“I can do it. My boss won’t want to see years of investigating Edward Hurst go down in an obvious cover up. Besides JOS, we have other federal corruption charges. We’re not going to let his sorry ass use Stella as a distraction,” Jake adds.
“I’ll have my jet ready on Sunday morning. You’ll be given full access to the company files and financials. Anything you need, you have. You’re the only one I trust on this.”
He nods and starts typing.
Chris stares at me, our thoughts the same. I hate to do it but I have to warn her.
“Stella, we need to tell you something.”
“This is about to be public isn’t it?” Her voice barely audible.
“Yeah, babe, in my experience with international law, once the investigation is open, the news has access. They never have the whole story, but they release the headlines anyway. With Hurst & McCoy being a global group, they will pick up on it. We need to get some statements ready.”
She sits up and looks around the room with tears in her eyes. But she inhales deeply and determination sets in. “I need to know one thing. When you fucking nail Edward Hurst, can I have two minutes alone with him in a private room? No cameras, no microphones, no witnesses?”
Jake and Chris both smile widely and Mom snickers.
“We may be able to arrange that, off the record of course,” Jake answers her.
“Okay, I’m going to make some calls to tell my friends and family what’s about to happen. Then I’ll prepare some press releases. I’m not sure what good it will do, but I’ll call my closest clients and tell them as well. They’ll believe what they want, but they deserve to hear it from me. Then we are all going to bed for at least four hours. Tonight, Max is cooking and we drink copious amounts of alcohol. I want to forget this. I need to forget this.”
“You’re fucking amazing,” I say unashamed. She’s about to possibly lose her career and any credibility she has and her head is one hundred percent in the game.
Everyone agrees with her and we spread out. I asked Mom to call my brothers and Dana so I could work closely with Chris on his strategy. Stella calls her parents first and explains what is going on. I hear her cry a little but then she gets pissed. Her screaming fills the house and I smile to myself. There’s my fiery girl. Chris and Jake both chuckle and shake their heads. After another hour, it’s obvious that Laci knows because Marshall Barnes calls my cell.
“Max, what are you doing about this?” he barks in greeting.
I tell him the plan we’ve come up with and his anger continues to radiate through the line. Even with my attempts to appease his worry, he doesn’t back down. He speaks the words to me I’ve been afraid to let myself think.
“Son, there’s a good chance she’ll never recover from this professionally. I’ve watched her grow up and chase her dreams. She’s damn good at what she does, but even with all the support behind her, she’ll never be able to run from being associated with child solicitation. It’s like a Scarlett letter. She may be giving you a brave face, but inside she’s crushed. Let’s hope your plan works before she’s persecuted in the public eye.” Without another word he hangs up, leaving me deflated.
Chris must have heard him through the phone because he give me a shoulder squeeze and leaves the table.
Thoughts run through my head of how selfish I am to bring Stella into this. If I’d left her alone, she’d be safe. But my life without her doesn’t make sense. It has no purpose anymore. She’s become the reason I wake up to a new day. Just being in her presence is an honor. She says she loves me, but does she really know how much I love her? Is this the price of loving me? Losing everything she worked so hard for? Even if I forced her away, she’d always have a target on her back with Edward knowing how much I care about her.
“Hey,” her gentle voice soothes me and I lean into her side. She runs her hands through my hair and massages my scalp lightly. “You okay?”
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I think my parents are fine. They’re worried but know to avoid any questions and stay clear of the press. They may go away for a few days and take Amy with them. Laci is livid so I think she wants a few minutes alone with Edward too when Jake gets him. Landon and Ryan are worried, but know not to talk to anyone. I had to leave messages for my closest clients.”
“Tell your parents and Amy to come here. There’s plenty of room.”
“You sure?”
“Yeah, I want you with the people who love you. If I know Jake, this will be over in a few days. He’s good at his job.”
“Okay, I’ll call them back. You ready to work on the press releases now?”
“Yeah, babe, let’s get Chris too. He’s going to need to speak for you.”
She nods and gets her laptop, sitting beside me. I call for Chris and everyone piles back in the living room. For the next two hours, we run through scenarios and plan a release for each. Dana calls around nine from the office. Even though it’s Saturday, she is gauging the staff and watching for Edward. She’s also waiting for the press to start calling.
“Max, Matt just called and said to turn on the TV,” Mom yells.
I grab the remote and pull Stella to me. The reporter comes on at the same time her phone starts ringing. She looks at me with a look of despair.
The usually perky reporter, who I recognize from TV as well as local appearances, stares into the camera with a look of pure agony as she reads from the teleprompter. She’s an acquaintance of Stella’s and it’s obvious this is hard on her.
“This morning we learned that a local public relations firm owner finds herself in the hot seat as allegations of accepting foreign bribes and possible underage solicitation surface. Stella Sullivan, owner of Sullivan PR, is being investigated for allegedly accepting foreign bribes while working with the widely popular JOS brand in South America.
“Late this summer, Sullivan PR landed the heavily sought after contract to help turn around the flailing JOS Athletic Brand. JOS, a Hurst & McCoy company, found itself in the middle of a media and public relations nightmare when it was discovered the company was misusing funds, providing unsafe working conditions, and even creating ‘sweatshops’ to meet deadlines. This international athletic line, which is known for the ‘Just One Shot’ brand, is a major employer in rural South America, providing 40% of the jobs in the area. With federal charges pending, Hurst & McCoy vowed to investigate all allegations and take appropriate action.
“Miss Sullivan was awarded the job to head public relations and marketing to help Hurst & McCoy climb back from the debilitating accusations. Throughout the months, we have heard the project plan to pour money into the impoverished community and provide safe and favorable working conditions to the people of the area. Maxwell McCoy has personally spoken with this broadcast several times outlining the philanthropic and economic changes being made to adjust the employees and communities surrounding the factory. Even though the investigation into the unsafe working conditions was never confirmed, Maxwell McCoy promised that Hurst & McCoy would never allow for doubt again. He cited the fact that his employees, their families, and the communities were a priority to Hurst & McCoy.
“Sources say that several large specialty firms bid for the opportunity to work with Hurst & McCoy on this endeavor. However, Sullivan PR, known as a small boutique firm, was awarded the job. Sources close to Hurst & McCoy say more changes came shortly after Miss Sullivan was given the project. There was a huge shift in power as Maxwell McCoy, took over and several key people in the company were terminated. Rumors even circulating that suggest Miss Sullivan and Mr. McCoy are in a romantic relationship.
“This morning, a picture surfaced showing Miss Sullivan in a private meeting with a South American Federal Official and they are exchanging a significant amount of money. The money is from Lucas Diaz who is now confirmed dead. Mr. Diaz is known to be involved in prostitution rings around the area. Shortly after this exchange, three girls have come forward with allegations that Miss S
ullivan approached them directly with an offer to work for Diaz. Each girl claims that she was offered a position at JOS as a front to solicitation.
“As the allegations continue, we have learned that South American officials have opened a full investigation into these claims and Stella Sullivan will be questioned. At this time, it is uncertain if she acted alone or if Hurst & McCoy is aware. We have reached out to Sullivan PR, Hurst & McCoy, and the JOS marketing team and received no comment before we went to air.
“We’ll keep you updated as the story unfolds.”
“Remind me to take her off my Christmas card list,” Stella sneers.
“You okay, sweetie?” my mom asks, walking up to her and wrapping her arms around her waist.
“Yeah. Actually I am. I do this for a living. People lie every day.”
“Time to get my woman to bed. I think she promised at least four hours of sleep.” I roll off the sofa and tug her out of my mom’s embrace. “We’ll see y’all in about six or seven hours.” I wag my eyebrows at the guys and Stella slaps me on the arm.
“No way! Don’t listen to him!” she calls over her shoulder as I pull her into the room. “You just embarrassed me in front of your mom.”
“You’ll get over it. She knows we have sex and I’ve been out of town for a long time. The situation wasn’t appropriate earlier, but now, I’m going to sink into my beautiful girlfriend until she helps me forget the stress for a few hours. Then we’re going to sleep until I wake up and sink into you again.”
“Max—” she starts to argue.
I push a stray strand of hair behind her ear and stare into her now honey eyes. “No, babe. I need this. I need you. I feel like I’ve let you down. The one thing you cherish most is in question because of me.”
“It’s not the one thing I cherish most anymore. I cherish you.”
“Jesus Christ, I’m a lucky motherfucker.”
“If that’s the case, then why don’t you make me lucky too.” She smiles seductively and starts undressing.
“Gladly.” I strip quickly and follow her to the bed.
“Go away,” I groan at whoever’s knocking at the door.
“No! I need to see Stella,” Laci yells.
Stella snores lightly beside me with her legs tangled in mine. I reach for my phone and shoot a quick text to Laci on the other side of the door.
Me: Keep your voice down, Stella’s finally sleeping
Laci: That’s great, but we’re all here including her parents. She needs to wake up.
Me: I’ll be right out.
Laci: You have five minutes. Wake her up too. I know she’s tired, but we have questions.
Me: You’re a pain in the ass
Laci: Forever
I unlatch myself from Stella’s body and miss her warmth instantly. She stirs and her lazy eyes open to mine.
“Where are you going?”
“Babe, Laci’s here and so are Sam and Jenny. We need to get up.”
“Ummm.” She closes her eyes and rolls over. I notice the bite on her neck and it makes me grin, remembering how she got it.
Her body jolts and she lifts up with the sheets covering her. “Did you say my parents are here? Already?”
“Apparently.”
“Shoot, shoot, shoot. I need a shower. Can you keep them company?” She jumps up and runs to the bathroom looking at me.
“Yeah, babe, but when you get dressed, may need to cover my love bite. I may have gotten carried away.”
Her eyes turn soft and she gives me a sweet smile before closing the door.
When I get to the living room, it’s standing space only. Not only are Stella’s parents and Amy here, but so are my brothers. There’s a ton of chatter, but when I walk in, it stops. Shame washes over me when Sam’s eyes meet mine. His disappointment is clear. Jenny is a bit softer, her expression is more troubled.
Laci surprises me by walking up and hugging me hard. “You okay?” she asks.
“No, last night the woman I love fell apart in my arms. She cried so hard, I can still feel her shaking. One of the men I grew up admiring has turned into a greedy, pompous, conniving bastard and his coward ass went after my girlfriend. I’m pissed.”
“Good. I like pissed. What’s the plan?”
I tell them as much as I can without compromising Jake’s role. Stella joins us and comes directly to my side, slipping her hand into mine. Eyes dart between the two of us and my heart beats faster. With this one gesture, she’s made a huge statement. We’re in this together. She’s doesn’t blame me. She’s showing everyone who loves us that we’re a team. This means as much to my family as it does hers.
“Max is cooking tonight, we’re drinking, playing games, watching football—whatever normal families do on Saturday night. Tomorrow we’ll talk more, but tonight I want to forget. Can you all do that for me, for us?”
“Hell yes!” Mason booms and goes straight to the bar. “Let’s start the normal part of the evening while my brother tells Matt and me why we didn’t know about this place.”
“My fault! I wanted it to be a surprise. There’s still a lot to do, but I wanted us to have a vacation home.” mom tells him.
“Cool, this is an awesome place. Anyone want to show me around?”
“I’ll do it! I want to show everyone. Follow me.” Stella kisses me quickly on the cheek and leads the crew downstairs to start in the basement. “Max, will you get my parents things and set them up in the blue room? And put Amy and Laci’s stuff in the back room?”
I move quickly, doing exactly as she says. Chris and Jake shake their heads, but help. When I get back to the kitchen, I notice someone has stocked it fully with enough food to feed our group for several days.
By the time the tour’s over, appetizers are set out, wine is opened and everyone’s mood has shifted. Stella’s responsible for this. No one wants to disappoint her even though you can see the concern in their eyes.
The guys settle in the living room while the women sit and talk about the cabin. My mom asks Stella questions about her ideas for the bedrooms and kitchen renovation. I inwardly smile because she’s trying to be inconspicuous, but she wants Stella’s input, knowing she’s going to be here a lot.
We eat, drink, and party into the night. Stella, Laci, and Amy let loose after my mom, Sam, and Jenny go to bed. Laci’s mouth is in overdrive as she makes suggestive comments all night long to Jake. He tries to ignore her, but she’s pretty distracting. I shake my head at her twice trying to warn her away. She gives me the finger, rolls her eyes, and whispers something in Stella’s ear.
Laci must not know my knack for supersonic hearing because as soon as I hear the words “skinny dipping” I jump up.
“No way. Not tonight and possibly, not ever.”
“What are you talking about?” Laci asks innocently, slurring a bit.
“Stella gets naked with me. Only me. No skinny dipping.” I bend and pick Stella out of the chair, heading to the bedroom. “You guys do what you want, but we’re going to bed. And Laci don’t pound on our door in the morning.”
“I may have forgot to mention that Max has stellar hearing. No secrets around him.” Stella giggles.
“Well, that sucks.”
Sunday was a very somber day. We were no longer able to avoid the press, the news segments, or the imminent investigation. Max, Chris, and I explained everything that happened, starting with Edward’s involvement in illegal operations surrounding JOS. No one spoke as Max explained he had proof and would be going to the authorities once we cleared up this mess. He did not tell them about his relationship with the local and international federal agencies.
Jake called after lunch to let Max know he was at the factory and had eyes on the man that took the photo. He’d have an update for us by tonight. We all fielded calls from friends and family asking about the allegations. Everyone had been given instructions to say the same thing so our stories were consistent.
Max stayed calm throughout most of the day unt
il he had to accept Edward’s call. He’d been avoiding him as long as he could.
I followed him to the back porch so I could hear exactly what was being said. “Edward,” Max greeted him coolly switching over to speaker.
“What the fuck is going on? Where the hell have you been? Do you have any idea how this looks?”
“You know where the fuck I’ve been. I just got back this morning, came as soon as I could,” he lies. “And I’d have to be a tremendous idiot not to know how this looks. But none of it is true. I was in the factory with Stella when that imposter propositioned her. My sources have been looking for him until he turned up dead. None of this shit is true.”
“True or not, we can’t be associated with that woman and her business. Fire her now and maybe we can get someone to take on this mess. It’ll cost us a fuck load, but we have to do what is best for all involved.”
“I’m not firing Sullivan PR,” Max hisses, his jaw clenched.
“The fuck you are! I let you have your little fun with that woman, but now my company is on the line. No piece of ass is going to jeopardize the hard work I’ve put into this company for over thirty years.”
“I told you once, Edward, don’t ever call her a piece of ass again. As soon as I clear up all this other shit, you’ll pay for that fucking remark. I’m not throwing Sullivan PR under the bus knowing the allegations are false. She’s already going to take a public beating. I won’t embarrass her business further.”
“Maxwell, I still have my name on this business. You may think you’re a hot shit lawyer that can overrun me in my own damn company, but you are wrong. I’ll fire her ass myself!”
“Edward, I’m warning you here. I already know about you holding out payment, I also heard what you did to Grant when he followed my instructions and cut a check. We’ll discuss that as soon as I get this shit under control. I’ve got a plan here and we’re doing this my way. Don’t forget who holds the most power here. My mom’s shares give me the majority vote.” He doesn’t give Edward time to respond but goes on with a stronger sense of authority. “I’ll be in the office by six tomorrow. Dana and I have prepared a statement. I’m calling a press conference for ten am. Be there. You may want to bring Rita as well. We’re going to address this head on and make it clear that Hurst & McCoy and JOS are dedicated to finding the truth and following legal business practices. Our resources are endless when it comes to uncovering the facts. I’ll have the statement on your desk by seven. It would be a good idea to show we are unified in this. Because when the truth comes out, you don’t want to look like Hurst & McCoy vilified a respected business partner. That’s what will happen. Stella is a darling in the PR community. She’s going to get hit hard with this, but her loyal clients will stand beside her. Shit, people are going to flock to her when her name is cleared. We want to be on the positive side of that, Edward. Not the side where we threw her to the wolves.”
Smokescreen Page 21
