by Penny Henry
Kierran had been delighted with the decision, of course, but held certain reservations that Beth hadn’t fully comprehended. He had insisted that Beth’s money be held in a sole signatory account. He was concerned that she made the right decisions with her new found wealth and was anxious to protect the bank's name from any association with ill-advised spending. Darren had taken offence at the subtle inference and silently fumed for the entire meeting. Beth had been left to placate his hurt feelings with a shopping trip to London before moving to the country hotel where she now sat drinking tea.
"Good morning, Beth." Kierran smiled down on his wealthy customer. He didn't make a habit of visiting his clients at this hour in the morning, but for Beth he was happy to make an exception.
"Good morning, Kierran." Beth looked up from her breakfast table to regard the dapper figure. He was in his mid-thirties and obviously kept himself fit. He was dressed in the regulatory suit, but wore the pin-striped grey suit and patterned silk tie with a certain style. His hair was always neatly cut and there was a friendly twinkle to his smile. This morning Kierran was not alone. Behind Kierran's shoulder hovered a dark-haired woman that instantly took Beth's attention. She was exquisitely beautiful with large saucer eyes from which Beth imagined it would be impossible to conceal a secret.
"I hope I'm not too early for you, Beth. Sorry about the last-minute arrangements." He waited for his favorite customer to wipe her mouth and fingers before pushing back her chair.
"Not at all, Kierran. It’s always a pleasure to see you. Sorry if I look a bit bedraggled. Another long night, I'm afraid." said Beth sheepishly. "I didn't get your message until the early hours. I haven't had time to tell Darren."
She hoped she looked more awake than she felt. Darren had developed a taste for the West End nightlife since the month of staying in London hotels and insisted on carrying it on at least once or twice a week. She had wanted to please him and made a point of booking an adjoining suite so that he could stay the night in London whenever the fancy took him. They hadn't slept together yet. He was still living with Lucy
"So Darren won't be coming?" said Kierran. "That's a shame." Beth was way too tired to recognize the sarcasm. "Let me introduce my colleague," continued Kierran. "Beth Thomas, I’d like you to meet Ali Patel."
Beth dropped her serviette and took Ali's fingers. “Hi Ali.” She was the most petite and perfectly proportioned woman that Beth had ever seen. She was around twenty-five years old and stood no more than five feet three inches tall. She hid her slender figure beneath a fitted dark-grey business suit. Her wide eyes were crystal clear with deep brown irises that locked onto Beth’s green gaze with compelling intensity.
"How do you do, Miss Thomas?" Her voice was as soft and melodic as Beth would have wanted it to be.
"I… I'm fine, thank you, Ali. Please, call me Beth." She could sense Kierran's eyes and felt a red flush burn across her cheeks. Her voice had sounded weak and unsteady. She needed a diversion. Beth tore her eyes away from Ali's stare and turned her head towards Kierran. "Would you like to go through to the lounge? I'll… I'll arrange for a pot of tea"
"That sounds like a good idea. We'll go ahead and find a table." Kierran’s smile concealed his amusement. He had witnessed the Ali effect on numerous occasions. He was not above using Ali to provide the bank with a little extra leverage. She came in handy when it came to negotiating a tricky deal with a stubborn client. In Beth's case he had another idea in mind. He led Ali through and chose a low table surrounded by three armchairs, spreading out the files from his briefcase and waiting as Beth arranged a tray of tea. She was back in a few minutes looking calm and relaxed.
"I’m back now, Kierran. What did you want to see me for? I don't have any shocking plans in store for you at the moment."
Kierran laughed. "I'm sure you'll let us know when you do. In the meantime I have a new arrangement on the bank's side that I'd like to discuss with you."
"Fire away," said Beth. "I'm always willing to listen." She sank into a chair. So far she had managed to avoid looking at Ali and was mentally preparing for when the moment came. She made a massive effort to focus solely on Kierran while Ali crossed her shapely legs to make herself comfortable. Beth was powerless to prevent a tiny peek in Ali’s direction.
"The idea is pretty simple. The bank thinks that as a valued client you’d appreciate direct access to financial advice on a twenty-four hour basis. It would be a sort of helpline, if you like - one that would benefit both parties. An important element would be a sense of continuity in the advice you’re given. So the bank is proposing that Ali is designated as your personal account manager. She would be available to you night or day for as long as the arrangement continues."
Beth glanced at Ali and received a shy smile in return. Beth pulled her eyes away as a swelling inside her chest obstructed her breathing.
Kierran was talking again. "Ali is familiar with your account and has the bank's authority to provide any information you might need in coming to a well-informed decision. That will include any prospective business venture." Kierran's mouth tightened. "I understand that Darren is considering a number of projects on your behalf. The bank would like to make its expertise available on an informal round-the-clock basis."
Beth thought about the idea. "That’s very kind of you, Kierran." She turned her attention to Ali. "How do you feel about the arrangement, Ali?" Beth watched spellbound as Ali lifted her eyes and pursed her lips for a moment. She had the cutest overbite that ensured her mouth was unconsciously set in a constant sexy pout. How the hell was Beth supposed to concentrate when she couldn't take her eyes off Ali’s mouth?
"I think it is a good idea, Beth." The tip of her pink tongue darted out to moisten her lips. "It’s important to the bank and yourself that you receive the best advice in all your financial dealings. It may well be that at the time you need help you’re unable to contact the bank through the usual channels. That’s when a direct line to me at any time- day or night, might prove invaluable. It could save a costly mistake."
"And maybe save the bank unfavorable publicity in the process," said Beth wryly.
Ali smiled and her face lit up. "Of course you are correct. It is very much in the bank's interest to ensure that you receive sound advice and that nothing exceptional occurs in the operation of your account. We make no secret of the fact that you are an important customer and entitled to preferential service. I do hope you will avail yourself of our offer."
Beth gazed a moment longer at Ali’s flawless features before she spoke. "It sounds like pretty good advice to me. I'm sure a lot of the things I’ll be looking at will need meetings outside of banking hours. But, are you sure that it won't be too much of an inconvenience?" She left the question in the air as her eyes swept over Ali’s high cheekbones and the unblemished skin of her throat.
"I'm sure," said Ali softly. "It will be a new step forward for the bank. I'm delighted to be the one to operate your account."
"Ali is one of the bank's high fliers, Beth," broke in Kierran. "I know she will do her utmost to make this work. There's not much that Ali doesn't know about the bank or where to find someone that know the answer if she doesn't. It’s my belief that the arrangement will be of benefit to all concerned and, as you rightly point out, it will do the bank no harm at all. It is in all our best interests to make it work. I just need your agreement to put it into effect."
The tea arrived and Kierran organized the table around the cups and saucers. "There are one or two pieces of paperwork that require your signature, Beth.” He pushed pieces of paper towards her. "This is to confirm your agreement to the new arrangement. And this is one to authorize Ali to take over the day to day operation of your account. Of course, ultimately, I’ll remain responsible for your account. Any problems that Ali can’t resolve will be directed to me. Likewise, should there be anything that you think should be dealt with by me then by all means feel free to get in touch. Not that Ali will ever admit to needing my help." He
laughed at his own observation.
Beth took the pen that was offered and studied the documents. "I wonder if Darren should take a look before I agree to this idea," she said, thinking aloud. "He knows more about the business side of things than I do."
Kierran's face clouded over and he exchanged an exasperated look with Ali. "It really isn't necessary, Beth. Darren was not a co-signatory of your previous arrangement and there are no plans to make him one. This is simply to allow you twenty-four hour access to your personal account manager. Your account details are not affected in any way. To be blunt, Beth, it is of no concern to anyone but you. It’s your money."
Beth mulled it over for a minute and adjusted the pen in her hand. "I suppose you're right. It will give me faster communication with the bank when the right investment comes along. I expect Darren will like that idea." She leant forward and signed the documents where Kierran pointed before handing back the pen and watching as the papers were swiftly consigned to Kierran's briefcase.
"Thank you, Beth. Now let me pass you over to your new manager,"
Beth looked into Ali's eyes and detected a serious undercurrent within the pools of liquid amber. "How am I doing so far," she asked.
Ali reached her slender fingers to a neatly labeled file and turned the top cover. "Well, Miss Thoma—"
"Beth, call me Beth, Ali."
"Well, Beth." Ali pressed her lips into a firm line then drew them back to bare her even white teeth. "We have one or two business proposals that you have asked us to comment on but no capital expenditure to date. There are no problems there. The one area of concern is your personal expenditure. Your spending has rocketed way beyond the mad money recommended by the Lottery organizers. There has been no purchase of personal assets that I can see." She leafed through the bulky folder. "No holiday home, no house in the country – other than the settlement of the outstanding mortgage on a property occupied by a Mister Darren Eldom." Ali lifted her head to receive a brief nod of acknowledgement from Beth. She lowered her eyes and continued. "No expensive car?" She looked up again, raising a sculpted eyebrow.
"My Ford Mondeo is only two years old," offered Beth lamely. "There didn’t seem any point in wasting money on a new car."
“You bought Mister Eldom a new car.”
“Yes, I did. He needed one for the business. I didn’t want him depending on lifts from Lu― from his partner... our business partner.”
Beth’s thoughts drifted away from her. After catering college Darren had convinced her they should take up Lucy's offer of coming into the restaurant business. Her father had died and she was managing his restaurant singlehandedly. The three friends had started up a partnership and Lucy had moved in with her latest boyfriend. Her father’s money would take time to be released and a girl had to do what she needed to do. His name was Alfie and naturally he had a little money. The money hadn’t stayed in Alfie’s bank account for long. He bought some shares and was suddenly a junior partner working part-time in the office. That was before the bombshell of Lucy and Darren’s affair. Alfie had gone ballistic and thrown Lucy out of his apartment. He was desperate to off-load his share of the business but continued to work part-time, protecting his interests and barely exchanging a word with Lucy or Darren.
Ali’s voice cut across her thoughts. “Ah, I take it you mean Miss Phillips. We’ve met.” Ali didn’t appear particularly impressed. "You do know how rich you are, don't you, Beth? A new car wouldn’t be frivolous. The interest on your investments alone will gross over a half a million every year."
"I do have some plans," said Beth defensively. "I'm living in hotels at the moment but I intend to start house-hunting with Darren very soon."
“Aah, Mister Eldom, I presume. Do you intend on getting married or just on living together? I only ask with regard to your income tax liabilities."
Beth was taken aback by Ali's directness. She flicked his eyes towards Kierran and received a non-committal shrug in return. Beth was on her own. She stared into Ali's eyes. "That's rather a personal question, Ali. I don't think it's appropriate at the moment. Why should my relationship with Darren be important right now? I have accountants that take care of my tax affairs. The bank appointed them. I don't see how my personal circumstances are relevant to the operation of my bank accounts."
Ali smiled stiffly. "The relevance is in the spending pattern and the effect on your current account, Beth. Money can easily be transferred from other accounts but the bank would find it easier to structure short-term investments if we had an idea of the amount available over a certain period. By cutting short a sixty-day high interest investment account the accrued benefit is lost in penalty payments." She flicked her eyes to Beth’s face to gauge her reaction. "The difficulty occurs when a substantial, pre-arranged spending limit is exceeded on a whim. You do have access to other money for major purchases that requires a shorter notice period." She hesitated, apprehensive that she had gone too far and glanced from under her lashes to where Beth sat stony faced. "I don't mean to pry but…" Ali paused once more to sort through the file in front of her and withdrew several sheets of detailed figures. She proceeded to read selected entries from the closely typed list, "Donna Karan £17,805.98, Chanel £11,975.56, Gianni Versace £26,654.50, Tiffany & Co. £19,005.40, Harvey Nichols £5,998.00 and so on, and so on." Ali skipped a page. "Plus hotel accommodation and entertainment… The bill amounts to a very sizeable figure, Beth," she said quietly. "Added to the mortgage settlement…" Ali triggered numbers into her calculator. "The final figure spent on personal gifts, hotel accommodation, entertainment and paying off of Mister Eldom's property amounts to a grand total of £249,553.65. That is a quarter of a million pounds, Beth."
No one said a word. Beth appeared stunned. "A quarter of a million pounds," she repeated under her breath.
"And not a thing to show for it, Beth," said Kierran softly.
"Apart for one very happy boyfriend," murmured Ali as she tidied the file on her knees. But it wasn't quietly enough.
Beth shot a wounded look in Ali’s direction. "And what is that supposed to mean?"
Ali avoided Beth’s eyes and concentrated on fitting the file into her briefcase. "I apologize, Beth. It is none of my business. It's your money and you are entitled to spend it as you wish." She turned her gaze in Beth’s direction and stared a challenge into her eyes. "Have you spent anything on yourself?"
Beth blushed and talked quietly, "You're right, Ali," she agreed, causing Ali to momentarily relax her guard. "It’s none of your business."
Ali's annoyance flared in her cheeks and she slammed her briefcase shut. "Fine," she snapped. "I can make arrangements to reduce the amount originally agreed for investment and increase your current account balance to a level more suited to your new style of spending."
"Thank you," said Beth curtly. "As you pointed out, I can afford it. There's plenty more where that came from."
Ali narrowed her eyes. "I'm aware of that, Beth. But there are agreed limits that the bank's investment on your behalf is based on." Ali spoke in a clipped business-like tone. "Apparently we didn’t account for your personal spending on such a grand scale."
"Then change it," barked Beth. The apparent reckless spending highlighted by Ali embarrassed and irritated her. She had obliquely accused her of pandering to Darren’s demands. Ali was virtually labeling Darren a gold digger and Beth a fool – a prize fool at that!
"Certainly, madam," said Ali sarcastically, glaring into Beth’s eyes. "I will prepare the papers for your signature and contact you directly."
"I'll look forward to it," snapped Beth. She was angry with herself. She had handled Ali's criticism badly. Ali looked like an angel but she was as sharp as a tack. Beth had hoped to get to know Ali better but had probably succeeded in blowing herself out of the water. Ali was a shrewd woman and regarded Beth as irresponsible. She hated the thought that Ali was looking down on her naïve handling of her wealth. At least Darren appreciated the money.
"Well, th
at's settled then." Kierran's calming voice came from nowhere. He had watched fascinated at the electric confrontation between Beth and Ali. He had never seen Ali lose her cool or become so involved with a client's personal affairs. He was intrigued that the two protagonists had totally forgotten his presence. The ice princess was proving to be human after all.
Two pairs of blazing eyes turned in Kierran's direction, making him feel like an intruder in their private battle of wills. He pulled an easy smile. "We do have another appointment, Ali." He began to rise to his feet. "If you'll excuse us, Beth, we really must be going."
Beth threw a hot glance at Ali. "Don't let me keep you."
Ali ignored Beth’s biting remark and gathered her wits, rising gracefully from her chair and focusing on Kierran. "Of course we must, Kierran." She favored Beth with a look. "It's been a pleasure meeting you, Beth," she said dutifully.
Beth struggled to her feet, not to be outdone by Ali's patronizing tone. "The pleasure has been all mine. It's just what I need at this time in the morning," she said sarcastically.
Ali returned Beth’s gaze and produced a hint of a smile on her lips. "I'll try to arrange our next meeting at a more civilized time to suit your hectic social life."
"That would be sooo appreciated," said Beth with a reluctant return to good humor. "Maybe we could meet over lunch?" The words were out before she had time stop herself. She held on to Ali’s eyes with her own green magnetism.