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Gerald turned his contempt on Albert. “And you’re a part of this? What about all that cock and bull you fed us about wanting to focus on your clothing store?”
Sanford rocked back in his seat. “Hey, now. There’s no need to be unpleasant, Gere.”
Albert spread his hands. “That’s the beauty of this partnership. I’m going to be very hands off.”
Jaclyn smiled. “Vi and I will deal with the operations and management of the Empire, including our relationship with the Monarchs.”
Violet nodded. “We’re even considering opening the arena to the NCAA women’s basketball tournament. But the Monarchs will be our priority client.”
Heat rose under Gerald’s fair skin. He again addressed Albert. “You’re not even going to be an active partner? Then why are you doing this?”
Albert kept his eyes on Gerald. “A very wise young woman reminded me that the franchise isn’t just about money. It’s about community. I may have been a little late in rememberi
ng that. But I did remember. Buying a few shares in the Empire to help keep the Monarchs in Brooklyn is my way of making amends for at least some of the damage you and I have caused.”
Jaclyn recalled Albert telling her the arena was the key. He did remember the motivation behind founding the franchise a little late. But late was definitely better than never. She blinked back tears. She couldn’t appear weak in front of Gerald, especially not now.
Gerald shifted his gaze between Gregory Bonner and Dennis Taylor. “You couldn’t have warned me that I’d be facing this farce? I came all the way to downtown Brooklyn for this?”
Gregory nodded toward Mortimer and Sanford. “Our clients believed that, as part owner of the Monarchs, you should be aware of the terms of the new contract. We were fulfilling our clients’ request. We don’t owe you anything.”
“This is a joke.” Gerald stood to leave.
“Wait, Gerry.” Jaclyn couldn’t mask the pleasure in her voice. “Don’t you want to hear the terms of the new arena contract?”
Gerald glowered at her. “I’m sure I can guess what it says.”
Jaclyn held up the document. “You’ve come all this way. You should at least hear the terms.”
Gerald’s lips tightened. He shifted his gaze to the other people in the room before settling his attention on Jaclyn. “All right. What are they?”
Jaclyn grinned. “The Monarchs have a contract term without restrictions for the life of the team to stay in the Empire. Isn’t that great?”
Gerald glared at the lawyers. “Don’t bother to see me out.” Without another word, he stalked from the room.
Violet broke the comfortable silence. “Well, that was fun.” She turned to Jaclyn. “Who’re we going to piss off next?”
Jaclyn grinned as she stood. “I don’t want to dilute the pleasure of this moment.”
Albert rose from his chair. “Enjoy your triumph, Jackie. You’ve earned it.”
Jaclyn wrapped her arms around her arena partner’s shoulders. “With a lot of help from my friends. Thank you so, so much.”
Albert gave her a hard hug before stepping back. “No, thank you. I’ve exorcised all of my guilt. Now, I can sleep more easily at night.”
“I’m glad.” Jaclyn squeezed his arm. “As soon as we’re making a profit with the team and the arena again, Vi and I will buy you out of the Empire so you can go back to focusing full-time on Tipton’s Fashionwear.”
Jaclyn circled the conference table to shake hands with the lawyers and the Gandy brothers. “Gentlemen, thank you for agreeing to the contract. I know you had higher bids.”
Sanford waved his signed contract from the Empire Arena sale. “No, thank you. Now I can live a little before I die.”
Mortimer stood. “You were right. The Monarchs belong in Brooklyn, specifically in the Empire Arena.”
Sanford scowled. “And when we read the article in the New York Sports about Gerry starting those horrible rumors about Marc Guinn, we knew there was no better bid than yours.”
Jaclyn made a mental note to send Andrea Benson another thank-you card. Her article had been the catalyst that finalized the arena deal. “My grandfather would be very grateful for your support.”
Sanford glanced at Mortimer. The older Gandy cleared his throat. “With all due respect, Jackie, this deal had nothing to do with your grandfather.”
