“Even though our dreams for them haven’t come true, they can still find happiness. Dave is gone. Our children are adults. Maybe it’s time to step away from our children and focus on our happiness,” Sherry said.
“I agree.” Madeline coughed to clear her throat. “I think we’ve suffered enough losses to last a lifetime.”
“You’re right.”
“It’s time to turn the page, as they say.”
Sherry stared at Madeline, making her uneasy. “That’s why I have to thank you for helping my son.”
“Sure. Although I don’t like some of his past mistakes, he’s best suited for the job.”
“Thank you.”
“But he better not cross me. I’m keeping a tight rein on baby Mitchell this time.”
“I’m certain that he’ll do fine.”
“Actually, I think so too.” Madeline glanced at her watch. “It’s getting late.”
“I won’t keep you.” Sherry rose. “I’ve enjoyed talking with you. When I think about it, we haven’t interacted on a personal level since you hired me at DMI when I was in my twenties. We should do this again.”
Madeline stood too. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Remember that you slept with my husband and had a baby, two babies. Let’s face it. We’re not going to be best friends. I can’t trust you, but it doesn’t mean I have to hate you.” Madeline flung her purse over her shoulder and quickly patted her hair. “I see no reason why we can’t be civil for the sake of our children.”
“That’s a start. The way I see it, there’s a new generation of Mitchells in our future, and they shouldn’t have to shoulder our problems.”
Sherry threw a kiss at Dave’s crypt. Madeline did too.
“Guess what my son is forcing me to do?” Sherry said.
“I have no idea when it comes to Joel,” Madeline replied.
“He’s setting me up with online dating.”
Madeline roared, “Good luck with that.”
“Think you’ll date or get married again?” Sherry asked.
“No. Through it all Dave was the man for me. Then again, who knows? Stranger things have happened, especially in this family. Who would have expected me to recommend Joel over my own child for the CEO position? So, apparently anything is possible. But I’ll wait for you to try out the online dating and let me know what you think. Perhaps I’ll give it a shot.”
Together they walked out of the mausoleum and went to their cars. Madeline felt invigorated, and honestly, she had to thank Sherry, a person whom she had once considered a bitter pill but who now seemed much more tolerable.
Chapter 22
Don’s cry for freedom had begun as a faint rumbling and had rapidly transformed into deafening thunder. He wasn’t confused about his purpose for being in Detroit. When Abigail and his mother had begged him to return from South Africa last year to help rescue DMI from Joel’s clutches, he’d been reluctant to forfeit his newfound happiness and contentment. He’d been doing well before he got the SOS signal from Detroit. The initial anger he’d felt toward God and his father for appointing Joel as CEO of DMI had subsided. During his hiatus in South Africa over three years ago, he had embraced Nelson Mandela’s teachings on forgiveness and had restored his relationship with God. Dave Mitchell died before Don got a chance to reconcile with him. Maybe that was why Don had fought so hard to promote unity in his family. He wanted the Mitchells to realize that they didn’t have forever to work out their differences. Tomorrow wasn’t promised.
As he sat behind the desk in his office, mulling over his past, Don began to focus on his blessings. Despite what he’d endured, God had been good to him. His company in South Africa, LTI, was growing at an incredible rate. He’d even found love in a radiant employee, whose support had been a lifeline during his initial estrangement from the Mitchell family and DMI.
Don shut his eyes and reared back in his chair, with his fingers locked. The sweet sound of Naledi’s African and Indian accent, splashed with a dash of French, spoke to his soul from across the Atlantic Ocean with such undeniable passion that he couldn’t concentrate on work. They hadn’t spoken in close to a week, which was much too long. He needed to hear her voice constantly, and the only way to make it happen was to get on a plane headed for Cape Town soon, not next quarter or next year. He had to go within a few months. He sincerely believed that the next leg in his destiny was with Naledi.
He hadn’t gotten full confirmation of this from God, but there was a peace in his spirit when he thought about her and their future together. His yearning overtook Don. Disregarding their different time zones, in an instant he was dialing a string of numbers, eager to reach his confidante. Other than God’s, no voice was more desired or appreciated than that of Naledi. The phone rang several times, and he anxiously waited for her to answer. Don was about to give up when he heard a greeting that stirred his affection.
“Naledi, I’m glad to reach you.”
“Me as well. It’s been a very long while since we’ve spoken.”
“I have to apologize for not checking in more frequently.”
Don was grateful to have such a competent executive running LTI in his absence. He didn’t like it, but the truth was that DMI had always monopolized his time, leaving only a tiny amount for LTI and his personal desires. Without Naledi, he wouldn’t be able to run two companies successfully on different continents. Relying heavily on her made him feel guilty. He had her full support, and she deserved his.
“I have to talk with you about something very important,” he told her and then paused. There was a host of words swirling in his mind. His affection for her nearly took control of him, but this wasn’t the way he wanted to convey his plans for a future with her. They had to meet in person. “I’ll be in Cape Town very soon.”
“That is excellent news. We will be most pleased to have you here. I will be pleased,” she told him.
Don’s heart warmed.
“On what date will you be traveling?”
“As soon as matters are wrapped up here with DMI,” he replied.
Don desperately wanted out. He found it disheartening that he was not able to commit to an exact date with Naledi, but he promised himself that he would solidify his travel plans shortly and get out of town. He just needed to get Abigail confirmed. However, his confidence wasn’t soaring as high as it had been several weeks ago. Madeline was difficult to beat when her mind was set. She was a pit bull, but Tamara seemed worse. At least his mother could be won over with a rational argument. Tamara operated purely on impulse, hurt, and revenge. He suddenly felt very discouraged as he thought about the state of his family. He was at a loss about what to do and had to pray for guidance.
It was good for DMI that Don wasn’t impulsive, or he would be on a plane tomorrow. That thought was fleeting. He understood that it was unwise to move too quickly and topple the building blocks God had used him to erect in the Mitchell family. No matter how honorable or intense his personal desires were, he couldn’t override God’s purpose and timing for his life, not even when the Mitchell clan seemed demented and their differences irreconcilable. His faith said that as long as they were alive, there was hope. He enveloped that notion in the bosom of his spirit and held on. He couldn’t see it, but positive change was coming to his family.
Chapter 23
Time was running out. There wasn’t much more Tamara could do to convince Zarah. She’d presented her best proposal, hoping that the priceless value of their friendship would sufficiently make up for her modest financial offer. She was hopeful but not confident. Nobody was off-limits when it came to finding a strong ally. Tamara believed a weak opponent worked just as well. She slithered past the security desk in DMI’s lobby before reaching the stairs. Six flights wasn’t a deterrent. She’d get to Abigail in whatever way was required.
Tamara was slightly winded after climbing the stairs. She avoided contact with as many people as she could, hoping especially to avoid Don and Madeline. Tamara wasn�
�t sure how she’d react to seeing them in person on such a desperate occasion. If it hadn’t been for the two of them betraying her, she’d already be sitting in the big CEO seat. That’s okay, she thought. They will be dealt with in due time. Tamara approached Abigail’s office and discovered that the door was shut. The assistant who sat near Abigail’s office wasn’t at her desk. Tamara waited five minutes. Growing impatient, she approached another assistant nearby.
“Do you know if Abigail’s assistant is coming back?”
“I think so, because she didn’t ask me to cover for her. She probably went to the ladies’ room.”
Tamara waited a few more minutes, to no avail, before knocking on Abigail’s closed door. She heard a faint “Come in,” and entered Abigail’s office.
“I wasn’t expecting to see you,” Abigail said. “What brings you by?”
“To talk about the CEO position,” Tamara responded, shutting the door. She wanted to glide in and out of the building without being noticed by anyone else.
Abigail’s smile melted, and a serious look took its place. “What about it?”
“I can’t seriously believe you’re trying to become the CEO of DMI.”
“I don’t know why it seems strange to you. I’ve been with the company for eight years. Your father hired me as an intern before I finished business school and mentored me personally. I know this business better than most,” she said. “I’m a solid candidate.”
“Really? You think so?”
“Most definitely,” Abigail said with a tone of indignation.
Tamara wasn’t bothered. “But you don’t possess the most critical attribute,” she stated as her confidence oozed.
“And what would that be, Tamara?”
“You’re not a Mitchell, plain and simple.”
Abigail flicked her wrist, discounting Tamara’s comment. But denial didn’t change the truth.
Tamara hoped to intimidate Abigail to the point where she caved and withdrew from the race. “Deep down you know the name matters. The Mitchell name carries clout in this place.”
“Integrity, loyalty, and experience do too,” Abigail retorted.
“Fine. Believe whatever you’d like, but I can guarantee your feelings will get hurt before this is over, because my mother will not turn her back on me. Don won’t, either. I can tell you that with one hundred percent confidence. The name matters. You’re a fool if you think it doesn’t.”
Abigail reached for the calculator situated near the edge of her desk and began pecking at a few keys. Tamara wasn’t to be ignored. Victory was too close. She could smell it in the air. Abigail was weakening. Tamara would go in for the kill.
“Don’t take my word for it. Look at the history of DMI. How many non-Mitchell family members have served in the top position?”
Abigail kept pecking at the calculator and jotting numbers on what appeared to be a report.
“None.” Tamara allowed this realization to marinate. “Only three Mitchell men have held the position, not a woman and definitely not anyone from outside the family.”
Abigail gave Tamara a fiery look.
Tamara’s intent wasn’t to be cruel to Abigail. It was to help her face reality and move on. “Look, I understand why you want the job. That’s easy. Who wouldn’t want it? But this job and this place isn’t for you,” Tamara said, spreading her arms in grand fashion. “If I were you, I’d walk away from DMI with some dignity. There’s no wisdom in fighting for a job you’ll never have.” She hoped Abigail was caving. To make sure, Tamara would give an extra nudge. She stepped closer to Abigail. “And if by some twisted fate you were appointed CEO, I would never accept you in that position and would fight you to the end.”
“Can you please leave my office?” Abigail demanded.
“Gladly, and I really hope you hear what I’m saying. Save yourself the aggravation. Drop out of the race and let a Mitchell have the job, since one of us is going to get it, anyway.”
“Get out!” Abigail yelled.
“All right. I’m going.”
Tamara couldn’t draw any conclusions from Abigail’s last reaction, but the likelihood of Abigail bailing was high. The seeds of her inadequacy and impending rejection had been planted. Tamara crept off the executive floor and scurried from the building, undetected and satisfied. Step one, Abigail, was complete. Step two, Joel, was next.
Chapter 24
Tamara wasn’t the most diplomatic person Abigail had ever met. Yet her perspective bore a healthy element of truth. Unless her last name was Mitchell, Abigail didn’t believe she had a substantial shot at the CEO post. Don was a worthy opponent against anyone except his mother. It was a fact that Madeline got what she wanted at DMI 99 percent of the time. Abigail searched her soul to figure out how much she truly wanted the gig and to what extent she was willing to go. She pondered this until she finally felt drained. This job wasn’t for her. It would require too much fighting, and Abigail wilted at the mere hint of a battle.
Without any hesitation she soared into Don’s office. She had to share her decision before she had a chance to mull it over and perhaps change her mind.
“What can I do for you?” he asked.
“I’m withdrawing my name from the CEO candidacy.”
“What?” Don bellowed before collapsing into his seat. “Please tell me you’re kidding.”
“I’m sorry, but I’m serious. I can’t go any further with this.” Abigail felt awful. Don’s cheek and chin were cradled in the palm of his hand. She couldn’t take the disappointment on his face. He deserved better from her, but she wasn’t able to honor his request. “You know I’m grateful for the offer, but there’s too much opposition for me to be comfortable proceeding.”
“What happened between yesterday and today? Huh? Tell me. Did Joel get to you? He did, didn’t he?”
Abigail discounted his assumption frantically.
“It had to be him,” Don insisted. “What did he promise you?”
“It wasn’t Joel.”
“Then who?” Don yelled.
She was about to tell him about the eye-opening conversation she had had with his sister, but she stopped herself. Tamara wasn’t her sole motivation for withdrawing. She might have stirred the pot. However, competing against Madeline and Joel already had her doubting the decision to go forward. Alone they were treacherous when it came to business dealing. Together she couldn’t imagine how far they’d go to win.
Don came around the desk and approached Abigail. He gently placed his hands on her shoulders. “Please don’t do this to me. I have your back on this. You don’t have to worry. We’re going to win this. There’s no one more qualified.”
“Except Joel.”
“Joel has baggage and a reputation to overcome. Trust me; it’s nearly an impossible feat to win over our conservative board of directors with such baggage. He made fools out of them before. They aren’t eager to get pounced on twice. He’s out, which means the door is open for you. You’ll be a dream confirmation.”
“What about Tamara?”
“What about her?” he asked, removing his hands from her shoulders.
Abigail wasn’t going to reveal details of Tamara’s recent rant, yet she wanted Don to be aware of what they were up against. “Tamara is very upset, and I personally wonder if you can withstand her determination to claim the role as head of DMI.” Abigail questioned whether Don was unaware of his sister’s fervent opposition or was simply in denial about it. Neither scenario gave her the confidence required to fight the DMI battle. “It’s clear that Tamara feels entitled to the position and is willing to trample anyone in her way,” Abigail stated.
Don rested his hands on her shoulders again. “Abigail, I’m begging you not to back out. This is personal. If we can’t get you appointed, we’ll need to conduct a full candidate search.”
She tried shifting her glance away from him, but Don’s gaze followed hers. She couldn’t wiggle free. He had a tight grip on her due to their friends
hip and the dormant affection they had for one another which resided deep within.
“A full search could take months, even years,” Don told her. He let her shoulders go and moved away, scratching the back of his neck. “I can’t wait months or years. I have to get you confirmed now so that I can get out of here, knowing DMI is in good hands.”
She could tell he had more to say and therefore chose not to interrupt.
“It has to be you in charge, someone I trust. I can’t afford to run back if something falls apart at DMI again. With Joel, that’s a strong possibility. I came back once because God led me here. Don’t think I’m coming back after my mission in Detroit comes to an end. That’s why I prefer to have you as CEO. I like the odds of you being successful better than the ones for Joel. If you have a heart for DMI and share my father’s vision, you need to take this job.”
Abigail graciously waited for Don to finish before she spoke up. “Again, I’m sorry this isn’t going to work out as you’d like. However, for the sake of my sanity, I have to keep my resignation intact.”
“That’s too bad,” Don told her, allowing his disappointment to be seen and processed. There wasn’t much he could do in the way of convincing her to see his perspective. “Close my door on your way out, and please tell my assistant to hold all calls.”
His gaze was tranquil, much to Abigail’s bafflement. “Are you going to be okay?” she asked.
“I will be soon, once my plane lands in South Africa in a few weeks.”
Abigail wasn’t quite sure how he planned to transition out of his position at DMI without a confirmed replacement, but she wasn’t about to inquire. Don definitely didn’t appear to be in the mood for conversation. She quietly retreated into the hallway and left him to ponder his family’s complicated lives. She walked away, relieved. Abigail hated disappointing Don, but it was either him or her. Four years ago she would have acquiesced. Thanks to Tamara, saying no felt better.
Unforgiving Page 11
