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A man in dark trousers and a white shirt speaks to staff on the ground before dashing up the stairs. I catch a glimpse of him before he disappears into the cockpit.
I sip my champagne and hope I’m not making a big mistake.
31
FRANKLIN
Caleb walksto my cabinet and pours himself a whiskey.
“Make it two.” I rub at the kinks in my neck and stand to give my back a rest. It’s after seven on Friday night, and we’ve been waiting all day to hear from the lawyer representing PetroDepend.
I hold my whiskey glass toward Paul as I speak, “Firstly, I’m fed up with the destructive practice by PetroDepend that was hidden from us. My option is to make a public speech at a shareholders’ meeting to make a stand against unethical practices.”
Paul’s expression implies he doesn’t approve or disapprove. “It could work.”
I throw the whiskey down my throat. “If the court case swings against PetroDepend, stock will plummet. The significant loss will infuriate our investors. Hendricks Capital Management as a hedge fund will be jeopardized.”
“I’m building a case so that won’t happen.” Paul taps away on his laptop. “We have time before the hearing on Monday.”
The pain in my gut is like a rock grinding a hole. It’s probably an ulcer. We have been talking in circles for months with investors and PetroDepend. “I could sell a significant portion of the PetroDepend stocks, putting my reputation and career at risk. Will it save our investors and my relationship, or will it backfire, making things even more complicated?”
Paul shakes his head. “I can’t speak for George or Caleb but tell me what else you have in mind before I state my opinion.”
“If I confront PetroDepend’s leadership to protect both our investors and the environment, I could demand that they take accountability for their environmental damages and push for a more sustainable future. Or we—”
Caleb points a finger at me while he takes a call. “Right.” He listens, his expression deadpan until he throws his cell on the table and cheers. “We have an offer from a more sustainable company looking to buy out PetroDepend. It’s an opportunity that could save the hedge fund.” George and Caleb high-five before Caleb turns to me. “But it involves risking your entire portfolio on a venture that is, while environmentally sound, not as financially proven as PetroDepend.”
Paul and I stare at Caleb.
“And you’ve been transparent to our investors,” George adds.
Thank fuck.“Which venture is it?” I ask.
“Cleanrgy.”
We all exchange blank stares.
I sure as hell haven’t heard of them.
“Hear me out,” Caleb begins. “Think of us when we started. They have proper backing and are taking the right steps in becoming future leaders in the natural energy sector.”
My cell buzzes. After a long day, I have ignored all calls unless it’s related to this case.
Jobe.
I hold up a finger. “Give me a moment.”
“Jobe. Everything okay?” I walk to the cabinet and pour another glass of whiskey.
“Your house is sold. I’ll send through the paperwork.”
“That was quick. Anyone I know?”
He laughs low. “Did you doubt me? A basketball player from the Sharks. He outbid everyone at the auction. A million more than the asking price.”
“The fuck? How much are we paying these guys?”
Jobe laughs again. “I need to go. Wanted to give you the news to make your weekend.”
