Wendy represses a sigh. “Terrific. I guess I’ll need to borrow your car for my appointment Sunday.”
“Of course.”
As soon as they hang up, Wendy telephones Jim and is pleased to hear his voice on the line.
“Well, this is a pleasant surprise,” he answers smoothly.
“I’m going to be in Sausalito Saturday and Sunday, and I thought it would be nice if I offered to buy you a late lunch Sunday, if you’re interested.”
“Absolutely I am. When and where do you want me to pick you up?”
“I don’t. I’m staying with Bonnie because there’s a board meeting Sunday morning. I told her I needed to borrow her car to visit a client Sunday afternoon before flying out at nine o’clock that evening. But I also didn’t want to miss an opportunity to return the favor of a meal.”
“I’m glad you thought of me. But since it’s such a short timeframe, why don’t you let me make you lunch or dinner at my place? As long as you don’t mind the fact I’m still unpacking.”
She doesn’t answer for a few moments and he adds, “I’m an awesome chef.”
She sighs. “Well, in that case, I’ll look forward to that treat. I’ll see you around three then if that works?”
“I’ll make it work.”
Wendy gets his address and they hang up. She does a little fist pump and starts to get an overnight bag put together. As she’s packing, she decides to take some nice business clothes under the guise of meeting her client, but secretly knows she hopes to please Jim with her appearance. She knows she’ll travel in jeans and a t-shirt, like she always does, but packs a black linen pantsuit from Beauty Boutique Clothing and a purple silk blouse. She also selects a lacey, purple, matching bra and panty set, just in case things go well with Jim on Sunday.
At the last minute she remembers her curling iron and make up bag. She shakes her head, thinking, Trips were so much easier when I wasn’t concerned about my appearance. Now I have to pack all this crap in order to try and make a favorable impression on some guy. She bites her lip. Well… a really, really hot guy. But still. Ridiculous.
She arrives at the airport, meets the pilot at eleven, and has a pleasant trip to San Francisco.
When Bonnie sees her, she just snickers, having known Wendy would be wearing jeans and looking like she was late for an early morning college class.
Wendy notices Bonnie’s disapproving once over. “Don’t even start with me. You’re lucky I made it on such short notice.”
“Yeah, because you had so many other pressing dates!”
“You can be such a judgmental bitch,” Wendy says, laughing and giving Bonnie a huge hug.
“I love you, too. It’s so good to see you, even if it’s a short trip.”
“You know I’d be here for you, even if I had to move heaven and earth just to get here.”
Bonnie smiles and they link arms to walk to the car. “Do you want to stop for lunch or just head to the house?”
“Let’s head to the house. I’m not really hungry and a snack and wine by the pool seems like a winner for me today.”
“Sounds like a great idea. I’ve been so busy lately I haven’t taken time out for myself.”
“Well, then as your counselor I insist you take a mental health day today.”
“I guess I have to because the doctor ordered it!” Bonnie says and they giggle.
After they arrive at Bonnie’s home and get situated by the pool with their wine, Bonnie gets a call from Skip Duran. Wendy watches Bonnie’s expression go from relaxed and upbeat to stern and cold.
It is a look reminiscent of the one she saw on Mark’s face that horrible night so long ago, and it sends shivers down her spine, making the tiny hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. The tone of Bonnie’s voice is void of emotion and somber, and Wendy knows what she is being told isn’t pleasant. After a few moments of conversation, Wendy sees a single tear drip down Bonnie’s cheek and fall to the patio.
As soon as Bonnie hangs up the phone, Wendy asks, “What in the hell just happened?”
“Skip called to tell me he just received a very disturbing call from Hector Sosa. He received an anonymous call at his office, on his cell phone, from an unidentified number, and the caller demanded that SERF quit stealing MEC’s large donor base or individuals on our board would wind up like Mark Stevens. Then the caller hung up. Hector has his staff tightening security for him and suggests each of us do the same, especially given the board meeting he is missing but calling in to tomorrow. I knew tensions were mounting because Jim has done an incredible job and has already secured over twenty-two million dollars in donations in the first ninety days of working for SERF. I didn’t expect things to get this bad this quickly though.”
“Yes, it’s very extreme. Are you serious about the twenty-two million?”
“I most certainly am! Jim has been all over our top fifty targeted donors like a rat on a Cheeto and has secured all the checks for at least that much.”
“So what you’re telling me is that Jim has earned a bonus of one million dollars in the first ninety days of his employment with SERF?”
“Actually, he’s earned more, but all the checks haven’t cleared the bank, so he won’t get paid his full bonus until the funds are verified and received,” Bonnie says, watching Wendy carefully as she reacts to the news.
“Holy crap! That’s a hell of a bonus. Maybe we should take a closer look at his contract.”
“Absolutely not! I want him earning those kinds of bonuses, because look at the financial strength he has brought to SERF in the first quarter. I’ll gladly pay him a million-dollar bonus for every twenty million he puts into SERF’s bank accounts. I’m telling you, he is an absolute stud when it comes to raising money.”
Wendy ponders Bonnie’s statement. I hope he is as much of a stud in other areas of his life as well, she thinks, then says, “Alright. Good point.”
“But now I’m concerned about everyone’s safety, especially Jim’s.”
“Does this mean MEC has admitted some culpability in Mark’s death?” Wendy asks, realization dawning on her.
“It’s seems that way to me,” Bonnie replies quietly. “Skip did call the FBI here in San Francisco regarding this threat, and I believe they are having one of their agents in Brazil see if they can get better information from Hector.”
“What type of precautions should we take?”
“I don’t know. Skip is seeing if he can get any guidance from David Hill here in San Francisco so we’ll have some information to go on tomorrow.”
Wendy sighs. “Well, I guess we should have some concern, but also treat it as just a single isolated threat at this point. I know I’m not going to let one crazy phone call change my lifestyle, and you shouldn’t either unless there is something more substantial and tangible to work with.”
Bonnie shrugs. “I suppose you’re right.”
They decide to not let Skip’s call ruin their day. Wendy asks for an update on Sean and Jessica and is pleased to hear they are doing extremely well, not only as a couple, but also because Beauty Boutique Clothing is exceeding all expectations both nationally and internationally due to the expansion and increased production in Brazil.
“So how are things in your world, Wendy?” Bonnie asks, sipping her fourth glass of wine.
“I’ve been really busy and, frankly, getting a little tired of all the drama. It seems my clients are experiencing much more violent behaviors, and spouses seem to be more manipulative these days. I’m not sure if this is truly the case or if I’m getting close to burnt out, but lately I’ve been considering retiring and taking some time to travel and just enjoy life. Maybe I’ll set up a counseling foundation and let others do the heavy lifting. All I know is I’m way too young to feel this ancient, and I believe it’s time to let my hair down and enjoy life and my new found wealth.”
Bonnie gives her a look. “That all sounds terrific on the surface, but can you really stop counseling and focus on yo
urself without losing your mind?”
“Well, I’d hope so.”
“What about dating? When was the last time you actually went out on a date?”
“Funny you should ask. I actually had a date last week,” Wendy replies, sitting up straighter in her lounge chair.
“Really? Do tell. Who is this mystery date?”
“It was nothing serious, just dinner. I’m not really sure we’ll continue dating, but if we do you’ll be the first person I tell about it. I’m just not ready to say anything more at this time.”
Bonnie grunts. “You know I hate it when you’re so vague about things.”
“I know, but we’ve only had dinner once. I don’t know if it will progress any farther. If it does, I’ll share all the details you want to know.”
Temporarily placated, Bonnie moves on to other topics, and the two women enjoy a relaxing evening.
***
The next morning, Bonnie is stunned to see Wendy dressed up with make-up on and her hair done.
“You look absolutely stunning today, and I love what you did with your eyes! Very alluring. Are you sure you’re meeting with a client? Because it looks to me like you’re going on a date.”
Wendy smiles. “Please, I’m meeting a fairly new client and I want to make a good impression.”
“Well, looking like that I’m sure you will,” Bonnie says as they get into the car.
They arrive at the SERF offices before the others. The caterers bring in brunch and champagne for mimosas. Skip Duran is the next to arrive followed shortly by Sean and Jessica, and David Hill.
When everyone had been fed and has settled into the board room, Hector is reached via telephone and placed on speaker phone. After greetings, Bonnie turns the meeting over to SAC Hill.
David begins. “As courtesy and perhaps extra security, I suggest we also bring SAC Dominic Hughes, and agents Jay Mather and Steve Davis from my office, as well as SAC Bob Grinstead, from the San Diego FBI field office, and Jim Bush onto the line.”
Everyone agrees, and the connections are made. Once everyone is on the line, David begins summarizing the threat Hector received.
“Apparently, the call was made from a pay phone in Sao Paulo and no further information can be retrieved at this point. Given the circumstances of not knowing who the caller is, and their very specific reference to Mark’s murder, we believe some steps must be taken to insure your personal safety—”
Wendy interjects. “Specifically, what type of steps is the FBI considering?”
“We would like to place phone and wire taps on all of your phones for the next couple of months, including cell, home, and office,” replies David Hill.
Wendy shakes her head. “I’m sorry, but absolutely not! I cannot have confidential conversations with clients recorded. I have no issue with the phone taps being place on all phones, so in the event I get a threat we can isolate the number, but I will not agree to a wire-tap. It’s unethical, at least at my office.”
Sean, Hector, Jessica, Bonnie, and Jim all reject the idea of voluntary wire taps as well, feeling it is too much of an intrusion into their lives and business affairs.
David Hill responds to their concerns. “We all can appreciate your particular predicaments given the confidentiality issues involved. This was merely a suggestion, and a dramatic one, at that.”
“Thank you all for your understanding,” Bonnie says, addressing all the FBI men.
“Of course,” Hill answers for them. “We also suggest that each of your homes and office locations be analyzed by an FBI agent from a security perspective, in order to ensure maximum security with minimal interruptions to your daily lives.”
Jim asks, “So am I to assume the FBI is considering this threat to have merit and it in some way has been deemed to be credible?”
“Mr. Bush, given how specific the threat was, the training Jesus Rodriguez, who came forward admitting to being Mark’s killer, had and his connection to MEC, and this organization’s systematic dismantling of the established donor base of MEC, I think we would all be foolish to not consider the threat to have validity.”
“Agent Hill, there is a limited pool of donors for what we do, so of course we’re all playing in the same pool. I, for one, am not going to apologize or be intimidated because my track record is better than the others,” replies Jim.
“Please don’t take my comment as a judgment or even a criticism of your operations in any manner whatsoever. It’s just a reality that SERF has upset those associated with MEC and, given Mark’s murder, until we determine who is really behind this threat, caution on all our parts is strongly advised. Let me explain how the FBI would like to proceed. Hector, agents from our field office in Brazil have already been in contact with you, and on Monday they will get your phone traps established and your personal premises inspected for the possible need of additional security procedures. Here in San Francisco, Agent Steve Davis will check on SMG, Beauty Boutique Clothing, and the SERF offices, and then will inspect each of your homes, which we believe should include Skip’s and Jim’s. Phone traps will be established with your permission, and if anyone receives a threatening call they must notify my office within 24 hours of receiving it, so we a can trap the call and begin investigating its source. Wendy, SAC Bob Grinstead in San Diego will arrange with you to inspect your office Monday, and then make the appropriate recommendations for your office and home. Any questions?”
He looks around the room, giving everyone plenty of time to digest and consider the implications of what now has to happen.
“Okay. Since there are no additional concerns, we’ll leave you to conclude your board meeting. Thank you all for allowing us the time to address you with these concerns, and thank you in advance for your continued cooperation.”
After all the FBI agents hang up and SAC Hill leaves the building, Bonnie has Jim hang up as well. She then turns the first item of business over to Skip Duran.
“Well, the main thing we have to talk about today is Jim’s first quarter bonus,” Skip begins, and after a brief presentation of the funds received, Skip points out that any bonus exceeding a quarter of a million dollars needs board approval.
“Very well,” Bonnie says, “I make a motion to approve the payment to Jim. All those in favor?”
Sean seconds the motion to approve, followed by a unanimous vote and Skip’s release from the meeting.
“Our next order of business is the donor problem we seem to be having. Given the threat received, I’d like to take a vote on whether or not to continue pursuing the MEC top fifty donors, as it seems to put us all at risk,” Bonnie begins.
After a fairly lengthy discussion, it is decided that SERF will continue its current strategy and reevaluate if any further threats are received. With that, the board meeting is concluded.
CHAPTER 13
the seduction
Wendy arrives at Jim’s promptly at three. When he sees her walking down the walkway, he calls out the kitchen window, “The door is unlocked, just come on in!”
Wendy finds him busy in the gourmet kitchen of the guest cottage he’s rented on a magnificent estate in Sausalito.
The smells emanating from his endeavors are mesmerizing, a combination of garlic, spices, and his amazing cologne.
Briefly, he turns from his labors and hands Wendy his glass of Hanzell Vineyards Chardonnay for her to taste.
Wendy takes a sip and is amazed. “This is fantastic. Where is it from?” she asks.
Jim explains. “It’s a small Sonoma County vineyard known for award winning chardonnays and pinot noirs.”
Next, Jim places a plate of shrimp and avocado stuffed portabella mushrooms, broiled and encrusted with imported Romano cheese, in front of Wendy for her tasting pleasure.
She selects one, takes a bite, and says, “If this is a foretaste of what’s to come, this dining experience will be absolutely orgasmic.”
Jim smiles. “I’m glad you enjoy the food, and that’s an interesting c
hoice of words.” He pours another glass of wine, allowing her to keep the one he handed her when she came in.
“Well, you didn’t mislead me. You’re a fantastic cook.”
He grins at her and returns to the stove. Wendy gets up from the barstool she is sitting on and walks around the counter into the kitchen. When Jim turns away from what he is preparing, Wendy puts both arms around his neck and kisses him, slowly and sensually at first, then intensifies her kiss until they are standing in the middle of his kitchen locked in a passionate exchange.
Finally, Jim breaks away, his breathing heavy. “Remind me to cook for you more often!”
“Only if you agree to continue wearing that sexy cologne of yours.”
“Consider it done. Now get out of my kitchen and behave, so I can finish our meal. After dinner I’d be delighted to resume where we just left off.”
“Oh, you would? Perhaps this was just fleeting moment and you blew it,” Wendy teases him, returning to her barstool and wine.
“I certainly hope that’s not the case. But I promised you a great meal and that’s what I intend to deliver.”
Wendy watches him for a while, moving surely around his kitchen. “Do you excel at everything you do?” she asks.
“What do you mean?”
“You just received a million-dollar bonus in the first ninety days of employment, you are a terrific cook, you’re charming, you’re a wonderful kisser… What don’t you do well?”
He chuckles. “Well, I don’t dance, but other than that, if I’m not good at something I’ll work at it until I become good at it. Unless, of course, it’s something I don’t really care about. Why?”
“I was just wondering, that’s all.”
Jim gives her a look, then checks on his dinner and finishes the salad preparations. He looks at Wendy over his shoulder. “Do you like anchovies on your Caesar salad or not?”
“Not particularly.”
“Good, because I hate them and I was hoping you’d say that.”
Unrestrained Behavior: The Pleasure and Risk of Choice (The 'Un'missable Series Book 3) Page 12