Unforgiving

by Patricia Haley

  Chapter 51

  The heated board meeting drew on as noon approached. After several hours of being grilled, Joel wrapped up his presentation.

  “Thanks, Joel. If there aren’t any other meaningful questions,” Madeline said, staring each member into submission, “we’ll call for the verbal vote.”

  “I’d prefer to cast private ballots,” the outspoken board member said.

  “Me too,” someone else agreed.

  “How odd, coming from a group that preaches about the need for transparency. If you need to hide behind a ballot box, then maybe we should be seeking more than a new CEO. Perhaps we need to look at our list of board members too,” Madeline stated in such a harsh tone that Joel grimaced.

  “Joel, you can stay for the vote, or we can come and get you afterward,” Don said.

  “If it’s all the same to you, I’ll stay here,” Joel answered. Facing down those he’d wronged and publicly seeking their redemption required him to be present, and not cowering down the hall in some remote corner. He had to face down his doubters and stand with his supporters.

  “Please get some makeshift ballots for the group,” Madeline told her assistant. “We’re looking for a yes or no on the sheet. That’s it. Since Tamara didn’t show up, we’ll have to base this on eight votes.”

  “What if there’s a tie?” her assistant asked.

  “Unless Tamara shows up, Joel will serve as the tiebreaker,” Madeline replied.

  “How did you reach that determination?” the outspoken board member asked.

  “Easily. He’s a Mitchell, which counts in a company where DMI stands for Dave Mitchell International. If you need more explanation, accept the fact that he held the board seat before we appointed Tamara. He was on the board for years after Dave died. It’s not much of a stretch to recommend him,” Madeline said, almost daring someone else to respond.

  “That violates the company’s charter. The process of selecting a CEO is clearly defined. Madeline, you can’t make up rules as you go along and maintain a sense of integrity.”

  “Watch me,” she fired back at the outspoken board member.

  “If you proceed in this fashion, we’ll be forced to challenge the results in the event of a tie.”

  “Then I guess you better make sure we don’t end up with a tie,” Madeline asserted.

  Joel enjoyed being on Madeline’s team. He knew firsthand how she could be incredibly supportive or absolutely destructive. Avoiding the hot seat was refreshing.

  The assistant passed out small rectangular pieces of paper upon Madeline’s request, and a few minutes later she collected them for the tally.

  “That’s everyone,” the assistant told Madeline as she handed her the ballots.

  Joel cringed before allowing his faith to wash over him and drive out his anxiety.

  “Here goes. One yes, two yes,” Madeline said, revealing the count.

  Joel’s heart was racing.

  “One no,” she said, sending a fiery glare to the outspoken board member, even though the votes were anonymous. Madeline resumed tallying. “Two noes, three noes.” Madeline sighed aloud. “This is ridiculous. My son is leaving DMI soon, and you’re going to tell me that we can’t agree on the best DMI candidate available?”

  Joel had allowed his hopes to rise far beyond the ceiling, into the stratosphere. He hadn’t considered being turned down. His spirit said that returning to DMI was God’s will. Redemption was to be realized during his next term. Resting in the confirmation that was residing in his spirit, Joel kept from panicking. “Keep counting, Madeline. We’re fine.”

  She obliged. “Another yes, which makes three,” she said, stacking the yes votes together. “And another yes. Four yeses.” Madeline paused before opening the last ballot. “That’s it. Regardless of what’s on this final ballot, Joel is our new CEO,” she shouted.

  “How?” Don asked.

  “If it’s a no, we would have a tie at four each. Then Joel would vote yes, and we’d be done.”

  “Ah, right,” Don said, grinning. “And a yes vote would give us five, a clear win.”

  “Exactly,” Madeline said. She opened the ballot and showed it to the crowd. “It’s a yes. Congratulations, Joel. You’ll be the next CEO when Don leaves.” Not everyone at the table was thrilled about the outcome, and Madeline didn’t care. Good business wasn’t personal.

  Joel wasn’t able to move. Her words enveloped around him. He was overcome. God had delivered him from the bondage of his past mistakes. Together with Don and Madeline, he’d wrestled a giant and achieved a decisive victory.

  “Let’s set his effective date in ten days,” Don said.

  Nods around the table affirmed the plan, including a nod from the outspoken board member.

  “Thank you for the vote of confidence. I will work tirelessly to restore your trust in my leadership abilities,” Joel said.

  Shortly after the vote, several handshakes, and well-wishes, the board members filed out the room. Only Madeline, Don, and Joel remained, and then Abigail joined them. Joel eagerly shared the good news with her.

  “We did it,” Joel said. “I owe all of you.”

  “You don’t owe me anything,” Abigail said.

  “You can repay me by letting God lead you this time. Stay on track and you’ll be all right,” Don stated as he and Joel locked fists and shared a quick brotherly hug.

  For Joel, having his older brother’s approval meant a great deal. He was touched.

  “How about celebrating with Zarah and me at my house? We have several blessings to celebrate.”

  “What else?” Madeline asked.

  “There’s Don’s going away party,” Joel replied.

  Don shook his head. “I appreciate the offer, but no party for me unless it’s going to be in South Africa.”

  “Yeah, right,” Madeline mocked.

  “I was joking, but actually, that’s not a bad idea. I’m inviting everyone to join me on my flight to South Africa. I can show you my home away from home. Naledi will be excited to meet my entire family.”

  “I’m in,” Joel said.

  “I guess I am too,” Madeline said.

  “What about you?” Don asked Abigail.

  “Not this time.”

  Joel understood why she refused to go. He was certain Don did too.

  “Joel, you think your mother would be interested in joining us?” Madeline asked.

  He was floored by the comment. “I can ask.”

  “Good. Ask.”

  “Are you feeling all right, Mother?”

  “I’m fine. Don’t act so weird. Why not let Sherry come along? We’re not best friends, but we both love our kids. We will always have that in common.”

  “That’s fantastic,” Don said.

  Joel couldn’t thank God enough for the flood of miracles rushing through DMI and the Mitchell family. He’d never known a family circle larger than his father, mother, and Uncle Frank. Having a few more people who actually wanted to be around him was amazing. He was blessed, and he knew it.

  “We can all go together,” Don said.

  “The corporate DMI jet might not be suitable for such a long trip,” Madeline stated.

  “It’s not a problem. We’ll book a bunch of first-class seats together on a commercial flight, Mother. It is how most of the world flies, you know.”

  “Yes, I do know, smarty. However, we’re not taking a commercial flight. I’ll treat the group to a private plane. Let me know when you’re ready to go, and I’ll make the reservations.”

  “As one big happy family?” Don asked, beaming.

  “God help us,” Madeline said, trying to retain her stern disposition, which didn’t work. She was pleased, and it showed.

  Joel recognized the look. Forgiveness had a way of doing that to people. If there was hope for Madeline, then there was hope for Tamara.

  Chapter 52

  Joel was wired and struggled to contain his euphoria. His dash through the lobby was a
blur. He recalled speaking to a few people, but the details were hazy. He bopped to the second row of the parking lot and opened his car door. He didn’t get in until he glanced up a row at the CEO parking spot. Don’s BMW was tucked in the spot today. Soon his Rover would be nestled in the spot reserved for the top dog, and that would be him. He was filled with glee, vindication, and grace for the entire Mitchell family. Joel couldn’t be more hopeful. “Thank you, Lord,” he whispered and got in his car.

  He dialed Sherry, unable to contain his delight. “Mom, it’s done. I’m the new CEO.”

  “Oh my goodness!” she shouted. “Oh my . . .”

  He could tell she was crying, and allowed her a few seconds to digest the gravity of this victory. “It’s a miracle.”

  “I can’t believe it,” she uttered through the soft sobs.

  “Me, either.” Joel turned on the car in order to let the windows down.

  “I’m so happy for you. You deserve this job. Your father would be so proud.”

  “I think so. I know I’m eternally grateful. God has been so good to me, and Madeline too. She really came through for me in the meeting. Don too.”

  “That’s quite a shock after everything we’ve suffered over the years. You couldn’t have told me this would happen in a million years.”

  “Make that two million,” Joel joked. “Madeline can be a handful.”

  “Who are you telling?”

  “But when she’s on your side, Madeline is a great ally.”

  “Sounds like I owe her a big thank-you.”

  “I think she’d like that,” Joel said, finding it hard to believe the words were flying from his mouth. “As a matter of fact, she’s asked you to join the rest of us on a trip to South Africa. Don invited the entire family, and you’re included.”

  “I doubt that Madeline wants to sit on a plane with me. I might as well walk into oncoming traffic blindfolded. Think I’ll pass on that trip.”

  Joel recognized why his mother was reluctant. How could she not be? She and Madeline had been enemies for three decades. Had Joel not worked closely with Madeline and Don over the past few weeks and witnessed their sincerity, he would have taken the same guarded position as Sherry. “Mom, Madeline was serious about the offer. I can’t tell you what to do, but this is good for our family. I’m going, and I hope you come along too.”

  “Maybe you’re right. Madeline and I did have a few good chats here lately. Many years ago, before your father and I got married, I idolized her. You know, maybe a family vacation is exactly what we need.”

  “That’s what I want to hear. If God is giving us a chance to reconcile and come together as a family, we have to take it. South Africa, here we come.”

  “Joel, I’m willing to go, but keep the God references to yourself. Let’s keep this entire conversation very positive.”

  “All right,” Joel said, but little did she know that he had no intention of keeping God to himself. With the DMI matter settled and Zarah doing better, Sherry’s well-being was a key project on his list. He couldn’t convince her of God’s role in their lives, but what Joel could do was pray constantly for her salvation. He felt very encouraged. If Madeline could change, then anyone could, especially his mother. “I’ll call you later, Mom. I have a few more calls to make.”

  They exchanged loving goodbyes, and Joel was on to the next family member who could benefit from a dose of reconciliation. He dialed the phone number, eager to share his good news.

  “Frank Mitchell here,” the voice belted on the line.

  “It’s Joel.”

  “Well, if it isn’t my wayward nephew. To what do I owe the pleasure of this call? Or do I have to ask?”

  Joel had undertaken several ventures with his uncle. None of them had worked. Reflecting on this, Joel had realized that he shouldn’t have expected any of his proposals to work. Each had been conceived in sheer desperation. When the DMI board had rejected the purchase of Harmonious Energy a year ago, Joel had refused to accept the decision. He had partnered with his uncle to secure untraceable funds and had made the purchase on his own. Despite having to put up a DMI division as collateral, Joel had proceeded with the undercover deal. He hated remembering just how badly the deal had failed. He ended up getting Harmonious Energy but lost the Southern division to a group of Uncle Frank’s shady investors. Joel didn’t reflect for long. Those days and those deals were behind him. This was a new day, and by God’s grace, he didn’t plan on squandering his opportunity again.

  “I’m calling to share some good news,” Joel said.

  “Oh yeah? What’s that?”

  “Don is resigning, and I’m going to be CEO of DMI again.”

  “Oh, boy. Madeline must be spitting fire.”

  “Actually, she’s the one who recommended me to the board.”

  “What! Pigs must be flying somewhere. I can’t imagine the old girl getting soft.” Uncle Frank let out a gigantic chuckle. Joel wasn’t bothered. That was who his uncle was. Mostly, he was family.

  “When do you step into the corner office?” Uncle Frank asked.

  “In just over a week, right before I go to South Africa with Don. What are you doing this month?”

  “Depends on who’s asking.”

  “I’m asking you to jump on the plane and join the rest of us in South Africa for a Mitchell family vacation.”

  “Have you lost your mind? Isn’t that about twenty or thirty hours in the air?”

  “Around twenty.”

  “Shoot, there’s no way in the world I’d be in the air for that many hours, especially with a bunch of folks sporting the last name Mitchell.”

  “Come on. Don’t tell me you’re scared of a little flight,” Joel teased.

  “The flight doesn’t scare me. It’s the thought of being stuck in the air with Madeline and your mother. That would drive a man to drink or to the grave, and I’m not in a hurry to do either. Nope, nephew. You can’t pay me to get on that plane,” he said, chuckling loudly. “Go on your trip, and tell that good-looking stepmother of yours I said hello.”

  “Ugh, Uncle Frank. Aren’t you married?”

  “For forty years, but I’m not blind. Madeline is a good-looking woman. That’s the truth. She always has been. Dave hit the jackpot with her.”

  “Uncle, I have to go.”

  “All right. Well, give me a call once you move into the corner office. I’m sure you’ll want to get a deal going.”

  “Nope. Those days are over. Never again.”

  “Never say never.”

  Uncle Frank didn’t have to believe him. Joel would just have to show him.

  “I like you, nephew. You got something special in you. For what it’s worth, I wish you the best.”

  Joel thanked his uncle and sat in the car, in good spirits. His uncle hadn’t changed. But God was moving in the family. Joel had witnessed Madeline’s change of heart toward him, and his own toward Zarah. Uncle Frank might seem unreachable, but he hadn’t wrestled with the Lord yet. Like his uncle had said, “Never say never.”

  The next call was much more difficult to make. To maintain his fresh outlook, certain doors had to be closed. That meant Sheba had to be removed from her pedestal, which he’d labeled SPECIAL FRIEND AND CONFIDANTE. Doing what was right wasn’t simple. His relationship with her had a reserved place in his soul, and it was not easily removed. Yet there wasn’t a choice. He couldn’t genuinely get to know Zarah and tackle his personal problems head-on if there remained a secret escape door leading to Sheba. In an idyllic universe, his undefined relationship with a woman in Chicago could coexist with his marriage to a doting wife in Detroit. Reality quickly reminded him that he wasn’t in an idyllic universe. He was on earth and couldn’t split his affection fairly between the two women. He was torn up from actually thinking about letting Sheba go.

  Joel didn’t know what words would materialize when he actually made the call sometime over the next week. He knew only that he unpleasant task had to be done, just like
many other tough decisions that would undoubtedly have to be made. With that in mind, he had to reach one more person in order to make his day of celebration complete. Instead of placing the call, he’d see Tamara in person.

  Chapter 53

  When Joel arrived at Don’s building, he had a tough time getting past the guards. Instead of being irritated, he was pleased with the level of security Don had placed around Tamara. The truth was that she was safer in town. Home was Detroit. That was where the Mitchells’ saga had begun and where it would most likely end. He patiently waited for the guards to let him go upstairs.

  Finally, a gentleman in a suit and security patch on his left jacket pocket approached Joel. “I just got off the phone with Mr. Mitchell, and he’s given his permission for you to go up.”

  Joel thanked the guy and took the elevator to the thirty-fourth floor. Before ringing the bell, Joel stood and soaked in the gravity of this moment. The last and only time he’d been to Don’s place was memorable. He’d come here to hand the CEO position over to Don. That seemed like a hundred years ago. Joel also remembered the regret he’d experienced the day after. Giving up the CEO post had been the hardest, selfless, and dumbest decision he’d ever made. It had been a sobering reminder of his failure.

  Standing in the same space, as a changed man, refreshed his spirit and bolstered his resolve. He rang the bell, excited about reaching out to Tamara. She needed a champion. He had one in the least likely person, Madeline. If God could use Madeline to bless him, He could certainly use Joel to help Tamara. He rang the bell again, confident that the Holy Spirit was standing there with him, ready to soften a heart that was ready to be touched.

  Tamara opened the door after a short while. “Wasn’t expecting to see you,” she said, bracing her hand and her head against the door and gesturing for him to come in.

  “I guess you’ve heard by now that I was appointed CEO,” Joel said as he entered the condo.

  “I hadn’t, but I guess congratulations are in order,” she said in a way that might be construed as a backhanded compliment.

  Joel decided to take her well-wishes at face value and not read more into her comment. He was on a mission, and minor misunderstandings wouldn’t derail him.