by Iris Bolling
“I certainly will, Myles. And thank you. I can promise you Gina will not cause any problems for you at the office.”
Chrystina glared at her mother. “How can you promise that?”
“The same way I can promise you, your sister is going to take care of this place while it is still in your name.”
“How you going to make decisions for me and my children? I don’t even know if I want to work at your bank.”
Myles shrugged. “Okay.” He turned to Chrystina. “Are you ready, babe? That was Grace on the phone.”
Chrystina held his eyes. She could tell the report wasn’t good. She looked at her mother then at Gina.
“Yes. I’m ready.” She exhaled then kissed the sleeping baby’s forehead. “I’ll talk to you later, Mother,” she said then turned to Gina. “Since you’re not staying, make sure you take everything you brought with you and lock the door to MY apartment when you leave.”
“Oh, now that you have lost a little weight and got a man you forgot how to stand up for family.”
“I stand up for the family who isn’t stupid enough to turn away the offer of a job with benefits, free rent for a year, and a safe home for their children. When you display the damn common sense that you were born with give me a call. For now, I’m going to work with my man, who is—guess what…not in jail.”
She walked to the door with Myles. “Love you, Mother. Lock up when you leave.”
Myles held the door as Chrystina walked out. “Be at my office tomorrow,” he said to Gina as he closed the door behind him. “Will she come?” he asked Chrystina as they stepped into the elevator.
“If my mother has any say, Gina will be there,” Chrystina replied as she reached to push the button to the garage.
Myles stopped her, then pushed the button to the first floor. “Jerome is picking us up out front. He feels security needs to be heightened for the next month or more.”
“Why?”
“He is going to explain more when we get in the car.”
“Okay.” She exhaled. “What about the report? What did Grace say?”
Myles hesitated before answering. “The ME changed the cause of death to murder.”
“No,” Chrystina sighed as she hugged Myles. “I am so sorry to hear that, Myles. Are you going to ask for an investigation?”
“Damn right, I am,” Myles exclaimed. “Whoever is behind this is going to pay for taking my father’s life.”
As mild mannered as Myles was, Chrystina could feel the anger radiating from him. They had a board meeting that could turn volatile. A family situation that was causing them to take steps they may not be ready for and now a murder case that would place an emotional toll on everyone.
“Now may be a good time to charter a private plane to Australia or somewhere peaceful.”
“I would prefer a private island with only two occupants. It would allow me to view your beautiful body on the luscious green grass with it glowing from the sun’s highlights.”
Chrystina gazed at his profile as he looked down at his phone while speaking words that simply melted her heart. “I could jump your bones right about now.”
His eyes slowly met hers. “Book it.”
It wasn’t a move they could make right now, but Chrystina liked the fantasy of it all. “I can see the sun breaking away, the moon settling in, blanketing your naked body as you stand above me like a Mandingo God.”
They took a step closer to each other. “Ready to take every ounce of your soul as mine to have and to hold.”
“From this day forward.”
“Is somebody getting married today?”
They both turned to see the elevator door had opened and Jerome Morgan, the man Hepburn Dunning had hired for security standing there.
“Soon, Jerome,” Myles said as he brought Chrystina’s hand to his lips, kissed it and smiled. “Soon.”
Chrystina beamed, then slowly moved her hand away. “I’ll meet you at the office.”
“Where are you going?” Myles asked.
“To my car.”
“No.” Jerome spoke. “Until we have a good take on what happened to Mr. Dunning, it would be best that you and Myles ride in together.”
Chrystina smirked. “Mr. Morgan, you need to protect Myles. No one would have any reason to come at me.”
“You can be used as a weapon against Myles,” Jerome replied.
“I would never do anything against Myles,” Chrystina quickly responded.
“Not directly, Ms. Price,” Jerome explained. “But what do you think Myles would do if you were kidnapped and the people who took you ordered him to turn over the keys to the vault?”
Before Chrystina could respond, Myles replied, “I would turn over the keys.” He held out his hand. “Let’s go, Chrystina. You are riding with me.”
Chrystina hesitated for a moment staring in disbelief at his words. She took his hand, shaking away the thought of how much the man loved her.
“Looks like Gina will be getting a car along with the apartment.”
CHAPTER 4
As he dressed for the day, Jonathan shook his head. It had only been one week since he’d had that conversation with Dewberry. The very next day all the stars seemed to align, propelling him to this moment.
“Bloody hell, the tie isn’t right,” he exhaled.
Pulling the tie from his neck, he walked back into the closet then pushed the button on his tie rack. As the Ferris wheel of ties rolled by, the call from Myles Dunning and the ensuing shooting at the bank headquarters played through his mind. Jonathan and Sydney had walked into the headquarters building for their meeting with Myles Dunning. As they were showed to the executive offices, Jonathan stopped to look at the emblem outside the double gold doors.
It read: Family Integrity First and Foremost.
“That’s how they did it. They put family before profit and it paid off,” he remembered saying to Sydney. Then shots rang out. He told Sydney to get under the table as he walked to the door. A security officer barged in before he could open it.
“What in the bloody hell is happening, Mate?”
The officer hesitated for a moment then stated, “Please stay inside, sir. We will advise you when it is safe to leave.”
The officer shut the door. Not one to miss out on the action, Jonathan slowly cracked the door to see what was happening. He remembered Sydney calling out to him, but he continued to look. Cater-cornered to the conference room he was in, he could see people running, clearing the walkways. So to see Elaine Jacobson open her door, ruffle her hair, then step out as if in a frenzy, he knew whatever was happening she had had a hand in it. More shots rang out. He watched as Elaine approached the area where the gunman had fled. He heard another shot ring out. At that moment, he thought Elaine had been shot. He swung the door open then ran to the area. An office blocked his way. That’s when he learned the shooter had escaped.
Jonathan stopped the Ferris wheel of ties, selected one, then held it up against his chest as he looked into the full length mirror.
“Spot on.” He smiled as he proceeded to put the tie on.
Watching his progression with the tie, his mind concentrated on the conversation he’d had with Elaine Jacobson in her hospital room that same night of the shooting. It was her words that sealed his fate.
He watched her from the doorway as the news reporter on the telly recounted the events at the bank. The pleasure expressed on her face, convinced him she was a party to William’s actions, not a victim.
“What a performance, Elaine.”
A look of surprise, then uncertainty appeared on her face.
“Jonathan Michael. What in the hell are you doing here?”
Jonathan stepped inside the room, closing the door behind him. “No worries, Elaine. It is not my intention to out you.” He stood at the foot of her bed with his legs braced, hands in pockets and a curious glare. Her features relaxed, some.
“Then why are you here and not in London? Did Phase send you to seal ou
r deal?”
“I fear your actions mucked that up, Elaine,” he replied.
She frowned at him. “I’m not sure I get your meaning.”
“Rubbish. You know exactly what I mean. The game of charades you played with William put Dunning on alert.”
“What we are planning has nothing to do with William.”
“We?” Jonathan raised an eyebrow. “French is not a part of my vernacular, Elaine. Whatever you and your cohorts are planning potentially blew up in your face.”
“Cohorts?”
“Come now, Elaine. You are a smart cookie, but not at this level of coordination. The BIT account is an asset that could place Dunning in a historical position in the financial world. Thus making it a lucrative commodity in the wrong hands. You standing between William and the other employees put you in a good light with Dunning, almost guaranteeing the BIT account being assigned to you. Brilliant move to the unsuspecting eye.”
“No one is questioning my actions.” She smiled. “In fact, I’ve received two calls from Myles himself expressing his appreciation for my heroic act. There is no telling how many lives I saved. His words, not mine.” She grinned.
“It comes from his blind perspective. I on the other hand am not blind to your actions or the reason behind them.”
“That leads me to ask again, Jonathan, why are you here?”
“I was summoned here by Myles Dunning.”
“What?” She sat up. “Myles? Why?”
“As it turns out he offered me a position at Dunning Bank and Trust.” Jonathan shrugged.
“No way,” she replied, holding his glare. “You will not give up millions of dollars in salary and bonuses, not to mention the VP title at Phase, to work at Dunning.”
“Numbers are telling me Dunning is on its way up. And numbers do not lie.”
“We both studied the numbers, Jonathan. We know Dunning’s numbers depend on what happens in the next 90 days. If BIT goes to Phase or America's Bank, Dunning’s run up the ladder in the financial industry will be over for years to come.”
“That seems to please you, Elaine. I can’t help wondering why.”
“I have my reasons.”
“I am certain you do,” Jonathan replied. “Until I know all the players and their motivations, I’m going to reserve disclosing my position on the field.”
The concern in her eyes returned. “You have to pick a position, Jonathan, or I will have to consider you an enemy.” She smirked. “With my newfound friend Myles in charge, I am certain a word from me in the negative will carry some weight.”
Jonathan smiled. “Oh bloody hell. Here I thought we would be able to handle this situation in a civilized manner. You’ve gone and threatened me.” He took a deep breath, turned then walked to the door. “May the best man win.” He glanced over at Elaine. “When one lives in a glass house it is not wise to throw stones. See you bright and early in the office on Monday.”
Jonathan took a step back, glanced at himself in the mirror. He held out his hands in appreciation of what was reflecting back at him. He was ready. Richard Dewberry, with all the resources of Phase International, and Elaine Jacobson with her unknown partners’ plans for Dunning would now have to go through him.
###
The ride to the office afforded him time to think through the array of issues waiting for him. Uncovering the inner threat of Elaine Jacobson, the family threat of Walker Dunning and certain actions by Phase were at the top of his list. However, they were not the cause of his current anxiety. The reaction of Grace Heather Dunning to him working with her exclusively held that distinction.
“The bank is on the news, sir,” the driver stated. “Would you like for me to turn it up?”
“Yes,” Jonathan replied as he listened.
###
“In financial news, Myles Dunning, the president and CEO of Dunning Bank & Trust, reopened the doors to the headquarters building where violence broke out just a few days ago. The former Vice President, William Mitchell, experienced an apparent breakdown, opening fire at the prestigious building that houses the executive branch of the financial institution, injuring 3 including Elaine Jacobson, an account executive. It was reported Jacobson literally placed her body between Mitchell, the gunman, and other employees. Today Dunning Bank & Trust resumes full operations with a bombshell announcement that rocked the financial world. The news of them welcoming former Senior Vice President of Phase International, Jonathan Michael as the new Vice President of Dunning Bank & Trust into their fold. The financial world did not have to wait long to see the impact. Overnight the move propelled Dunning Bank & Trust closer to the number two ranking of international banks, potentially pushing America’s Bank to the number three spot. Never in banking history has an African-American owned financial institution been this close to controlling the purse strings of the world. Before his death, Hepburn Dunning, the former President and CEO was well on the path of moving Dunning Bank & Trust up the ranks with significant acquisitions on the table. Some believe the combination of Myles Dunning with his special blend of customer service and Jonathan Michael, a virtual genius in the investment world, is lethal to the top ranked Phase International. This reporter is sitting on the edge of his seat to see how America’s Bank copes with the drop in ranking and what Phase International will do to maintain the number one spot. I am reporter Robert Tannery for The Financial Review.”
###
Jonathan Michael gazed out the window as his driver eased into traffic along the I-95 corridor for the short trip to the office. This was his first official day at Dunning Bank & Trust. An innate sense of pride filled him for he believed in the core values of the family which were richly ingrained in the business. Jonathan had come to find the Dunnings were as genuine as the many news articles portrayed them. The ‘Family Integrity First and Foremost’ was at the heart of how they ran the bank. The word family was inclusive of the employees of the bank and the customers. What they did not have since the death of their father was a brilliant mind or the cunning practices of William Mitchell. Jonathan was there to fill both roles. The world knew of his financial expertise. What was not known was how he managed to move up in the ranks of one of the most whitewashed, cutthroat careers known to man. It took an unflappable belief in self and the ability to out con every competitor along the way. The mention of his name on the radio caught his attention.
###
“Wonder Boy of Phase International, Jonathan Michael, is no more. The President and CEO of Dunning Bank & Trust announced Michael is the new Vice-President of the African-American owned institution. The recent changes at Dunning were the result of the death of Hepburn Dunning and the apparent mental breakdown of William Mitchell, the previous Vice-President. The financial world is reeling from the thought that African-Americans have gained substantial control of the world’s finances. We all know whoever controls the purse strings of Corporate America, controls the political realm. Dunning Bank & Trust was well on the heels of a historical number two ranking with current acquisitions in the negotiation stage. Is the country ready to be led by honest down-home folks? This reporter doesn’t think so. This reporter believes Phase International and America’s Bank will join forces to throw everything, including the kitchen sink, to knock Dunning Bank & Trust out of the rankings. However, they will have to go through Jonathan Michael to accomplish that feat. I don’t think it will be easy. My money is on Dunning."
###
The vehicle suddenly veered to the right and came to a complete stop. Jonathan looked around then checked on the driver.
“Bloody hell. Are you secure, mate?”
The driver turned looking over his shoulder. “Yes, sir. Are you injured?”
Before he could reply the driver’s eyes shifted to his right. Jonathan followed his line of sight, just as the backdoor was jerked open.
“Mr. Michael.” A tall bulky gentleman with a beet red neck, slid onto the backseat next to him. “I have a message from Mr. Dewberry
.”
Jonathan smirked recognizing the voice. He had never worked with the man, however he had been in a multitude of meetings when the man had called in reports on adversaries. It seems his ex-employer was not taking his leaving well.
“Hello, Jack,” Jonathan said in a tone meant to irritate the man. “You’ve been dispatched to deal with me. What a tragic turn of events for you.”
“You and I know, that is a load of tosh,” Jack responded in a cold calculated tone. “Mr. Dewberry would like to remind you any projects discussed, created or designed by you during your tenure with Phase International is proprietary property. Efforts by you to extend that knowledge to your new employer will be met with swift actions against you or certain parties close to you.”
Jonathan watched as the huge man slid out of the vehicle and was in the process of closing the door. With as much force as he could, Jonathan kicked the door open, hitting the man right at the knee, knocking him to the ground. Jonathan jumped from the vehicle and was met with a gun pointed at him from the second man who was standing outside the vehicle. He ignored the man as he bent over Jack.
“You cocked up this order, mate.”
The man stood quickly, towering over Jonathan. “I don’t think so.”
“Oh, I know you have and soon, so will you,” Jonathan said taking a step closer to the man. He leaned in, then whispered in Jack’s ear, “Now, I want you to listen very carefully. I am not the one you want to piss off. Unlike Dewberry, I can ruin your life thoroughly with one click of my finger. Tell your boss this message.” Jonathan’s eyes narrowed as he spoke. “I will speak in US terminology to be certain that you understand me. Do not fuck with me or anyone I care for.”
Jonathan glared at Jack, then at the second man. He adjusted his suit jacket then slid back inside the vehicle and closed the door. “Carry on, my good man,” he said to the driver.
The man stared at him.
Jonathan smiled. “Truly, mate, do you see the size of that bloke.” He patted the driver on his arm. “Off to the office before they throw a wobbly.”
That gained the cooperation he was seeking. The driver started the vehicle then pulled off.