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“No worries. I’ve got this,” Rebecca said.
Finn passed the remainder of the meeting adding legal input where it was needed, especially when Jamal expressed his concern about available housing for seniors. After a stay in a hospital and then a rehabilitation unit, many seniors required special housing to accommodate their disabilities. Finn was able to provide legal support for those who were being refused rental applications.
“Thanks, man,” Jamal said. “I owe you a beer after work.”
“No problem,” Finn murmured. He preferred to keep to himself at work. His co-workers could rely on his dedication to his work, but he rarely socialized with them.
“Now, the last item on the agenda,” Mary said to the room, “is the annual fundraising gala. I appreciate the support all of you have given to this event in the past. This year, our new board president, Reed Chilton, has issued a request. He’s asking all members of the executive staff to attend the gala this fall.” Mary flashed a pointed look at Finn.
Fuck. He’d avoided the gala every year for the same reason he avoided any large social gathering: publicity. Not attending social events meant it was easier to dodge questions about his father. And the annual gala was a splashy event that brought out the highest tier of donors and socialites. He’d give anything to come up with a legitimate excuse to get out of attending.
“As usual,” Mary continued, “there will be an opportunity for anyone to volunteer on one of several planning committees. Just send me an email to let me know if you’re interested.” Mary took a last look at the agenda. “All right. We’re done. Have a good day, everyone.”
His colleagues gathered their things and left the room while Finn shut off his tablet and pushed his chair back.
“Finn?” Carmen asked.
“Hmm?” Finn answered.
“I can’t wait to see you in a tux,” Carmen said.
Finn leaned in and said with a mock surprise, “Are you asking me to be your date?”
Carmen let out an exaggerated sigh. “I wish.”
“I would, but first I’d have to go through your husband and three grown sons. I value my life too much to take the risk.”
“Good one,” she said, pointing a finger at him with a huge laugh.
Finn prepared to stand and leave the room.
“Can I have a word with you, Finn?” Mary asked while typing on her laptop.
“Sure,” he said, adjusting his chair back into position. Finn had had many conversations alone with Mary, but there was something foreboding in the seriousness of her tone.
Mary waited until they were alone. Carmen was the last to leave, giving Finn a pat on his shoulder, and closing the conference room door.
“I wanted to discuss something with you, but it’s a sensitive topic.”
Finn nodded. He had an idea about what was coming. It hadn’t even been twenty-four hours since the news broke.
“Your father is back in the news.”
“Yes, he is. He’s served his sentence and completed his probation while living in Florida.”
“And he plans on returning to New York?”
Finn gave a shrug. “That’s what I’ve heard. I haven’t communicated directly with him since his trial. I’m sure you understand why.”
“Yes, of course,” Mary stammered.
“What do you want to discuss with me?”
Holding direct eye contact, Mary said, “Reed Chilton’s sister was one of your father’s victims. She lost a great deal of money and regained only a small portion of what she’d invested. Reed is still extremely angry about it.”
Finn remained quiet, waiting to learn exactly how this would affect his job. He’d done good work here and he didn’t want his father to interfere with his career.
“Reed is aware you’re on staff at the foundation; he knew that before he was recruited to serve as board president.” She folded her hands on the table. “I like you, Finn, and I appreciate the work you do here. I also understand Ben Corcoran has been impressed with your work and is grooming you to take over his role as vice president.
