Unmerited Favor: The Compassion and Peril of Mercy ( Un missable Series Book 2)

by Jerry Summers

  Sean snorts. “OK, too much moxie! Fifteen percent is all you’re going to get. As for the travel account, you’re my go-to guy, so you’ll be working closer with me, which includes travel.”

  “Well, then fifteen percent it is. What title goes with this promotion?”

  “Shit, I don’t know. Make something up that sounds important to you. I’ll give it my approval, and we’ll have the human resource wonkies work out the knowledge, skills, and abilities, the essential duties, and ultimately the formal job description. You’re going to need to be able to step outside your analyst role into a strategist role without losing your analyst abilities.”

  “Very well. I’ll get back to you with the title before the end of tomorrow. One last thing: I’d like the raise to be effective immediately.”

  Sean raises an eyebrow. “Your raise will be effective after all the paper work is completed and the promotion is officially put into effect. If you leak this negotiation to anyone within this organization, I’ll cancel everything, including your current job. Understood?”

  “Understood, and thank you,” Bradley says as he stands up to leave.

  “Don’t thank me. You earned every bit of it, and you were shrewd in your negotiations. Well done and well played. Now, go figure out what in the hell we are going to call you so you can get your raise. Thanks again for your terrific work, Bradley.”

  Sean picks up all the paper work strewn over the table as Bradley is leaving the conference room, then checks in with Evelyn.

  “OK, I’m heading over to meet with Charlotte. See you later.”

  Evelyn gives him a little wave as he walks out the door.

  On his way to Global Metal Refining, he phones Bonnie and briefly fills her in on his conversation with Bradley.

  “That’s exciting! I can’t believe we lucked into this situation with MEC. During your meeting, keep in mind that if Charlotte isn’t interested in supporting the Stevens Environmental Restoration Fund, perhaps she isn’t the correct choice for CEO of Global Metal Refining.”

  “I understand that, but I don’t want to play that card just yet. Let’s let her wrestle with this decision until the board meeting, since it also involves interpersonal conflicts for her.”

  “You handle it as you deem best. Just make sure we get Global Metal Refining’s funds transferred away from MEC and into SERF.”

  Sean rolls his eyes. “Patience, grasshopper,” he says sarcastically. “Sometimes these issues need to marinate a bit. We’re holding all the right cards and have the upper hand. Charlotte’s a smart woman, and she’ll do what’s right for her career because she’s too ambitious not to. I’ve got to go. I’m heading into her office now.”

  Bonnie grumbles a good-bye, and Sean hangs up.

  Charlotte greets Sean warmly and ushers him into her office. As he sits in what used to be Mark’s office, he can’t help but feel a sense of tremendous loss. Charlotte catches the subtle cues that something is amiss with Sean and questions him about it.

  He sighs deeply. “I’m sorry, Charlotte. It’s just that the last time I was in this office I was speaking with Mark, and being here again hit me hard. Mark is gone, and I’ll never banter back and forth with him.”

  “Oh, how insensitive of me. I never even thought about the impact meeting me in this office would have on you. I’m so sorry. We can move to the conference room if that would be easier.”

  Sean shakes his head. “Thank you for your concern. I’m over the shock now, so let’s just move on. You’re the CEO of Global Metal Refining, and this is your office now. I might as well learn to deal with it.”

  “Very well. What have you got for me today?” Charlotte asks, all business once again.

  “Well, Bonnie received some disturbing information from the FBI recently, indicating that Ricardo Montes hired a sniper to kill Mark and his cousin, Hugo.” He pauses to allow that information to soak in.

  Charlotte takes a breath. “Isn’t Hugo still alive though? We saw him at Ricardo’s funeral…”

  Sean nods. “It appears that when Ricardo died, the sniper discontinued his plans to kill Hugo. Apparently, the sniper, Jesus Rodriguez, worked with Ricardo on a Special Forces team and now works for one of the cartels as an enforcer. Anyway, he was arrested by the DEA and spilled the beans for leniency from the US government. Rodriguez went on to explain that Ricardo hired him because of the inequality among Mother Earth Cooperative, Global Metal Refining, and Diablo Mining, in terms of political influence and monetary resources. Ricardo wanted to even the playing field by having Mark and Hugo killed.”

  Charlotte holds up her hands. “Wait a minute! Did the powers that be at Mother Earth Cooperative know anything about this plan?”

  “That is undetermined at this point, and the FBI investigation is ongoing. I suspect they will deny any knowledge of this plan, but the question for Global Metal Refining is does it wish to continue supporting an organization that is becoming more of an ecoterrorist organization?”

  Charlotte’s lips tighten. “There aren’t any other alternatives, are there? I thought Mark wanted to position Global Metal Refining as an eco-friendly organization. Are you suggesting we abandon this strategy now?”

  “Not at all. It’s a great strategy. However, I’d like to propose a new alternative to improve it,” Sean says, smiling.

  “OK, you have my attention. Do share.”

  “Well, when Bonnie heard about the deal the DEA structured with Jesus Rodriguez and the expansion of Mark’s murder investigation into any possible involvement by Mother Earth Cooperative, she decided to fund a nonprofit organization honoring Mark’s memory and eco-sensitive work within the mining industry. She personally capitalized the organization and named it the Stevens Environmental Restoration Fund. She funded it with a billion dollars to help mining companies restore the lands they mine back to natural productivity. While the capitalization is enormous, the prolonged success of the organization will require corporate participation of companies engaged in the mining industry.

  “Bonnie felt, since Global Metal Refining is the largest corporate donor to MEC, it would be more prudent to shift that funding from MEC to Stevens Environmental Restoration Fund, in order to honor its previous CEO and position itself as the industry pioneer for environmental restoration. Since you’re completing mining operations with Diablo Mining in Brazil, this would be the perfect pilot project. Bonnie has also authorized me to hire Hugo Montes as the Stevens Environmental Restoration Fund spokesman and president.”

  “Why Hugo Montes? Isn’t he the target of Mother Earth Cooperative?”

  “Yes, he is. Who is a more perfect spokesperson than someone who recognizes the importance of proper restoration due to all the negative media attention he has received? Who better than a man whose cousin hired someone to kill him for his prior mining practices? He now recognizes that, while legal, those practices could be vastly improved, and we can couple this epiphany with a realization that the mining industry needs to be a self-policing organization. The goal isn’t to halt mining, but to restore land to its natural productivity after mining operations cease, and to do so globally. It’s a win-win for Stevens Environmental Restoration Fund, Global Metal Refining, Diablo Mining Inc., the mining industry, and, ultimately, environmental stewardship through a realistic, practical, innovative approach.” Sean watches Charlotte consider each possible scenario, feeling very pleased with himself.

  “I see the beauty of the winning combination in this proposal, but won’t Mother Earth Cooperative be the biggest loser for something they may not have had any knowledge of whatsoever?” she finally asks.

  “Let’s examine that for a moment, shall we? Let’s assume you’re correct, and the MEC’s leadership was completely uninvolved with Ricardo’s warped plan. They still have culpability because of their extreme ideology pertaining to mining practices, which may have fostered someone’s fana
tical behavior, regardless of their knowledge of such behavior. As a result of this, the opportunity has arisen for Global Metal Refining to partner with Mark’s widow and establish a self-policing organization that will not only hold organizations with poor environmental practices accountable but will also lead the way for their improvement. The real beauty of it is that it wouldn’t attempt to prevent mining; it would educate and fund environmental restoration projects benefiting not only the mining industry, but also future generations.”

  Charlotte shakes her head. “I understand all that. But you have to recognize the dilemma this puts me in—on multiple fronts. I think you’ve probably realized by now I’m dating Hector Sosa, and he is a highly political board member for Mother Earth Cooperative. On the other hand, one of my major stockholders, and the widow of our previous CEO, is attempting to honor his memory with a wonderful gesture, but to do that, I would have to withdraw support from one nonprofit to support another nonprofit, even though they are both aiming for the same ultimate goal.”

  Sean nods sympathetically. “It’s a little worse than that, actually, because the board of directors for Stevens Environmental Restoration Fund consists of Bonnie Stevens, Wendy Stevens, Jessica Silva, and me.”

  Charlotte’s mouth drops open. “You’re joking. You’re not really telling me the majority voting power of my board of directors makes up the majority interest in Stevens Environmental Restoration Fund as well. I don’t believe you.”

  “I’m sorry, but it’s true,” Sean replies, shrugging.

  Charlotte slumps back in her chair. “Well, shit. I’m in a no-win situation here. If I support Bonnie’s new endeavor, I piss off my boyfriend, whom I adore, and if I support Hector, I piss off my major stockholders.”

  “Well, that’s one way to look at it, but I’d prefer to spin it in a more positive light.”

  “Of course you would. That’s how you extract millions out of various organizations, including this one.” She shakes her head again.

  “Am I sensing some hostility coming from you?” Sean asks, a twinkle in his eye.

  “Yep. Definitely.”

  “Stop reacting emotionally and listen to me for a minute, because I’m about to earn my millions and provide a clean escape route for you with Hector.”

  “Really,” she says, more of a sarcastic statement than a question. “I definitely have to hear this one.”

  “All I’m asking of you is to put this whole suggestion before your board for discussion and a vote this month. There’s really nothing you can do about what your board decides,” he says, and realization dawns on her face. “You can put the blame for this entire unfortunate situation on me, because of Bonnie’s request, and should the board decide to follow Bonnie’s suggestion, it’s out of your hands. In fact, Hector could resign from the board of directors of MEC before the negative publicity hits and join the board of directors of Stevens Environmental Restoration Fund. I’m sure, as a board member of this nonprofit organization, we would love to credit him with securing Diablo Mining restoration in Brazil as the pioneer pilot project for Stevens Environmental Restoration Fund.”

  Charlotte begins to nod, slowly. “So am I authorized to speak with Hector about this situation and encourage him to save himself? And can I assure him that he’ll have a place on SERF’s board? He wouldn’t give up MEC for nothing.”

  “Yes, please do, with the caveat that he not discuss any of this with the Mother Earth Cooperative leadership, of course. Because of the ongoing FBI investigation.”

  “Understood. How quickly could you get Hector onto the Stevens Environmental Restoration Fund board?”

  “I’m sure all this could happen before you present my proposal to the Global Metal Refining board—if he takes your suggestion seriously and moves quickly.”

  “Very well. I’ll place your proposal on the agenda for the next board meeting and have an extremely frank discussion with Hector. I suspect you should anticipate a call from him shortly.”

  Sean nods. “Tell him I’ll look forward to hearing from him very soon, and I’m excited to hear he will consider joining the Stevens Environmental Restoration Fund board. This nonprofit is always looking for outstanding global citizens.”

  Charlotte breathes a sigh of relief. “Thank you. I’m beginning to see why Mark liked you so much. You truly do earn the millions you make from these companies.”

  “I’m just honored to be associated with you and Global Metal Refining,” Sean says humbly.

  Charlotte smiles sardonically. “Get the hell out of my office. I didn’t bring my waders to work today. And please make sure you set the groundwork for Hector to avoid a political nightmare.”

  “Consider it done.”

  “Thanks again, for everything.”

  “You’re welcome. Just remember this as you’re signing my check.”

  She makes a face. “Have a great day.”

  “You, too, Charlotte.”

  As Sean heads back to his office, he phones Bonnie again to fill her in on his success. He explains the concessions he made regarding Hector.

  “I like it,” Bonnie says. “I’d be delighted to have him on the board of directors. I believe we could leverage his presence on the board throughout Latin America, not only for SERF, but also for Beauty Boutique Clothing.”

  “I was thinking the same thing. I’ve got to go back to work. I’ll let you know what happens with Hector. Bye, Bonnie.”

  CHAPTER 22

  DILEMMA OR OPPORTUNITY

  Sean gets back to his office, and Evelyn hands him several messages.

  “Hugo Montes is waiting for a return phone call and asks that you call him as soon as you come into the office.”

  Sean looks at his watch then calculates the time in Brazil. He double-checks. “Are you sure? It’s after eleven his time.”

  “He was very specific. He said to have you call him at this number,” she points to a sticky note attached to the message, “as soon as you walked into the office, so please call him.”

  Sean shrugs and walks into his office. He closes his office door and phones Hugo.

  “Thank you for getting back to me so quickly. Your assistant is very efficient,” Hugo says. “I’m delighted to accept the position as spokesperson and president for Stevens Environmental Restoration Fund.”

  “Terrific. Bonnie will be ecstatic to have you on the team. This fits in with the overall scheme Mark and I came up with to make you the international spokesperson for environmentally sensitive mining practices. We originally laid it out at the beginning of MEC’s media attacks against Diablo Mining and Global Metal Refining, but we weren’t sure how we would do it. Now we are. The very first project will be the Diablo Mining restoration in Brazil.”

  Hugo is delighted. “Wonderful. Please express my appreciation to Bonnie and SERF for this opportunity.”

  “I certainly will. I look forward to having a drink with you to celebrate some good news for a change.”

  “I do as well, my friend.”

  “Get some sleep, Hugo. We’re going to get quite busy, very soon.” Sean says, flipping through his other messages.

  “Well, I’m ready. Also, tell Jessica I’m delighted her designs are doing so well. I see them everywhere I go now.”

  Sean hangs up the phone, and Evelyn knocks to tell him Bradley is on line one.

  He picks up the phone. “Do you have additional information for me about SERF, or is this concerning the other matter?”

  “It’s about my new job title. I’d like it to be vice president of global strategy and analytics.”

  “That sounds like a wonderful description for the position. As soon as we hang up I’ll contact human resources, and if they have any questions—which I’m sure they will, because they always do—I’m referring them back to you to work out the details.”

  “Fair enough.”


  “Take care, and keep up the good work. I’ve got to go. I’m way behind today.”

  Sean calls out to Evelyn. “Can you get HR on the line, please?”

  He is reviewing e-mails when Evelyn lets him know she’s got HR.

  Sean picks up the phone, tells them about Bradley’s new promotion and his raise, and instructs them to work out the job description with Bradley, pending his final review and approval, as soon as possible.

  When he hangs up yet again, Evelyn appears in his doorway. “Should I have lunch brought in for you?”

  “Please, I’m starving, and today isn’t going to slow down for me anytime soon. Did you hear my conversation about Bradley?”

  “I caught bits and pieces, but the gist of what I got is you’re promoting him to a VP position dealing with global strategy and analytics,” she says, leaning against the office’s doorframe.

  “Yeah, basically. He’s been doing some incredible work for me lately, and the little shit told me I was more of an asshole than a dick.” Sean shakes his head, grinning.

  Evelyn quirks an eyebrow. “So you decided to promote him because he pointed out the obvious?”

  “No. I mean, yes, kind of. Coupled with the great work he’s been doing on Beauty Boutique and Stevens Environmental Restoration Fund projects.”

  “Well, since it includes his work product, I think it’s a great decision on your part. If it was solely because he pointed out you’re an asshole, I was prepared to ask for my VP title.”

  Sean laughs and flicks his fingers at her, shooing her out of his office as he grabs the phone and begins dialing the next number. She shuts the door behind her, and Sean is pleased to hear Jess answer her phone.

  “I just wanted to tell you how amazing I think you are, babe, and how much I appreciate you keeping our relationship fresh and alive. I want you to keep this weekend open, because I’m going to take you to a special little bed and breakfast I know about in Carmel. We can spend the weekend curled up by the fire, reading and drinking hot chocolate, since it’s supposed to rain all weekend. I can’t think of any better way to spend the weekend than with you. Can you free up the time for a romantic excursion by the sea?”