“You really believe she’s innocent don’t you?” Edward’s voice softens, shocking Max and I both.
“I know she is.”
“You know more than you’re telling me, Max?”
“Yes and no. But trust me to get us through this tomorrow. Stand beside me, support my stance. Show our employees, partners, and investors we will get to the bottom of this.”
“I’ll be in your office at six to talk.” He hangs up.
“Was that odd?” I ask quietly.
“Yeah, it was but I’m not letting my guard down.” He led me back inside and we spent the rest of the afternoon reviewing our strategy.
Max leaves before five am, and I start working on the influx of emails. Laci finds me hunched over my laptop at seven. We split up the messages and start our calls. As the morning progresses, I have to tamper the urge to cry.
“Well, fuck you very much.” Laci stares at her phone in disgust. “Douchebag.”
“Laci!”
“Pricks are what they are. Stupid pricks. We don’t need their business anyway.”
My mood drops a little more knowing we lost another client. So far I’ve lost sixty percent of my current workload. Even though Hurst & McCoy had taken up a lot of my time, I still had side projects. Today was supposed to be the launch of a new campaign for a local business expansion. We had plans to meet in my office to brainstorm on the overall marketing strategy. Laci got a call canceling the meeting until further notice. That was just one in many clients that wanted to distance themselves from Sullivan PR. Surprisingly, the clients I left messages for on Saturday morning had called and requested to move forward. So while I was losing business fast, I still had something to keep us floating.
Landon’s beside himself begging to come help, but we told him to stay put because he could be followed by the press. So far every single contact I had at the local newspapers and television stations had called to ask for a comment. I ignored them, knowing our plan for this morning would give a more powerful impact.
Sara, Matt, and Mason all left to attend Max’s press conference. Chris worked alongside us until it was time for him to go to my office. My parents and Amy tried to stay out of the way, but it was obvious they were listening to every word. Even Laci’s inappropriate tirades each time she hung up with a client that was firing us.
Promptly at ten, I turn on the local news and watch as the press changed the programming to the Hurst & McCoy building. Dana chose one of the boardrooms that I’d never been in. The formality was overwhelming, but we had to emphasize who Max is. He’s the President and CEO of an international conglomerate. He’s in charge of thousands employees around the globe working for his companies. His time is limited, his experience and knowledge is priceless, and his dedication to his business ethics commendable. He needs to look the part, so the formality is expected.
When he walks in the room, my breath leaves my body. He looks every bit of authoritative, decisive, commanding, and all business. Edward follows behind and positions himself directly on the right side of the podium. A few other people stand in the background, which I recognize as the executive board. Vicki and Henry are the only ones I know.
There’s a buzz in the room, but Max’s powerful presence causes silence.
“Over the weekend, the Hurst & McCoy organization once again found ourselves in the news with regard to one of our businesses. JOS Athletic Apparel is currently undergoing extensive renovations in all areas of operations to make sure it is the best it can be in regards to employee safety, satisfaction, and operational efficiency. Our commitment has not wavered. Hurst & McCoy is still dedicated to uncovering the truths and any injustices that would link with our name.
“We take our promises seriously and as an obligation to our JOS family, we will be launching a full investigation into the allegations that a trusted business partner has broken not only the law but also our strong code of ethics. Our investigation will be independently funded and will cooperate with federal and local officials. Because this is now an active investigation, we cannot comment on the allegations, charges, or the business relationship with Sullivan PR. All we can say is we believe in our legal system and intend to reveal any and all inappropriate behaviors.
“Not wanting to halt the progress we have made with the rebuilding efforts in South America, we will remain business as usual and continue the work we started. Edward Hurst and I stand behind our company. Hurst & McCoy has been in business for over forty years. Like my father before me, I take my position as a leader very seriously. My executive team, the board members, and our employees all support this action. Thank you for your time today.”
Max doesn’t move as questions are screamed at him. He raises his hand and scans the room with agitation. “I’ll take a few questions. But I’ll warn you, don’t waste my time with questions regarding the allegations brought forward.” His eyes land on the reporter from Saturday and she sulks back in her chair.
“Mr. McCoy, is it true you came back from South America when you heard about the charges? Doesn’t that send mixed messages to the employees and their families?”
“My decision to return was purely a business decision. I needed to get to my team and speak with Edward about our plan of action. I’ve sent word back to my management team in South America that I’ll be back as soon as possible. Next.”
“Mr. McCoy, if these allegations are found to be true, what will you do?”
Max’s jaw ticks and his fingers grip the wood tightly. “We will follow this to the letter of the law and do what is necessary to protect the innocent and prosecute the offenders. You may remember I’m an international lawyer. We’re at an advantage here.”
“Mr. McCoy, are you in a personal, romantic relationship with Stella Sullivan?”
Max face grows alarmingly red, his glare penetrates angrily and even through the TV I hear him growl. “What’s your name?”
“John.” The poor reporter sits back a little.
“John, you must be new around here because one thing I’ve always made perfectly clear is I don’t discuss my personal life. And on that question, I’m done.”
Max gives the man a death stare then turns and walks out with Edward following him. He glances at his watch briefly and I know he’s thinking about me. We planned it so as soon as Max was finished Chris would speak. Laci rushes over to me with my laptop and we watch the video streaming of my office building. News vans have been parked outside for over twenty-four hours shooting live shots in front of my door.
Chris walks out looking like he just stepped off the pages of a magazine. His suit is tailored to fit him perfectly and the green tie makes his eyes stand out against his tan face. He looks the epitome of badass lawyer, domineering and forceful. Similar to the way Max looked when he walked into his boardroom.
Cameras flock to him and the TV makes a quick transition to the live stream as well. He stares at the camera directly in front of him and puts his hands on his hips. The stance commands attention and the chatter around him turns to silence.
“My name is Chris White and I’m Miss Sullivan’s personal lawyer. First, I’d like to say that Miss Sullivan vehemently denies any and all allegations against her. She has never accepted bribes nor engaged in child solicitation. Her work in South America was through a legitimate business contract between Sullivan PR and Hurst & McCoy. These false accusations have no merit. Miss Sullivan has and will continue to cooperate with local and international officials to clear her name.
“We ask that you respect her need for privacy at this time. Whatever the motives behind this vicious attack on her character will be uncovered. Standing by her business partnership with Hurst & McCoy, she will do whatever necessary to reveal the truth. Her commitment to rebuilding the JOS brand and the community is still very much a priority to her.
“Most of you have worked with Miss Sullivan for years and know her true character. She’s well known in the community with her tenacious work ethic and dedication. No
one has ever questioned her devotion to her clients and their businesses. Any future questions going forward regarding Miss Sullivan should come directly through my office.”
Reporters yell questions, but Chris walks back into the office, shutting the door in their face. The screen switches back to the news studio. I don’t even have to change the channel to know this is on every local station. I even tipped off a national network anonymously last night through Jake’s covert line.
The room is still as we all look at each other, waiting for someone to talk. Of course, Laci breaks the ice.
“Woo hoo! Those two kicked ass.” She throws her hands in the air clapping loudly.
Tears well up in my eyes and I smile at her. “They really did. The control and power in each of their body language and voices made me even tremble a little.”
“What’s next in the plan?” my dad asks.
“We wait. Chris got a call for me to talk to an official in South America, but he’s trying to negotiate the man coming here. Since I haven’t been charged, we don’t have to travel. Max doesn’t want me near there until we find out why the girls are lying. Their depositions put me in danger. Also, we think Jake will have something soon. He’s really good at his job.”
“I thought he was a bodyguard?” my mom questions.
“He’s kind of a super spy bodyguard,” I lie.
My phone rings and Max’s face fills the screen. “Hey, you were great.” I tell him walking to the porch.
“I’m pissed. I almost pummeled that jackass for asking about us.”
“Honey, it’s not really a secret.”
“No, but he purposely tried to discount my credibility.”
“Umm,” I murmur thinking of Max and his commanding presence. It’s a complete turn-on, which is highly unsuitable for everything happening around me.
“Did you just moan?”
“Yeah, I can’t help it. You looked fucking hot. The air in the room was still as you demanded attention and respect. Everyone hung onto your every word. If I were there, we’d probably be naked right now.”
“Jesus! Did you really just say that? I’m fired up ready to kill and your thinking about being naked? I’m trying to defend your honor here and keep my company clean.”
“Yep. Pretty sure defending my honor earned you a blow job.”
He lets out an audible breath and chuckles. “Glad to know your priorities are in line.”
“Max, I know I’m currently a sinking ship. I lost sixty percent of my business this morning. My mind is reeling with what I’ll do next and if they find enough evidence to charge me. But for a few seconds, it was fun to forget.”
“Babe, few seconds? How about tonight I make you forget for hours?”
“My parents are down the hall,” I argue.
“Leave it up to me. God, I love you. You’ve made me smile even with a totally fucking shitty morning.”
“Love you too. Now I have to go call Chris and tell him how hot and amazing he was too.”
“Stell …” Max growls. “Don’t even joke. He’s my best friend, don’t give him any ideas that he has a chance with you. He’ll take the risk of an ass whipping.”
“I’m kidding! I do need to call and thank him. We need to get a plan together too. My statement went out to the officials this morning.”
“See you tonight.” He hangs up and my phone immediately rings again.
I’m surprised to see it’s Marshall Barnes. “Hello.”
“Stella Bella, are you okay?” he asks with a deep voice.
“Not really, but I’m hanging in there.”
“I called Chris White and told him I’m your business lawyer. We’re working together on a few things. The first thing I’ve done is called the bank and frozen your account indefinitely until we get a trace on who sent the money. It’s my understanding you have a friend with special skills?”
How does he know about Jake? And how much does he know? “How?”
“Don’t ask questions. I’ve been digging around. I know things. Keep your chin up. I’m working on an angle as well. And tell that fella of yours I may have been too hard on him Saturday. Knowing what I know now, he may be an alright guy.” He hangs up without me asking him what he’s talking about.
A small shiver of uncertainty runs up my spine as I play back the conversation. What the hell does he mean “knowing what I know now”?
My mind and body go through a flood of emotions over the next few days. It’s like a cycle, I scream in anger and cry in sadness as my name is tossed around with the words child endangerment, prostitution, and pedophile. None of the journalists or news reports actually accuses me of any wrong doings, but the insinuations are there as they relay the same story over and over. There has been no movement towards charging me with anything.
Max drives into the office every day and tells me that the employee morale has sunk. He tries to show unity by making himself seen, but people give him sideways glances when he walks through. Another problem we have is that Erica has reared her ugly head again. She was quiet for a while, but now she’s called and shown up trying to worm back into to Max’s life. According to Dana, she snuck into his office and freaked out when she saw the picture of me on his desk. Edward had to retrieve her because of her dramatic show. Luckily Max was in a meeting, but he was livid when he heard.
My parents have tried to keep my spirits up, but I continue to slip into a depression. Max feels it and pushes me to talk, always comforting me. Not knowing the direction of my life is taking its toll.
For three days this goes on until we finally have a break. Max comes in at two, surprising everyone. He looks nervous, tired, and completely out of character. He walks straight to me, pulling me into his arms and holding tight. Without saying anything else, he lets me go and motions to my dad to follow him outside. All the women watch, trying to see what is happening, but Max is smart and leads my dad down to the dock.
The front door opens and people start piling in. Sara, Matt, Mason, Dana, Dave, and even Landon walk in with questioning looks on their faces. As soon as Laci and I see Landon, we jump to greet him. He squeals as loud as us. Chris walks in next, wearing another power suit, and carrying what looks like a case of champagne.
My heart flutters that we may actually have a reason to celebrate. Max and Dad walk back in and both are visibly more relaxed. Max comes straight to me again and situates me to his side.
“It’s over. Stella’s name has been completely cleared. Jake will be here in a few minutes and explain everything.”
Shock floods my system and I look into his deep blue eyes swimming with relief. “Really?” I squeak.
“Yeah, Bella, really.”
I can’t stop the sob that escapes, it’s like an avalanche of emotions washes through me. Arms wrap around me from all sides and Amy and my mom cry silently into my back. Heaviness seeps from my shoulders and disappears as his words sink in. My nightmare is over.
“Shhh, sweet girl.” Max’s hands rub gently up and down my arms until I get my breathing under control.
“What the fuck happened here?” Jake’s deep voice booms through the room and I scramble out of everyone’s embrace and run to him. He barely catches me before I plow him down, hugging him tight.
“Thank you!” I scream. “I’m so sorry I was ugly to you the first time we met. You really are a good bodyguard.”
He grunts and chuckles. “Stella, if that was your ugly, we gotta talk.”
“Stella, want to let him go?” Max snarls and I move away slowly, wiping my face. Laci hands me a tissue as I back into a wall of muscle. Strong arms circle my waist and move me to the sofa.
“Alright, man, tell us everything.”
Matt hands Jake a beer as we wait in anticipation.
“It was the right call sending me down there. Otherwise, we’d still be scratching our asses. All it took was some gentle persuasion to get the truth. Like we thought, it was all money. The pictures, the girls, the Stella look al
ike—all of it was money. At first, it seemed Diaz was the mastermind, but his death left unanswered questions. His cousin, who is the kingpin, is pissed. Looking for revenge. There’s no way he’d be this mad if he ordered the hit. He’s after blood.”
“Am I the only one lost here?” Laci interjects.
“Hold on, sweet lips, I’ll get to it. The guy taking the pictures, the factory employee’s name is Raul. He lives with his sister and her kid. The kid’s sick. Really sick. According to him, Diaz approached him and his sister about providing specialized medical treatment in the states if they’d agree to the photo. It was simple. Diaz got Stella alone and propositioned her with the money, then threatened her. Raul took the picture. Later that day, Diaz set up the meet and greet with the sister, dressing her in similar clothing that Stella was wearing that morning. Raul, once again, took the pictures and then handed them over. They kept the money with a promise to get further information on medical treatment in a few days.
“When I approached him, he didn’t even deny it. He sang like a bird, telling me everything. After the investigation was open, he and his sister realized they were played. The only source of income they have is his job and he put that in jeopardy. He was scared to death of Diaz until I told him he was dead.”
Smokescreen Page 22
