Unforgiving

by Patricia Haley

  Sherry related to the scenario very well. Her marriage to Dave had been built on sacrifice, mostly hers. She’d given up her self-respect and her desire to be accepted in the Mitchell-DMI world. Not only had Madeline tormented her for nearly three decades, but outsiders had also labeled Sherry as a home wrecker. The label had driven her to stay at home more than she should have. The terrible memory of her extreme isolation and inadequacy wanted to wash over her. But Sherry wasn’t going to let Madeline see her vulnerability and judge her. She toughened up and continued with the discussion. Besides, this was about Joel, her heir to the Mitchell dynasty. It was better for her little family if Joel was on the inside of DMI, as CEO. When he was in that position before, she’d been lavished with respect. She wanted her higher status back.

  “Joel is a grown man. He makes his own decisions.”

  “I know all that,” Madeline said, her curt tone indicating that she was slightly agitated. Sherry wasn’t afraid. “Then you know I can’t tell a grown man what to do.”

  “He might be grown, but you’re his mother. I imagine that you have some influence on him.”

  “I’m not sure.” Sherry covered her face with her hands briefly.

  “Excellent,” Madeline replied. “You have to convince Joel that taking the CEO role is the best decision for the entire Mitchell family. His dad worked incredibly hard to get DMI to this point. We can’t let his legacy die with him.”

  Sherry listened intently. She’d never felt so empowered and meaningful. The entire family’s legacy was depending on her. She eagerly took on the personal challenge. “If you think I can help, then I’ll give it a try. I’ll have to remind Joel of what DMI means to the family and to his father.”

  “Good. That’s what I want to hear.” Madeline took several sips of the tea.

  “I’ll do my best.”

  Madeline stood. “I need to get back to the office. I can’t thank you enough for reaching out to Joel.”

  “No problem. Like you said, I’m his mother. I want him to get everything that he’s entitled to receive.”

  “Hopefully, your encouragement will sway him our way. Please let me know when you’ve spoken to him.” Madeline began walking out the kitchen.

  “Do you want me to call you at the office?” Sherry asked, since she didn’t have another number for Madeline.

  “That’s fine. I’ll look forward to hearing from you,” Madeline said, reaching the front door.

  “Maybe we can have tea again.”

  “I think I’d like that.” Madeline turned the doorknob. “By the way, how’s the dating going?” Sherry had a bewildered look. “Remember you told me about Joel setting you up for online dating?”

  “Oh, that,” she said as Madeline snickered. Sherry snickered too. “I haven’t started yet, but I am seriously considering it.”

  Madeline laughed out loud. “Let me know how that goes.”

  Chapter 42

  Madeline drove slowly down the driveway. She wasn’t desperate to get off the property. Yet she wasn’t hanging around for an extended visit, either. Once she’d cleared the driveway, Madeline pulled off to the side of the road and called Don. She’d have to use every means available to fulfill her plan of appointing Joel CEO and retiring shortly. She was getting close and felt a small amount of relief.

  “Don, you’ll never guess where I am.”

  “Should I be afraid to ask?”

  “Oh, silly, don’t be so dramatic. I’m not causing any trouble, if that’s what you’re thinking. As a matter of fact, I’m doing just the opposite. I’m making amends, if you can believe it.” In the rearview mirror Madeline saw a car pull behind her. She rolled her window down and waved at them to drive around her. At first they didn’t move, but they eventually took her direction.

  “Okay. You have me interested. Where are you?”

  “Sitting on Mayweather Lane.”

  “What in the world are you doing there? Looking for Joel?”

  Madeline grinned. “I came to see Sherry.”

  “Yeah, right.”

  “Seriously, I met with her, and it was pleasant.”

  “Oh, my goodness, what did you do?” he asked, sounding concerned.

  “Pipe down. I didn’t hurt little Miss Sherry. She was alive and well when I left,” Madeline said good-humoredly. “I can’t be responsible for what happens to her afterward.”

  “Mother, please tell me you didn’t get into an argument with Sherry. The constant bickering has gotten old, and I’m tired of the trouble between you. You have to give this a rest.”

  Madeline had to diffuse the tension that was building in what was intended to be a lighthearted conversation. “I told you the visit was quite pleasant. We had a nice chat.”

  “About what?” he asked, his tone softening.

  “Joel and her dating.”

  “Dating?”

  “Ah, don’t worry about that. I really went to see if Sherry could talk Joel into taking the CEO position.” Another car slowly drove past Madeline. There wasn’t much traffic on the secluded road. It was a key selling point for Madeline when she’d originally purchased the house so many years ago with Dave. “I figure that if anyone can convince Joel to reconsider my offer and accept the job, it would be his mother.”

  “I guess, but I can’t believe you went to see her.”

  “Well, she has been known to take advantage of an opportunity.”

  “Come on, Mother. Don’t go there.”

  “Wait. I’m not saying she’s an opportunist, but there was a time when Sherry was more than willing to take whatever her hands could grab.”

  Madeline didn’t have to go any further. They both knew she was referring to Sherry’s interest in pursuing a married man.

  “I thought you said the meeting was pleasant? Sure doesn’t sound like it.”

  “Don’t mind me. I didn’t bring up your father or any of our history.”

  “Good—”

  “I went with a purpose, and nothing was going to distract me, not even my justifiable anger toward Sherry.”

  “Good for you.”

  She paused. “Revenge doesn’t trump my mission to get what I want.”

  “I really don’t care why you went. I’m just glad you reached out to Sherry.”

  “Don’t read more into this than it is. I admit the visit was nice, but we’re not best friends. Let’s not go too far.” Madeline had to admit that Sherry wasn’t so bad. Previously, she hadn’t viewed Sherry as a woman filled with emotions, fears, and hopes for her child. All she’d seen clearly was the woman who’d brought hurt and shame to Madeline’s family. Every other aspect of Sherry’s character had been a blur.

  “You think she’ll get through to Joel?” Don asked.

  “I hope so. I need your help too. We have to convince Joel before you leave me high and dry. You have to speak with him and sell Joel on the plan. We have no other choice. I spoke with Abigail earlier, and she’s definitely not interested in pursuing the job.”

  “Really?” Don said. “Joel and Tamara finally got to her. She’s tired of the Mitchell infighting. But then, who isn’t?”

  “I’m sorry, son. I know you wanted her to get her day in front of the board.”

  “Ah, don’t worry about me. We need to get a replacement so I can get out of here as soon as possible. So I will talk to Joel for you if it will help.”

  Madeline thanked him. “I can always count on you.”

  “I’ll meet with him. However, as you said earlier, don’t read more into this than it is.”

  Madeline accepted the gesture as a positive step for the family. She let her Bentley glide onto the road, both calm and hopeful.

  Chapter 43

  The night had been a restless one for Don. Each noise had him jumping up to check on his sister.

  “Tamara,” Don called out as he approached the rear wing of his condo. He’d allowed that section to be his sister’s private sanctum. Don wanted to strangle this Remo guy for send
ing Tamara spiraling into a severe state of fear. As tough and ostentatious as his sister appeared, she was a wilting lily who had endured one devastating event after another. “Are you awake?” Don asked when he reached the guest suite.

  “I guess,” she responded.

  “Are you decent?”

  “Yeah,” she said, sounding weak.

  Don turned the knob and stood in the doorway. He refrained from entering the room. Too much crowding from anyone was bound to drive her into the streets and out of the country. He agreed with Madeline that they couldn’t let Tamara get away. If she left town, this time he feared it would be for good. He couldn’t bear the thought of losing a third sibling.

  “I’m just checking in,” he said.

  She was balled up on the bed. “You don’t have to babysit me. Don’t worry. I’m not going to jump off the roof or blow my head off.”

  Don had to believe she wasn’t seeking a response. He concealed his reaction.

  “Oh, don’t look so serious,” she told him, her words punctuated by a thin trace of humor. “I’m not losing my mind. You can tell Mother that I’m doing just fine.”

  “Are you?”

  “Doesn’t it look like I’m doing fine?” she asked eerily.

  “Depends on who you’re asking.” Don wanted to keep Tamara engaged without agitating her. “Why don’t I get out of here and let you rest?”

  “I am tired, actually.”

  “I’m not surprised. You should be worn out after your ordeal.”

  She pulled the pillow underneath her head and shrieked, “When will I ever get a break! Every time I turn around, there’s another problem or controlling person waiting for me. I don’t get it. What did I do so wrong in my childhood that has God punishing me like this?”

  “You can’t blame God for what happened Sunday.”

  “Then who can I blame?”

  “You can begin with Remo and go from there. God was the one who protected you.”

  “No, that was Joel.”

  “Who do you think put Joel in that lobby at the exact second when you needed help? Hmm. Have you considered that? Nothing is random.” Tamara seemed to be processing what he had said, but he couldn’t tell for sure. “Even when you don’t want to be bothered with God, He’s with you.”

  “He clearly doesn’t care about me.”

  Don pressed his hands against the door frame. “You are so wrong. You’re covered by my prayers and the ones Dad sent up for you before he died. There are people who love you. I love you, and God does too.”

  “Whatever,” she said, turning her back to Don. “Let me take a nap and get my head clear.”

  “Cool. I’m running out. Will you be all right for a few hours?”

  “Go. I’m good. I told you, I don’t need a babysitter.” She flung her hand in the air. “Go,” she repeated until he honored her plea.

  Don thought about staying at the condo and catching Joel later, but Madeline’s appeal was echoing loudly in his head. It wouldn’t be silenced. He’d better run on over to Joel’s house and hustle back home. On his way out he’d tell the guards to enforce tight security around his unit. No one in or out. Tamara would be safe, particularly after Don prayed for her. If Tamara ever needed a circle of protection around her, it was now.

  Chapter 44

  Don had to get moving. Joel had agreed to meet with him by three o’clock. It was already 2:30 p.m. Don whipped his BMI out of the garage and weaved into traffic. He zoomed from downtown Detroit to Joel’s house in the far western suburbs. Fortunately, traffic was light, and with an extra nudge on the gas pedal here and there, he cut his thirty-minute ride down handsomely. Arriving at Joel’s house, Don barreled up the driveway as his digital clock on the console flipped to 3:00 p.m. He had Tamara fresh on his mind. The visit would be short and direct. He rang the bell, and Joel came to the door right away.

  “Thanks for letting me drop by,” Don said, entering his brother’s house.

  “No problem. Sunday was weird, right? How’s Tamara doing?” Joel led the way toward his office.

  “She’s as good as can be expected.” Joel sat at his desk and gestured for Don to take a seat too.

  “Yeah, well, I’m hoping she’ll get past this.”

  “Me too. How’s Zarah?” Don asked reluctantly. With so much going on at DMI, Don hadn’t been able to check on Zarah and Joel since the baby died.

  “Ah, she’s upstairs. I brought her home from the hospital this morning. Let’s just say this hasn’t been fun for her.” They finally reached Joel’s office down the back hallway.

  “How are you doing with all of this?” Don asked. He couldn’t imagine the feelings associated with losing a child. His compassion went out to Joel.

  “I’m better than I’ve been in a long time.”

  “Really?” Don said, nodding. “Is that the voice of contentment I’m hearing?”

  “Maybe.”

  “What? Coming from you, this is nothing short of a miracle. You’ve seemed anxious over the past couple of months. What changed?”

  Joel chuckled, then appeared serious. “You know, big brother, I’ve decided to slow it down and live one day at a time, instead of constantly being on the hunt for the next big thing.”

  “I hear you.” Don couldn’t recall when he’d last heard Joel speak with such promise.

  “I had to get back to the basics and appreciate my blessings.”

  Upon hearing that, Don wanted to look around the room to see if he was in the right house. Seven or eight months ago an arrogant, self-servicing young businessman sat at that very same desk, threatening to reclaim the CEO post at DMI any way he could. This wasn’t the same man in front of him. This guy spoke with wisdom, humility, and sincerity. Don settled in his chair, glad to be there. He wanted to absorb fully the atmosphere and the pleasantries with his brother. Knowing the Mitchell family as he did, there was no telling when the old Joel would rear his head. Don concentrated on remaining positive. It made his request simpler, because there was more sincerity.

  “You seem to be in a good place. I’m happy for you,” Don said, relieved that Joel was in a mature state of mind. It was good to see someone in the family making changes.

  “I’m trying,” Joel said, tossing a miniature ball up in the air and then snatching it in midair.

  “That’s how I know you’re ready to assume the CEO position again.”

  Joel abruptly stopped tossing the ball and sandwiched it in between both hands. “No, let’s not get into that discussion. I’ve already turned Madeline down. Zarah needs me here, and I’m not going to abandon her.”

  “Come on, Joel. You need a better answer than that one. Zarah is going to recover by faith.”

  “Who’s faith? Mine or hers?”

  “Yours. She’ll work through her grief. Can you work through your fears?” Don asked.

  “Fear of what?” Joel asked, seeming quite irritated.

  “Fear of failing again.”

  Joel began tossing the ball again and laughed aloud. “That’s ridiculous. I’m not afraid of anything.”

  “Really—”

  “Yes, really,”

  Don didn’t mind Joel getting upset. It meant that his strategy of psychoanalyzing Joel was working. Joel was many things, but he was not a quitter. Don would draw on his passion and on prayers to get a yes out of Joel. He was close and would keep chipping away. “We each have a purpose on this earth, a divine calling to do whatever we have been equipped and anointed to do.”

  “I get all of that, but being CEO isn’t it for me,” Joel said, still tossing the ball. “Once upon a time, I thought running DMI was my calling. Dad said so. I believed him, and look at what a disaster that turned out to be.”

  “Okay, so you messed up. You got cocky and lost your way. So what?”

  “It’s quite a bit more than just getting cocky. I nearly bankrupted the company,” Joel stated.

  “So?” Don replied.

  “You weren’t so calm
about it last year.”

  “You’re right. I was angry last year, when my mother and Abigail summoned me from South Africa to help clean up your mess.”

  “That wasn’t the only time you were mad. You were angry when Dad chose me to run DMI four years ago.”

  “You’re right. I was the oldest and most experienced. It should have been my job.”

  “Don’t I remember. You and Madeline made that very clear.”

  Both of them laughed.

  “Seriously, I hated Dad and God. I figured if they were going to reject me, then I had no use for a father or faith,” Don stated, wishing to be fully transparent with Joel.

  “I know. That’s when you ran away.”

  “Best decision I’ve made. Cape Town was my refuge.” Don became choked up a little. “Going to Robben Island and hearing about Nelson Mandela’s willingness to forgive those who persecuted him changed me forever.”

  “That’s heavy,” Joel commented.

  “Tell me about it. Forgiveness changed my life. I was a wealthy young man who didn’t have any health challenges or other major issues, other than not getting hired to run my father’s company. I know it sounds like a spoiled rich kid who didn’t get his way, and honestly, it was. What a disgrace it was for me to act that entitled.”

  “Jeez, when you put it like that, we all sound silly, fighting the way we do.”

  “I’m glad you said that. It’s precisely why we can’t waste energy passing our bitterness from one generation in this family to the next. This has to stop. Life is too short to waste on nonsense and bickering over every little thing. Let’s get over ourselves, for goodness’ sake. We both have a purpose to fulfill. Yours is running DMI.”

  “Then what’s yours?” Joel asked.

  Don was filled with contentment. “God used me to help bring the family together. Like you said, this fighting is silly. There are people out there battling cancer. There are people without enough money to take care of their families, people with real problems who find a way to get along with their loved ones.”