Next, Marjorie introduced Colton. He rose, buttoned his suit and shook her hand. Then, he adjusted the microphone and smiled at the crowd. “Good morning and thank you for being here.”
After voting her shares, Brigit would head home and resume her life at Porter, Gabriel and Sethfield, as if Colton Mitus had never existed. I’ll never get over him. Never.
“Today is a defining day for Francesco employees and shareholders.”
Brigit scanned the audience. No heads buried in phones. That was good.
“The industry stands on the brink of a major turning point in wireless technology. In the past decade we’ve made tremendous strides to improve communication, streamline efficiencies and get the job done for less. Those are sound qualities of an industry leader and the ones you’d expect me to tout. But there’s something the Francesco Company and Mitus Conglomerate have that MobiCom does not. You won’t find it in any of the quarterly reports. It’s not discussed at executive meetings or amongst the board of directors. It can’t be bought and not even MobiCom can steal it, like they’re trying to do with Crockett Boxes.” He paused. “That all-important quality is heart.”
As the room became pin-drop quiet, Brigit caressed her sling, trying to soothe the throbbing pain in her arm. Her heart filled with pride. That man was the real deal. Her parents would have adored him. Her eyes stung and she swallowed down the emotion.
“In a landscape where market trends rule, churning out better-than-expected earnings reports is the difference between corporate life and death, and being second equates to losing. Heart is not a quality organizations brag about having because it’s not tough.”
Colton scanned the audience as if searching for someone and her heart picked up speed.
“Many believe a company oozing heart can’t possibly be competitive.” A knowing smile spread across Colton’s face. “But that’s where organizations like MobiCom fail. It’s their Achilles heel. While Francesco and Mitus conduct business with heart, we aren’t going to roll over and allow a bully like MobiCom to waltz in at the eleventh hour and take our innovation away from us.” Colton’s eyes narrowed. “We’re too damned smart to let them dictate our future.”
Several in the audience clapped.
“Six years ago I took an avid interest in the success of the Francesco Company. Over the years I’ve remained anchored to this organization. Why would a corporate investor like myself choose one company over the tens of dozens I do business with annually? At their core, Francesco employees and shareholders have heart. Even today, Nicholas and Samantha’s only child, Eve Francesco, is the embodiment of that winning quality.”
Oh, God, he must hate me. Brigit’s heart ached.
Again, he scanned the crowd. This time he found her. Even across that large room his intensity and strength stilled her. He’s the love of my life and I’ve lost him.
“And now, I’m honored to introduce you to the true face of Francesco. After too many years, Nick and Sammy’s daughter has finally come home. Please help me welcome Eve Francesco.” With his signature smile, he flipped his gaze to the back of the room. “Eve, please join me.”
Brigit swayed as the room went all wobbly then her heart took off like a locomotive speeding down the tracks.
Chad grabbed her elbow and steadied her. “You okay?”
“I will be. Excuse me. I have to join Colton on stage.” Chad gaped as she set off down the center aisle.
Halfway down, a hand shot out. “Good to see you, Eve.” Jimmy from accounting pumped her hand. “Make us proud.”
I can do this.
Mrs. Mic stood like a beacon as Brigit stepped onstage. Marjorie hugged her and whispered, “Bury Montgomery.”
“Over the years, her commitment to Francesco never waned, even when life threw her unexpected curveballs,” Colton said. “Doing what’s best for Francesco has kept her moving forward. Welcome back, Eve.”
As Brigit walked to the podium, Colton turned and extended his hand. Everything was happening fast, yet things were moving in slow motion. Their hands connected and a bolt of energy surged up her arm, straight to her heart. She gazed into his eyes. Doing right by this man took center stage.
He pulled her close. “Shut MobiCom down.”
The intensity in his eyes and the determination in his voice snapped her out of her daze. He needed this. Mrs. Mic expected this. The employees of Francesco deserved this. She’d been working toward this moment for six long years.
Time to rock this.
She took the podium. “Thank you, Colton.” Pausing, she smiled at the audience. “Hello, Francesco. Being home feels great.”
Sparse applause filled the room.
“Colton is right. Francesco has heart, but what’s a heart without a soul? Having a conscience and doing the right thing can be tricky in today’s business climate. Outperforming last quarter’s bottom line, exceeding shareholders’ expectations and driving business forward is stressful and demanding. I’m not saying those qualities are inherently wrong. They’re not. But what MobiCom is doing is deceitful and underhanded. If MobiCom wins, we’re applauding their efforts, handing over a lifetime of effort and telling the wireless community, along with the business world at large, that working without a heart or a soul is acceptable. Never mind having a moral compass. Let’s bully our way in, throw a little money around and make room for the new sheriff.”
Her jitters settled down and she took a calming breath.
“After my parents’ tragic deaths, Colton Mitus took the reins and continued pushing the limits. Not only did he carry out their ambitious goals, he exceeded them. They dreamed of taking the company public. He accomplished that in three short years. Nick and Sammy had discussed factory enhancements and improved health benefits for employees. Mitus Conglomerate worked with the Francesco leadership team and made that happen. Francesco has the lowest attrition rate in the wireless industry. Why do you think that is? Francesco employees are valued. They know their contribution makes a difference. And now their time has come to help launch an innovative product that will make them the rock stars of the telecom world.”
A round of cheers rang out and confidence filled her heart. For the first time since she’d lost Francesco she wasn’t worried about failing her parents or even failing Colton. She believed in herself and she’d be damned if she’d fail herself. Her six-year journey would not end in defeat.
“I’m confident Nick and Sammy would have been thrilled that someone as intelligent, passionate and ethically sound as Colton Mitus has made so many strides and had such a positive impact on their organization. While capitalism thrives on competitiveness, what MobiCom is attempting to do goes against everything Francesco stands for. From the inception of Crockett Boxes, Colton chose Francesco as his wireless partner. He believes in Francesco employees and their abilities. Francesco’s factory is poised to manage the increased workload as demand for the product increases. And Francesco stakeholders are ready to manage to the next level of success. MobiCom is counting on us to sell out. I believe in Colton Mitus, in Mitus Conglomerate, and in the long-term partnership between the two companies. Join me. Vote to take Francesco private.”
The audience erupted in applause, some jumping to their feet and cheering.
Marjorie stepped up to the podium. “Thank you, Eve, and thank you, Colton. We now move to the voting portion of today’s meeting. I’d like to invite Francesco’s first daughter to cast her ballot.”
Brigit did what needed to be done. As she walked off the stage, Colton appeared by her side. With his large hand on the small of her back, he guided her toward the voting stations.
His touch sparked a myriad of responses. Her skin heated where his hand pressed against her clothing. She felt empowered by his side. No other man would ever evoke such raw emotion. Of this she was certain.
“Great speech,” he whispered. “Thanks for pushing to get here.”
Business. Her chest tightened. That’s why he’d hired her, after all. S
he’d done her professional best and if he harbored resentment because she’d concealed her true identity, he was smart enough to know that airing his personal grievances would only hurt their chances of winning. They had to act as a united front. But that’s all it was. An act.
She had to keep it together so she wouldn’t shatter into a million pieces.
Several voting stations equipped with laptops had been set up on pedestals flush against the wall, allowing shareholders to cast their ballots electronically.
“Together, as a show of solidarity.” The huskiness in his voice surprised her.
As soon as they cast their electronic votes, shareholders closed in, forming lines and chatting amongst themselves. Though their eyes met in the thickening crowd, several Francesco executives ambushed Colton, and gobbled him up.
After six long years, her journey had ended where she’d begun. The loneliness that had plagued her then had returned, only this time her heart was broken for a very different reason. She needed some air and a good cry. So she escaped through a side door and stepped into the quiet hotel atrium.
“Not so fast,” said a voice behind her. “Where do you think you’re going?”
51
All In
“You can’t keep running,” Marjorie said.
Brigit shuddered in a shaky breath. “I have no reason to stay. I had a job to do. It’s done. I’m no longer needed.”
“I know you. You’re not thinking clearly. You’re hurting. If you were a child, I’d take you for ice cream.”
Brigit smiled. “We’d sneak out of that building like prisoners on the lam.”
Marjorie laughed. “You saved Francesco, honey. Your speech was the right balance of facts and emotion. I’m so damn proud. Mom and Dad would have been, too.”
Brigit’s eyes grew damp. “I gotta get out of here. And think.”
Marjorie’s gaze floated over her face. “My car is with valet. Room five-thirty-one. Why don’t you take a little drive? Make sure your route has been plowed.”
She swiped a lone tear. “Thank you.”
“I’ll be here until a winner is announced and then I’ll root my ass on a barstool. Celebrating with the good stuff or drowning in cheap booze.” Marjorie took a backward step toward the ballroom. “Go. You’ll feel better. I promise.”
Colton glanced around, but Brigit was nowhere in sight. The area surrounding the voting pedestals was packed, so he headed toward the back of the room and ran into Marjorie.
“She gave a powerful speech, don’t you think?” Colton asked.
“You need to head out.”
His eyebrows shot up. “Excuse me?”
“Where’s Sherlock Holmes?” she asked.
“What’s going on?”
“She left and you need to go after her. I’ll text you the address.” Marjorie pulled her phone from her pantsuit pocket. “Bring her back, Colton.”
Twenty minutes later, Chad pulled up to the entrance. “Aw, crap. You know I don’t do well at these places.”
“Drop me off and I’ll drive Marjorie’s car back,” Colton said.
Fluffy snow blanketed the cemetery grounds. The place was deserted, save for a lone car parked by a weeping willow. Brigit stood alone in the freezing cold. As Chad pulled up behind Marjorie’s silver Lexus, Colton grabbed her wool coat from the backseat.
“You did one hell of a job,” Colton said. “Thank you for getting her here.”
Chad smiled. “You betcha. See you back at the hotel.”
With Brigit’s coat in hand, Colton stepped outside. As he shut the door, a wind gust blew the snow in drifts around his feet. He set off through the snow. She must be freezing.
He draped her coat over her shoulders and stared at the snow-covered headstones. In silence, he put his arm around her and paid his respects.
Any anger he’d harbored after he’d pieced together her identity melted the second he saw her standing in the back of the ballroom. She’d made it through a nasty snowstorm and in the same clothing that sported a bloodstained and torn suit jacket sleeve. Though her beauty shone through her pain, she’d risked a lot to make it to that meeting and throw her support his way. And she’d given up her dream for his. Her dedication and loyalty said it all.
Even more than any of that, he loved her. Completely and unconditionally. The elderly lady’s words of wisdom confirmed his feelings. They’d weather the storm together so they could bask in the sunny days.
Now all he wanted to do was comfort and protect her. Then he wanted to take her to his hotel suite and make love to her, for hours.
He knelt down, and with his gloved hand, brushed the windswept snow off the headstones. “Samantha Brigit Francesco. Nicholas Farnay Francesco,” Colton read. “That answers that question.”
“Why are you here?” She crossed her arms and her coat fell to the ground.
Pain shone from her emerald eyes. Strong-willed Brigit was trying to push him away. He picked up the coat, brushed off the snow and helped her put it on. “Because you are. And to learn about your life.”
“Hmm, so you’re here for information.” A tear slid down her cheek. “Ask away.”
He slid off his glove and with a soft thumb, wiped away her sadness. “I’m here because the woman I’m crazy in love with ran out when I needed her by my side. Come back so we can celebrate or accept defeat. Together.”
She turned to him and a sliver of a smile softened her lips.
He folded her into his arms. “I love you, Brigit, and I can’t live without you. I’m sorry for the hell you went through, in part, because of me. Had I known—”
Her heartfelt smile touched his soul. “You had me with I’m crazy in love.”
Holding her, he kissed her reverently.
When the kiss ended, she murmured, “I love you too, Colton. So much.”
The joy he felt would be short-lived. He would lose her. His Brigit would be offered an executive position at Francesco. Marjorie would see to that. Brigit Farnay would resume her life in Ohio. And begin again as Eve Francesco. His gut ached, but that would be his secret. What was one more?
His phone rang and he lifted it from his pocket. “It’s Chad.” He tapped the speaker button. “What’s happening?”
“The lines are thinning,” said Chad. “Get back here for the announcement.” He hung up.
With Brigit cradled in his arms, Colton trudged back to the car. “You are a dynamo.” He flashed her a smile. “The bigger the challenge, the more determined I am to win. And I’m all in with you, Brigit Farnay.” He placed her in Marjorie’s vehicle, then settled into the driver’s seat.
“You’re all in, huh?” She clicked the seat belt into place.
“All in.” He started the engine and headed out of the cemetery.
Colton had poured millions into a revolutionary product with Crockett and signed a long-term manufacturing agreement with Francesco. If they lost, he’d have to start over again. But he’d made a bold career choice and stood behind this risky business decision.
Time to find out if the shareholders agreed.
52
And the Winner is…
The spindly man stood at the podium, cleared his throat and tapped the mic. “Can you hear me?” Peering at the nodding faces, he continued. “Okay good. We have the preliminary results to announce. The absentee ballot deadline is this evening at midnight. Final confirmation will take several days and an email will be sent, along with a written copy—”
“For crying out loud, spit it out.” Wilson Montgomery hollered from the back of the room.
Brigit’s mouth went dry.
Marjorie clasped her hand. “Ready?”
Swallowing hard, Brigit nodded.
“The vote is seventy-nine percent to twenty-one percent,” said the spindly man.
Brigit and Colton exchanged nervous glances.
The man’s lips curved into a crooked smile. “The proposed sale to MobiCom has been rejected. Congratulations, Mr. Mitus. Th
e Francesco Company is yours.”
The room erupted in applause and gleeful shouts. They’d defeated Wilson Montgomery.
“Yes!” Brigit hugged Marjorie with her good arm. “We did it!”
Colton hugged Chad, then threaded his arm gently around Brigit’s waist. “You made this happen.”
Smiling from ear to ear, she said, “We made this happen.” A plum-size lump formed in her throat. Colton deserved the company and all the success that would follow once Crockett Boxes rolled out.
“Victory!” Marjorie threw her arms up and Chad bear-hugged her. “Whew, am I relieved. Drinks are on me.”
Reaching up, Brigit kissed Chad’s cheek. “You’re the real hero, you know that? I wouldn’t have made it here without you.”
“Name your reward.” Colton slapped Chad on the back. “A raise? An extra week of vacation? You’re all about more security equipment, right?”
Grinning, Chad shifted his attention to Brigit. “What I’d really like is an introduction to the hot brunette with you at Sullivan’s.” He glanced at Colton. “Kathryn, right?”
Brigit laughed. “Consider it done, but take the raise, the extra week of paid vacation and the new gadgets. You deserve it all.”
As shareholders migrated toward the exit doors, they expressed their congratulations. When the room had emptied out, Wilson Montgomery sauntered over. “I underestimated you, Colton.”
Colton’s smile dropped and his eyes grew ice cold. “That was always your downfall.”
“You’ve assembled quite a team here.” Wilson winked at Brigit. “I’m impressed you cozied up to Francesco’s heir. You’re more like your dear ol’ dad than I gave you credit for.”
Brigit wanted to smack his face. What a pig.
Colton placed a possessive hand around her shoulder. “Wrong again. I’m nothing like you. Nothing at all.”
Dobb sidled closer as Wilson extended his hand to Colton.
“Ah, save it,” Marjorie said. “And take your lackey with you. Dobb’s office has already been cleaned out and fumigated.”
THE MITUS TOUCH: Book One of The Touch Series Page 31