This Tender Melody

by Kianna Alexander

  She searched the crowd, and saw Mimi pushing through. Her young secretary’s face filled with concern. Pulling her earbuds from her ears, she stooped near Eve’s side.

  “What can I do to help, Ms. Franklin?” Her soft tone and familiar voice helped to soothe Eve’s frazzled nerves for the moment.

  “Call an ambulance. And send someone to tell my mother that Dad fainted.”

  Mimi dialed on her cell phone, and instructed a female employee nearby to alert Louise. Eve stroked her father’s brow with trembling hands, sending up a silent prayer that her father would be all right.

  Time slowed for her as she cradled his head in her arms. When the paramedics came, she watched as they lifted him onto a gurney and wheeled him across the crowded dining hall. Large tears welled in her eyes. I’ve never felt so powerless. Like a ghost, she followed the response team, wanting to at least see him make it into the ambulance.

  Louise appeared on their heels, and together they raced out into the sunshine. Already, news reporters had surrounded the waiting vehicle. As she and her mother jogged out of the building, people began shoving microphones and cameras at them from all directions. She balled her fists at her sides, and her brow furrowed until she couldn’t see. The downtown location of FTI presented a few downfalls, one of which being it’s proximity to news outlets like the Charlotte Observer. The wails of the ambulance’s sirens must have drawn the reporters out of their offices in search of a scoop.

  Boisterous questions filled the air. She held her weeping mother close while the paramedics placed her father inside the ambulance. As it disappeared down the street, the reporters’ questions continued, over the wail of the sirens.

  “Mrs. Franklin, what happened to your husband?” one man called.

  Another demanded, “Is it true that Mr. Franklin suffered a heart attack?”

  “How will this impact the release of any upcoming software products?”

  Her mind raced as she looked around for an escape from the questions peppering her like bird shot. Suddenly, she felt an arm lock around her shoulders. Turning, she looked up into the concerned eyes of Darius Winstead.

  “Enough!” Darius shouted into a nearby microphone. “Enough. Can’t you see that Mr. Franklin’s health is in danger?”

  Stunned at his take-charge manner, she just stared in his direction.

  He bellowed again. “Now, I want all of you off FTI property in two minutes, or I’ll request the Charlotte Police Department to escort you off!”

  Gathering their equipment, the crowd of reporters and photographers dispersed. A few grumbled complaints could be heard, but none of them hung around to express their grievances.

  Her breathing heavy and uneven, she turned to completely face him. “Thank you.”

  He nodded, his eyes still somewhat hard. “Let’s get you and your mother to the hospital, so you can check on Mr. Franklin.”

  Eve’s gaze fell on her pale, vacant-looking mother. “I’m sorry, Mama.”

  She nodded. “It’s not your fault, honey.”

  Irvin Lane, the security chief, approached. “Miss Franklin, they’ve taken Mr. Franklin to CMCU. I’ve asked someone to bring your car around.” As soon as the words left his mouth, a driver pulled the SUV up to the curb.

  “Thanks, Irvin.” Eve nodded his way, then let Darius guide her weary mother into the passenger seat of the waiting vehicle.

  She held his gaze for a moment, and saw something almost imperceptible—an unspoken acknowledgment that touched her in ways she couldn’t explain.

  Breaking the contact, she stood aside for the driver to get out, then stepped onto the running board and climbed into the driver seat. She released the parking brake and put the truck in gear.

  Tapping on the hood, Darius stood on the curb, watching the vehicle pull away with intense eyes.

  Once on the road, she hung a quick U-turn, speeding down Trade Street toward Carolinas Medical Center-University. Once they arrived, Eve parked the car near the entrance and climbed out. She extended a hand to help her mother out on the other side, and they dashed inside.

  She approached the woman at the reception station. Typing at a quick pace on the computer, the nurse didn’t look up.

  Eve didn’t wait to be noticed.

  “Excuse me, I’m looking for my father, Joseph Franklin. He came in by ambulance a few minutes ago.” She flashed the FTI identification badge attached to the lapel of her soft gray business suit.

  The woman looked up from the computer screen, peering at Eve over the monitor. “Yes, ma’am.” She gestured to the double doors to her left. “Go through those doors, make a right and follow the green line. He’s in bed seven.”

  “Thank you.” She strode toward the doors, her mother in tow. Pushing her way through the doors and following the bright green line painted on the white linoleum floor, she led her mother by the hand.

  Her father, a picture of frailty, lay on the bed in the small room.

  Oh, Dad.

  I’ve never seen you like this before.

  He looked as if he was attached to every machine the hospital had at its disposal. The various monitors around him displayed everything from his blood pressure to his heart rate. Her ears rang with the symphony of beeps and blips the equipment emitted.

  She stepped aside and let her mother enter first. Louise flew to Joseph’s right side.

  “I’m here, baby. Can you hear me?” Louise’s voice was soft as she lay a gentle touch on his cheek.

  Observing in silence from the other side of the bed as her mother cooed to her father, a small smile lifted the corners of Eve’s mouth. After over forty years of marriage, it was obvious their love remained true.

  “Hi, you must be Mrs. Franklin.” A deep voice filled the room.

  They both turned toward the sound. A young, olive-skinned man in a white medical coat entered the room. Louise addressed him.

  “Yes, I’m Joseph’s wife, and this is our daughter, Eve.”

  He moved farther into the room. He clutched a metal clipboard, from which his eyes never strayed. “I’m Dr. Raines. I’m a resident on Dr. Crump’s service. I have Mr. Franklin’s chart here, and I’ve ordered a series of tests.”

  She searched his face. “Do you have any idea what’s wrong with my father?”

  He shook his head. “Not exactly, but it’s likely related to the cardiovascular illness Dr. Crump has noted in his medical records.”

  “Oh, Lord.” Louise’s whispered words conveyed her worry.

  Dr. Raines moved to the heart rate monitor, examining the data displayed there. “His heart rate is a little faster than we would like.”

  Joseph stirred in the bed. All eyes in the room fell on him.

  “Daddy, are you awake?” She grasped her father’s hand tightly.

  “Yes, pumpkin,” he murmured.

  “Joseph,” Louise called, “I’m here, too.”

  “My love.”

  She noticed the blush filling her mother’s cheeks.

  “Well,” Joseph rasped, “Looks like it really is time to pass along the reins.” His eyes met Eve’s.

  She realized today was Darius’s first day and she hadn’t thought about it until now. “I guess so, Daddy.”

  A slight smile spread over his aging face. “Remember, it’s only temporary. I’m sure you’ll be ready in no time.”

  She sighed. Great. This will make resisting Darius even harder. “Okay, Dad. I’ll help him hold down the fort until then.”

  “Good.”

  His eyes closed slowly, and as sleep claimed Joseph, his grating snores rose from the bed.

  Dr. Raines chuckled. “He’s quite right. He’s certainly not going back to work now. We need to nail down what brought him here. Until then, we’ll be keeping him here for observa
tion.” He removed another metal clipboard from the rack at the bed’s end and tucked it under his arms. “Well, have a good afternoon, ladies. I’ll be in touch as soon as we know something.”

  The doctor exited.

  She took a seat in the armchair near her father’s bed. “Looks like we’ll be here for a while, Mom.”

  * * *

  The big-screen television was tuned to the evening news, but Darius was only half listening to it. Sitting on the couch with Chance curled up next to him, he stroked the dog’s head and thought about Eve.

  Today had been his first official day as CEO, and he’d spent a good deal of it in Joseph Franklin’s office—his new office. He and Mrs. Franklin had been making sure the movers got Joseph’s things out, and putting his things in place to his liking. After he’d seen Eve and her mother off to follow the ambulance to the hospital, he’d gone back to complete the rest of the formalities the day held. But his mind had been elsewhere. He’d come home around four, changed into his sweats and prepared a light dinner.

  Now it was after six, and he couldn’t stand it any longer. He wanted to know what had happened to Mr. Franklin. The talking heads were already speculating about his condition. Moreover, he wanted to see how Eve was handling such a hectic, stressful day.

  Remembering that she’d called him to let him know to come in today, he pulled out his phone and scrolled through the numbers in his incoming call list. He touched the screen to call the number back.

  After two rings, she answered. “Hello?” Her voice held weariness.

  “Eve? It’s Darius.”

  Now she sounded surprised. “Oh. Um... Hi. How did you get my cell phone number?”

  “You called me last week, remember?”

  “That’s right. Well, is there something you need?”

  That almost made him chuckle. After all she’d been through in the past several hours, she wanted to know what he needed. “I needed to make sure you were okay, and check in on Mr. Franklin.”

  She took a deep, shaky breath. “That’s very kind of you. They aren’t exactly sure yet what’s wrong with Dad. It’s definitely heart trouble, though.”

  He nodded, as if she could see him. “Hmm. Okay, I hope they figure it out, and I hope he recovers soon. But how are you doing, Eve?”

  Silence.

  “Eve?”

  “I’m...fine. Thanks for asking.”

  “You’re welcome, though I’m not sure I believe you.” He waited for the pushback he knew was coming.

  “Darius, I told you I prefer to keep things strictly professional between us.”

  “I remember what you said. I still want to make sure you’re all right, Eve.” He leaned back on the sofa’s cushions, scratching his chin with his free hand. Why was she so guarded? Getting her to reveal her feelings was like wildcat drilling for oil—hard work, and a total crapshoot.

  “Do I have to go back to calling you Mr. Winstead?” A playful edge crept into her voice.

  He knew she was deflecting his efforts to ascertain her feelings, so he decided not to push the issue. “No, that won’t be necessary. Just promise me something.”

  “What?”

  “That if you need something, you’ll call me.”

  “But, Darius, we have staff that can—”

  “No buts. Promise me.”

  She released a dramatic sigh.

  “Promise me, or I’ll come to the hospital right now and bug you in person.”

  “All right, Darius. If it will end this inquisition, then fine, I promise.”

  Her acquiescence was a small victory, yet he felt quite satisfied with himself. “That’s better. I guess I’ll let you go now.”

  “I appreciate your concern, but yes, let’s stop before this gets any more uncomfortable.”

  “I’m not uncomfortable at all, Eve.”

  She blew a raspberry in his ear. “Bye, Darius.”

  The call disconnected.

  Tucking his phone into the pocket of his sweatpants, Darius shook his head. Looking at Chance, he rubbed the dog behind the ear. “Women.”

  As if he understood, Chance moved closer and placed his head in his master’s lap.

  Chapter 7

  Driving the next morning, Eve did her best to focus on the road. The haunting, melodic voice of Norah Jones flowed from the speakers as she wondered what the day would hold. As a child, she’d often gone to work with her father, and he would let her sit in the big leather chair at the end of the boardroom table. In those days, it had only been a game for her, but today, it would be all too real. Even though she wasn’t in charge of Franklin Technologies, she felt responsible. More than anything, she wanted to make her father proud. After everything he’d been through over the past week, he deserved that much.

  She stepped out of her truck, filled with trepidation. As she strolled toward the building’s front entrance, an eager-looking young woman stopped her and thrust a large microphone into her face. A jeans-clad cameraman followed, and the lens was trained on her.

  “Good morning, Ms. Franklin. I’m Polly Peterson with News 12. Do you have anything to say to the viewers, regarding your father’s condition or the interim CEO of the company?”

  Geez, these reporters never give it a rest! Grimacing, she looked into the camera. “It is my hope that my father will make a full and speedy recovery, and I will assist in any way I can in running the company he built.” She paused, looking into the anxious eyes of the reporter. “Second of all, I don’t like being ambushed, so if you want to interview me, schedule a time with my secretary. That’s all I have to say.” Whirling on her stiletto heels, she strode into the building without a backward glance.

  Once inside, she made a stop by the security kiosk in the lobby. One of the younger security guards was stationed there.

  “Good morning, Ms. Franklin. So sorry to hear about Mr. Franklin. How is he?”

  “He’s resting for now, until the doctors can determine what’s wrong with him.” She leaned over the polished marble desk, and lowered her voice. “Could you please direct your staff to be on the lookout for reporters? If you find any, escort them off the premises.”

  “Sure. I’ll see to it, Ms. Franklin.”

  “Thank you. I have enough on my mind this morning without dealing with a bunch of them lurking around the building. Have a good day, Kevin.”

  She entered the elevator a few moments later, punching the button for the sixth floor. Just as the doors started to close, the short, balding Phillip Gordon came running across the lobby. “Hold the elevator!”

  She rolled her eyes as she depressed the door open button. The little man, with that perpetual sour look on his face, joined her. As the doors closed he turned to her, looking as if he’d spent the entire morning sucking lemons.

  “I don’t believe for a moment that Darius character is ready to be CEO, not even on a temporary basis,” he groused, adjusting his awful paisley tie.

  His hot, foul breath filled the tiny space, and her nose wrinkled. It smelled as if he’d consumed garlic and orange juice for breakfast. She hoped he’d finished insulting Darius, if only to contain his rancid breath inside his mouth. But he continued voicing his thoughts.

  “Furthermore, I think I’m a much better candidate. I worked in this company when that young buck was still in grammar school.” He currently served as chief operations officer, and his discontent at not being appointed to the top board position was written all over his face.

  She looked at him as if he’d sprouted a second head. “I knew I shouldn’t have held the door for you. Let me come down to your level.” Squatting a bit so she could meet his eyes, she lit into him. “My father made the decision to put Darius in charge. And to be quite honest, I’ve never cared that much for you. So if you ever speak about him that
way again, I will be more than prepared to fire you, Mr. Gordon.”

  His eyes grew so large she thought they might pop out of his head.

  The elevator car stopped, and the doors opened to the sixth floor.

  She extended her hand, offering that he exit first. She trilled with false brightness, “Age before beauty.”

  Red from the top of his bald head to the base of his chubby neck, he stomped down the hall like a spoiled child put in his place. Enjoying the sight of him so put out, she followed him into the boardroom with a broad smile on her face.

  As she entered the room, some of the board members stood, Louise included. She turned around to see Darius entering the room on her heels. Custom demanded all of them stand when the CEO entered, but she knew some of them didn’t cotton to the idea of him being in charge. Mimi, who occupied a corner desk, ready to take down the minutes on her laptop, stood along with the others.

  Bracing herself for fireworks, Eve took her seat next to her mother, while Darius sat at the end of the table.

  “Good morning, everyone,” Darius began, “I’m sure you all know why I’ve called this board meeting.”

  The few people who stood for him sat when he did. “To lord it over us that you were miraculously appointed to the CEO position?” Phillip Gordon quipped with a nasty sneer on his face.

  He cut his eyes at the portly man, then pounded his fist on the table. “Mr. Gordon, are you calling Mr. Franklin’s illness a miracle? Would you care to be demoted?”

  A hush fell over the room. Mr. Gordon looked very uncomfortable.

  She found Darius’s show of authority quite attractive. Not that she’d ever tell him that.

  “Or would you rather be summarily dismissed from your position?” He looked at the faces seated around the table. “I realize that many of you see me as too young and inexperienced to run this company. But those opinions have no place here. I’ve treated you all with respect.” He narrowed his eyes. “I won’t tolerate having my authority questioned. Until Mr. or Mrs. Franklin asks me to step down, I am in charge here. Is that understood?”