AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Agnes pauses for what seems like an eternity.
“What do you expect?” Her answer is a question. “You’re smart to be wary, but goodness, Jordan, you left the army four years ago not four days ago. You need to get used to the way we live now.”
She’s telling me it's not secure. I get it.
“Old habits. You’ve been asking me to consider therapy. I wasn’t ready before, but I’m willing to discuss it now.”
“Jordan that’s wonderful, I’ve got a great therapist I’ve been waiting to introduce you to.Did you want to talk about this over lunch then?”
“Sure Mother, come and see me around one p.m.”
Mother arrives at noon so she can brief me on the plan they’ve already got in place.
“Where is Tim Hadfield in all of this?”I ask about the COO.
“He’s Brendan’s right-hand man and very loyal to him so he’s in the dark.”
Great, because he’s going to prison.
“He’s currently away at a conference in L.A.”
“Perfect. He’s going down, so if there’s any business or attachment you have with him, I suggest you sever it."
She looks at me strangely, then nods. “In that case, Nick and Roger go too, they’re buddies with Brendan.”
“Even better.”
Agnes Farrington makes a call, setting up an emergency meeting. Six board members are able to cancel their lunch plans and attend immediately while another five join remotely.
By three in the afternoon, the hostile takeover of Apex Energy is set in motion.
“Mr. Farrington?” Danny, my receptionist’s voice comes on the intercom as most of my soon-to-be top executives leave the Acercraft conference room. Mother remains in the room.
“Yes, Danny?”
“Should I clear your schedule for the rest of the day?” There's a reason why the man isn't just my secretary but also a personal assistant. Danny is intuitive. He knows today is not a typical day. First I come in late to the office. Then, the impromptu, highly confidential board meeting with non-Acercraft executives.
“See if Ethan and Mike are free for half an hour and book them in with me. Otherwise, yes, clear everything and contact me only in an emergency.”
“Will do Mr. Farrington.”
“Also get me Mitch Kravinski on the phone then book a jet to Henderson, Nevada for tomorrow.”
“Right away sir.”
“Thanks, Danny.”
I face my mother, who is smiling like the cat that got the cream.
“Jordan. You were awesome. Born for this.”
“Well played Mother. Your battle squad is primed and ready to go. You’re the one that did all the homework.”
Here I thought Brendan was the formidable enemy. Agnes Farrington is a storm you never see coming.
“Well, I’ve had a couple of decades to study everyone.” And it shows in her extensive knowledge of each executive’s life, family, and daily routine.
“Remind me to never get on your bad side.”
