“Are you okay joining me on the call? It’s not a problem if you want me to handle it alone.”
“I’m okay. We’re a team on this. But wait a minute. Isn’t it the middle of the night in London? Should we wait until morning his time?”
“No. He’ll be upset if he hears about this from someone else. I’ll call his mobile and put him on speakerphone.”
“Okay.”
After selecting Dad from my favorites, I set the phone on her desk. We both stand staring at it as we anxiously listen to the rings. She’s rubbing her arm. I’m massaging the knots forming in my neck. The last thing I want to do is upset my dad after his recent health scare.
After four rings, my dad’s sleepy voice answers, “Hello, son. What’s wrong?”
“Dad, I’m here with Ms. Bennett, one of the Foundation’s attorneys. How are you feeling?”
“Stuart, I’m fine. I know you didn’t wake me up at this hour with one of my attorneys to inquire about my health. Tell me what’s wrong before you give me a heart attack.”
I let out a deep sigh. “There was an unfortunate incident at the premiere. Mr. Champion passed away.”
“That is sad news. He’ll be sorely missed. I knew his heart condition would eventually be his downfall. I’d hoped it wouldn’t be so soon though.”
A heaviness settles on my shoulders, causing me to hesitate before continuing. I’m concerned that my next words will be detrimental to Dad’s recovery. Sensing my stress, Brooke rests her hand on my bicep.
I place my hand over hers, appreciative of her support as I say, “Umm. There’s a complication. It’s not clear that it was his heart. The authorities believe he may have been killed as part of a robbery at the premiere. You see, his Rolex is missing.”
“You can’t be serious.”
“I’m sure there will be an investigation, but at this point, we must consider the possibility of foul play. That’s why we’re calling you at this time of night. How would you like to proceed with the remaining fundraising events here?”
“I see. This situation is rather sticky, isn’t it? What does Jason suggest? Does he want to cancel the masquerade ball?”
“We’re meeting with him tomorrow but wanted to give you the news first. At Jason’s insistence, we didn’t attend the afterparty tonight due to security concerns. He didn’t want to take any chances.”
“Yes. Yes. That makes sense. If he wants to go forward with the gala, additional security is a must.”
As tough as this situation is, I’m relieved to hear the renewed strength in Dad’s voice. He sounds like he’s well on his way to a complete recovery. With that in mind, I decide to share a little more about the current situation.
“Of course, Dad. And there’s one more thing. This is the second event where an expensive piece of jewelry disappeared. Ms. Bennett’s black pearl necklace went missing at thefundraising luncheon. We assumed the clasp broke and caused the necklace to fall off. Now, it’s not so clear.”
When I see the sadness shade Brooke’s features, I hate myself for bringing it up. I reach my arm around her shoulders, lending her my warmth and comfort.
Concern emanating from his voice, Dad says, “Ms. Bennett, it’s a pleasure to speak with you. I’m sorry it’s under such difficult circumstances. Please accept my apologies for the loss of the necklace. If it’s not found shortly, we’ll take care of it.”
I guess this is the first time Brooke has spoken with my dad. I assumed she’d met him before since she was assigned to work with me this week. No wonder she seems a bit nervous. I should have explained that my dad, while formal, is still approachable. It’s too late now, so I give her shoulder a squeeze and a light peck on the top of her head.
“Sir, oh, I mean, Lord Sandridge, it’s a pleasure to speak with you as well. No apology is necessary. It was a gift from my late aunt. Its value to me was sentimental. It’s not about the money.”
I hear a touch of nerves in Brooke’s sad, but respectful words. I’m also further impressed. Brooke never ceases to amaze me with the way she puts people and sentiment before money. She’s nothing like the superficial women who normally surround me.
“Dad, we still hope the necklace will be found. But I have another question. You seemed concerned about the events to promote the movie. You never said why. Could you explain your concerns now?”
“I’m regretting not saying more, but I’m not sure it would have changed anything. I’ll share what I know though. There have been some threats against the Foundation. We assumed they were from groups wanting to squash the movie premiere. Some are concerned that the solution will be extremely expensive, resulting in tax increases and unwanted limitations on farmers. The problem was that the threats were so genericthat we had no way to protect against them. Still, we have no way of knowing if these incidents in Los Angeles are related to the threats or even to each other.”
“I see. That’s why you warned me to watch my back.”
“It is.”
“I asked Brooke, I mean, Ms. Bennett to participate in this call in case you had any legal questions for her. Did you want to ask her anything?”
Her shoulders tense slightly as she focuses her attention on the phone, listening carefully.
