nodded to the chairman.
“Jack, thank you. I appreciate your candor. I’d like to move ahead to an executive session, and ask that everyone except the board please leave the room. We’ll call you back in when we are ready.” Jeffrey Ballard motioned toward the door as the table began to clear, with the exception of the twelve board members. “Jack, I’ll need you to stay as well, as our council.”
I stood and gave Dad a look of desperation and mouthed, “Thank you,” to him as I left the room after Cain. Neither of us spoke while we waited. Fifteen minutes later, the doors opened and we were invited back in.
“Cain, the board has come to a decision. It’s been a very challenging few months and the last several weeks have been the worst of it. As you are aware, we engaged Dunning, Durst and Chandler to represent the board’s interests in what was best for Vawter, and you were involved in that decision upfront. We looked toward your guidance, your direction, your leadership. In light of everything that has transpired over the last few weeks, and most notably in the last forty-eight hours, the board has determined that now, more than ever, we
need your continued leadership and direction to get through this trying time.” Jeffrey Ballard extended his hand to Cain.
“Thank you, I appreciate your support. I won’t let you down.” Cain’s confidence seemed to return before my very eyes; his posture improved and his beautiful eyes regained their gleam.
“Cain, one last thing—the board has necessitated that we immediately shut down the sites and companies where the breaches have occurred. We understand it will mean a significant financial loss, but it’s a call we had to make.”
“Done, and thank you again.” Cain flashed his amazing smile around the room and personally thanked each board member as they left the meeting. The room cleared and all that remained were a few board members having private conversations, our team, Cain, and Ashley, who had been responsible for taking the minutes of the meeting.
“Cain, can I have a moment?” Dad extended his hand and shook Cain’s, pulling him aside from the group. “I meant every word I said earlier, but it’s not in my demeanor to stick my neck out for someone like I did.”
“I understand, sir, I appreciate it, I won’t—”
“No, Cain, you won’t let me down. Or my daughter. Jennifer is in love with you and that’s the reason I did what I did—for her. I have no doubt that you’re a good guy. I look forward to working with you in the future.”
Cain continued to shake Dad’s hand. “Thank you again, Mr. Dunning.”
Dad didn’t look back at me and quietly left the room as I stood in awe having overheard every word. I ran to catch up with him. “Dad!” I followed him into the hall. “Dad!”
I caught up with him and hugged him. “Thank you for this.”
“I do love you, Jennifer.” He smiled briefly and strolled down the hall, away from the departing group.
Chapter Thirteen
I walked back into the meeting room to look for Cain. It was mostly empty, with the exception of Reese and a few straggling board members. I felt a tap on my shoulder and spun to see Cain grinning behind me. “Ms. Dunning, can I speak with you a moment, privately?”
“Sure, Mr. Parker.” I played along as he led me down an empty hallway on the other side of the office.
Cain grabbed my hand once we were out of sight and paused, looking into my eyes. “In love with me, huh?”
My face turned red. “I can’t believe Dad told you that. You have so much to think about right now… I don’t want to add to it, but yes.”
His arms went around me and he kissed me passionately. “The feeling is mutual.”
“Cain, someone will see us!” I pulled away only after feeling the warmth of his lips on mine. I wanted more.
“Come!” Cain pulled me into a dark, unused conference room, the door partially closed. Once inside, he wrapped his arms around me and held me close. We stood for a minute, in the dark silence, just holding one another.
The silence was broken by a quiet whisper in the far corner of the room.
“That didn’t really happen did it? I can’t believe you would….promise me that you are telling the truth…Dylan if you’re lying to me…Ok, I’ll call you when I know more.” Ashley hung up her phone and Cain and I broke away from our embrace to meet her head on, Cain still holding my hand.
Ashley turned to see us standing there. “Oh…I was just talking to Mom. Someone had to tell her about Rachel. I figured it might as well be me.” In a flash, Cain jerked her phone from her hand as Ashley tried to pull it way.
Cain hit redial.
“Hey, Ash…” Dylan’s voice carried from the other end of the line.
Cain stood and stared at Ashley, not saying a word. I could tell Cain wanted to say something, but didn’t. He hung up the phone and handed it back to Ashley.
“Why don’t you explain this to me, Ashley? What the hell is going on here?” Cain was livid; I had never seen him angry before, not like this.
“Alright! It was Dylan. I wanted to know…I had to ask him if what he said to her was true, you know, about Rachel.”
“I don’t believe you. From the way he answered, it sounds like you two are pretty cozy.”
“No, Cain! I swear to you. It’s the truth. I called him. I didn’t think he’d answer but he did and so I just asked him. He swears that he didn’t do anything to harm Rachel. He said everyone is just blaming him for everything.” Ashley was slow to make eye contact, and when she did, she played with her hair, blocking her eyes and occasionally covering her mouth.
“Ashley, I—”
I cut Cain off. “Cain…it’s alright. I’m sure Ashley just wanted to hear the truth for herself.” Cain stared at me like I was crazy. “Ashley, given everything that’s going on with Dylan, I think it’s best you not have contact with him.”
“Jennifer, it’s not your place to tell me what to do or who to talk to.” Ashley transformed from her meek, liar’s stance to a pitbull in seconds. “The last person I need to hear anything from is some floozy.” Ashley turned her attention to Cain. “I can’t believe, after everything that’s happened in the last two days, you wouldn’t turn to family—to me—but her instead.” Ashley pushed past Cain and left us in the quiet of the dark room.
Cain and I looked at each other. “You believe her, Jennifer? Even after that show?”
“Not a chance. But if you confront her now, or if she feels like she’s being cornered, you won’t find Dylan.”
“So are you suggesting that we should play along?”
“That’s exactly what I’m suggesting. You’ll have to trust me on this one.”
“Ok. But you’ll let Reese and everyone else know what’s going on? That Ashley is talking with Dylan?”
“Of course.” I quickly kissed Cain, assuring him of my answer.
Cain put his arm around my shoulder and together we walked to the elevator. “I trust you.”
That was all I needed to hear.
Chapter Fourteen
I followed Cain back to his house after we stopped to pick up some Mediterranean food. It had been some time since we had really been alone together. Too much time; I had missed being with him. Now that we had professed our love for each other, things felt a little different. Definitely more real, and we needed some time to celebrate the small victory.
“One step ahead.” I said and smiled. I knew the board keeping Cain on was a big deal for him and Vawter, but there was still so much hanging out there.
“I know, but so many steps ahead of us. So many unanswered questions. I’m not off the hook, Jennifer. The police are still investigating me. Even with the evidence we turned over to them.” Cain’s voice wavered. There was still a lot at risk—for him and the company.
“We can only focus on what we know, Cain. Right now, that’s that Dylan has his hands on this, and there’s no doubt he’s behind everything else. He has his sights set on taking you down. Period.”
“Well, let’s just hope the police find him before it’s too late. Before he can do any more damage. Before I somehow end up back in jail.”
The look of distaste on his face indicated how disgusting it had been, but I didn’t question him. I picked through my Greek salad, feeling worthless and helpless. “I’m sorry I couldn’t be there for you when you were downtown. It wasn’t my decision.”
“I know that.” He picked at his food too. “I didn’t want you to see me there. I told Reese and your dad to keep you away.”
Surprised, I threw an olive at him, playfully. “Afraid I wouldn’t like you in stripes?”
He frowned at me and I instantly felt bad. “I’m sorry. I was only kidding. You know I like you no matter what you’re wearing.”
“I guess I’m being sensitive. It wasn’t a fun experience, that’s for sure.”
“I have an idea that might help.” I had been tossing the idea around my head since we encountered Ashley in the conference room. I wasn’t sure how to approach it with Cain, but now was as good a time as any.
“Okay, shoot.”
“I think I can lure
Dylan out into the open. For some reason, he’s fixated on me. Why not use me as bait and nab him?”
“Are you kidding me? Do you hear yourself? You’re talking about being bait—that’s not going to happen.” Cain put his container down. We were sitting on the floor of his living room, eating our dinner from the coffee table.
“I can handle it, Cain. He hasn’t hurt me so far, just made a few threatening moves. Listen, this could be the only way to clear your name. We have to catch Dylan, and the sooner the better.”
Cain took a swig of water from his bottle. “Absolutely not, Jennifer. I don’t want anything to happen to you. I care about you. I love you. That’s the bottom line. I’m not putting you at risk.”
I reached for him and kissed him. “I love you too, but as long as he’s free, people will think you did it.”
“Let them think what they want. No way am I going to agree to that. Besides, that’s a job for the police. We just need to keep feeding them the information we receive and count on them to do their job.”
“But at what speed? They can’t find him, they aren’t turning up any leads and they haven’t connected him to Alice or the break-in, but you and I both know the truth. I get Dylan in the open and I get him to talk, like he did before.” The more I talked about it, the better my plan sounded. I knew Cain wouldn’t go for it, but I had to try.
“Jen, leave it to the professionals, please. Stay out of it, for now.” He kissed me back and rose to his feet, taking me with him. He led me down the hall and up the stairs to his room. “Let’s just enjoy tonight and the fact that we’re together.”
We stood next to the bed, slowly unbuttoning one another’s clothing. There was nothing clumsy or awkward about this encounter. I wanted him and he wanted me, but we moved without all the fervency of our first time together. His hands stroked my bare arms. “Your skin always feels so good. I love your long, dark hair. I love your sweet lips…” He stopped to kiss me. “And I love you, Jennifer.”
I put my arms around his neck casually, lacing my fingers behind his head. “I love you too, Cain. I want you every day.”