Scorpio Series Boxed Set

by Monique Domovitch

  Alex smiled benignly. “I hate to admit it, but I think I might learn a thing or two from Richard. He concocted the whole plan himself.” Alex slapped Richard on the shoulder, and the young lawyer smiled.

  Gerald frowned. The plan was brilliant, but he wasn’t so sure about Richard. He dismissed his doubt and nodded to Alex. This will at least give us a chance.

  * * *

  Chapter 23

  Brigitte had never felt so happy and so frustrated at the same time. She watched Gerald sitting across from her on the back patio of his home. She loved him just as much as he loved her. Of that she was sure. When they were together, they could barely keep their hands off each other, and for the first time in over twenty years, she felt wanted.

  They had just spent a leisurely afternoon making love and she was still glowing. Gerald is everything I’ve ever dreamed of in a man. He must leave Power Properties, she thought. That fact had become a sore point between the two of them.

  Alex was in no position to buy Gerald out and she could not leave her husband as long as they were working together. There was one other reason Gerald had to leave Power Properties, a reason she could not share with anyone.

  She pushed back her cup of coffee. “Alex told me that he’s taking the company public,” she said casually. “I think that if you want to leave, now would be the perfect time. Alex will have the liquidity to buy you out. Or, you can simply sell all of your shares. So far we’ve managed to keep our relationship a secret, but God only knows how long we can keep up this charade. “

  Gerald groaned. “You’ve got everything figured out, haven’t you?”

  “Well of course, I think—”

  “And I wanted to surprise you with the news myself.” He laughed. “Drink your champagne. It’ll lose its bubbles.”

  She took a sip of her coffee and looked at him suspiciously. “You wanted to surprise me?”

  He smiled. “Drink your champagne.”

  Brigitte frowned. “Gerald! Don’t play games with me. Tell me.”

  “I’ll tell you just as soon as you finish your drink.” He shook his head and grinned.

  She smiled. “You’re teasing me.” She picked up her glass, drained it in one long gulp and almost choked. “There was something in my glass,” she said and pulled it out of her mouth. “Wh-what!” For a moment she did not know what to think. She was staring at a beautiful emerald-cut diamond ring. “Gerald…”

  Gerald laughed gaily at her stunned expression. “I know you won’t be able to wear it openly until everything is settled, but what do you say? Will you marry me?”

  * * *

  Anne Turner strolled leisurely through Saks’ fur department, brushing her hand sensuously along the pelts of the hanging coats. A saleswoman in a tight skirt and an equally tight smile hurried over.

  “Can I help you?” she asked in a dripping voice.

  Anne pulled herself tall and flicked her golden mane with a lazy hand. “I’m just looking, thank you.”

  The pleasant look on the sales woman’s face immediately morphed into one of condescending superiority. “There are no sales in this department. If you’re looking for bargains, I suggest you try another store.”

  Be nice to me, bitch! Anne wanted to shout. Or you just might lose out on some heavy commissions. I may not be spending any money today, but I will be soon.

  Her pleasure spoiled, Anne Turner turned away and hurried out of the department. Why Richard would not allow her even the smallest shopping spree, she could not understand. The money was as good as theirs already.

  “Fool!” she told herself sharply, and two women standing by the elevator turned to stare at her. She ignored them and took the stairs. Why do I wait for him to tell me what to do?

  His plan was brilliant. She did not understand all of the details, but the bottom line was that they would be very rich soon. The thought thrilled her and she laughed with merriment, her voice echoing through the stairwell.

  As she walked out of Saks, she was happily dreaming up dozens of ways of spending all that money.

  * * *

  When the news of the reverse takeover became public one month later, the reaction was exactly as Richard Conrad had predicted. The stock opened at two dollars a share in the morning. At closing it had already quadrupled. Within the week, it had jumped to twelve. One month later, it was trading at twenty-eight and was still climbing.

  Alex made the announcement to his board of directors two months later. “I think we should look into Atlantic Airways. I hear they’re having some financial difficulties. How does Power Air Lines sound?” he asked.

  Across the table, Andrew’s face turned a deep shade of crimson. “Alex, for Chrissake, we just pulled ourselves out of financial trouble by the skin of our teeth. You overpaid for every one of the properties you’ve bought lately. We won’t show a profit on those until five or six years from now. We need to strengthen our financial position. Now is not the time.”

  Natalia raised a painted eyebrow. “Andrew,” she said. “Haven’t you learned by now? Save your breath. When Alex sets his mind to something, he doesn’t let go. He’ll find a way.”

  Richard looked worriedly at Alex. “Sir, with all due respect, I think Andrew is right. I don’t think we can afford to buy an airline right now. We’re only starting to recover from our difficulties.”

  Alex nodded. “Maybe so, but let’s not throw this idea out until we’ve looked at every angle. What do you say, Gerald?”

  Gerald had been sitting quietly until then. He looked up. “I don’t think my opinion is needed here.” For two months now, he had been waiting for the moment. This was it. He gathered his courage and continued. “I’m leaving Power Properties.”

  “You’re what?” Alex was stunned.

  Now that he had said it, Gerald felt relieved. “I want to retire. I’ve worked hard for many years and now I want to be able to relax and enjoy my life. This is something I’ve been thinking about for a long time, but until now I didn’t see how you could possibly buy me out.”

  Alex was speechless. He knew, just as everyone else in the room, that Gerald had made up his mind. “I—I don’t know what to say.”

  Gerald shrugged. “Don’t say anything. Just buy me out.”

  Alex thought quickly. “I will, but under one condition. Wait until the deal with the airline is done. Just a couple of months, that’s all. Otherwise Power Properties loses what could be the opportunity of the century.”

  “Gerald, Power Properties just won’t be the same without you,” said Natalia, tears glistening behind her false eyelashes. “Don’t leave.”

  Alex noted Gerald’s hesitation, and pushed again, gently. “Just two months, Gerald. Two months, that’s all I’m asking.”

  Gerald struggled. He had already waited for so long. Two months was not much longer. He wondered briefly if Brigitte would understand and felt a pang of guilt. “Two months,” he said finally. “Two months. Not one day more.”

  * * *

  Anne Turner held the silk dress tenderly in front of her and threw an admiring glance at her reflection in the bedroom mirror. Yes, this dress will definitely do.

  She hung it in the closet and returned to her purchases strewn across the bed. She carefully unwrapped each one. Shoes by Charles Jourdan, scarves by Hermes, and earrings from Tiffany’s littered the satin sheets. She had even bought herself some First perfume along with the matching body lotion, the soap, and bath oil.

  So what if I bought myself a few things? Soon I’ll be filthy rich, she told herself, quickly dismissing any guilt she might have been feeling. Richard might have his own plans for Power Properties, but I have plans of my own; plans my son knows nothing about.

  She gently folded the Hermes scarf, walked across the room to her dressing table, and carefully placed it in the top drawer, right next to the small pearl-handle revolver her husband had bought her years ago. She picked it up and caressed the smooth handle. There was a time when she had considered using
the gun. The image of Alex Ivanov lying in a pool of his own blood had given her immeasurable pleasure.

  That would have been too easy, she thought bitterly as she placed the revolver back into the drawer. This plan is much better.

  * * *

  Chapter 24

  William Brandon shuffled through papers at his mahogany desk, smoking his eternal cigar, when the call came in. “William Brandon,” he answered gruffly. The voice at the other end of the line was unfamiliar. “Who is this?” he asked and nearly dropped his cigar when the answer came. “What?” Memories flashed through his mind as he listened.

  Over the last twenty-five years, William Brandon & Company had undergone considerable change, as had its owner. As his multimillion dollar company dwindled, William Brandon watched his girth expand and his hair disappear. He had become an old and bitter man.

  A few months after his affair with Anne Turner had ended so many years ago, his wife, suddenly and without explanation, asked for a divorce.

  Bill was stunned. “Why?” he wanted to know. He had left his mistress. Wasn’t that what his wife had wanted?

  It was only minutes before their case was scheduled to be heard that the real reason became clear. From across the crowded courtroom hallway, Cornelia strolled over and leisurely dropped a brown manila envelope in her husband’s lap. With trepidation, Bill tore it open. Inside were dozens of pictures of him and Anne Turner in little more than their birthday suits, engaged in activities that were clearly unprofessional.

  “Where did you get these?” he asked as sweat broke out on his forehead.

  “Does that really matter?” his wife asked back. Then she smiled a tight, vicious, little smile. “May I suggest you agree to the settlement my lawyers are asking for, or I will make sure these pictures have as wide a circulation as the New York Times.”

  “But why? I don’t understand.”

  “Why?” she repeated. “Darling, these pictures are worth a fortune, and frankly, I wouldn’t mind a fortune of my own right now. I spent a quarter century being your wife and raising our children, and look at what that got me. You were willing to drop me in a second for a blonde hussy half my age.” She smiled bitterly. “I’m only looking out for myself. Finally.”

  The divorce was granted that same day and it cost William Brandon nearly half of all he owned. His wife’s lawyers had left the courtroom with barely-disguised self satisfaction. No small wonder; they had earned twenty percent of the five million dollars in less than four hours.

  Bill had driven back to the Plaza damning the day he ever laid eyes on Anne Turner. This was all her fault. Hers and Alex Ivanov’s.

  Over the years, Bill Brandon had almost forgotten about Anne Turner and Alex Ivanov. Then one day, he picked up his usual copy of Time magazine and there was Ivanov, smack on the cover. The press trumpeted about his success with his Power Hotel and Casino.

  The voice on the telephone continued with icy calmness “What I am offering is the opportunity to crush Alex Ivanov and Power Properties in one easy shot. You are interested, aren’t you?”

  The question was nearly rhetorical, of course. “Yes, I’m interested.”

  The voice at the other end of the line chuckled. “Of course you are. So this is the plan…”

  William Brandon listened with avid curiosity.

  * * *

  The woman walked into Yellow Fingers, the inexpensive lunch place near Bloomingdale’s. She looked across the busy restaurant, recognized the head of sparse hair, and briskly walked over. “Sorry I’m late. I hope you didn’t think I stood you up.”

  William Brandon laughed and his belly rolled. “I knew you’d show up,” he said as he pulled the envelope from his pocket. He handed the check over to the woman and she glanced at the figure with appreciation.

  “Nice,” she said, and slipped the six-figure check into her Hermes purse. She handed him the brown manila envelope. “How do I know you will follow all of my directions?”

  “How do I know you aren’t selling me a lot of hot air?”

  She hesitated, her hand still on the envelope. “I guess we’ll just have to trust each other.”

  Bill Brandon nodded. “I guess so.” He felt her let go of the envelope and he grabbed it. “All I can say is that your demands are very reasonable. Nobody will know about this. As for the other request, I have no problem with keeping the same board of directors. All except Alex!”

  “All except Alex,” she repeated and smiled.

  Brandon took a sip of his Bloody Mary and another puff of his cigar. “But there is one thing,” he said. “I know this is none of my business, but why are you doing this?”

  The woman smiled as she clicked her purse shut. “You’re right! It is none of your business.” She stood and walked away.

  * * *

  Gerald had asked Brigitte to meet him for lunch at one of their favorite restaurants. They sat in a quiet booth in the back and ordered veal piccata and white wine. Brigitte glowed with anticipation. “So how did Alex react when you told him?” she asked eagerly.

  Gerald sighed. He had dreaded telling her, but now he had no choice. “I’ve agreed to stay another two months,” he admitted.

  “What?” Brigitte was stunned. She pushed her plate away and tears welled in her eyes. “I don’t believe this. Two months? That’s crazy.” She was so upset she was trembling. “I thought we had agreed that you were leaving Power Properties immediately. Gerald, I don’t want to wait anymore. This is enough. Tomorrow you can go back and tell them you’ve changed your mind.”

  “Sweetheart, calm down. It’s just another few months. We’ve already waited this long. What difference can eight weeks make?”

  “It can make all the difference in the world. Gerald, promise me. Tomorrow you’ll go back and tell them no.”

  Gerald looked shocked at the vehemence of her reaction. “I can’t do that,” he said. “I gave them my word. If it was only Alex it might be a different story, but I have to think of Natalia and Andrew, too. I don’t want to let them down.” He looked at Brigitte, puzzled. “What are you afraid of? Do you think I’m trying to back out of my promise to you?”

  Brigitte bit her lip. “No, of course not it’s just that…”

  “Just what?”

  Brigitte struggled to control herself, trying to find the words. How can I tell him that this will ruin everything? How can I tell him that his whole future depends on him leaving now?

  “I-I guess it will be all right,” she said at last.

  * * *

  Alex listened to the ringing at the other end of the telephone. “Ivanov residence, good afternoon,” Réjeanne’s familiar voice answered.

  “Réjeanne, can I speak to Brigitte?”

  “Oh, I’m sorry, Alex. She’s not here. She went out after lunch and I haven’t seen her since.”

  Alex sighed. For weeks now, he had been calling daily to check in on his wife, and every day Brigitte was out. In the back of his mind, a thought occurred to him. Could she be involved with someone? Just as fast, he dismissed it. No, not Brigitte. She’s probably just out shopping again.

  “Thanks, Réjeanne. I’ll see her when I get home.” He put down the receiver and wearily rubbed his hand over his face. At that moment, Andrew popped his head in the door.

  For once his attitude was not hostile. “Alex, don’t let me disturb you. Do you have any idea where Gerald might be?”

  Alex looked up. “Isn’t he in his office?”

  Andrew shrugged. “No, I haven’t seen him all afternoon. Yesterday was the same thing.”

  “He has been a bit scarce around here lately. If I see him, I’ll tell him you’re looking for him.” He waited for Andrew to leave, and then he picked up the telephone again. “Leonora, tell me something. Is it my imagination or has Gerald been spending less time around the office lately?”

  Leonora’s voice came back, thoughtful. “He has been leaving earlier than usual.”

  “Any idea what he’s been up to?�
�

  At the other end of the line, Leonora chuckled. “I have a feeling he’s seeing someone. Haven’t you noticed how he’s been walking around smiling? I think the man’s in love.”

  Alex put down the receiver. For a moment he was too surprised to think. Gerald was seeing someone? Gerald was in love? Alex grinned. Well the old son of a gun! It was about time.

  * * *

  Later that evening when Brigitte came home, Alex was in bed reading the latest stock report. “You’re home late tonight. Tired?” he asked as he put the report on the night table.

  “Exhausted. I had meetings all day for the epilepsy foundation,” she said as she crawled into bed. Over the past few months, she had invented half a dozen activities that needed her time. She leaned over and gave her husband a quick kiss on the cheek. “How is Power Properties doing?”

  “Very well. The stock is up to thirty-three dollars a share. We’re going ahead with the airline deal.”

  “That’s wonderful,” she said unconcerned as she turned away. “Good night.” A moment later, she was asleep.

  Alex listened to the sound of her breathing for a few minutes. He considered trying to make love to her. It had been so long since the last time. He tried to remember when and what it had been like, but couldn’t recall. Memories of random mistresses he’d had over the years wandered through his mind. He fell asleep before retrieving the memory he sought.

  * * *

  Andrew McGregor barged into Alex’s office unannounced. Alex looked up, surprised. “You look like hell. What’s wrong?” he asked, noticing the expression of doom on Andrew’s face.