“I’m not either. I’m just answering your question. You called me in here. I’ve explained why I was a little hesitant about your announcement. But I’d like you to go ahead with it,” I said, hoping I’d made myself clear.
He turned away and beckoned to those staring through the window, to join us. Mackenzie sat at the head of the table. He tapped the place to his left and I sat.
“Thank you for joining us, and I apologise about the impromptu meeting. I would have waited for Gabriella to make this announcement, but she’s otherwise engaged. As you know, I intend to merge this company with another of mine, Trymast. Although both companies are involved in media there are areas they, and you, operate in that are differerent. However, there is an overlap. It’s that overlap that we have to work on.
“You’ve had details of Trymast, you can see their offices are in Canary Wharf, and as a company, are much larger. One of our proposals is to move all business and staff to that location.”
He paused as he scanned the room. It was the first piece of information anyone had been given about the merger.
“The second announcement I have is that Lauren Perry will be heading Trymast. Our current CEO, Alex Duchovany has other areas of my businesses to concentrate on, and we believe Miss Perry will be a perfect replacement. Not only has she headed the marketing team here but has been with Jerry from day one. There’s not much she doesn’t know about this business.”
A murmur ran around the room. I covered my discomfort but taking a sip of my coffee.
“So that means she’ll be our boss?” I heard, recognising the voice immediately.
“Yes, that’s exactly what it means. So, you guys have a decision. You can work with us, and I include Miss Perry in the us, or you can have a hard think about your future.”
I nearly choked on his words. They were rather harsh. But I liked his use of the word ‘us.’
“I’ve met you all individually, so I hope you have a little idea on how I work. I have a team of CEOs that run each of my businesses for me. That allows me to develop the organisation; direct it’s growth, without being bogged down in the day-to-day running. My second in command is Gabriella, who you’ve already met. In my absence, she has complete control.”
“How will this work?” Gary, Head of Accounts, asked.
“I will be honest, I will look at each head of section, both here and at Trymast, and the right person will get the job. As Gabriella previously explained, we don’t like to let go of valued members, but I cannot guarantee that everyone will keep their jobs. Those that don’t will be offered alternative posts should they wish to accept those. Of course, there will be fair remuneration if they choose to leave. Miss Perry will be leaving her post shortly and transfer to Canary Wharf. We have a head of marketing that will take over her team immediately.”
He turned to me. “I’ll leave you to address your team, perhaps later today?”
“Of course,” I replied.
“In the meantime, I hope you’ll continue to work to the best of your abilities. I appreciate that there is a little uncertainty at the moment. I’ll be here for the rest of today, using Jerry’s office, and the door is open should any of you wish to speak with me privately. You’ll all receive details of the move shortly; I understand Gabriella has that all in hand. I would also like to thank you for your patience while this merger occurs. If anyone has any questions they’d like to ask, fire away,” he said.
No one asked a question initially. I guessed it was because they were still absorbing the information. Mackenzie had repeated some of what Gabriella had already said, so job security wasn’t new but the move to Canary Wharf was.
“I live in the opposite direction to Canary Wharf, where we are now is pretty convenient and getting across town is going to cost,” Gary said.
“Trymast has a higher salary rate than here. I’m sure what you would lose in additional travel expenses would be adequately covered,” Mackenzie answered.
Gary nodded, satisfied with the answer. “If there isn’t anything else, then remember, my door is open all day,” Mackenzie said, then stood. “Miss Perry, please join me.”
We left the boardroom just as the chatter started. Mackenzie didn’t pause to listen but strode along the corridor to Jerry’s office. Jerry wasn’t in and I wondered why. I was under the impression there was a handover period.
“Where’s Jerry?” I asked.
“He and I have a little project we may work on, he’s over at Trymast,” he said as he closed his door.
“I thought you had an open door policy.”
“I do, once we have concluded our meeting. Sit, please,” he said.
He took the chair that I was used to seeing Jerry in, but he commanded the space much more.
“How awkward will your remaining time here be?” he asked, throwing me a little.
“No more than usual, I hope.”
“You are free to move over to Trymast as soon as you want, but I’d like for you to be there by the end of next week. That gives you two weeks to finish up any existing projects. Is that feasible?”
“I’ve already started to do that. I’ve reorganised everything so it’s easy to find, and I’ve started a document to detail where I am on any given project.”
“Then maybe we can cut it down by a week?”
“I think so. So next Monday you want me in Canary Wharf?”
He blinked a few times in rapid succession. “Yes, next Monday I want you in Canary Wharf.”
I wasn’t entirely sure we were talking about the same thing.
“How was your show?” I asked, wanting to change the subject.
“Boring. I didn’t enjoy the company.”
“The company? As in the actors or…”
“My ex-wife, Lauren. I don’t enjoy her company. You may have fallen for her nice guy act but underneath…Let’s just say, her and Scott would make a great pair. Now, enough about them. I wish for a private meeting with you this evening. We have things to discuss.”
“Things?”
“You put in a request, Miss Perry, remember? Unlike your previous requests, this one involves some discussion.”
“I…I’m not sure now,” I said.
“You’re not sure about what you requested?”
I saw him hold himself rigid. Was he worried about my reply?
One more night.
“I’ll be sure after a discussion,” I said.
He had tried to conceal his sigh of relief; he hadn’t been successful.
“Then we’ll talk about it later,” his face softened a little. The businessman was gone, just for a split second. “We’ll go for dinner, after work.”
“I’m not talking about that, in public!”
He raised his eyebrows. “Trust me.”
I nodded and stood. Before I turned to walk away I sighed.
“Can I ask one thing from you?” I said.
“Yes.”
“I have some questions that I want you to answer. Can we do that later as well?”
“I’m sure you have many questions. I’m surprised you’re able to wait until this evening.”
“They can wait,” I said. “Do you want me to leave this door open?” I placed my hand on the handle.
“Might as well, since they fell for that bull,” he laughed; it was a sound that had my heart race.
I shook my head and left his office. I held my head high as I walked through the gap my colleagues had created. It was like the parting of the Red Sea.
****
I pulled my team together, and it upset me to think, although I knew their names, I didn’t really know much else. How I conducted myself had to change. I had to be more approachable, more open, and dare I say it, friendlier.
“I have an announcement. I’m leaving you ladies. Well, I’ve been promoted, and as you know, we’re merging with a company called Trymast. I’ll be heading over there from next week. There is someone who will be replacing me, I’ll make sure you all get
introduced as soon as possible.”
“That’s great news, Lauren,” Jenny said. She appeared to be the only one enthusiastic about my new appointment.
The four ladies in the team seemed indifferent. There was no ‘congratulations’ from them, just a shrug of shoulders before they left to continue their work.
“What happens to us?” Jenny asked.
“From what I know, Trymast will do their best to absorb everyone into their company. It might not be in the same post, but they don’t let people go in the first instance. And we will be moving to their Canary Wharf offices.”
She nodded and smiled. “I’m excited about it. Any hot guys over there?”
I laughed, “I have no idea, but I’ll let you know next week.”
She left to fetch some coffees and, for a moment, I felt a little lost. I’d made sure all my work was up-to-date, my diary cleared, and new projects put on hold. I was both excited and terrified at the same time.
“Did you sign the papers?” I heard. I looked up.
Without any form of greeting, Scott walked into my office.
“Yes,” I said, assuming he meant the division of assets.
“Good, because I want it all done and dusted as soon as possible.”
He was acting as if he was the wounded party.
“So do I, Scott.”
“I bet you do.” He took a seat.
“And that means?”
“Well, you’re on the up, aren’t you? Guess you need shot of me quick as.”
I raised my eyebrows. “I needed shot of you, the minute you betrayed me.”
“We've been over that.” He fell silent for a little while. “I miss you,” he said, taking me completely by surprise.
“I’m sure your wife-to-be would be pleased to hear that.”
He didn’t respond, but I watched as he ran his hand through his hair.
“Do I still have a job? I mean, what with you becoming my boss and all.” He hadn’t even tried to hide the bitterness in his voice.
“In all the years you have worked here, a far shorter time than I have, I should add, have you ever seen me act unprofessional in any way? Unlike you, Scott, I kept my mouth shut, my head down, despite my utter humiliation, and got on with my job. You fucked up and revelled in that with your schoolboy colleagues.” My voice had started to rise. I took a deep breath.
“You verbally abuse me, you disrespect me at every opportunity. You can’t handle a female boss, but all that aside. If you are the best man for the job, then you’ll keep it. Providing you grow the fuck up.”
It was the first time I’d ever voiced my opinion and it felt fucking wonderful.
He sat open mouthed for a moment. “You’ve changed,” he said.
“You’ve noticed. Absolutely I have. And hopefully I’ll continue to change. You see; I gave fifteen years of my life to you. You threw that all away for a fuck across a boardroom table.” I shook my head and laughed.
“I was…” I held up my hand to halt his excuses.
“You were bored, you were having a mid-life crisis, I worked too hard, and I didn’t pay you enough attention. I’ve heard it all, Scott.”
I saw movement from the corner of my eye. Mackenzie stood leaning against the doorframe. He’d arrived so silently, Scott hadn’t noticed.
“I think it’s time you left my office,” I said.
“Too important to talk to me now, are you? I can make things difficult for you, you know that? I want what’s mine, or maybe I’ll hang out a little longer and see what else I can get. I’m fucking glad I left you. Want to know something? You don’t compare to Sandra, you were like a dead fish in bed.”
He stood and turned, then froze. No one spoke as he walked towards the door. Mackenzie reached out his arm, placed his hand on the opposite doorframe, blocking Scott’s exit.
“If I ever hear you speak to her that way again, I’ll put you on your fucking ass.” His voice was so low, so aggressive; it sent a shiver up my spine.
“I…” Scott couldn’t form the words.
Mackenzie lowered his arm and Scott scuttled away.
Jenny walked towards the office carrying two takeout containers of coffee, as was our new afternoon ritual. Mackenzie took them both and kicked the office door closed. I could hear her outside.
“That was mine,” she said.
He placed one cup on the desk and sat opposite me. I sighed.
“What will be your first job as CEO?” he asked, taking a sip of the coffee then wincing. “What is this shit?”
I laughed. “Caramel Latte. My first job?”
“The first thing you do. I’d like to think it would be sacking that fucking douche.”
“I’d never be that unprofessional, Mr. Miller.”
He laughed, “Jenny!”
She poked her head around the door. He held out the coffee.
“Here, I think this is yours.”
“Can you I get you another?” she asked.
“No, Miss Perry and I are leaving now. Thank you anyway.”
She stepped in and took the coffee.
“Oh, good job with the arsehole,” she said, then laughed.
I guessed the whole office had heard our exchange.
“Come on,” Mackenzie said, then stood.
“I thought you had your open door session?”
He raised one eyebrow at me. “No one wanted to play.”
My stomach lurched, in a good way.
I followed Mackenzie out of the office, he hailed a taxi and gave his home address.
“I feel like playing hooky,” he said.
“I’m not sure my new boss will be pleased if I do that,” I replied.
“I think your boss will be just fine. Call it a meeting.”
He settled back into his seat, and I wondered if this was our question and answer session brought forward.
We pulled up outside his house, and he paid the taxi as I climbed out. He keyed in a code and the gates swung open.
“2207,” he said.
“Sorry?”
“The gate code, if you arrive unexpectedly, it’s 2207.”
“You’re telling me your gate code?” I wasn’t sure if that was significant or not.
“I’m not going to leave you standing outside, I might be in the shower or something.”
“Is Addison here?”
He stopped and turned to me, we were halfway up the drive.
“No, of course not. She’s staying in a hotel. Why would she be here?”
“I just thought…”
“You think too much.”
“Are you going to show her the sights?”
“Like fuck am I.”
“Why is she here?”
“Do you think we can get inside? Then I’ll tell you.”
He took my hand and we continued to walk to the front door.
I was seated at the breakfast bar and Mackenzie made us coffee. He had a built in stainless steel machine, the kind I’d see in a coffee shop. When he’d made two, he took a seat beside me.
“I met Addison when we were in high school. There was a small crowd of us: her, Gabriella, Damien, Daniel, and me, we were best friends. Addison and I dated, on and off. I started working in my father’s business and quickly learned that it was in trouble. Addison’s family came forward with a proposal to save his business. Her father invested in ailing businesses. What I didn’t know was there were conditions. Two conditions. One, I was to marry his daughter. The other, which I didn’t find out until after the wedding, he was to strip my father’s business, put everyone out of work, sell off the plant, and make a shitload of money along the way.”
“You married her to save your father’s business?”
“I was in love with her. Saving my father’s business was just the icing on the proverbial cake.”
“How long after did he shut your father’s company down?”
“It was a year or so. I knew the company wasn’t viable, but it was the way he d
id it. He walked in one day, laid off all the staff without a care about them or their families. He sold off every piece of equipment, then the factory. All I could do was sit by and watch. I saw grown men cry, not knowing how they would feed their children. I watched my father suffer cardiac arrest because of the stress.
“But I was tied to him. By marrying his daughter, he thought he owned me. He provided the house we lived in, the cars we drove. I got bitter because there was fuck all I could do in the beginning. I had to work for him and stuck it out for five years. Then I told him to shove his job. I’d make it on my own. I’d saved a little money and I got lucky. I invested that in a bar, turned the business around, and sold it for a profit. I did that again, and again.”
“What happened to you and Addison?”
“We stayed together for another couple of years. She came home one day and told me she was pregnant. I packed a bag and left.”
“You left her!”
“I can’t father children, Lauren. There is one thing I will not tolerate, and that’s betrayal. I loved her; I struggled doing something I didn’t want to do, for her. I stayed quiet and put up with her controlling father, only for her.”
He paused, taking a sip of his coffee.
“You want to know why Addison plays the nice girl? Because now, I own her father. I own all his businesses.”
“How?”
“Over a period of years, I bought them all, and he didn’t have a fucking clue who owned the company he was selling out to.”
I wasn’t sure what to say at first. “I’m sorry you can’t father a child, I bet that hurts.”
“It did, although I came to terms with that a long time ago. It’s why I never settled down again. I didn’t want to fall in love with someone and not be able to have the ultimate gift, my own child.”
I could see the pain in his face. I placed my hand on his arm.
“That was all a long time ago, don’t feel sorry for me. I knew I couldn’t have children after a car accident. I ignored it, hoping maybe medical advancement would help me. I should have told Addison, I didn’t. At some point it would have come out, after years of trying, I guessed we would have visited a doctor.”
“What happened when you left her?”
“Her father threatened to ruin me, he tried real hard and nearly did. She begged for forgiveness, and when she lost her child, she blamed me.”
The Facilitator Page 19
