by Iris Bolling
Annatasha Bessant was said to have been Ms. Universe at one time. Myles had no idea if it was true or not. What he did know was any man would take the opportunity to come to the vault just to get a glance at her. If looking at her did nothing for you, the moment she spoke, you were a goner. The sensual, accented voice made your insides melt without her putting any effort into it.
"Congratulations, Mr. Dunning. Are you here to see Mrs. Vazquez?" The dark hair mother of three smiled, making the gold trim sparkle that much brighter.
"Thank you, Annatasha. Yes, I would like a moment of Mrs. Vazquez’s time, if she is free."
Annatasha's laughter rang out. "Of course she is free for you, sir. I will notify her that you are here."
"Annatasha, it's still Myles."
Picking up the phone, Annatasha glanced at him. "No, get used to it, sir. You are Mr. Dunning now." She held up a finger as she spoke into the receiver of the phone. "Mr. Dunning is here." She hung up the phone.
Myles noticed employees walking out of their offices.
"Congratulations, Mr. Dunning." Sean Papia, a young man with roots connected to India extended his hand as he walked out adjusting his suit jacket.
"Thank you," Myles said as he shook the young man's hand.
Next came Paulette Brittan, a blonde hair, blue eyed Swedish beauty who considered herself the fashion barometer for the area.
"Congratulations, Myles. Welcome to the Vault."
"Thank you, Ms. Brittin."
"She may have missed the point. That is a directive for you to address him properly, Paulette." Sonya Scaife smiled as she extended her hand. "Hello, Mr. Dunning. Congratulations, sir."
"Myles. My apology. I have to call you Mr. Dunning now." Lynn Sterling laughed, giving Myles a point and shoulder bump. "I can't tell you how relieved I am that you received the nod. Seriously, man, I know you will handle this better than you do the basketball court."
"Thank you. Save those wolf tickets for the court," Myles laughed.
"We were a little concerned," Sean acknowledged. "With you at the helm, Dunning will continue to rise."
"Mr. Mitchell indicated there is a possibility you will bring in your own staff. Is that correct?" Paulette asked.
"Things will remain as they are, for now," Myles replied.
"That's a relief," she laughed. "We here in the vault are a very efficient group. Adding someone new to the mix may have an adverse impact on our goals. We wouldn't want that, now would we?"
"Please know she is not insinuating you would have an adverse impact to the group, Mr. Dunning," Annatasha stated as she glared at Paulette.
"Of course not." Paulette supplied an adequately appalled look as a delicate hand flew to her chest. "We are looking forward to your leadership, Myles. Besides we all know Mr. Mitchell will be there guiding you."
"You are to address him as Mr. Dunning." The group turned as Mrs. Vazquez approached. "It will be Mr. Dunning guiding us. Not Mr. Mitchell. Have another slip of the tongue and it will be your last day here. Do I make myself clear?"
The reprimand was conducted in a calm, direct manner. The woman never raised so much as an eyebrow as she spoke; yet Myles felt as if Paulette was just slapped with Thor's hammer.
"I meant no disrespect," Paulette countered.
"None taken," Myles replied as he noticed the woman still did not address him as sir or Mr. Dunning. She was clearly a Mitch person. "Mrs. Vazquez, may I have a moment of your time?"
"Of course, sir. Right this way." She held out a hand in the direction of her office as she glanced over her shoulder one last time at Paulette.
"Mr. Mitchell and Paulette are...close. Be aware of their displeasure on the vote."
"And the others?" Myles questioned.
"They are all very good at what they do. You will find the majority are very pleased with the outcome." She nodded to the closed door that led to William’s office. "The alternative wasn't something any of us were looking forward to. Did you want to peek in on Mr. Mitchell?"
"No."
"Very well." With a nod, Mrs. Vazquez opened the heavy gold trimmed door to what was now his office.
Myles hesitated.
"Why don't we talk here, at your desk. This is your office now. Dunning Bank & Trust needs its leader to lead. Each employee in this company is watching every step you take. Any sign of hesitation on your part will be looked upon as a weakness. Now, come inside and take your place."
Myles inhaled then stepped into the office he had not been in since his father's death. The circular window with sliding doors that led out to the balcony allowed the sunlight to flow inside. The massive cherry wood desk was to the right. Matching bookshelves lined the wall behind the desk. A door that led to the spa like facilities was on the left of the shelves. The big chair his father sat in every day, working at times until the wee hours of the morning, was pushed in. The rich burgundy leather sofa and two chairs were on the wall by the entrance. To his left was a wet bar, conference table that seated ten, four monitors mounted on the wall covering the different markets around the world and a door which he knew led to Mitch's office.
The beautiful wood furniture glistened from the sunlight, bringing cheeriness to the room. For all the hard work that was done in this office, the sunlight always made it look like a place of joy. 'You have to love the place you work. There are times it is the only way to make it through the craziness of office politics,' his father would say.
"It brings a smile to your face when you walk in, doesn't it?"
Myles realized he had not said a word since the door closed behind them. Mrs. Vazquez was kind enough to give him the moment he needed to compose himself.
"It does," Myles acknowledged with a nod of his head. "I thought it would be depressing to walk in without him sitting behind that desk."
"I like to think his spirit is still in this room. And there was nothing depressing about his spirit." She walked to the desk and stood next to the chair. "There are a number of documents here that need your signature." She picked one up, looked at him then waited.
Myles walked around the opposite side of the desk, took a deep breath then sat in his father's chair.
Placing the document in front of him, Mrs. Vazquez continued. "This document gives authorization to change the charter to add your name as the CEO. This takes priority." She pointed to another document. "This document gives Chrystina a higher security access."
Myles glanced at her. "How do you feel about Chrystina coming with me?"
"I was your father's executive assistant. You need to have your own. I am not privy to your decision making process, however you would be a fool not to bring her with you."
Myles smiled at the direct speaking woman whom he has always admired. "Will you remain as my personal secretary?"
"Not interested in brining Nancy along? Hmm…smart move." She laughed. "I'll hang around for another year or two. But you need to have someone prepared to take my place."
"You're planning on leaving?"
"I worked for your father since before you were born. Yes, I am ready to retire, travel and enjoy my grand babies."
"How many do you have?"
"Twelve."
Shocked, he glanced up at her. "Twelve."
Mrs. Vazquez nodded proudly. "Yes. You should settle down and give your mother one or two soon. Believe me it will fill her life like you would never imagine."
"Can I just give her a puppy?"
Mrs. Vazquez poked his shoulder as she laughed. "Sign this document, please."
Myles did as he was instructed.
"Thank you." She took the document then walked to the front of the desk and took a seat. "The rest yon can read through, then sign. I need them by the end of day. Now, what do you need to talk about?"
Myles sat back. "My first concern is Chrystina. How do you feel she will be accepted by the occupants of this wing?"
"It's a non-factor. Chrystina is your assistant."
Myles sat forward and n
odded. "I know, however, it’s been brought to my attention that she does not fit the pattern of employees in this area."
"Oh." Mrs. Vazquez hesitated. "I see."
"I don't want to put her in a position where her feelings would be hurt. Employees in this area are known to the outside world as the beautiful people. Some feel Chrystina will not be welcomed because of her appearance."
"That firecracker who works for you? Ha Ha. You should be more concerned about their feelings. I am certain Chrystina can hold her own."
"You may have a point there." He sat back visibly more relaxed. "For office space, I will need her nearby."
"She will move into my space."
"No." Myles shook his head. "I want you to remain where you are. Chrystina is to have the adjoining office. Move Mitch to the front office. It's larger so there should be no complaints from him."
"Of course there will be." She waived off the statement. "I'll have him moved anyway."
"None of this needs to take place until I move into this office. For now things can stay as they are."
#
The office was quiet for a long moment until Mrs. Vazquez spoke.
"Ask your questions, Myles. Nothing we discuss will leave this office."
Myles held her eyes for a moment then asked, "I've come to learn the loud mouth is usually not the person you need to watch. Who was my father’s major concern? Who could hurt Dunning the most?"
"Internally he had his eye on one or two employees he knew had connections with some of our competitors. However, your father was a firm believer that what was due for Dunning would happen. No one will be in a position to stop us from moving forward."
"Moving forward is relative. For him it was strengthen our resolve to help improve lives, sustain families and give everyone a chance at economic security."
"That's right." Mrs. Vazquez smiled. "Keep talking like that and I may stay around longer." She then sat forward and her smile disappeared. "Hep's major concern was Walker Jr.’s antics and of course the way he treats your mother."
"You believe Uncle Walker can sway my mother?"
"Yes. He has been the one member of the family who has always been able to get under Winnie's skin. You see, her family was middle-class. Walker always thought she was beneath Hep. Truth be told Hep would have left this gig long ago if it wasn't for Winnie."
"Why?"
"Your uncle Walker was concerned with you."
"Me?"
"Yes. When you were born your grandfather made a toast to Hepburn. He said 'to the future of Dunning.' Walker, of course, took exception. He stated the future of Dunning flowed through his family for he was the oldest child. Then he said something Hep could never forgive. He said his family would be pureblood, not tainted by hood rats. Which was how he referred to your mother the first time Hep brought her home to meet the family. Your father was ready to leave the business right then and there. It was your mother who stepped in and convinced Hep to stay. Now it seems his prediction has come true."
"The hood rats are taking over?"
"With you as their leader." Mrs. Vazquez smiled. "However, Walker's vision isn't the one I was referring to. It was your grandfather’s wisdom and foresight when he said the future of Dunning lies within you."
Myles nodded at the comment. "I have one more question for you. What can you tell me about Cainan Scott?"
There was a noticeable pause in Mrs. Vasquez’s armor.
"He is a nice young man, very intelligent, and analytical. In the last two years, Hep did not make investments without consulting with him." She answered this while averting her eyes, then looked at him. "Why do you ask?"
She was holding something back. Myles knew that the moment her eyes veered from his. Mrs. Vazquez did not lie, however, she was not telling him all she knew.
"Dad mentioned his name on his dying bed. I need to know the significance of that."
"I'm afraid there isn't much I can tell you on that." She stood. "However, this is now your office, you are free to explore every corner." She put emphasis on the word every. Myles made a mental note of that. "When you are ready, we will approach the subject again. In the meantime, I will coordinate office moves." She walked towards the door. "Is there anything else I can help you with?"
"No," Myles replied. "I will review these documents and sign them before I leave."
"You should spend a little time here, Myles. After all, this is now your new home."
Chapter Six
Entering the house was getting a little easier for Winnieford; however, it would never be the same. The house, the grounds, the entire estate was all about Hep and Winnie together. It was never supposed to be Winnie alone. Standing in the doorway of the side entrance into the home, Winnie hesitated. Hep was usually there opening the door for her, holding her waist then guiding her inside. That was never to be again.
"Will you need the car anymore today, Mrs. Dunning?"
She turned with the welcoming smile she had perfected over the years. "No, Jerome. I'm pretty sure I'm in for the day."
Jerome Morgan returned the smile. "You know, Mr. Dunning would say, it's a beautiful day and it should not be wasted inside. The breeze is nice. I think a walk around The Park will do you some good. I will be happy to take you if you don't want to walk. You could go and just sit for a while."
The Park. That was the Dunning family's burial grounds. She and Hep would visit his grandparents and parents from time to time. It was also where they both planned to be buried, just never this soon. The area was never referred to as a cemetery. That just did not fit the Dunnings’ personality. With the family crest statue in the center the area resembled more of a family gathering spot than anything else. Each of the original four Dunning brothers and their families had been moved to the grounds when Hep's grandfather first purchased the land years ago. Since then, Hep and his father had the ground set up like a walk in the park from one generation to another. A stone stood at each section of the resting place, telling the history of the family members buried there. Hep was the only person buried in the new section, Winnie thought as she stared at Jerome.
"He may be lonely," she said as tears burned at her eyes. "I may do that later, Jerome." She smiled then opened the door and walked into the kitchen.
The Dunning home was a mini palace built on a twenty-acre estate. Pulling up in the circular driveway the stained glass above the entrance displayed the family crest glistening against the sun. The front entrance, with its grand double doorway of clear glass, allowed visitors an unrestricted view of the gardens via the floor to ceiling windows at the end of the foyer.
Lined with accented Greek columns at the entry of each room to the left and right, the walkway of the foyer led into the round sitting area that was furnished in ancient Greek with rich tasteful gold and red trim. Between the third and fourth columns on both sides were grand winding staircases that led to the second landing of the home, meeting in the center upstairs foyer. Many who attended functions at the home often wondered if the occupants ever lost their way. Then after being there for thirty minutes or more, most of them will tell you the mini palace was indeed a home. The flow of the house was easy and the welcoming feeling quickly overtook the intimidation felt upon entering. When asked about the Dunning house, many visitors would tell you it felt just like being at home.
The kitchen was the heart of their home. The table in the corner surrounded by bay windows overlooked the veranda. It seated eight and was used regularly. However, the breakfast bar that seated ten was the focal point. It seemed like a mini hub for the family of seven - well, now six. The double level bar with Italian marble countertop sat in the center of the large kitchen. An eight-eye stove, double oven and various other appliances of convenience known to man, was where the family gathered. For they knew within a matter of minutes of them taking a seat, a cup of coffee, tea or maybe something stronger would be sitting in front of them. On the far side of the bright sunny room was one of the four staircases i
n the house. This one was used more frequently than all the others. The entry from the private driveway was where the family entered, as Winnie was doing at that moment.
"Mrs. Dunning, how did it go?" Daisy, the housekeeper, cook, and all around friend, asked as Winnie walked through the door. "Did Myles get the vote?"
"Yes, he did." Winnie smiled, then exhaled as she removed her hat and gloves. "For a minute there I was sure he was going to turn down the nominations. But thank goodness for Michael and Grace. Neither gave him a chance."
Daisy took Winnie's hat and gloves from her. "But you did...didn't you? You were willing to let that boy turn away from all his father and grandfather built just so he could live his life doing what? Nothing is more important than keeping that bank going."
Winnie had taken a seat at the table in the kitchen as Daisy strolled from the room to put her things away. She knew when Daisy was on her righteous roll there was no stopping her until she had said her piece. Never taking a breath from her sermon, Daisy reentered the kitchen.
"He has the rest of his life to build that school he been talking about. Hell, he could hire somebody to build it for him." She walked over to the cupboard, took down a teacup and saucer, then placed it in front of Winnie on the table, with a rattle. "That girl who works for him...."
"Chrystina?" Winnie offered.
"Yes." Daisy nodded as she put the sugar and teabag in the cup. "That Chrystina girl is bright. Hell, she could set it up to his specifications and have that school running in no time." Pouring the hot water from the teapot with one hand and the other placed on her hip, she continued. "You were just going to let Myles walk away from all Mr. Hep worked so hard for."
Winnie looked up, raising an eyebrow. "Are you finished?"
"I don't know if I'm finished or not. It depends on your answer."
"Why did we hire you?" Winnie teased.
"Because y’all need someone around here to keep the foolishness in order, that's why. Now answer my question."
Winnie took a sip of her tea, then closed her eyes as the warmth began to ease the tension from her body. Opening her eyes she looked at Daisy, who stood with hands on hips waiting with an 'I know what you did' look on her face.