A shrewd executive, David built an empire using his father-in-law’s bank to capitalize his enterprise. He spliced together a global shipping, auto, chemical, pharmaceutical, oil, and steel empire in just under a decade. Following a strategy of buying failing businesses in basic industries, David picked them up at bargain basement prices. With computer precision, he kept his costs low by developing a network of relationships whereby one part of his company served as supplier to another. Heavy leverage, high capacity utilization, and sophisticated control of daily operations were the key elements of David’s success. Dominion’s major weakness was its extreme vulnerability to international trade disruptions.
When it became obvious terrorism, piracy, and civil wars would continue to spill over into his operations, David built his own security company, recruiting seasoned mercenaries. The added expense cut into his profit margin, but did little to stop the chronic interruptions to his finely tuned supply chain. With uncanny frequency, terrorists struck David’s operations exactly when and where they would create the most damage. Dominion factories were hit by wildcat strikes at the worst possible times. Dominion cargo ships were hijacked with alarming frequency. David sensed Dominion Group was more than a random target. When Eric Price took Tuteur15 public, David suspected his former subordinate might be causing Dominion’s troubles. Without proof, David’s suspicions were worthless.
David appealed to the international financial community for additional funds to beef up his security. Instead, they shut off his credit and called his loans, leaving David with only one viable alternative.
New York City
Eric was ecstatic when David Cheslyn called to arrange a meeting, certain he was going to propose a merger. Not wishing to appear too eager, Eric suggested they meet in two weeks. When David insisted their conversation could not wait, Eric agreed to meet the next day.
Although it was David who asked for the meeting, Eric agreed to meet in David’s plush Manhattan office. Corporate protocol dictated meetings be held on the turf of the one who had higher rank or the one of whom the meeting was requested, if both parties were peers. Eric felt he could defer to his former boss one last time. After all, David was going to swallow a lot of pride when he asked Eric to save his company.
When Eric arrived, he was taken directly to David Cheslyn’s suite. The furnishings were breathtaking, just as they had been in each of David’s offices. David rushed to greet Eric with a warm smile and hearty handshake. He offered Eric a drink, mostly to see if Eric was still on the wagon. Eric declined as he sat on an elegant circular sofa, watching David pour himself a generous Scotch in a fishbowl-sized brandy snifter. Eric was silently amazed at the sight of David indulging so early in the day. Barely fifty, David had the look of a man twenty years his senior. The struggle to keep Dominion afloat had taken its toll.
David joined Eric on the sofa, maintaining a socially correct distance between them. “I don’t suppose I need to tell you much about Dominion’s current position, do I, Eric?”
“Not really, Dave. I know you can’t fund Dominion any longer. Your credit’s been shut off. No country is willing to get involved and the delicate balancing act you put together is falling apart.” Eric paused for a moment. “What I don’t know is why you’ve called me here.”
“No sense in beating around the bush, Eric. I’m running out of time. It’s too late to form an investment syndicate. My top executives are deserting like rats from a sinking ship. My creditors smell blood, each wanting every cent they can get before the other vultures move in. The heads of state I talk to can’t see beyond their own borders. There’s really only one non-government entity large enough to bail me out. Tuteur15.”
The two men stared at each other silently for a few moments. Eric nodded his understanding, but remained silent.
“If we don’t act, it’ll mean more than the collapse of a corporate empire and the loss of my personal fortune. It’ll disrupt the world economy, since Dominion employs either directly or indirectly over twenty million people around the globe. Defaulting on Dominion’s bank debt would be roughly equivalent to Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina all repudiating their debt simultaneously. It could trigger the next global recession and I don’t want that to happen.”
“You mean you don’t want to be blamed,” Eric quietly corrected his former boss.
“Whatever,” David shrugged, with obvious distaste. “I propose that we merge Dominion and Tuteur15. Reaction?”
Eric fixed his eyes on the sofa cushion between them as he began his response. His voice was a perfect monotone, carrying no trace of emotion. “Tuteur15 will acquire Dominion in a stock swap. For each share of Dominion stock, your shareholders will receive one share of Tuteur15 preferred, non-voting stock which will convert to Tuteur15 common stock after five years. Your creditors will all be taken care of.”
“That’s piracy!” David snapped bitterly. “I expected at least a two-for-one stock swap, even though Dominion is worth much more! Your offer is only twenty-five percent of what Dominion’s worth! It’s an insult!”
“Something is only worth what the highest bidder is willing to pay,” Eric observed. “Show me a better offer and I might be willing to match it, Dave. Or I can just wait and pick up the best pieces of Dominion after you file for bankruptcy.”
David remained silent. Eric assumed David’s silence meant acquiescence. When David spoke again, his voice was thin and worn. “What will happen to me?”
“You will be invited to join Tuteur15’s executive committee with the title of senior vice president, reporting directly to me. Dominion will be integrated into the Tuteur15 family of companies over several years. As long as you cooperate, you’ll be welcome to stay. You’ll be given authority commensurate with your position. I won’t make you a figurehead. There’s enough real work to keep all of us busy. The Tuteur15 stock you own after the merger will be held in a trust fund controlled by me. The amount you get back over time will depend upon your performance and our relationship. Any act of sabotage or betrayal will result in your immediate dismissal. You may view this as wearing a pretty tight leash. I view it as a necessary condition to assure cooperation. Take it or leave it. Not one item is negotiable.”
David guessed correctly Eric had known what the terms would be long before their meeting. Deciding discretion was the better part of valor, David choked back the angry words he wanted to hurl at Eric. Instead, he forced a weak smile. “Where do I sign?”
“My legal department will have a letter of intent by noon tomorrow.” Eric stood to leave. “We’ll issue a joint press release tomorrow afternoon. Then we’ll spend a few days with my senior staff and yours to get acquainted. We’ll let them deal with the details. After that, I want you to take a vacation. You look terrible. I want you healthy if you’re going to run a major operation.”
David nearly gagged at Eric’s paternalism, but suppressed his anger. He simply nodded his acceptance.
When Eric was midway to the door, he paused and turned back to David. “Vincent Newhouse and I were very close. He told me how you tried to have me fired after I returned from chemical dependency treatment. I believe your exact words to my superiors at InterNorth Bank were ‘we can’t have some drunk faggot working in our Finance Department’. I’ve never forgotten that. I trust you’ll never forget those words either.”
David’s eyes met Eric’s for several moments. He could have defended himself or apologized. Instead, he said nothing.
“What really bothered me,” Eric continued, “was when you told us you dreamed of the day when scientists would invent a deadly gay flu virus. Remember that? Several of us were out drinking after work before I went through rehab. Someone at our table asked how you felt about gays and you lamented the fact that HIV was no longer a death sentence. You told us Congress should fund research to create a deadly virus which would only be spread through same sex contact. If it spread as fast as the flu, the world could be rid of its LGBT problem in a matter of weeks. That’s
when I decided you’re a dangerous man, David. It’s also why people like me are necessary. To keep people like you from becoming powerful enough to turn your dreams into reality. I’ll be watching you very carefully, David.”
Eric imagined mental daggers being flung at his back as he made his exit. After years of waiting for this moment, Eric felt more pity than triumph. David had been so thoroughly demoralized he had not offered the stiff resistance Eric had expected. The entire experience was about as satisfying to Eric as fishing in a stocked pond with a case of dynamite.
For a few moments after Eric left, David saw himself smashing through the glass panes of his office, hurtling to his death, just as his own father had done. At least no one would have to tell his children their father was never coming home again. David paced aimlessly around his office, wondering what the future held for him. As he drank throughout the afternoon and into the evening, his anger turned to bitter hatred. Eric had an Achilles’ heel. David Cheslyn was determined to find it, or die trying.
While Eric and David were discussing their merger, Jean-Paul was having lunch with an old college friend a few blocks away. Eric Price was very much on the minds of both Jean-Paul and his friend, Mitchell Simpson, as they picked their way through a low cal lunch. A media mogul, Mitch was an extremely influential man.
“Your boss has been getting a good deal of free PR,” Mitchell mentioned casually. “Paying for metal detectors in mosques, synagogues, churches, and LGBT centers has endeared him to many. But armed canine patrols in LGBT neighborhoods? Is that really necessary?”
“It’s more than a publicity stunt,” JP replied. “Hate crimes have been cut in half in the areas where Tuteur15 has improved security.”
“Very magnanimous,” Mitch smiled. “Tell me, what’s this Price fellow really like?”
Jean-Paul’s defenses leapt into place. Though he and Mitchell had been roommates in college, JP was suspicious when Mitchell called to arrange lunch. The mention of Eric’s name confirmed JP’s suspicion. “He’s a fair boss who’s given me many opportunities. I think very highly of Mr. Price.”
“Mr. Price?” Mitchell echoed with a mocking smile. “As one of his direct reports, I’d think you would refer to him more casually.”
JP went deadpan. “I call him Eric when we talk privately.”
“Well, what’s Eric really like, JP? Come on, this is your old roomie. Is he some kind of sinister genius or just another lucky son-of-a-bitch who gambled his way to the top? What’s the dirt on this guy?”
“Are you doing a story on him, Mitch?”
“Naw, nothing like that,” Mitch insisted. “Just naturally curious. I mean, you’ve worked with the guy for years. My news editor has a Price file with all the public facts, but I thought you might have some interesting insider tidbits.”
“That’s all?” JP asked skeptically.
“Trust me, JP. What we talk about here will stay strictly confidential. Indulge my curiosity. For instance, it’s common knowledge he and Cody Alexander share the same bed. Tell me, did he ever put the moves on you?”
JP’s pulse quickened. His face turned an ominous shade of red. “Why would he do that when he’s got one of the most attractive men in the world waiting at home for him? He’s made it quite clear he hires without regard to sexual preference. Just because I work for Eric doesn’t mean I’m gay or that he’s hot to get into my pants.”
“In other words, no?” Mitchell grinned.
“Exactly,” JP muttered.
Mitchell understood JP’s defensive attitude, so he changed tactics. “I didn’t mean to imply you’re queer, JP. I’m just curious, that’s all. So, what’s his personal life like or is that something he’s kept hidden from you?”
“I really don’t know much about his personal life. I’ve been to his home, but I don’t know much about how he spends his free time. He likes to ski, play tennis, and lives fairly modestly for a man of his wealth. I don’t think he really has much free time.”
“Whatdya suppose he’s gonna do with all the power he’s been so busy accumulating?” Mitchell asked. “Has he got some grandiose plan for a super monopoly?”
“You’ll have to ask Eric,” JP replied icily, tiring of Mitchell’s questions.
“All right, JP. I can see you’re none too fond of my questions. I’m sorry to be so pushy. Actually, I’m more than just a bit curious about your boss. I’m concerned. No, it’s more than that. Scared is a better word. There are quite a few of us watching Mr. Price with more than casual interest. We’re not sure what this strange little queer is up to, but we’re watching and we’ll find out. The way he came from nowhere and built up this incredible power base is nothing short of diabolical. It’s not just a sensational rags-to-riches story. It smacks of conspiracy to me. The way he hop-scotched around the globe, stringing together a bunch of failing companies to create an economic giant is no accident. He knew exactly what he was doing every step of the way. Some morning we’ll wake up and learn Mr. Eric Price has taken control of all the major media and they’ll bring us the stunning news he’s just appointed himself dictator-for-life. Well, buddy, he’s not going to get away with it if I and my friends have anything to say about it. We plan to stop that bastard dead in his tracks!”
JP listened intently. Mitchell had emphasized his last few words by jabbing his powerful index finger on the table. Eyes still fixed on Mitch’s finger, JP asked softly, “How do you intend to stop him?”
Mitchell straightened in his chair and then leaned back slowly. “We’re not without influence of our own. We represent a cross-section of people in government, business, and the media from North America, Europe, and Asia. We can legislate against him, drag him into court, seize his assets, or throw him into jail if need be. He’s still subject to anti-trust laws here and overseas. We’ve done some checking on Mr. Price and his top henchmen. Several have skeletons in their closets. Did you know Joseph Bramston, one of Eric’s most trusted lieutenants, has some very unsavory connections with Latin drug lords?”
“Part of doing business south of the border,” JP shrugged. “Many American executives have unsavory contacts in foreign countries to assure the safety of their employees and facilities.”
“Then there’s David Cheslyn who created his own private army,” Mitchell continued.
“Many companies have their own security force, or hire private security firms,” JP countered. “The top fifty private security firms in the world employ nearly five million field agents. All that tells me is local police and national governments are failing to give people the peace of mind they need.”
“Most private security firms don’t recruit convicted felons to crush their competitors,” Mitchell scowled.
“I have no idea what David’s recruiting practices were before he joined Tuteur15,” JP admitted. “I know Eric insists on obeying the employment laws of every country where we operate, and we certainly don’t need to strong-arm competitors to be successful.”
“But he needs a private army?” Mitchell pressed further.
Tapping his spoon on the tablecloth, JP nodded several times. “David Cheslyn brought his private security firm with him when Dominion merged with Tuteur15. Eric uses them to guard against foreign and domestic terrorists. He’s also deployed them to protect soft targets like religious facilities and LGBT communities. I’m sure you can appreciate the need for that. With more than 300 million guns, America has become a giant killing field. More than 15,000 gun-related murders last year. Did you know the U.S. leads the world in mass murderers? We have 5% of the world’s population and 30% of the mass murders in the past 50 years. Only the Philippines comes close to us, but they’re way behind. I’m sure you know all that, and must also realize the legitimate need for security in an increasingly dangerous world.”
“Of course,” Mitchell grinned, wondering if JP had anticipated their conversation since he seemed so well prepared. “What about Mr. Price hiring a known pedophile?”
“Dr. Ren
ben?” JP scoffed. “Never charged, and never convicted of any crime. Eric believes he was framed.”
“How about Eric himself?” Mitchell persisted. “His former missile crew partner and best friend died in a mysterious plane crash, and so did his mentor, Victor Newhouse. His parents supposedly died in a car crash. He shot and killed two men during a holdup. It seems getting too close to Mr. Price can be hazardous to one’s health.”
JP shook his head in disgust. “Eric has never been accused of any wrongdoing in the incidents you mentioned. If knowing someone who died is a crime, then you better have me locked up. One of my neighbors accidentally shot himself on a hunting trip two years ago, and a 95 year old man was found dead in his bed two blocks from my home last week.”
“Don’t be ridiculous!” Mitchell snapped. “We’re not after you, JP. You’re one of us!”
JP realized how serious Mitchell was. Even though continuing the conversation could be dangerous, JP wanted to get as much information as possible. “Eric is not a man to be trifled with,” JP warned quietly.
Mitchell sighed patiently. “Neither are we. No one in the past hundred years has been able to stand up to the combined might of the American media, military, and courts. That’s the kind of coalition forming against Mr. Price.”
JP decided his best course was to try to disarm Mitchell. “Don’t you think you’re getting a bit carried away? Eric hasn’t done anything illegal. He simply wants to provide equal employment opportunities for disenfranchised people. In the process, he’ll also make a profit for himself and his shareholders. What’s wrong with that?”
“Nothing…..if you happen to be a dark-skinned homo Muslim stealing the job away from a white man with a wife and children to feed. Let me give you a piece of advice, my friend. I don’t care how much he’s paying you to work for him. If I were you, I’d bail out now or you’ll go down with him. When he’s gone, no legitimate employer will hire you to do so much as deliver the company mail.”
Sovrano Page 27