The Darwin Project

by John Hindmarsh

  On the way back to the apartment, he said to Billie, “We’re making progress, I think.” He now always rode in the front passenger seat.

  “Next you have to meet with your new management team. I received a message they had arrived at the apartment for their first meeting with you.”

  “Damn. I’d almost forgotten them. Get me there as quickly as you can.”

  “Yes, Sir Toby.”

  “Your bonus is totally depleted now.”

  Toby had four critical business areas to manage, which he listed for his new management team. They were all seated in the sitting room of the apartment. Billie also was in attendance, sitting quietly in a corner.

  First, he introduced Billie as his personal assistant with security and chauffeur duties. “Billie will always know where I am. Put her cell number on speed dial. If you have an urgent item for me, she’s your first point of contact.” He didn’t introduce Darwin; he thought that would be a later project.

  He continued, “You are all aware my uncle, Nate Travers, has disappeared? The FBI haven’t yet determined what happened to him. I’ve taken over management of his business and investments—I think we covered that background in the interviews?”

  The newcomers all nodded. Alex said, “I’d like to offer my sympathy, Toby.” There was a murmur of assent from the other members of his new team.

  “Thank you. Alex, I’m pleased to see you here today, I thought for a moment your employers was backing out of their agreement to release you.”

  “It was close. The CEO won the day. He thought the benefit to the organization in the longer term would outweigh short-terms costs.”

  “Very good. You’re going to take responsibility for managing Nate’s—well, I suppose—my investment portfolio. The scope encompasses stocks, near-cash, and cash investments. We’ll all be depending on you for liquidity. Here’s a summary. We’ll go through the details later.” He stopped for a moment, mentally checking points to raise.

  “Carla, you’re next. Property. Nate has significant investments in this country and in Europe. That’s your responsibility, as we discussed. Again, here’s a summary.” Toby handed over a binder containing a multi-page printed property listing.

  He then addressed the young attorney he’d persuaded Reuben Jones to allow him to employ. She was considered a rising star in the Jones & Jones legal practice and Toby had used all his persuasive powers to get their agreement for her release.

  “Victoria, you’re now my legal expert. You have some background knowledge, having worked for Reuben. However, your involvement is going to be far more extensive. Your responsibilities will be a mix. I want you to review all existing contracts, our trust and corporate structures, everything Nate put in place to support his business. If we do something new, you are responsible for the legalities. I can give you access to a large number of filing cabinets.”

  Toby looked at the fourth person. “Juan. You’re my operations manager. Nate established two or three—to be truthful I don’t know how many—businesses. Most seem to have their management staff in place and are running smoothly. In particular, one has a vacancy for a CEO and two marketing executives; I’ll explore those requirements with you later.” He didn’t want to give details in this first team meeting; his new team members had been briefed on the possible dangers and security implications of their new employment. “I need you to manage the managers, so to speak, as we discussed. If a senior manager leaves, you’re responsible for finding a suitable replacement. Budgets and profitability fit under your umbrella. Likewise local IT support. I’ll also give you access to a filing cabinet or two.”

  There was an expectant silence. Toby looked at each of his new team in turn. “There are two important items I need to end with. The first one is non-disclosure. You’ve all signed the forms. I promise you, they’ll be fully enforced. If you have doubts, let me know in the next hour or so. The second item—you are to function as a team. Work together. Solve problems, brainstorm issues, eliminate anything that will cause future difficulties. If a property is unsuitable, sell it. If a business tenant is a nuisance, terminate the tenancy. Same with investments: if you think a stock will go down, sell it. Legal issues? Resolve them. Operational problems? Sort them out. Use your discretion. If you think something is major, bring it to me. At the end of each quarter, we’ll have group and individual reviews. Remember, I’m on a learning curve as much as you are. Questions?”

  “Hundreds,” said Juan. “But I’ll work through that filing cabinet you mentioned before asking any.”

  His companions nodded. Carla said, “I look forward to being part of your team. I think there’s tremendous opportunity to develop, both for myself and the property portfolio you’ve handed to me.”

  Alex said, “The responsibility is almost frightening.” He’d had a quick look at the stock portfolio while Toby had been speaking.

  “Exactly why I need help. From all of you. I’ll be keeping a finger on the pulse, so to speak. No major acquisitions or disposals without, initially, a team review followed by a referral to me for final sign-off. On the other hand, don’t nickel and dime me to death. As you develop your knowledge and understanding, your discretionary scope will increase. If you want to employ assistants, first identify your requirements, have a team review, then discuss it with me.”

  “I like the team approach,” Juan said. “That creates a good foundation for the future.”

  “Exactly,” Toby said. There were no contrary comments. He thought he’d done his best. The four recruits were all well-qualified, had excellent references, were security cleared, and, he hoped, were capable of helping him run the business set up by his uncle.

  “Carla, you and the other team members need office space. I indicated some possibilities on the property portfolio so check the details; if there’s something suitable, plan for the team to occupy it. Otherwise, lease a floor somewhere. Be quick. Ensure it’s convenient, comfortable, with plenty of space. Team decision, okay?”

  There was a chorus of assents.

  “Good. Now get out of here. I’ve had a challenging day. Tomorrow I’ll hand over filing cabinets and more details than you ever wanted to know.”

  oOo

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Toby sat opposite to Rick and Karla. Victoria sat next to him; he wanted to have her legal mind involved with his possible involvement with media, especially interviews. Billie was in the background. He set out his problem. “I want to take the pressure off; Drexel and his team are worried that there’ll be media crowds in our apartment building. I want to eliminate that possibility, otherwise tenants and owners will chase me out of the place. However, I don’t want to go around the media stations while their news crews try to dig dirt on Nate or even on me.”

  Rick said, “I understand the security concerns. I wouldn’t like to have to deal with a crowd of media types every time I left my apartment.”

  “We could interview you and provide copies to the networks,” Karla confirmed. “We’d be in control. Also, it would help to add depth to our new channel.”

  Toby waited.

  “I like the idea. It’s potentially a win-win,” Rick added.

  “Who would do the interview?” Toby asked.

  “There are some very good freelancers available. I’ve worked with two or three, any one of whom, I’m sure, would be interested,” Karla said.

  “We’d discuss questions with the key networks. They’d want to have some say in the scope of the interview,” Rick suggested.

  Toby said, “As long as we keep control. I’m not going to accept questions that imply Nate was anything other than an astute businessman and software developer. Okay, he was almost a recluse. He liked his privacy.” He thought for a moment. “I’d want to stop irrelevant questions about me, too.”

  Rick said, “I agree. Besides, I’ve known you since you were nine and I’m not aware of anything that would attract media moths.”

  “There’s likely to be a theo
ry that you had something to do with your uncle’s disappearance, though,” Karla suggested. She put her hands up. “Not from me, I promise you. But think, you are Nate’s sole heir. He’s disappeared. The law can’t work out what happened. You’re taking over control of his business. That makes it all suspicious in the minds of the more salacious media types.”

  “That’s what annoys me. Nate’s my only relative. I want to know what happened. I want him here, today, alive, safe, and unharmed.” Toby thumped the arm of the chair and winced when his hand encountered solid wood.

  “Let’s meet with two or three of the networks. I’m sure they’d be interested, if it’s either nothing at all or sharing an interview. I’d also recommend visiting one or two of the late night shows, to reinforce the content of our release. We can make arrangements to keep those sessions brief.”

  “I’ve watched that idiot on the Xtra Late Show and I’m not sure—”

  “She’s ideal. She is bright, entirely different to the persona she portrays,” Karla reassured. “I’ve met her and might be able to arrange something.”

  “There’s also the Brit who occasionally has personalities or newsworthy people on his show. What’s it called? A Twist of Lemon. Charles Lemon. I think if we produce a shared interview and get you on those two shows; it should relieve the media pressure.”

  “I think I’ve been hijacked.”

  Rick said, “We’ll do our best to protect you, I promise. We’ll set up a media meeting to get agreement on the shared interview.”

  Rick and Karla arranged the meeting with studio execs from three of the major national television channels, ABZ, SkyV, and Associated Pacific. Toby was not entirely convinced it was a good idea. He’d had exposure to the public via his video blogs; however, he’d had total control over those sessions, whereas a televised interview had never been on his agenda.

  Karla had suggested a neutral environment for this first meeting, and everyone had agreed on one of the major hotels in downtown Los Angeles. It was scheduled for lunch, in a private dining room.

  Because of the visible exposure, Drexel Security was providing two support teams; one to safeguard Toby on the short drive to the hotel and another to check out and secure the dining room. Four bots supplemented the hotel security team; they were the new design based on the bots produced for the US military, and their urban-modified digitally enhanced camouflage design enabled them to blend in, even to office settings.

  Toby was accompanied as usual by Billie, and Rick, Karla and Victoria made up the rest of his team. As far as he was concerned, Rick and Karla would run the meeting. Both Billie and Victoria were wearing rather formal and almost identical business attire consisting of a smart, white blouse, a dark, knee-length skirt, and a black jacket. He checked; both were wearing high heels. Somehow, Billie had adjusted her hairstyle to a more conservative cut. He wondered if the two girls had planned their dress or if the similarities were coincidental. Karla’s dress style was far more flamboyant and her checkered hairstyle was supplemented by vivid red lipstick against a pale face. She wore tight jeans and a low-cut blouse.

  They were last to arrive. They were on time, the others were early, whether intentionally or not Toby was unable to determine. He nodded to the Drexel security guard and the man exited and closed the dining room door. The guard and his companion would remain on duty outside the room, allowing only hotel staff to enter. Billie found a chair against a wall, near to where she expected Toby to sit. One of the three studio execs had already discovered the Jack Daniel’s bottle. The other two were in a huddled conversation at the other end of the dining room.

  Toby counted; it seemed each man was accompanied by two assistants, mostly female, although in one case he was unsure. The assistants’ common attire, except for the two young men, was extremely low-cut blouses and very short skirts. Toby looked at Billie. She smiled and shook her head. He smiled back.

  The Daniel’s drinker saw Toby and stepped forward, almost knocking the bottle off the side table. He smiled, somewhat ingratiatingly, thought Toby, and held out his hand.

  “Nate—I mean Toby, Toby McIntosh. I’m Robert Muire, ABZ.” His voice was lightly slurred. “Pleased to meet you.”

  The other two men halted their conversation and headed towards Toby. The first one said, “Toby, I’m Alastair Airlie, SkyV.”

  The second man followed with, “and I’m Terry Tovani, Associated Pacific.”

  Toby shook hands with each man in turn. He said, “I’m pleased to meet all of you.” He indicated Rick and Karla. “I believe you’ve already met my team. It’s their meeting.”

  Rick took charge, as agreed earlier. He checked his watch. “Lunch will start in fifteen minutes. Perhaps we can cover some initial aspects prior to food arriving?”

  “Of course, young man,” agreed Muire. The other two nodded. Toby thought the ‘young man’ part was unnecessary and wondered what Muire would say if Rick in turn referred to him as old man. He restrained his smile.

  “Good. Let’s sit.” Rick set the example, taking the setting next to Toby.

  Toby waited as the three senior execs took their place at the table. He was intrigued that none of the assistants moved to join them. He checked the settings; it seemed the other attendees were all on diets. Billie remained standing while Victoria, Rick, and Karla sat adjacent to him.

  Rick explained, “Victoria is Toby’s attorney; anything we agree must be approved by her before anything happens. In our preliminary discussions, Karla and I have made it clear that we —that is, Travers TV—will produce the interview. We are, however, prepared to entertain questions from your networks.”

  Tovani, the AP executive, his accent mildly Mediterranean, asked, “Who will do the interview?”

  “We’ve had a meeting with three possible freelancers and our nominee is Shelley Summers.”

  Tovani smiled. Toby was reminded of a shark—a great white.

  The Associated Pacific media exec said, “She would be satisfactory.”

  The other two men smiled their agreement. Toby was reminded of circling sharks and wondered whose blood would stain the waters.

  Tovani continued, “It is critical for us to agree the scope and content. We don’t want to hear soft questions. There is growing interest—rapidly growing interest—in the young man who has inherited the estate of Nathan Travers.” He looked directly at Toby. “The public want to know who you are.”

  Rick said, “Once we’ve agreed on the questions, we’re prepared to arrange a pre-interview meeting with Shelley, Karla, and myself. You are each invited. We’ve contracted with Ms. Summers that she is not permitted to enter into private discussions with any of you, without the agreement and involvement of at least myself and Karla. We’ll add Victoria at our discretion, of course.”

  There was silence from the media execs.

  Rick asked Toby, “Do you want to add anything at this point?”

  “I wish to make one clarification.” He looked at the three execs and focused on Tovani as the power player. “I have not inherited anything; rather, I’ve been appointed trustee of a number of my uncle’s trusts.” He knew he was splitting very fine hairs. “If you recall anything of legal matters, a trust, which has the same person as both the only trustee and the sole beneficiary, effectively ceases to exist. My uncle’s trusts continue to exist. When my uncle returns, he will resume control of his affairs. I’m hopeful his return will be soon.”

  There were frowns on all three faces. One of the young assistants leaned over to whisper in Tovani’s ear. He focused on the assistant’s comments, nodded, and said, “Very well. We will assume there are other beneficiaries and possibly other trustees. We may discover more information on this matter as we conduct further research, which we’ll discuss with you.”

  “Perhaps.” Toby was non-committal. “Now you indicated public interest as a motive. That, by itself, doesn’t provide much of an incentive for me.”

  There was a rush of comments and questions,
few of which survived their simultaneity.

  “Gentlemen.” Rick held up his hand. “We want to hear what your questions are. However, you should consider appointing a spokesman; it will make for clearer communication.”

  Muire appeared interested at the suggestion. He began to speak and was immediately cut off by both the other executives. His frown spoke volumes.

  “No, old man,” Airlie said.

  Toby almost choked as he restrained his laughter.

  The SkyV representative continued, “I’m sure it needs a more—sober—approach. Tov and I can work though the necessaries. Have your man give Tov’s girl a list of questions.”

  Muire’s face was bright red, partly from anger and partly from his alcohol intake. His mouth was open.

  Tovani said, “I agree with Alistair. I’ll lead. All you have to do is make sure your PA has your questions.”

  Muire signaled his assistant and they both headed to the far corner of the dining room. The exec poured himself another shot of Jack Daniels on his way. The other two execs watched without comment. Tovani turned back to Rick and Toby.

  “He’ll undoubtedly organize some questions. I think his assistant has a brighter and clearer mind, though.”

  Airlie nodded, his grin sharp.

  Toby did not comment.

  Tovani said, “Well, what does it feel like?”

  “What?”

  “Being responsible for your uncle’s trusts. There’s what, ten billion in assets? Very few liabilities, at least, that we’ve been able to uncover.”

  Toby mentally shook his head. AP had done some research, but not enough.

  He said, “It’s a worry, of course.” He wasn’t willing to enter into an unstructured conversation with these or any other media people.

  Rick said, “We need that final list of questions.”