by T S Paul
“And you are?” I gave the older man a sharp look.
“Peter Gan. It was I and the rest of the junior partners that asked you here.”
“I’ll stand, thank you. So, what is it you want from me?” I gazed out at the crowd.
“OK. We thought we would ease into this, but here we go.” Gan held out an envelope towards me.
“This is the buyout package we have put together for Henry’s shares in the business. You will find it is very generous.”
I took the envelope and opened it. From the corner of my eye, I could see the other partners nudging each other and smiling. The check inside was generous. I scanned the settlement paperwork. It was as Lori told me. They wanted all of Henry’s shares in the firm. But they forgot a couple of rather important things. I smiled as I closed the envelope. “Interesting. And I should take this offer why?”
Peter started to say something, but Zack laid his hand on his arm stopping him. “It’s illegal in this country for a non-lawyer to hold any kind of position on a law firm board. You have to sell Henry’s position.”
“It’s not enough. I want you to double it.” I looked Zack in the eye.
“Double? That’s insane. You must sell his position, Camilla. You don’t have a choice.” Peter practically shouted at me.
Since I was still standing, I could see everyone in the room, and they could see me. “Don’t I? Henry left everything he owned to me, his loving wife, and the mother of his children. I recognize that a non-lawyer cannot be on the board of a law firm.”
Both Zack and Peter smiled and nodded to each other.
“But I’ve been offered quite a bit more than this amount for Henry’s shares.” All the members of the board sat in shock.
“What! You can’t do that!” Zack jumped up out of his chair.
“Sure, I can. There is nothing in the charter of this law office that forbids it. In fact, Henry had a running list of law firms that made offers. Currently, this is the high bid.” Pulling out a card I tossed it at Zack.
Both men peered at the card flipping it over to check the law office's information. Peter said something to one of his assistants who stood and walked briskly from the room. Peter spoke first. “Camilla, how long have you had this?”
I tried to not smile. The card was from one of the biggest law firms in Rochester. They had a reputation of being unethical and would do anything to win their cases. The representative that spoke to me said they were branching out and thought Henry’s law firm perfect for their needs. “A couple of months. The offer is still good by the way. I actually showed you the low number. They have mentioned spending at least ten percent more. If you double the offer you gave me, you can prevent the bidding war.”
“That’s highway robbery!” Peter showed the other members of the board the offer from Rochester.
It was interesting to me to watch the reactions of the lower ranking members when the name of the firm was mentioned. Many had looks of disgust on their faces. The assistant returned with a packet of files and set them between Peter and Zack. As she whispered into Peter’s ear, he pulled back and looked at her in shock.
Zack grabbed the files and opened them. After reading the top page, he passed it to Peter. I gave them several moments to freak out before speaking again. “As you can see, I’m not lying. Henry borrowed the money to start this firm from both his family and from me. Do you really think that I would allow him to cut my daughters and me from any future financial dealings? My mother didn’t raise a fool. It is totally and completely within my rights to sell his share to another firm.”
“We can’t give you double. There aren't enough liquid funds in the firm's coffers to cover an expenditure such as this. The very best we can do is this.” Peter scribbled a number on a pad.
I glanced at the number. I ask for ten million, he offers seven. Interesting. Lori was the one that told me how much to ask for. The firm had right at eight million easily available without tapping their individual funds. This much I knew for an absolute fact. “Add an extra five hundred thousand to that, and I’ll take it. If not, I call Rochester.”
Peter and Zack exchanged glances again. “Deal.”
“Excellent.” Reaching into my purse, I pulled out a contract and offered it to them. “I have the deal prepared, actually. Feel free to read it if you like.”
Zack muttered as he took it. “You bitch. You planned this didn’t you?”
“I just took advantage of your sense of superiority and willingness to strongarm me.”
Peter held up the contract. “This is very well done. Who prepared it for you?”
My eyebrows went up, and I just stared at him. Really?
“I understand.” Peter shook his head and gave me a wry smile. “You have to have some secrets don’t you.”
Ignoring his commentary, I scanned the table around him. “It’s a good deal. I give up any and all claim to Henry’s percentage of the firm’s control, and you pay me seven and a half million dollars. For that sum, I will cut off negotiations with Giovana Ponzo and the firm in Rochester.”
Everyone at the table froze at the name Ponzo. It told me that they knew the mob was behind the law firm that wanted them. I began to wonder about who else here was in deep with the criminal element. My plans might need to be changed.
Peter recovered first and pulled out a pen. He wasn’t a senior partner, but he was acting like one, which was very interesting. He glanced at the others and signed my contract. Passing it around he stared at me. “The money will be in your account by tomorrow. Is that satisfactory?”
I inclined my head but didn’t answer him. Not yet. I had one last card to play in this little game, and I needed them all to see it. The document made its way to me after everyone signed it. I carefully checked it over. One thing both Henry and Lori taught me was always check a contract. If it’s been out of your hand's, someone can add or subtract a clause without your knowledge. If you sign it, you’re screwed. On page three I found a tiny notation changing the clause about Henry’s personal property. I took this to mean the contents of the vault.
“No.” I slid the paper back to Peter without signing it.
He looked at me incredulously. “What? This is your contract!”
“Not anymore it’s not. Who changed the clause on page three?”
Peter opened the contract to page three and scanned it. “Dammit, Zack! Get your ass over here and change it back.”
Zack crossed the room and leaned next to Peter’s ear. He tried to keep it quiet, but hiding things from a Witch is never that easy. “We can’t let her have the vault, Peter. You know who some of that stuff belongs to. If they find out, it’s our ass, not hers.”
Peter never once looked at my face. He covered his mouth and whispered back into Zack’s ear. “She may not even know it’s there. Besides, to get the big stuff out, she physically has to remove the door and part of the wall. We would notice that. It’s our building. We can object.”
My expression never once changed, but inside, inside I was cheering. Sometimes you just can’t fix stupid. How and why Henry ever chose to work with these people is beyond me. They were just stepping stones to me on my way to greater power and influence. I would get what I wanted no matter the personal cost. Besides, seven point five million was nothing to laugh at.
Zack practically growled at Peter, but he erased his change and initialed everything.
“I want a quick affidavit made up that he changed the wording and then changed it back. Not going down the road of you people trying to invalidate this contract.” I glared at them.
“Fine. Whatever.” Peter scanned the room. “Lori can you print up a general form. Zack will sign it.”
Lori stood and went out to the outer office.
Zack bitched at Peter about it until she returned. I took the time to scan the others in the room. As far as my limited Magickal senses could tell no one here, except Lori, had even a trace of power. That surprised me. Henry did some work for
my mother’s coven. Or at least he said he did. Lori was a known factor and would be coming to work for me just as soon as this mess was settled. My fee was going to gut the firm, and it was only going to get worse for them when I dropped my news on them. How dare they try to cheat me? Everything has a price.
“Everything is changed, and the affidavit is signed and witnessed. Will you please sign and get this over? We all have work to do.” Peter handed the papers back to me.
I gave everything a quick scan to make sure nothing else changed including the affidavit. Then I signed it.
“Excellent. Lori, since you’re up will you please make copies of this and prepare one for the court?”
Turning my eyes toward Peter, I arched an eyebrow. “Court?”
“Just a formality. We will hold that copy in case you try to change the deal. Standard procedure I promise. When are you coming to retrieve Henry’s things?” Peter pulled out a date book.
“I’m not. His office is now my new base of operations. City Council elections are in a few months, and my campaign will need a headquarters.” I smiled at him.
“Wait. What? You can’t do that. We just signed a contract with you buying Henry’s share of the business. That office is now part of the firm.” Zack yelled at me.
I glared at Peter. “Curb your dog, or I’ll take care of him myself. This firm doesn’t own the building. If you check your rental agreement, the third floor isn’t included in it. That was Henry’s and Henry’s alone. Other than the name of the firm, you have no claim on that space. Prying the name off the door is easy.”
“That’s impossible. When I was made partner, Henry told me this building was ours.” Zack turned towards Peter and the others. “She’s trying to weasel out of the contract!”
“Think back, Zacharia. I was at that partner’s dinner as were the rest of the junior partners. What did Henry really say?” My tone held a certain amount of malice to it.
The man to Peter’s left frowned and answered before Zack could. “I was at that dinner. Henry talked about several things, but he said the building was his, not ours.”
Peter’s face took on a look of horror. “If we hadn’t agreed to your price, would you have told ‘them’ about this?”
“No. I would have made a separate deal. I’m not stupid enough to dance with the bear.” Pulling a fast one on the mob wouldn’t have been smart.
Zack looked at Peter. “What is she talking about?”
“Henry owned the building, not the firm. She can do anything she wants to now. It’s her building.” Peter looked at my evil-looking smile. “How much will our new rent be?”
Grabbing the original contract off the table, I replied. “I’ll think of something. It will be commensurate with your treatment of me. Nice doing business with you.”
The entire table and most of the room looked like they were in shock. I expected Zack or any of the others to attempt to get into Henry’s vault before I could move in. Over the past few nights, I had security cameras and a new alarm system installed when I changed the locks. Should be fun to watch.
Chapter 4
“How long are we going to permit this?” Giovanna Ponzo stood at the doorway watching the coven’s newest acquisition.
“As long as it takes. Her line is very powerful. I wish we had known of her years before rather than now. We could have moved up our plans.” Horatia Lucchese commented.
“No. Those plans, while years in the making, were dependent upon several factors completely out of our control. What use is power if there isn’t a vessel to contain it? Besides, her memories hold many secrets. Secrets and lies that may advance the purpose and goal of our coven. Keep her sedated and put pressure on her to finish her story.” Ysabel Luciano stepped away from the fire-blackened wooden door behind which the Strega’s newest prize lay. She led her two advisers back towards the throne room.
“Has the Dragon Ambassador arrived yet?” Ysabel looked at her security contingent.
“He is just now clearing the gate. His companions caused some issues with the quick reaction force.” The leader of the guards was a tall man with every exposed part of his body covered in tattoos.
“Humans?” Ysabel asked.
“No, Milady. He is accompanied by two Dracaenae. Both are young for that species.”
“Interesting. Those have not been seen in this world for a millennium. Post extra guards in the throne room. Be sure to issue everyone spears and shields.” Ysabel directed.
“Spears, Milady?” The guard captain looked at her with wide eyes.
“You forget yourself Captain Orlando. I will allow you this one break in protocol. But just this one, understand?” Ysabel’s eyes looked as if they could melt steel.
Captain Orland went down on one knee and bowed his head. “My life is yours, Milady.”
Ysabel ignored his comment. “Scylla was a Dracaenae, as was Echidna. If the myths are to believed, they are formidable opponents. Keep your guard up at all times. The Dragon Empire are nominal allies with us. Until our alliance is secure, your job is to protect us from them. As a whole, they are very dangerous.”
The Captain opened his mouth to say something but changed his mind and stayed quiet.
“Speak.” Ysabel cocked her head and stared at the cowering man.
Orlando shook his head no.
“Speak. What is your question?”
Resigned, the Captain asked his question. “If they are so dangerous, why do we invite them inside our wards?”
“You were wise to not speak. That is a question for the Coven only, but I will answer you.” Ysabel paused and gazed at the trophies lining the walls. Almost a thousand years of history was in this room. From humble origins to real power, the might of the Strega was unfolded.
“Dragon kind once ruled this world. There is a reason they persist in our legends. The beings we call the Gods, drove them from Earth banishing them to the voids of space and time. But they have covertly continued to hold influence here. The Gods as we know them are waning. Belief in them isn’t with the masses any longer. The white god still holds some sway, but the old ones scrabble for the scraps. The Dragons seek allies for their return. There is much power in the hands of men. That power must be subdued before they can openly act. Our pact with them will accelerate their timetable. We will get our revenge on those calling themselves Americans and at the same time weaken the barriers allowing our ally access to this world.” Ysabel smiled.
“But that doesn’t explain why they are coming here?”
“Ah, yes. They are delivering something. Our price for the alliance. Nothing is free in this world. Everything has a price. You just must be willing to pay it. Prepare the men, the Coven will meet in session shortly.” Ysabel watched him leave.
“Did you hear?” Ysabel spoke into the room.
“I did. The Dragons are a wild card in our plan. If the book they hold weren't so important, I would advise leaving them be.” Set’s voice seemed to come from the very walls. Even Ysabel shivered when the God spoke.
“Are you sure there is no other copy available?” Ysabel backed up to her throne and sat down.
“There is, but it is protected by forces far greater than you can overcome. The Dragon’s copy is easier to obtain.”
Ysabel persisted. “Is it off the planet like their copy?”
“It is now. My agents were about to claim it in Haiti when it vanished. Someone has been meddling and breaking the rules along the way.” Set almost growled the last part of his statement.
“Another God?” That worried the Strega Queen. The Gods were fickle and very troublesome.
“Yes. Athena has been collecting knowledge for centuries. What her ultimate plans are is unknown. If you see an owl nearby kill it. She has spies everywhere.”
“Yes, Milord. Can we raid her storehouse? If she has claimed it, the knowledge there must be great.” The very idea made Ysabel’s head spin.
“Put it from your mind. The library of Alexandria is pr
otected by space and time. For now, it is untouchable. If we can upset the balance here on Earth, you may gain access. Time will tell.”
“Milord, Set?” Ysabel called out to the God, but he was gone. If the library still existed, it could advance the Strega’s cause more than siding with Dragons. She would have to consult the Oracle and her historian.
<<< >>>
“Why are we here in this cold, dark place?” The oldest of the Dracaenae spoke to the human ambassador of the Dragons.
“Lord Leomaris sent us here. These Witches wish an alliance with the Empire.” The ambassador was human. He had fought tooth and nail up the chain of command to gain the trust of his masters. Fighters that started in the gladiatorial games didn’t usually live long.
“What do they want from us?” The other Dracaenae spoke with a sibilant accent.
“Amongst the books left by the fugitive Sarkany was a work of great power. These Strega wish to use it to raise a Dark Prince. Our master wishes this world to fall. The death and destruction of its inhabitants will ensure we gain control of the system. We were driven out once. That will not happen this time.”
“Yes. We know this world. Our ancestors feasted here.” The oldest of the two scanned the room.
“And we will again. Someone comes, my brother.” The younger Dracaenae moved to stand between the ambassador and the oncoming person.
“Ambassador Dimachaerus? Queen Ysabel and the Strega will see you now.” Captain Orlando stood in the doorway.
<<< >>>
To have a full quorum of all the Strega Witches was unusual. Despite their recent losses in the United States, the women that controlled their criminal enterprise were needed in key positions worldwide. But the alliance with the Dragon Empire took precedence. All thirteen thrones were filled when the ambassador and his guards entered the room.
“Thank you for joining us, Ambassador,” Ysabel spoke from the highest throne.
Dimachaerus scanned the room before answering. “The Dragon leader Lord Leomaris sends his greetings.”
Ysabel licked her lips. “Do you have the book?”
