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

by Jerry Summers

  She giggles. “That was poetic. I’d be delighted to spend a rainy weekend with you in Carmel, but can we leave early Saturday morning? I have a lot to finish this week.”

  “Early by your definition or mine? Because they are distinctly different, you know.”

  “Well, OK then. How is nine o’clock Saturday?”

  “Sure. I’ll pick you up then.”

  “Great! I’ve got to run. Talk to you later tonight, OK?”

  “OK, I’ll call you later. This day is outrageous for me, too.”

  Charlotte phones Hector to relay the discussion she had with Sean earlier today. Hector listens intently to everything she has to explain, then asks,. “Do either Sean or Bonnie have the ability to make any of these things actually happen?”

  “Oh, honey, they both do! Sean is shrewd and savvy, and the media loves him. Bonnie has more money than God to throw at the problem if she needs to, and when you throw in the part about doing this work to avenge your murdered husband, mentor, and best friend, you have a vicious combination, with the emotional zeal of an evangelist. So yes, they’ll reach their end goal no matter what it takes.”

  Hector is quiet for a few moments. “How long do I have to consider this before I make my decision?”

  Charlotte sighs. “I suspect you have about a week. My understanding is that Bonnie has secured a facility for SERF in Sausalito and has her immediate office staff hired already. I have received several phone calls asking me what I know about this organization from several very successful chief financial officers and one highly sought-after business development candidate. If SERF recruits any one of them, they’ll be a force to be reckoned with in the nonprofit world.”

  “What are your options, my love?”

  “At this point, I really don’t have any. If I refuse to bring it before the board, I alienate the major stockholders and voting majority. If I bring it forward, then it’ll be approved and I’ll have to divert funding to SERF, possibly alienating you.”

  “What have you decided?” Hector asks, unreadable.

  “I’m so sorry. I have to take the proposal to the board this month. My career depends on it.”

  “I see.”

  “Please don’t be angry with me. It’s a matter of survival, and both of them have at least been gracious enough to recognize the bind I’m in and provide an acceptable alternative for you to save face and gain some political ground, if you choose to.”

  “I’m not angry with you. Believe me, I understand your dilemma. As I see it, I probably don’t have much of an option, either. I just hate being manipulated like this, and you need to figure out a way to divide the voting members of your board, or this scenario is going to repeat itself constantly. That wouldn’t be healthy for your career.”

  She sighs in relief. “I know. I’m working on a strategy to do just that, but I must tread very lightly, or I’m out the door. My plan will need to be flawless, and when I execute it, it must be done with precision. There is an old saying that I feel I’m living by right now: If you go after the king, you’d better kill him, or expect to get your head lopped off. Having you on the inside on a board with them could be helpful.”

  Hector chuckles. “More incentive, indeed. Just be extremely careful. Bonnie and Sean appear to be extremely resourceful and competent.”

  “Oh, believe me, after my meeting with them at the villa, I realize just who I’m dealing with. They both have my respect, even if I don’t particularly like either of them.”

  Hector agrees. “My love, I have to be in New York next week, at the Ritz Carlton. If you can break away and join me, I would love to have you on my arm.”

  Charlotte smiles. “I’ll manage to come spend a couple of days with you since my hotel room would be free.”

  “Oh, there will be a charge for staying in my room. A barter of sorts,” Hector replies smoothly.

  “Honey, that isn’t a problem. As far as I’m concerned, it will be all my pleasure to pay that price.”

  “Not all your pleasure, I hope.”

  “Let’s just say, I intend for it to be a satisfying visit for the both of us,” Charlotte says, blushing slightly.

  “Excellent. I like the way you think, my love.”

  “I’ll see you in New York, and you can let me know your decision then. I’m sure I can buy you that much time.”

  “I’ll call Sean and speak to him about it myself as soon as we hang up, so no need for you to worry about contacting him.”

  “I’m looking forward to seeing you.”

  “I’m excited about you coming to see me, my love.”

  After they hang up, Hector phones Sean’s office and Evelyn connects him.

  “Hello, Mr. Green. Charlotte has explained the multiple dilemmas involved with MEC and SERF, and the plan you presented for me to save face. I want to thank you for your concern, and ask if I can give my decision to Charlotte next weekend, when we see each other in New York.”

  “Thank you for getting back to me so quickly. Absolutely. I’m sure I speak for all the board members of SERF when I say we would be honored to have you.”

  “Thank you,” Hector replies, rather stiffly. “I’m sure you can appreciate this is a decision that needs to be weighed very carefully on my part. I need time for proper circumspection.”

  “Of course. I’ll wait to hear from Charlotte. Enjoy your time together in New York,” Sean says smoothly.

  “Thank you for your understanding. Have a great evening.”

  “You too, Hector.”

  Sean hangs up and immediately phones Bonnie. He tells her about his conversations with Charlotte, Hector, and Hugo.

  “Charlotte and Hugo are on track with SERF, and Hector asked to delay his decision until after he has met with Charlotte in New York next weekend, I told Hector that timeframe was acceptable and that everyone looks forward to having him join SERF.”

  Bonnie asks, “And what did you think about it? Which way will Hector go?”

  “Hector really doesn’t have a choice but to join the board,” he replies smugly. “The stakes are too high for him if he sticks with MEC, especially when everyone knows we’ll be successful in discrediting them as an ecoterrorist organization.”

  “Do you think he is feeling angry about being boxed in like this?”

  “I can almost guarantee he is, especially given Charlotte’s initial reaction. No one likes to be manipulated like this, but after he’s had enough time to rationally consider the options, he’ll join us or be destroyed. Life is about choices, and this one is his to make, but I believe he’ll make the right choice.”

  “Is this approach going to hurt the board’s working relationship with Charlotte?”

  “I don’t think so. Charlotte was pissed at first, but once we offered a way out for Hector, I think she appreciated the gesture. She’s an extremely bright woman, and she understands this isn’t about her or Hector personally. I think she also understands that it’s immensely personal for you and me, with regard to Mark’s murder.”

  Bonnie sighs. “I just don’t want her to feel like we’re ganging up on her. I really do like her, but she isn’t going to minimize my role with Global Metal Refining either.”

  “Oh, I don’t think she’ll ever make that mistake again. Maybe you could take her to lunch and tell her you support her, and you know things have been a bit rocky for her. Assure her you are on her side, and you’ll back her if she does this for you and Mark.”

  “I can certainly do that. Perhaps I’ll have her drive to Sausalito for lunch and give her a brief tour of Stevens Environmental Restoration Fund’s offices. That way I can find out if she knows Jim Bush or Skip Duran and see if she has any recommendations about either of them.”

  “Perfect. The sooner you make the call the better.”

  “Well then, I’ll call her right now and have her c
ome tomorrow.”

  “Let me know how everything goes. Talk to you later.”

  Bonnie dials Charlotte’s direct line and is pleased when she answers.

  When Charlotte hears its Bonnie, she cringes, not sure where the conversation will head.

  “Hi, Charlotte. I’m pleased to reach you. This isn’t really a business call. I’d like to invite you to lunch or dinner in Sausalito tomorrow, if you can make some time in your busy schedule to just chat about some things.”

  Charlotte hesitates and makes a noncommittal sound, so Bonnie interrupts. “Please, Charlotte? I feel like we’ve gotten off to a rough start, and I want you to know I really like you and respect your abilities. Also, I need your advice and guidance. So please say yes.”

  Charlotte sighs internally. “I can do a late lunch. Say two o’clock, if you can make that work for you.”

  “That’ll be great for me. Will you come to Sausalito or should I come into the city?”

  “Oh, I’ll drive to Sausalito. It gives me some time away from the office, and tomorrow it should be beautiful in Marin County. But can you give me a heads-up on what this is all about?” Charlotte asks cautiously.

  “Well, I just want you to know you have my full support as the CEO of Global Metal Refining. Some things have come up in my personal life regarding Mark’s murder. I know you and Sean have discussed all this, and I thought about all that has happened between us, so I put myself in your situation. In short, if I had your position, I would be questioning what in the hell I had gotten myself into. I’d like to try to offer some reassurance that we’re not going to overpower you on any decision you try to make.”

  Charlotte chuckles and says, “That thought has crossed my mind more than once lately.”

  “I’m sure it has. I want you to know you have nothing to worry about; the board supports you, and we need your help with SERF. Sean and I aren’t out to make life miserable for you or Hector. I just want to honor Mark’s memory, work, and eco-sensitive progressive attitude. I truly hope Hector will join us, but you have my word that if he chooses not to, we will do everything we can to shelter him from the fallout.”

  “Thank you. All of this is coming at both of us so fast.”

  “I know. That’s why I want to spend some one-on-one time with you, so you really get to know me and hopefully feel comfortable working with me. I can assure you we’re not always going to agree on issues concerning Global Metal Refining, but I want you to be confident in your position as CEO and know you have my respect.”

  “I really appreciate this conversation, and I look forward to continuing it tomorrow. I’m sorry, but I have to cut it short; I have several people in the conference room waiting for me. Do you want me to call you when I’m done, or can we just pick up where we left off at lunch tomorrow?”

  “We can pick this up tomorrow. Thank you for finding the time in your schedule. I really do appreciate it.”

  Bonnie watches Charlotte as she walks into the hotel restaurant and to her table overlooking the bay, with a view of the skyline of San Francisco.

  She stands to greet Charlotte and says, “Thank you again for making time to have lunch with me on such short notice.”

  As they look out the window at the view, Charlotte admires the clear sunny day, saying, “I often take the beauty of where we live for granted. This is a spectacular day and a gorgeous view.”

  “Yes, it is, and days like these really highlight the city’s beauty. What would you like to drink?”

  “A glass of Chardonnay would be terrific.”

  Bonnie motions to the server and orders a glass of wine for each of them.

  She returns her attention to Charlotte. “So, I just want us to get to know each other better and pick your brain a little.” Charlotte just nods, and Bonnie asks, “Are you settling in all right at Global Metal Refining? Are you completely moved from Hong Kong?”

  “The move is complete, and everything arrived. I was pleased nothing was broken during the move,” she says as the server brings their wine.

  “Terrific. How are things at the office?”

  “I’ll have to get back to you on that one. As with any type of transition in leadership, there’s some uncertainty on the part of the staff, but I’m finally getting through speaking with every one of my direct reports. As you can imagine, Mark is going to be a very difficult act to follow.”

  Bonnie smiles sadly. “I’m sure that’s true, but I’m equally sure you’re up to the job. My hope—and really, my expectation for you—is that you’ll surpass Mark’s greatest hope for you and Global Metal Refining. I have no doubt you will.”

  Charlotte looks surprised. “Thank you. I appreciate that.”

  Bonnie nods. “You’re a very capable leader. If I was something of a bitch to you in Brazil, it was because I felt you didn’t respect me or the position I hold on this board. I know we’ve had our differences in the past, but I can assure you I hold zero animosity toward you, and I hope the same is true for you.”

  “Oh, I never intended to disrespect your position on the board or with this organization, and if I came across in that manner I certainly apologize. Likewise, I hold no animosity toward you, either. In my zeal to hit the ground running, I probably overstepped my position with Sean and you, which was never my intention. Sean was very gracious, and now you are being equally gracious. I have to admit, when I heard your voice on the phone yesterday I cringed, not knowing what to expect, so thank you for reaching out to me and extending this invitation.”

  “You are so welcome. Now, can we relax, get to know each other, and enjoy our time together?” Bonnie offers her glass for a small toast.

  Charlotte clinks her glass against Bonnie’s. “I would enjoy that very much. You mentioned you needed my help, so can we get all the business discussions finished before we relax? Otherwise I’ll be on edge, and I really don’t want to seem uptight.”

  “Sure. All I really want is your opinion on two individuals SERF is considering. One is for CFO, and the other is for VP of business development. The candidate for CFO is Skip Duran, and the VP of business development candidate is Jim Bush. Do you know either of them? If you do, will you share your opinion of them?”

  “I know them both, and they are incredible choices. Skip is at the tail end of his career, and you’ll probably only get three to five years out of him, but he would be an excellent choice, especially if you offer him a very solid retirement. Jim is a hard-charging, egotistical young man who often has more energy than brains. However, his contacts are phenomenal, and he’s a strong closer. You’ll just have to manage him closely. He won’t do anything to get you in trouble, but if he has an expense account he’ll use it to appear like a jet-setter. He always tries to fly first class, he likes fine dining, and he fancies himself as somewhat of a playboy. He’ll definitely raise awareness and copious amounts of money for the organization, so given the few concerns I’ve expressed, I think he would be a great choice if you’re confident you or your CFO can manage him correctly.”

  “That’s good to hear, and I appreciate your candor. I’ll take all this under advisement. Now, let’s enjoy our lunch and, time permitting, I’d like to give you a tour of the SERF facilities on Bridgeway.”

  “Don’t worry. I’ve got the time to see the building with you,” Charlotte says, smiling.

  Bonnie smiles back. “Perfect. How did Hector react to this situation? Is there anything I can do to give him a heightened level of confidence in our motives with SERF?”

  “I think the conversation here today will do a tremendous amount. Hector isn’t one to be pressured into anything, and I think he got the impression, as did I, that both you and Sean were manipulating us into a corner. The thought didn’t sit too well with either of us. I’m comfortable now that your strategy is against Mother Earth Cooperative, and not Hector or me.”

  Bonnie looks under
standing. “I see how that may have come up, but heavens no. Neither Sean nor I harbor any ill will toward either of you and, quite frankly, our strategy is to give both of you a good choice; albeit, the one we want is certainly better than the other, so I admit we were manipulating you to a certain extent.”

  “I can certainly appreciate a well-executed strategy, even if it was uncomfortable, and this is an excellent strategy. I suppose I must say, well played and thank you for your honesty.”

  CHAPTER 23

  DEVIANT BEHAVIOR

  After Wendy returns to San Diego from Bonnie’s, she busies herself studying, with the intent to understand the contributing factors Jill described about her husband’s sexual deviance. After some intense research, she learns that Zach’s disorder involves intense and recurring urges and behaviors that are centered on the humiliation of others. Those others can either consent to the activity or be nonconsenting partners, often including objects or animals. Zach’s psychosexual disorder involves practices that are socially repugnant, and this factor is a major component in how his sexual gratification is achieved. The more Wendy studies, the more frightened she becomes for Jill. Wendy recognizes a pattern developing in Jill and Zach’s sexual practices, designed to minimize Jill as a person and objectify her solely for Zach’s personal gratification, starting with emotional nullification, humiliation, and control, and leading ultimately to a form of absolute power over her.

  Wendy brushes up on a few cases that have involved this type of abuse and realizes that the end game will be a type of sexual torture not yet identified to Jill, but most likely the source of intense arousal and recurrent fantasies for Zach. Wendy is also concerned, based upon their initial appointment, that Jill will refuse to see the significance of her findings and will attempt to minimize Zach’s requests as slightly out of the norm but certainly not deviant. After all, Los Angeles is known for people’s willingness to experiment in all sorts of interpersonal indulgences.