The Philanthropist's Danse

by Wornham, Paul

  He looked around the table where the guests exchanged glances that might have carried meaning, or not. “My role is to ensure Mr. Thurwell’s last instructions are respected and to record the decisions you make. I can make no recommendations, nor can I change the terms of this gathering. If you successfully agree a person’s share, that person may be excused from further deliberations but must remain at the mansion until all business is concluded. If you prefer to take no part in the discussions, you are free to do so but will forfeit your share and have no right of return.”

  “All decisions must be decided by a vote. Anyone may propose a motion, but it must be seconded. Votes will be cast orally, there are no secret ballots. Every vote requires a super-majority of no less than seventy-five percent. I will record your votes and will guide you on their validity. There is no limit on the time you have for debate, but the stroke of midnight will trigger the penalty, whether or not you are in session.”

  He paused while the few that were writing notes caught up. “Are there any questions?”

  There was a pause while the group absorbed the information, before Freddie Hagood broke the silence. “William, what’s to stop us from voting for a simple twelve-way split?”

  Bird opened his mouth to answer, but Junior got there first. “What? Why the hell should you get the same as me, or Phil and Beth? We’re his family for Christ’s sake. We will take the largest share.”

  Hagood let Junior finish before quietly responding. “Your father didn’t seem to share that idea, did he?”

  Junior flushed red as his mouth worked and he tried to get words out through his rising fury, but William interrupted to regain control. “Let me stop you both. First, Freddie asked a good question to which there is a simple answer. There is nothing to prevent any outcome that has super-majority support. Second, as you can see Freddie, Mr. Thurwell’s son objects to the equal distribution of the fortune. Now you can see the magnitude of the challenge before you.”

  Bird looked around the table and saw many questions, but none was given voice, so he began. “Good. Then I bring you to order and your deliberations may begin at once.”

  $

  An uncomfortable silence fell over the room, punctuated only by the sounds of shuffling papers and the clink of cups. Larry MacLean broke the awkwardness. “If I may speak for a moment, it seems we have been issued an extraordinary challenge, one that would be difficult enough without the loss of our friend, parent, colleague and employer.”

  His eyes landed on people that fell into each category as he spoke and a few heads nodded. “I know some of you, others I have never met before yesterday. I think it is true that none of us knows enough about the others to decide anything. I suggest we take time for introductions, so we might better understand why each of us was chosen to be here.”

  Caroline Smith leaned forward. “I agree, it’s impossible to decide anything if we have no context for each other’s relationship with Mr. Thurwell.” She smiled at Larry and he nodded at her, grateful for the support.

  Junior acknowledged the sense in what Larry MacLean proposed, but not entirely. “Fine, let’s hear the introductions, but I want to make it absolutely clear that the family will take the largest share.” He had tried to sound statesmanlike, but had come off as petulant, and he knew it. He reddened as he tried to justify his position. “After all, we are his flesh and blood, and we deserve our inheritance.” He made his point, but badly.

  William saw Camille Jolivet look at him with a question in her dark eyes he was unable to answer. He knew what the revelation of her relationship to Thurwell would do to Bethany. He also knew it was inevitable. He suspected Camille would enjoy the moment, and regretted it. He looked from the French girl to the Judge. Ron Freeman was outwardly calm, but Bird guessed he was desperately trying to think up a story. He would not willingly share the details of his real connection with the philanthropist.

  Larry took the lead. “Perhaps we should practice voting? I propose we each introduce ourselves, can I get a second?” Caroline gave her support, and MacLean called the vote. “All in favor of introductions say ‘Aye’, those opposed vote ‘Nay’. William, do you need to record this?”

  The lawyer nodded and flipped open his laptop to access a spreadsheet with twelve names listed. He entered a summary of the proposal and nodded at MacLean. “Ready when you are, Larry.” MacLean nodded. “I’ll start, I vote “Aye.” He looked to his right, to Caroline Smith who raised her hand and voted Aye, as did every person.

  William leaned back in his chair as the vote passed him, unconsciously getting out of its way. He recorded the unanimous vote and looked at MacLean. “You have a successful motion, please proceed.”

  “Thanks, Bill. Now we have the first vote out of the way, do we have a volunteer to start?” MacLean looked to see who would offer to go first, but most of them had suddenly found a mark on the table or floor to look at.

  Everyone was surprised to hear Bethany’s quiet voice. “I’ll go first. I don’t have much to say. My name is Bethany Thurwell. I’m Johnston Thurwell’s daughter and an executive at Thurwell Industries. Last night, my father broke my heart. He’s dead and didn’t give me a chance to say goodbye. I don’t understand why we are being put through this, it’s so cruel.” She stopped as a tear rolled down her cheek.

  There was a pause as Larry waited to make sure Bethany had finished. Only when he was sure she had said all she meant to say did he thank her and ask for the next volunteer. He was not kept waiting.

  “My name is Philip Thurwell, and I’m the youngest in my father’s family. I don’t like this set-up any better than Beth, and I agree with Junior that the family should get the largest share.”

  He glared in defiance at the faces around the table, especially at Freddie Hagood. As Philip finished, MacLean didn’t need to wait for people to volunteer, each person simply took a turn. Freddie Hagood introduced himself as a businessman, rival and admirer of Thurwell for more than 25 years. Janice Elliot introduced both herself and Dennis, emphasizing Dennis’s long service. She felt his loyalty to the Old Man was their best shot at a share of the fortune.

  Smith then volunteered. “My name is Caroline Smith, and I am the Chief Executive Officer of the Thurwell Foundation.” She sounded imperious and important, as she felt. “I worked closely with Mr. Thurwell over many years and directly benefited his legacy with my tireless work. I recognize the importance of family, but I also recognize that, in the end, Mr. Thurwell chose to place us on an equal footing. We need to remember that as we move forward.”

  Her speech prompted Junior to speak up. “I’m Johnston Thurwell the third, my father’s oldest son and heir, and I assert the rights of the family over you outsiders. Let me make it clear, I will not tolerate my inheritance being stolen from me by a bunch of strangers and sycophants.” His eyes blazed as he hissed his last sentence, he made no attempt to hide his rising anger.

  Freddie smiled, but said nothing. Larry MacLean decided it was time he took his turn and introduced himself, hoping to defuse a potential flashpoint. He sounded sad as he told of his long history with his friend and assured the group he would act only to preserve the good name of their absent host.

  The people still to speak looked at each other, each unwilling to go next, until eventually the old lady spoke. “My name is Winifred Tremethick, but everyone calls me Winnie. I’m from Cornwall, in England, and I’m afraid I don’t know why I’m here. I think there has been a mistake.” She looked directly at Bethany, her eyes full of sympathy for the young woman. “I never met your father, miss, and I’d rather just go home. No offence, but I don’t want to be here.”

  Bethany looked up, surprised to have been singled out, but smiled, not wishing to be rude. Junior had no such inhibition. “Perfect, then we can scratch one off the list. There’s no point in keeping someone that doesn’t want to be here, right Bird?”

  The lawyer shrugged and tried to hide his irritation. “You should finish the introductions first
. If you still want to send Mrs. Tremethick home, you can propose a motion.” Junior sat back in triumph at the notion of easily dismissing one of the rivals for his fortune.

  Larry looked at the old woman. “Are you sure you never met Johnston? You must have been invited for a reason.” She shook her head, and Larry sat back, confused but determined to discover the old woman’s connection to his friend.

  Betty Freah was nervous. She had no regrets about her long relationship with JT, but she did not like to admit the truth publicly, especially to her client’s family. She saw MacLean smiling at her and reluctantly accepted his cue. “My name is Elizabeth Freah, but Mr. Thurwell knew me as Betty. I was his… intimate companion.”

  Bethany closed her eyes and tried to shut out the reality of Betty Freah. She had known about her, but preferred not to think about her father being sexually active with a whore. Camille’s eyes widened as she realized what she had heard, she’d had no idea there was another woman that could cause a scandal as great as her own.

  Janice Elliot and Caroline Smith glared at Betty with open hostility. Both had offered themselves to the Old Man and had been rebuffed, or worse, ignored. They blamed Betty Freah for their failure. Each woman believed they were irresistible, if only Johnston Thurwell had been lonelier.

  Betty sat back in her chair and tried to ignore the eyes on her. Betty could handle men, she knew how to disarm them with her abundant charm, but she often found herself defenseless against a woman’s judging eyes.

  Larry looked at Ron Freeman. He was dissatisfied with the Judge’s first explanation about his relationship to Johnston and was curious to know the truth. The Judge saw his turn had come and took a deep breath. “I am Judge Ronald Freeman of Macon, Georgia. I did not have the pleasure of knowing Mr. Thurwell personally as a friend or colleague. I surmised I had been invited to a meeting with Mr. Thurwell because he had expressed an interest in supporting my candidacy for Governor. I am as surprised to have been included in this group as some of you are to see me here.”

  Freeman looked at Larry as he finished, but he should have been concerned with Philip. The youngest Thurwell looked up with a sly expression. “Did you say Macon, Georgia?”

  The Judge grimaced, and his eyes flicked nervously from Philip to William Bird, and back. Philip looked at the lawyer. “William, you and the Judge have met before, haven’t you?”

  Bird remained impassive. “I cannot confirm or deny a prior relationship with the Judge. That is for him to say. Or not.” Tension thickened as Junior leaned forward on his elbows, interested in the unfolding story.

  “What are you saying, Phil? What do you know about Georgia that makes you think Bill and the Judge have met before?”

  Philip looked at his older brother and smiled the guilty smile he always used when he was caught. “I got busted in Georgia, and Dad sent Billy Bird to get me out. I never asked how he did it, but it sure seems like a coincidence that a Judge from the town I was busted in is here looking for a share of Dad’s cash. What do you say, Judge? You got a dirty little secret?”

  Judge Freeman closed his eyes and recalled the exact moment he had ignored his inner voice that advised him to throw the slick New York lawyer and his sordid offer out on the street. Instead, he had accepted the man’s terms and had since convinced himself that the rich young man was a probably a decent kid and the life he’d live was worth more than one he’d taken. As the Judge looked at Philip’s mocking face, he no longer felt sure of his assumption.

  He might be able to survive the fallout, but if his political career was wrecked, at least he could secure some of the philanthropist’s wealth as compensation. The judge sighed and looked directly at Philip. “I have met William Bird before. He flew down from New York to represent you, following your arrest. Mr. Bird showed me evidence that compromised the legitimacy of your arrest, and I saw to it that the case against you was dismissed. I can hardly believe your father considered my intervention on your behalf deserved a great reward, yet who am I to argue?”

  He was pleased with his response, it sounded reasonable. Bird would not contradict his story so all he needed to do was remain plausible. Philip stared at the Judge with hostile eyes, but he had no desire for the group to know the details of his crime, so he let it drop.

  Junior did not share his brother’s concern and jabbed a finger at the Judge as he interrupted. “What was my idiot brother charged with, Judge?”

  “That information is privileged, I’m afraid. I can’t comment. You’ll need to ask your brother.”

  Junior glared coldly at the Judge but turned to his youngest sibling. “Well, Phil, what did you do?” Philip decided to simplify the story. “I crashed the 911, bro. No biggie.”

  Junior looked at the Judge and then back at Philip as his face registered incredulity. “So this Judge gets to steal our inheritance because you totaled your Porsche? Jesus, Phil!” Junior threw his head back in disgust. “The Old Man lost it, I knew it. I always knew he couldn’t tell up from down when it came to you Phil. You’re an idle fucking loser, but he forgave you everything. Well, little brother, if this fucking hick town Judge gets any of our money it’s coming out of your share.”

  Freeman wanted to snap Junior’s neck, but he remained still and pushed his trembling hands against the table top to stop them from shaking. Philip smiled at his older brother and casually lifted his hand in a fist before popping up his middle finger. “Yeah? Fuck you Junior, I don’t think it works that way, right Billy?”

  The lawyer regretted the brothers were already making things difficult. “All monies will be paid from Mr. Thurwell’s fortune. The best you could do to Philip is to reduce his share. You can’t insist he pays anyone else’s.” Philip gave Junior a victorious glance and Junior returned the look with one of pure malice. Before he could erupt again, Larry MacLean interrupted. “I’m not buying it Judge, I don’t believe you’ve told us everything, not at all, and I want to hear more about it. But for now, let’s finish our introductions before this family feud gets out of control.”

  MacLean nodded at the French girl, the last of them to make her introduction. The irony of using her to defuse tension would not be lost on him a few minutes later. Camille admired how Larry had naturally taken charge, and thought he was attractive, for an older man. She offered him a sly smile that made him look twice.

  She saw everyone waiting expectantly and paused dramatically and reached for her cigarettes. “Certainment.” She lit her cigarette and waved a hand in front of her face to dispel the first bloom of smoke. “My name is Camille Jolivet. I was born in Paris and came to America three years ago to meet my father for the first time.”

  She paused and saw Bethany’s posture stiffen. “Monsieur Thurwell was mon pere, my father. I did not know this until three years ago, but there is no doubt. I am his daughter, his famille.” She leaned back and pulled luxuriously on her cigarette as she watched MacLean, who turned ashen.

  “That’s not true, you’re a liar. William, stop this woman, I won’t have my father’s reputation attacked by every whore in the room.” Bethany gave Bird a pleading look mixed with fear. William took a deep breath and smelled the pungent cigarette as its smoke wafted over him.

  He tried to hold Bethany’s pleading gaze as he broke her heart for the second time in as many days. “I’m afraid it’s true, Beth. Camille Jolivet is your father’s daughter, your half-sister. We have DNA confirmation and your father admitted to an affair with Camille’s mother. He didn’t tell you because he didn’t know how.”

  Bethany turned white and she uttered a single sob before hiding her face behind her hands. Junior sat in silence. He was shocked by the unexpected news that his father had sired another daughter. He was instantly trapped by his own insistence that the family deserved a larger share than the others. He had not expected the family to grow in number.

  Philip stared at Camille and felt ill. He had decided to seduce the French girl after she had smiled across the dining room at breakfast wi
th a look he now realized he had badly misinterpreted. MacLean was the first to recover. “How is it that you only found out about Johnston, your father, so recently?”

  Camille relaxed now the secret had been revealed, and she was careful to find the right tone. She related her tale to the group, how her mother had kept her father’s identity a close secret until she lay on her deathbed. How she had come to America in search of the only remaining family she had, and how she had been welcomed by her father. She told of her devastation that she had lost him so soon after finding him. She embellished the story with well-timed tears, and told of her yearning to meet her sister, but that their father had forbidden it.

  Camille looked at Bethany and twisted the knife. “Dear sister, let us share our grief, we both loved him so much.” She stood, aware of everyone’s eyes on her and walked to Bethany. Camille planted a light kiss on her sister’s cheeks, then went to Philip and Junior in turn and repeated the gesture. She stood behind Junior’s chair, and looked over the group, aware of her dramatic pose with her head defiantly tossed back. She finished her cigarette, dropped the butt into Junior’s water glass, walked back to her seat and pretended to wipe a tear from her eye with a tissue.

  Freddie Hagood exhaled loudly. “William, I think we need a break to let people collect their thoughts. Is there any objection?” The lawyer, who had known what might happen at the revelation but was shocked anyway, readily called a recess.

  Chapter Seven

  Freddie had suggested the break but stayed in the conference room and waited until the only person left sitting at the table was Winnie Tremethick. He asked if he could join her and while surprised he would want to sit with her, she agreed. Winnie was happy to see a friendly face, she had been nervous since she arrived at the mansion, but was upset now the business had taken an unpleasant turn.

  Freddie offered her a coffee, which she accepted. She would have preferred tea, but the tepid brew she had received at breakfast had tasted so awful, she was afraid to ask for another. “I’m Freddie, and I was a rival of Mr. Thurwell.” His reintroduction irritated Winnie, as if she wouldn’t remember his name only minutes after learning it. She wondered what he wanted and wished he’d get to the point.