by Iris Bolling
The tension caused by the effect of Hep's death was felt throughout the room. William Mitchell, Vice-President of the bank, sat in his usual seat on the left at the head of the table, silently scrutinizing the other three non-family members who had voting rights. The members were diverse in nationality and age. Hep always prided himself with the knowledge that he was open to all who worked hard and proved their worth. Mitchell shivered at the thought. It was always his belief to stack the board to ensure his decisions were carried out as he saw fit. Now that Hep was dead and gone, that was no longer a concern. That is, if the vote went his way.
In his estimation, Elaine Jacobson, who had been his sounding board for the last ten years whenever he was displeased with Hep's decisions, would support him as president. His gaze moved on to Preston Long, a young thirty-something Italian or Mexican - William wasn't sure which and didn't care. As long as Preston voted with him, he would give him the promotion he promised. The only one William was not sure of was Cainan Scott, the newest member. Cainan was a bit of a mystery. Hep had brought him on board about a year ago from Wall Street to head up the Investments department. On paper, he was a very accomplished young man in his late twenties, but investigations were not complete on his personal background and that bothered William. He liked knowing all he could about the people around him, good and bad, that way he could always manipulate at will.
The double doors to the conference room opened interrupting his assessment of his chances and in walked the Dunning family board members. They always came in together giving the vision of a united front. That was one of the first things on his agenda once he became President. Divide and conquer.
Winnieford Dunning walked in on the arm of her second son, Michael Anthony. If anyone had seen them on the street, they could have easily been mistaken as a couple. Looking at least fifteen years younger than her fifty-five years, Winnieford was fashionably dressed in a black shell dress with a thick red belt around her slim waist, black pumps, the usual pearl necklace with matching earrings, accessories complimenting her short haircut and radiant, but sad face. Michael, dressed in an impeccable gray Armani suit, with a pink shirt and matching tie, that only a very secure man would wear, escorted his mother to the head of the table. Gary Hepburn, the youngest and most outspoken of the sons, wore Sean John, navy blue silk, no tie and that confident swagger that seemed to run in the family, walked in behind Grace Heather. The woman, dressed as the ultimate professional, wore her usual navy blue blazer and skirt set with a white blouse and matching pumps. Last, but certainly not the least of all, Myles Davis, the oldest son who was the spitting image of Hep, strolled in dressed in Gucci gray, as if it was made just for his body. This was the man. This was the only person William saw as a threat to him taking over as President and CEO of Dunning. With Winnieford abstaining from the vote and AnnieMarie absent that gave Myles three votes and him three votes. William glared at Cainan Scott. The man representing the tiebreaker had been missing in action all week. Was that an indication? He did not know, but it seemed they were all about to find out.
#
Winnieford took her seat at the right of her now deceased husband's chair, directly across from Mitchell. Doing the one thing she did not feel, she stood, smiled and brought the meeting to order.
"Thank you all for coming to this emergency meeting. As Chairman of the board of directors, I officially call this meeting to order. Our first order of business is the selection of the new president and CEO of Dunning Bank and Trust. To clear up rumors, I would like to say as much as I love this great institution and as much as I respect its rich history, I have no desire to take over where Hep left off. I will remain as Chairman of the board of directors, but I will not take over as President and CEO." She paused, exhaled and then began again. "With that said, the floor is now open for nominations for the position."
Preston Long stood. "May I be heard?"
"You have the floor," Winnieford replied, then took her seat.
"Thank you, Mrs. Dunning. First, I would like to again offer my condolences to the Dunning family. Hep was a great mentor and employer, but a lousy golfer." Winnieford nodded as the group smiled, for they all knew that was true. "Knowing he was at the end of the hall was always a comfort to me. There was never a time in my professional or personal life that Hep wasn't there encouraging me. He will be missed. Now, to the matter at hand, it is important that we show our clientele the tradition of encouraging entrepreneurship; self-dependency and financial stability at Dunning will continue the way that it has over the last few years. I believe the person to do that would be the same person who has been by Hep's side during that time, William Mitchell."
The expected nomination did not take Winnieford by surprise. She reached over and placed her hand on the arm of the chair where Hep would have been seated. Never showing any emotions she silently voiced, Don’t worry, darling. I will not let control out of the family. Your wishes will be carried out.
Elaine Jacobson stood. "I second the nomination," she stated, as Preston sat, then quickly retook her seat.
Winnieford waited patiently, sending up a silent prayer for someone to step in. A subtle glance down the table showed her eldest son Myles begin to stand and her heart knew he was going to give his backing to William. However, before Myles could speak, Michael stood.
"Before we go further, may I address the board?"
The statement eased Winnieford's fear. "Yes, of course." She sighed then sent a stern look down the table to her oldest son.
"Since its inception in 1840, Dunning Bank and Trust has been led by a Dunning. Mitch, I mean you no disrespect and commend the job you have done for the institution, however, we have two very capable Dunnings on the board, Grace and Myles. I respectfully submit both names for consideration."
Before Winnieford could place the names into the nomination, Grace stood.
"I just as respectfully decline the nomination. I do, however, second the nomination of Myles Davis Dunning." Grinning at her oldest brother, Grace retook her seat.
Silence ensued as all eyes went to Myles. Winnieford closed her eyes for a moment to give her son at least the opportunity to decline. She secretly prayed that he would not. A few beats passed, her heart burst with joy. It took all of her will not to let it show.
"The nomination of Myles Dunning will be added to that of William Mitchell. Are there any others?" She waited. There were none. "William Mitchell and Myles Dunning, as you know the voting of positions are done in private to ensure no retaliation. Will you please step out while we deliberate?"
William stood, adjusted his suit jacket around his protruding abdomen, walked over to the door and opened it waiting for Myles to stand. Winnieford watched as Myles sat there with pen in hand. He first looked to his brother Michael. The smirk on his face was something Myles had to deal with all his life. Myles then looked at Grace, who sat up staring at her brother and had the nerve to smile at him with a mischievous look in her eyes. Winnieford did all she could not to laugh as she continued to observe her oldest son’s expressions. Myles looked from Grace to Gary who was grinning like the cat who ate the canary. Then his eyes fell upon her. She was certain he could see the sadness at the loss of her soul mate that was still evident in her eyes. But so was the hope that he would do the right thing.
Her heart jumped with joy the moment Myles placed the pen on top of his tablet and walked out the door. He stopped, turned back and glanced at each of his family members. He shook his head, then stepped out the door. Winnieford closed her eyes and smiled.
#
In the reception area outside the conference door, Myles nodded and smiled at Marie Vazquez, his father's private secretary for the past twelve years. He wondered for a moment why she was sitting outside the conference room. She must have picked up on his confusion.
“You are so like your father.” Mrs. Vazquez chuckled at his facial expression. "Some felt I no longer had a place in the board meeting since Mr. Dunning was no longer with us."
She glanced at William with a frown then turned back to Myles, smiling. "I see they dragged you in."
"Something like that," Myles said with a tilt of his head.
"Good for them." She nodded. "Your father would be very pleased. I can't tell you how many conversations we've had on you taking over one day."
"Well, the vote isn't in yet. But, son, you know I am here for you no matter how the vote goes," William stated with the right amount of assurance to convince a less observant person of his sincerity.
Looking down at the five nine, two hundred-fifty pound pudgy man for a long minute, Myles always wondered why his father kept him around. Once when he and his father had a disagreement about Mitch, as Myles called him, his father said, 'It is better to keep your enemies close.' With that in mind Myles extended his hand.
"Same here, Mitch." They shook.
Mrs. Vazquez held her smile but Myles could see the contempt the woman had for Mitch. Patting Myles on the back, she cautioned, "We will all be here for you, Myles. Some more so than others have Dunning's future foremost in our minds." She smiled, completely ignoring William.
William was seething inside as he placed his hand back into his pocket. He hated when Hep called him Mitch. Now, if this vote did not go his way he would have to deal with his son calling him that. His name was William, not Mitch. It seemed a norm for these people to shorten each other's name at will. Well, not him. It appeared the only person who respected that was Winnieford. Of course he had to explain it to her in the early days, but she had not forgotten. She always, always, referred to him as William. That was one of the things he loved about her. Well, as much as a White man could love a Black woman, that is.
Back in the day, Winnieford was a beauty. Hell, truth be told she wasn't far from it now. There was just no way he could have her in his life. It was not acceptable back in the day, but if he could, he would have married Winnieford. William knew if he did his family would have disowned him. That notion turned out to be a moot point when he made the mistake of introducing Winnieford to the running back on the football team, Hepburn Dunning.
It was all she wrote at that point. Winnieford was his history tutor. Imagine that...a Black girl tutoring him. But she was smart, pretty and William was hot for her. He invited Winnieford to a game. Afterwards a group of them went for burgers. Hepburn joined them. That was when he realized introducing Hepburn to Winnieford had been a mistake. The two were inseparable from that point on. No matter what he tried, the bond was too damn tight to break. So, he finally gave up. However, the three remained friends on the surface. To William's way of thinking, Hep would eventually screw up and that's when he would step in. The day after Hep graduated, he married Winnieford. William thought she was lost to him forever. Then Hepburn surprised him. Out of gratitude, Hep offered William a job at his family owned bank. As it turned out, it was the best offer to come his way. He knew it was Winnieford who pushed Hepburn to make the offer. He had confided in her the offers he was receiving were, well, beneath him. William took her actions as a sign that she cared for him. So he took the position knowing that one day he would win Winnieford and take over the business. However, as year after year and child after child came, it seemed the opportunity would never present itself. Until now.
"You know, son, I never got the impression you were interested in running the company. I always saw you as an intellect. With all your outside activities with the education system, I thought one day you would go in that direction."
"Life has a way of stepping in and taking over, Mitch. I'll be wherever my family needs me to be."
Mitch nodded. "I understand. Hepburn's death was a shock to all of us. I have been at his side for over thirty years. It's going to be hard to adjust without him being near."
"Harder more so for his wife and family," Myles stated.
"Of course, of course," William quickly added. "Your mother is a strong woman. You know the board's decision will be fair. Whatever the outcome we will work together to insure Dunning continues to grow."
"Growth is relevant." Myles nodded. "The priority should be the continual dedication to providing ultimate service to our clientele. Growth will be an added bonus."
That was the same way Hepburn thought. William frowned inwardly. If Hepburn had listened to him they would be in the driver's seat of the banking industry in this country instead of chasing after others. There were takeovers on the table he felt they should have done years ago. They could have swallowed up several smaller banks to increase their assets and customer base. But no, what did Hepburn do? He bailed the damn banks out. Instead of taking them over he mentored and financially assisted those in trouble and now some of those banks were trying to take them over. Not him. To him it was time. It was time to change the make up of the board and the Dunning control. It's time to do things his way.
#
Winnieford opened the door to the conference room and asked them to step in. Closing it behind the men as they entered, she walked back to the head of the table to make the announcement.
"The new President and CEO of Dunning Bank & Trust is Myles Davis Dunning." Smiling, Winnieford put her hand on the back of Hep's chair. "Please take your seat at the head of the table."
Thirty years of practice had granted William with the acting ability to appear to be genuinely happy with the results, but inside he was seething. Standing back at his place at the table, William joined the members of the board in applauding their selection. This was a slap in the face as far as he was concerned. Yes, the Dunning family had run the bank since its inception, but it should be about business not the bull crap history sentiment they are always raving about. It’s time for that to end. He would be damned if he would let thirty years of his life go down the drain as the second in command...again. He smiled in Winnieford's direction as he thought. He had plans for the unfortunate turn of events and the woman he was certain was behind his defeat.
As the board members retook their seats, Myles remained where he stood. He was not ready to take his father's chair. Unbuttoning the single button on his suit blazer, the handsome, reserved thirty-five-year-old, six-two, two hundred pound, first born of Hepburn and Winnieford Dunning inserted his hands into his pockets and hung his head. It was a humbling feeling. His family and clearly other members of the board felt he was capable of leading them to the next chapter of their history. It was not what he wanted, or sought. He personally believed Grace Heather would be a better candidate. However, when he finally looked up, his heart may have been a little hesitant to take his father's position. He gathered the strength of his resolve, he knew he had to portray that he was ready to accept the responsibility and be at the helm of Dunning Bank & Trust.
"My father once told me that a man's place is determined by his worth. While I accept the position of President and CEO, I will not take his seat at this table until you, the members of this board, declare me worthy." He retook the seat at the far end of the table to continue the meeting.
As Myles took his seat, Winnieford spoke. "It is with honor and pride that I now turn over the control of Dunning Bank and Trust to Mr. Myles Dunning." She pushed her chair under the table.
William stood. "On behalf of the board of directors, we adhere to your declaration and will stand with Myles as he begins his tenure." He looked around. "I am certain no one here will mind this offer. We ask that you remain a voting member of this board as we move forward." He took his seat as others applauded his request.
"Thank you for the kind gesture. I fully relinquish my proxy to Mr. Dunning to vote on my behalf as he sees fit." Her glance turned to Myles. "He knows my and his father's wishes for Dunning. Add that to his vision and I believe he will exceed all our expectations. May God's strength be with him." She then nodded at her son to begin the meeting.
William's eyes narrowed as Myles began to speak. He watched Winnieford carefully. The entire scene increased the anger boiling under William’s skin.
"The first line of business will be to ass
ure our employees all is secure and we are ready to move forward," Myles began. "The second will be to assure customers of the same."
She knows that isn’t proper, William thought, as Winnieford stopped at Myles' seat, kissed her son on the cheek and then left the room.
He watched as Myles smiled at her actions, then spoke. "Mother, would you ask Mrs. Vazquez to step in to continue in her role as recording secretary?"
Winnieford smiled. "It would be my pleasure, Mr. Dunning." She walked out with a little more pep in her step.
Myles turned back to the members at the table. Before he could continue with his statement, Gary, the prankster of the family, rolled up a sheet of paper and threw it at his oldest brother, hitting him right in the middle of his forehead.
"Momma's boy," he laughed.
Myles froze, disbelief etched on his face. “We are in the middle of a board meeting, Gary.”
Another ball of paper hit him next. The culprit was Michael this time. Then one from Grace followed suit. When the ball of paper hit him from Cainan Scott the siblings turned and stared at him.
"Too soon?" Cainan frowned.
The mood softened as another ball of paper hit Myles in the forehead courtesy of Preston then another from Elaine landed just as Mrs. Vazquez entered the room.
As balls of paper flew across the room she put her hands on her hips. "What is going on in here?"
"We are hazing Mr. Dunning, the new President and CEO," Gary explained with a grin.
"Oh." She popped Myles on the head with her tablet, then took her seat. "Continue on."
Laughter erupted in the room.