During her junior year, one of the girls in the dorm invited Steely to a weekly Bible study, where she met another junior from Houston. David Hunter had grown up a few doors down from Nick Dichiara. She had met him briefly before but didn’t really know him. He asked if she would like to study with him. She did. The next week they were dating. The relationship quickly progressed from casual to serious. They spent every spare minute together. Within a few months, she was loved and in love. By the middle of their senior year, they were engaged.
Jack Hunter, David’s father, was thrilled for the young couple. Steely met Mr. Hunter numerous times when he came up to take her and David camping at Buffalo Lake. She quickly grew very fond of Jack for many reasons. He reminded her of her dad.
Steely was anxious to meet Mrs. Hunter too. It seemed odd that two months after the engagement she hadn’t yet met David’s mother, Beatrice.
Chapter eighteen
Nick and Jack rounded a circular table in Jack’s office. It was where Jack did his strategic planning. He’d usually call in the heads from each department when there was a problem. They’d sit there all day, if needed, pondering the best course of action. Nick had insisted that none of the others be invited to this meeting. The CEO was the only one who needed to hear what Nick had to say just yet.
Meetings in Hunter’s office always ended with Jack’s giving Nick a good-job pat on the back, along with instructions to keep doing what he was doing. That wasn’t going to happen today. If they kept doing what they were doing, a billion-dollar company would cease to exist. That’s why Hunter didn’t merely glance over the balance sheet, as he had done in the past. He fixated on it.
Black-suited, hair combed to a mess, Nick had more questions than clarity. Things had been going on that shouldn’t have. Assets had disappeared. Equipment purchased and then vanished. The company had moved from vast profits to draining cash reserves.
Jack grew up on the oil fields of West Texas. He dressed like he had never left. The man knew his business whether he wore a white collar or not. He was trying to wrap his mind around something he had never seen before in Jack Hunter Industries. Fraud.
Nick said, “Sir, I don’t understand why we’re wiring our assets to the subsidiaries in Saint Stephen’s. Harry has been giving me the runaround since I got here. Now we’re at a dangerous point. The subs have drained our capital. It won’t be long before we’re unable to operate.”
Hunter looked intently at the bottom line, stared at the figures as though they would change if he gazed long enough. Jack was just short of a panic—and he wasn’t the type to panic. “What’s going on in Saint Stephen’s?”
“Crates are shipped in and out. Who knows what’s in them. I can tell you for certain that I don’t see tens of millions in assets there. Not in the warehouse or the little bank on the island. They didn’t even recognize our name. We don’t have any substantial assets there.”
Hunter dabbed his forehead with the napkin from under his coffee cup. He returned the cup to its saucer and looked over at Nick. “Your dad set up the LLCs.”
“His practice was mostly personal litigation. Why’d he set up the LLCs?”
“It was a favor for an old friend. I know Vince structured them correctly. I’d trust him as much as I trust myself.”
“Yes, sir. You must realize we’re not talking about just those companies. The number of assets funneled from our US accounts is one hundred times more than expected. And they are not going to those three little bank accounts connected to the three LLCs he set up.”
“One hundred times?” Hunter’s tone matched Nick’s. “That’s unacceptable. Everyone in this company knows we have to stay within budget.”
“I agree, sir. And where’s the end? There are no profits from any project on the island. Absolutely none.”
“Harry’s been handling this.” Hunter pushed the report aside. “Have you asked him?”
“I have, sir.”
“What’d he say?”
“Nothing.”
“He didn’t answer?”
“He said nothing but a bunch of useless palaver. He’s deflecting. I don’t believe he likes a freshman VP questioning his projects.”
“I don’t care what he likes. Have you asked Charlie?”
“Not since his doctor told him to slow it down or he wouldn’t see his next birthday. Between you and me, I don’t think he could have caught this with the antiquated way the financials are set up. The system was fine when everybody was doing what they were supposed to do. The number of daily transactions is so far off the target. We need to update our systems to keep up. The way things are now, we can think everything is fine, perfect, when it’s really falling apart. I need Mr. Keaton pinned down long enough to explain.”
“I’ll talk to him Monday. He’ll answer your questions, Nick.”
“Thank you, sir.” Nick sighed. “May I upgrade our system?”
“You upgrade anything you need.”
“I’ll get it done immediately.”
“I’m going to Lubbock for a few days. David got engaged a few weeks ago.”
“Congratulations, sir.”
Hunter gazed off.
“Aren’t you happy about it?”
Hunter turned back to Nick. “Yes, but don’t tell anyone until I tell Bea. I should’ve told her before now.”
“I won’t say anything.”
Jack tilted his head at Nick. “Tell me how you’re ever going to find someone with you working so much?”
“I found someone, sir. But she doesn’t know yet.”
“What are you waiting for?”
“I’m surprising her next week. And offer to help her move back home. I’d go this weekend if I didn’t have a fund raiser tonight. But I have to warn you, sir. I won’t be working this much if she says yes.”
“You better not.” Hunter held out a hand for Nick to shake.
Nick locked up his office. He was ready to look at something other than dollar signs. He swung by his condo for a quick change of clothes and then took off for the Pecan Valley Country Club a few blocks away.
He left his car running at a side door for the valet. A hostess led him to a table where his name was written in calligraphy on a place card. A quick dinner was served for him, along with another three hundred fifty guests. Then everyone was led out of the ballroom to various events around the club. Bingo, a silent auction, live auction, and carriage rides functioned simultaneously.
Nick chose the latter.
He had already spent more time than he wanted in conditioned air.
The night was crisp; the air, sweater cold. Two palominos pulled a carriage around the entrance of the Pecan Valley Country Club. The coachman’s rugged gloves and vest looked more like an nineteenth-century stagecoach driver than a cowboy giving romantic rides in the city. He pulled on the reins, bringing the carriage to a halt. A young couple stepped down from the buggy. Nick and Cricket were next. They were not on a date. Cricket arrived early and switched her place card with the ninety-year-old gentleman who was to sit next to Nick.
The coachman offered Cricket his hand. She gathered her glittered gown and then scooted across the cold bench.
Nick stepped in beside her. Only two events could get Nick Dichiara in a tux. A wedding and a fund raiser. He was decked out tonight for the benefit of the residents at the Star of Light Assisted Living Home. Many of its residents were healthy enough to outlive their retirement funds. There could be no other reason for anyone to pay a grand for a thirty-minute carriage ride around the grounds of the club.
The coachman whipped the reins in the air. The horses trotted in a semicircle down the main entrance. The riders had a perfect view of the laser lights spotting the grounds like snow.
Cricket purred, “Nick, Cricket is getting chilly. Can you move your manly self a little closer?”
Nick stayed put and unfolded a blanket under the seat. “This should do the trick.” He laid it across her.
She mo
ved over, tried nuzzling his arm atop her shoulders. But his arm wasn’t going anywhere. It was a barrier. Then she pressed herself close and pulled the blanket up, tucking herself in. “That’s a little better,” she cooed. “Don’t be greedy. You need to share your body heat.”
“I don’t like the sound of that.” Nick was more interested in the stars than the moves she was making. “One day, I’m going to buy a telescope.”
“Yeah?” Cricket cleared her throat. “The stars are so romantic, don’t you think?” She looked up at him with lips slightly puckered.
“Guess so.” He turned away.
Cricket rolled her eyes.
“You didn’t just howl like a coyote, did you?” Nick asked.
The coachman chuckled.
“Very funny.”
“I wasn’t sure.” Nick whispered, “There it goes again. Coyotes are out there with the other nocturnal creatures.”
“I used to be nocturnal,” she murmured.
The coachman shook his head.
Nick moved an arm over the side of the carriage. “How’s your grandmother, by the way? Is she here tonight?”
Cricket straightened up. “No. She isn’t up to all the excitement.”
“Too bad. I hope she gets some benefit out of tonight’s event.”
“Right…”
“I’d like to meet this wonderful grandmother who caused you to skip UT.”
“She’s not big on company, especially when she isn’t feeling well.”
“I understand. I have to admit, your dedication to her makes me think a tad better of you.”
Cricket tilted her upper body, her chest out. “Nick, you know I’m no longer a child. Can’t you see the difference?”
“I keep thinking about how brutal you were to Steely.”
“Pauper?” Cricket said, irritated.
“See? You know her name is Paupher.”
“Me and sweet little Steely have no problems. There’s no reason for me to ever say another unkind word to that child.” Cricket spread her lips. “She’s not concerned about my silly high-school antics. She certainly wouldn’t be thinking about that when she’s about to marry David Hunter.”
Nick fell back against the bench.
Cricket moved in tight. “Didn’t you know? Shocking, isn’t it? Mrs. Hunter will probably drop dead when she finds out.”
“I didn’t know they were dating,” Nick said, flustered. “The last couple of years have flown by. I thought she was graduating and coming back home.”
“Yeah, she is but as a married woman. I’m sure she thinks she’ll be sitting pretty for the rest of her life. But you never know…”
Nick dropped his head in his hands.
“You look stressed,” Cricket said, in baby talk. “Hard day at work?”
He didn’t answer.
“Here.” She eased over.
“Please don’t,” he said.
“At least let yourself relax for a change. Just lean back and let Cricket make it all better.” She twisted him toward her and massaged his shoulders.
He resisted, but not fully. The carriage rounded the last lap and trotted into the driveway. Nick walked Cricket to the door and left.
Chapter nineteen
Nick shuffled down the hall to Jason’s cubicle. The clutter on his desk was gone. His wastebasket overflowed onto the floor. Boxes stacked at eye level were packed and ready for hauling. “Did you get those account numbers for me?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Mr. Keaton never took his eyes off me. He doesn’t just hand them over and take a nap.”
“Don’t mess with me. You could have at least memorized one.”
“I need time.”
“You know how to complicate what you’re doing, so Keaton doesn’t know what’s going on. I need that information today.”
“What’s wrong with you? You look like your dog got run over.” Jason taped the last box, set it on the desk, and patted Nick on the shoulder. “You should look better after taking a few days off.”
Nick shrugged and stuck his hands in his pockets.
“Didn’t you chill at your parents’ beach house?”
“Chill? No.” Nick stared at the boxes. “How’d you get Jack to overlook your public intoxication charge and move you upstairs?”
Jason whispered. “He doesn’t know.”
“He’ll find out when Benita does your next background check.”
Jason grinned. “Mr. Keaton had one done prior to my little infraction.”
“Jack’s going to hit the roof.”
“He’ll never know. Mr. Keaton’s going to take care of it.”
“He’ll probably get you a fake background. Then—”
“Nick, face the facts. You’re no longer the only one under thirty on the executive floor! I’m getting Mr. Qualls’s old office. He’s getting an office down the hall. I have everything but a title.”
“I see.” Nick peeked in a box. “What’d you do, just dump everything in there?”
“This stuff’s going to the Dumpster.” Jason knocked Nick’s hand out of the way and closed the box. “I’m working alongside Mr. Qualls in the venture capitalist group. No more IT for me.”
Nick looked concerned. “You know Mr. Keaton’s projects are draining the company,” he said, irritated. “I’m not making this stuff up. It’s real.”
Jason patted Nick on the shoulder. “You don’t understand how venture capitalists operate.”
Nick lectured. “They invest capital into startups or existing companies that want to expand. The investment can turn massive profits or massive loses—usually nothing in between.”
“So you know a little.”
“Ask him some basic business questions. He doesn’t know squat. And then to work with Qualls…” Nick shook his head.
“Why not?” Jason opened the desk drawers, making sure they were empty. “He does his part. I’ll do mine. Keaton is my manager. Period.”
“Qualls looks like a serial killer.”
“What do you look like? Someone drinking chocolate milk?”
“You mean a café mocha?”
“I’m surprised they don’t put it in a baby bottle for you.”
“You’re making a big mistake.”
Jason threw a plastic cup in the trash. “Mr. Hunter will never promote me like Mr. Keaton. Let’s face it, Mr. Hunter acts like you’re his first-born son.”
“We’re upgrading all our systems. You can write some of the programs. Hunter will allow you to patent them. No company does that.”
“There’s not enough money in it for me.”
“No money in software? It’s scary when you say things like that.”
“I mean here at JHI. Excuse me now.” Jason went around Nick, ripped his name plate off the cubicle, and shot it toward the trash but missed. “I have to report upstairs.”
Nick lifted two boxes. “These aren’t heavy; put another on top. I’ll help you take them to the Dumpster.”
“Put that down. Monte’s coming to get them.”
“He’s a maintenance engineer—been here before you were born. He’s not your personal gopher.”
“Put ’em down.” Jason yanked the box out of Nick’s grasp, dropping it to the floor. “You have to act like an executive if you want to be treated like an executive.” Jason straightened his tie and headed down the hall with Nick diagonally behind him. “Come check out my office. Mr. Keaton bought me an espresso machine.”
“I don’t drink his espresso, and I wouldn’t work for Keaton.”
“Better watch what you say.” Jason shifted his brow. “You may have to drink it instead of your chocolate milk.”
Nick looked away.
“Loosen up, pal. You’re so uptight.” They stopped at the elevators. Jason buttoned his jacket. The elevator cranked open; he held it. “You coming?”
“Not yet.”
“Fine. But you look like your world has come to an end. Mr. H
unter isn’t concerned about Mr. Keaton, and you shouldn’t be either.”
Nick started to say something but then stopped.
Keaton should be concerned. Jack should send him and his stinking coffee packing!
“There are times when you need to sit back and enjoy yourself.” Jason let go of the door. It closed.
Nick kicked the elevator. I’m going to find out what’s going on here.
Chapter twenty
Steely had looked forward to meeting her future mother-in-law until Jack explained that surprises made Beatrice Hunter nervous. Steely doubted Mrs. Hunter would get nervous over a good surprise. Their first meeting ended with Bea being taken away in an emergency vehicle. Steely hoped history didn’t repeat itself today.
There was nothing left to do except get out of the car and go inside the house. Steely had butterflies in her stomach, and watching David poking around inside the car made them worse.
Is he stalling?
She popped open her door and got her first earful of Beatrice Hunter’s megaphonic voice that sent neighbors to their windows. David honked twice, announcing their arrival, and then hurried over to Steely and tugged her up the sidewalk and into the house. There was no welcome party waiting at the door. Beatrice was no longer heard.
David probed out the window. Steely leaned over to see what caused him to squeeze his eyes together like he was getting an injection.
“Why are the paramedics here?” she asked.
“They come to visit sometimes. Dad?” he called out in a worrisome tone.
“Visit?” said Steely, taking a second look out the window.
Jack came out of a back room.
“Hi, kids. I didn’t hear you come in.” He gave Steely a reassuring kiss on the cheek. He shook David’s hand and gave him a side hug.
David inquired, “Did Mother call the paramedics again?”
Again?
“Huh?” Jack asked, mirroring the same anxious look as his son.
No Offense Page 10
