Unavailable ~ Chapter Twelve
Title: Unavailable ~ Chapter Twelve
Authors: bugs and aussie
Genre: AU, Romance, Drama
Rating: T
Word Count: 2,700
Summary: Laura and Bill both plan for the future.
Chapter 12:
Groggily, Bill lifted his head from his squashed pillow on the narrow couch. He'd slept fitfully, finally slipping into a deep sleep after three AM. The smell of freshly brewing coffee and frying bacon wafted from the small kitchen.
He blinked blearily, seeing the light was on. Finding his glasses, he staggered to the doorway.
Carolanne stood at the stove, fully dressed and with a crisp apron on. She flashed him a smile over her shoulder. "Good morning, sleepyhead. Better get shaved and dressed."
He glanced down at his boxers and tee shirt and stepped off to the side of the door jamb. "Yeah, okay. Thanks," he mumbled and then hurried to the bathroom.
When Bill returned, he saw the scene had not been a dream. Carolanne had set the table for one, and a hot breakfast waited for him, steam rising from the coffee.
"Not eating?" he asked cautiously as he eased into the chair.
At the sink, she was washing dishes. "Oh no. I'll have some toast later."
Lowering his head, he flipped open the newspaper. More bad news from Europe and the Pacific. His mouth hardened and he swallowed hard to get down his food. She remembered how he liked his eggs.
Turning the pages, his gaze fell on the story of the Roslin Industries upcoming board meeting, with its vote on the officers. There were many deadly references to the 'changes' and 'upheavals' in the company's namesake owner's life, and the effect on the stock price in this still recovering market. He winced.
But when he turned the page again, the society column was no better. Patricia Palacios was going on about the scene at Al's Chop House the night before. Who knew it could be such a busy social scene! Why, Mr Adams was there with not one, but two wives!
Bill was unable to close the newspaper fast enough when Carolanne came over to refill his cup. She glanced down. She'd obviously already read the paper.
"Don't do that to me again, Bill. I won't be made a fool of by that woman and certainly not you."
He nodded wordlessly. Looking at the clock, he stood. "Gotta go. The tug launches in an hour."
Carolanne was already back at the sink, her back stiff.
"I'll see you later then," he said, backing out of the room.
~*~
Laura paced before three women; Elosha, Emily and Dr Ishay. Three sets of eyes following the swing of her hair. The maid looked wary, the secretary guarded, and the doctor intrigued.
"Saul Tigh assures me this woman is mercenary. I can deal with that; I understand making a deal." Her pale gaze bore into Ishay. "But there's no harm in using a bit of pressure to enact that deal."
The doctor's eyebrows rose. "Excuse me?"
"I don't believe she really has lost her memory," snapped Laura. "What are the odds of two married people having amnesia?"
"Well, I should point out that Carolanne Adams would have had it long before Mr Adams--"
Laura waved her hand, cutting Ishay off. The doctor began to look uncertain of the validity of this plan.
Emily made a jot on her steno pad.
"So you're gonna try to smoke her out?" asked Elosha. "Trap her in a lie?"
"Yes. And bait that trap with a fat check, sending her on her merry way," Laura said firmly.
Emily's pen wavered over the paper. "Might I suggest that such an individual prefers cash? For a quick exit?"
Laura's eyes darted to the closed office door. The children were still in the breakfast room, which led out onto the terrace. She strolled to the French doors to check that no one was smoking in the gardens outside the ajar windows. Putting her hands on her hips, she swung back to face the other women.
"How much do we have in the house?"
"I think about ten thousand," Emily said slowly. "There's the jewels, but of course, there's the question of liquidity."
"Jewels pack easier," pointed out Elosha.
Ishay looked shocked. "Has it occurred to you that this woman may truly be ill?"
Three set of eyes turned on her. "You haven't met her yet," said Laura tartly, "you'll see."
"I won't be party to railroading an unstable person--"
"Of course not, Doctor," said Laura soothingly. "I just need you to be open to the possibility that she may be lying and assist me to pass on that information."
Mollified, Ishay settled back in her chair.
"More money--" prompted Emily.
"Yes, I'll need at least fifty thousand," mused Laura. "Or one hundred thousand?"
"I'm telling you," said Elosha, exasperated. "Just give her a sack of diamonds. Easy to carry and worth a bundle."
"My point is," Emily said, adjusting her glasses, "that a lady does not want to have to barter in some market once one flees the country--"
"Emily, contact Carolanne Adams and ask her to come by this afternoon," Laura said. "That will give us enough time to have the bank bring over more cash. Cancel my meeting at the Spring Blossom School."
The secretary nodded and made a quick note.
Ishay extracted her cigarette case from the pocket of her wool blazer. She didn't know about this Carolanne Adams, but she thought she spotted a few people touched in the head right before her now.
~*~
Bill accepted his pay packet with a smile. He’d earned an honest day’s wage for an honest day’s work. The tug company had agreed to pay him day to day when he explained that he needed the money to set up his new home.
Working as a tugboat captain was the best of both worlds. He could enjoy the freedom of being out on the water without the heartache of being away from his family for months at a time. And as Saul would say, not having a dame on the boat meant you could piss off the side.
He walked out of his new employer’s office with a spring in his step. He couldn’t wait to tell Laura about his first day... His step faltered. With a heavy sigh, he roughly pulled his cap down onto his head. He wasn't going home to Laura.
He whistled sharply for Jake to join him. The dog had faithfully been waiting on the dock all day; Carolanne had made it clear that she did not want him in the apartment.
As he waited for a cable car, he quickly calculated the amount of money he’d make in a week if today was any indication. Then, he checked the time. If he went straight to the mansion, he’d be able to offer Bridgette a position as a maid to Carolanne and be back at the apartment in plenty of time to fix dinner. He knew Laura spent Wednesday afternoons at her school for downtrodden youth in Chinatown. As much as he yearned to see her, it was for the best to avoid her. He didn't think he could control his reaction.
*
Laura came around to lean against the front of her desk when Old Jaffee ushered Carolanne into her office. It had taken some persuading, but the doctor had agreed to wait in Bill's office, listening for the deal to be struck. Ishay would make her appearance once the former Mrs Adams had her guard down. Laura didn't just want Carolanne gone; she wanted Bill to see her duplicity.
Carolanne lowered herself into a chair and daintily crossed her ankles.
“Thank you for coming,” Laura said as a greeting, forcing a smile.
As she’d guessed, Carolanne had quickly accepted the invitation to the mansion without asking for an explanation.
“What can I do for you, Miss Roslin?” Carolanne asked, plucking off her white gloves and eyeing Laura with a quiet confidence.
“You’ve undergone quite the transformation since we last met,” Laura commented, keeping her tone conversational.
The rose-coloured dress Bill’s first wife wore was similar to one Laura had only recently seen in a Harper’s Bazaar spread. She’d obviously dispensed with her out-of-date dresses with which she’d returned.
“Yes, my appearance should reflect my status as Mrs William Adams,” her visitor replied. "He's somebody in this town, it seems."
She touched the side of her hat which partially covering a sleek modern hairstyle that had replaced the loose blonde curls. Carolanne’s wicker hat, Laura noted, matched her woven handbag perfectly.
Laura quickly quashed her anxiety about the hours Bill would have to work if he was to pay for Carolanne’s new wardrobe and her visits to a salon. Besides, it was going to make her task much easier when this woman was attracted to shiny new things.
“I just wanted to let you know that you’re welcome in my house any time,” Laura said.
Carolanne raised one freshly plucked eyebrow.
“To visit the boys, of course,” Laura added smoothly. “You haven’t seen them since yesterday morning, I believe,” she added.
Carolanne returned her gaze, unrepentant. “I’ve been with my husband. I did want to invite the children to dinner last night, but Bill insisted we make it a private celebration of our reunion.” She offered Laura a bland smile. “He’s always doted on me so.”
Laura swallowed the catty retort that came to her instantly.
"Instead, you were there," Carolanne said with a catch in her voice.
"I need to eat too," ground out Laura. "I was interviewing a new General Manager for my company."
"Oh yes. You work, don't you." Carolanne cast her eyes down to her slender, pale hands.
Looking around the sophisticated, tastefully decorated office, she added, "I can't imagine why you want to. With everything you have."
Laura saw her opening. "I enjoy the stimulation, but I can also understand when a woman needs to get away and rest after years of toil. Go to a spa...Some lovely watering hole...Without a care in the world."
Carolanne peeked at her from around the corner of her lovely new hat's tiny veil.
~*~
Bill leaned against his desk in his Roslin mansion office, talking with the little maid Bridgette. Old Jaffee had actually cracked a smile when he'd opened the door to see Bill, but his face had returned to its gloomy folds when his former master had explained why he was there.
“I’m not sure I can match the wage that Mrs Adams pays you at the moment. But there’ll only be myself and Carolanne, so I imagine your work load will be considerably lighter.”
Bill frowned at his last statement, remembering Carolanne’s shocking lack of pride when it came to keeping house in the past. Before he could stop to consider if he was taking advantage, the petite girl began to babble with enthusiasm.
“Mr Adams, I’d love to come and work for you! If only you could employ Young Jaffee as your butler. He’s ever so ready to take on more responsibility, you know. Do you want me to go and pack my things now, and start tonight? You don’t think Mrs Adams will require me to give her any notice do you, seeing how you’re her husband and everything. That is, her ex-husband. No, you aren’t divorced--”
Bridgette clapped her hand over her mouth, cutting off her embarrassing gaffe.
“Don’t worry, I’ll sort everything out with Laura,” Bill said smoothly.
He found a pen and paper on his desk and wrote out the apartment’s address, handing it to the maid along with a small amount of cash he drew out of his pocket. “Catch a cab and you can get settled tonight.”
Bridgette nodded earnestly and turned to leave. Before she could turn the door handle, however, Bill quietly called her name. She looked back questioningly.
“You may want to call Mrs Adams ‘Miss Roslin’ in front of Carolanne,” he advised gravely.
She nodded again, understanding
~*~
Tom Zarek entered the Stanford Club and looked around for Oswald Ericson. A dignified waiter took his drink order and then he made his way to the table where the Roslin Industries board member waited, puffing on a cigar.
"Zarek, how are you," bellowed Ericson. "Have a seat, have a seat."
Tom took the offered chair. "Great to see you, Mr Ericson--"
"Call me Ozzie," Ericson said, draining his tumbler of Scotch. "We're going to be great friends. I know it."
"It would be an honor," Tom said, maintaining a humble expression.
"But let's talk business first," Ericson rumbled. "Get that all settled."
Tom hid his excitement as turned to accept the drink from the waiter.
Ericson fumbled at his vest pocket and pulled out a folded paper. He tossed it at Zarek.
Unfolding it, Tom examined the list of names in three columns; yes, no, unknown.
"It's the shareholders and how they'll vote," Ericson said helpfully.
Zarek scanned it quickly. His eyes widened. "What the hell is this?" he growled, unable to contain his fury.
Ericson leaned over, peering through his monocle. "Oh yes. I got that little bit of news through the grapevine." He lay his finger on the side of nose and winked.
Leaning back in his chair, Tom thought furiously. Everything with Carolanne Adams, putting up with her histrionics, was for nothing. Bill Adams' shares were now in the hands of Zak and Lee Adams, not their father's.
"Gotta assume those boys will vote how their landlady says," Ericson said regretfully. "No idea why he gave the shares up. Coulda sold them for a pretty penny right now."
"I don't know about that," Tom said slowly. "Let's put those votes in the unknown column for now."
Ericson raised his shaggy eyebrows. "All right."
The two men worked through the list, plotting their next moves.
On his second drink, Tom felt expansive. "Glad I could help you," he said warmly and lit his own cigar.
The heavyset businessman squinted at him through the haze of blue smoke. "What else will you do to help?"
"What do you mean?" Tom asked, tapping ash from his cigar.
Smirking, Ericson nodded in approval at Zarek's humility.
"We'll need a new president for the Roslin Industries' board."
Zarek dropped his gaze bashfully. "Surely--"
"You know the company, hell, you've been running it for years. Might as well make it official, and see that you're compensated properly."
Tom smiled at this. Yes, proper compensation.
The smile faded. But he'd need to rid himself of a complication first; a unstable woman with an uncomfortable amount of knowledge of his tactics.
But he would deal with her later. "I'd be honored, Mr Eric--Ozzie," he said smoothly.
"We have two more weeks until the vote," Ericson said, folding the list of shareholders again and tucking it away.
"Don't worry," Tom assured him. "I'll have enough names on our side by the board meeting."
But as he strode from the dark-paneled club, he was visited by that lingering sense of unfinished business. After all his years of plotting to take over Roslin Industries, two weeks felt like a very long time.
~*~
"A woman such as yourself," Laura said silkily, "could enjoy much more of life than simply withering away in some poky apartment. You could travel, have a flat in New York..."
Carolanne's eyes grew bright as she watched Laura pull open a drawer in her desk.
"I owe you," Laura suggested. "It's only right."
"Yes, you do," Carolanne said with fire. "Everything I've been through, all that I've missed..."
Laura carefully removed a bundle of bills, then another and another. "One hundred thousand dollars, to go away--"
Carolanne's eyes filled with tears suddenly; her greedy expression disappeared in a flash.
Bill burst through the ajar French doors to the terrace, tossing aside the cigarette he'd been smoking outside. "What are you doing here?" he thundered at Carolanne, then his gaze fell on the pile of money on the desk. "What--"
Carolonne tugged her handkerchief from her sleeve and dabbed at her eyes. "This woman--"
Laura sagged against the desk when she saw the furious expression on Bill's face and the wickedly glistening gaze of Carolanne behind his back.
End ~ Chapter Twelve
Authors: bugs and aussie
Genre: AU, Romance, Drama
Rating: T
Word Count: 2,700
Summary: Laura and Bill both plan for the future.
Chapter 12:
Groggily, Bill lifted his head from his squashed pillow on the narrow couch. He'd slept fitfully, finally slipping into a deep sleep after three AM. The smell of freshly brewing coffee and frying bacon wafted from the small kitchen.
He blinked blearily, seeing the light was on. Finding his glasses, he staggered to the doorway.
Carolanne stood at the stove, fully dressed and with a crisp apron on. She flashed him a smile over her shoulder. "Good morning, sleepyhead. Better get shaved and dressed."
He glanced down at his boxers and tee shirt and stepped off to the side of the door jamb. "Yeah, okay. Thanks," he mumbled and then hurried to the bathroom.
When Bill returned, he saw the scene had not been a dream. Carolanne had set the table for one, and a hot breakfast waited for him, steam rising from the coffee.
"Not eating?" he asked cautiously as he eased into the chair.
At the sink, she was washing dishes. "Oh no. I'll have some toast later."
Lowering his head, he flipped open the newspaper. More bad news from Europe and the Pacific. His mouth hardened and he swallowed hard to get down his food. She remembered how he liked his eggs.
Turning the pages, his gaze fell on the story of the Roslin Industries upcoming board meeting, with its vote on the officers. There were many deadly references to the 'changes' and 'upheavals' in the company's namesake owner's life, and the effect on the stock price in this still recovering market. He winced.
But when he turned the page again, the society column was no better. Patricia Palacios was going on about the scene at Al's Chop House the night before. Who knew it could be such a busy social scene! Why, Mr Adams was there with not one, but two wives!
Bill was unable to close the newspaper fast enough when Carolanne came over to refill his cup. She glanced down. She'd obviously already read the paper.
"Don't do that to me again, Bill. I won't be made a fool of by that woman and certainly not you."
He nodded wordlessly. Looking at the clock, he stood. "Gotta go. The tug launches in an hour."
Carolanne was already back at the sink, her back stiff.
"I'll see you later then," he said, backing out of the room.
~*~
Laura paced before three women; Elosha, Emily and Dr Ishay. Three sets of eyes following the swing of her hair. The maid looked wary, the secretary guarded, and the doctor intrigued.
"Saul Tigh assures me this woman is mercenary. I can deal with that; I understand making a deal." Her pale gaze bore into Ishay. "But there's no harm in using a bit of pressure to enact that deal."
The doctor's eyebrows rose. "Excuse me?"
"I don't believe she really has lost her memory," snapped Laura. "What are the odds of two married people having amnesia?"
"Well, I should point out that Carolanne Adams would have had it long before Mr Adams--"
Laura waved her hand, cutting Ishay off. The doctor began to look uncertain of the validity of this plan.
Emily made a jot on her steno pad.
"So you're gonna try to smoke her out?" asked Elosha. "Trap her in a lie?"
"Yes. And bait that trap with a fat check, sending her on her merry way," Laura said firmly.
Emily's pen wavered over the paper. "Might I suggest that such an individual prefers cash? For a quick exit?"
Laura's eyes darted to the closed office door. The children were still in the breakfast room, which led out onto the terrace. She strolled to the French doors to check that no one was smoking in the gardens outside the ajar windows. Putting her hands on her hips, she swung back to face the other women.
"How much do we have in the house?"
"I think about ten thousand," Emily said slowly. "There's the jewels, but of course, there's the question of liquidity."
"Jewels pack easier," pointed out Elosha.
Ishay looked shocked. "Has it occurred to you that this woman may truly be ill?"
Three set of eyes turned on her. "You haven't met her yet," said Laura tartly, "you'll see."
"I won't be party to railroading an unstable person--"
"Of course not, Doctor," said Laura soothingly. "I just need you to be open to the possibility that she may be lying and assist me to pass on that information."
Mollified, Ishay settled back in her chair.
"More money--" prompted Emily.
"Yes, I'll need at least fifty thousand," mused Laura. "Or one hundred thousand?"
"I'm telling you," said Elosha, exasperated. "Just give her a sack of diamonds. Easy to carry and worth a bundle."
"My point is," Emily said, adjusting her glasses, "that a lady does not want to have to barter in some market once one flees the country--"
"Emily, contact Carolanne Adams and ask her to come by this afternoon," Laura said. "That will give us enough time to have the bank bring over more cash. Cancel my meeting at the Spring Blossom School."
The secretary nodded and made a quick note.
Ishay extracted her cigarette case from the pocket of her wool blazer. She didn't know about this Carolanne Adams, but she thought she spotted a few people touched in the head right before her now.
~*~
Bill accepted his pay packet with a smile. He’d earned an honest day’s wage for an honest day’s work. The tug company had agreed to pay him day to day when he explained that he needed the money to set up his new home.
Working as a tugboat captain was the best of both worlds. He could enjoy the freedom of being out on the water without the heartache of being away from his family for months at a time. And as Saul would say, not having a dame on the boat meant you could piss off the side.
He walked out of his new employer’s office with a spring in his step. He couldn’t wait to tell Laura about his first day... His step faltered. With a heavy sigh, he roughly pulled his cap down onto his head. He wasn't going home to Laura.
He whistled sharply for Jake to join him. The dog had faithfully been waiting on the dock all day; Carolanne had made it clear that she did not want him in the apartment.
As he waited for a cable car, he quickly calculated the amount of money he’d make in a week if today was any indication. Then, he checked the time. If he went straight to the mansion, he’d be able to offer Bridgette a position as a maid to Carolanne and be back at the apartment in plenty of time to fix dinner. He knew Laura spent Wednesday afternoons at her school for downtrodden youth in Chinatown. As much as he yearned to see her, it was for the best to avoid her. He didn't think he could control his reaction.
*
Laura came around to lean against the front of her desk when Old Jaffee ushered Carolanne into her office. It had taken some persuading, but the doctor had agreed to wait in Bill's office, listening for the deal to be struck. Ishay would make her appearance once the former Mrs Adams had her guard down. Laura didn't just want Carolanne gone; she wanted Bill to see her duplicity.
Carolanne lowered herself into a chair and daintily crossed her ankles.
“Thank you for coming,” Laura said as a greeting, forcing a smile.
As she’d guessed, Carolanne had quickly accepted the invitation to the mansion without asking for an explanation.
“What can I do for you, Miss Roslin?” Carolanne asked, plucking off her white gloves and eyeing Laura with a quiet confidence.
“You’ve undergone quite the transformation since we last met,” Laura commented, keeping her tone conversational.
The rose-coloured dress Bill’s first wife wore was similar to one Laura had only recently seen in a Harper’s Bazaar spread. She’d obviously dispensed with her out-of-date dresses with which she’d returned.
“Yes, my appearance should reflect my status as Mrs William Adams,” her visitor replied. "He's somebody in this town, it seems."
She touched the side of her hat which partially covering a sleek modern hairstyle that had replaced the loose blonde curls. Carolanne’s wicker hat, Laura noted, matched her woven handbag perfectly.
Laura quickly quashed her anxiety about the hours Bill would have to work if he was to pay for Carolanne’s new wardrobe and her visits to a salon. Besides, it was going to make her task much easier when this woman was attracted to shiny new things.
“I just wanted to let you know that you’re welcome in my house any time,” Laura said.
Carolanne raised one freshly plucked eyebrow.
“To visit the boys, of course,” Laura added smoothly. “You haven’t seen them since yesterday morning, I believe,” she added.
Carolanne returned her gaze, unrepentant. “I’ve been with my husband. I did want to invite the children to dinner last night, but Bill insisted we make it a private celebration of our reunion.” She offered Laura a bland smile. “He’s always doted on me so.”
Laura swallowed the catty retort that came to her instantly.
"Instead, you were there," Carolanne said with a catch in her voice.
"I need to eat too," ground out Laura. "I was interviewing a new General Manager for my company."
"Oh yes. You work, don't you." Carolanne cast her eyes down to her slender, pale hands.
Looking around the sophisticated, tastefully decorated office, she added, "I can't imagine why you want to. With everything you have."
Laura saw her opening. "I enjoy the stimulation, but I can also understand when a woman needs to get away and rest after years of toil. Go to a spa...Some lovely watering hole...Without a care in the world."
Carolanne peeked at her from around the corner of her lovely new hat's tiny veil.
~*~
Bill leaned against his desk in his Roslin mansion office, talking with the little maid Bridgette. Old Jaffee had actually cracked a smile when he'd opened the door to see Bill, but his face had returned to its gloomy folds when his former master had explained why he was there.
“I’m not sure I can match the wage that Mrs Adams pays you at the moment. But there’ll only be myself and Carolanne, so I imagine your work load will be considerably lighter.”
Bill frowned at his last statement, remembering Carolanne’s shocking lack of pride when it came to keeping house in the past. Before he could stop to consider if he was taking advantage, the petite girl began to babble with enthusiasm.
“Mr Adams, I’d love to come and work for you! If only you could employ Young Jaffee as your butler. He’s ever so ready to take on more responsibility, you know. Do you want me to go and pack my things now, and start tonight? You don’t think Mrs Adams will require me to give her any notice do you, seeing how you’re her husband and everything. That is, her ex-husband. No, you aren’t divorced--”
Bridgette clapped her hand over her mouth, cutting off her embarrassing gaffe.
“Don’t worry, I’ll sort everything out with Laura,” Bill said smoothly.
He found a pen and paper on his desk and wrote out the apartment’s address, handing it to the maid along with a small amount of cash he drew out of his pocket. “Catch a cab and you can get settled tonight.”
Bridgette nodded earnestly and turned to leave. Before she could turn the door handle, however, Bill quietly called her name. She looked back questioningly.
“You may want to call Mrs Adams ‘Miss Roslin’ in front of Carolanne,” he advised gravely.
She nodded again, understanding
~*~
Tom Zarek entered the Stanford Club and looked around for Oswald Ericson. A dignified waiter took his drink order and then he made his way to the table where the Roslin Industries board member waited, puffing on a cigar.
"Zarek, how are you," bellowed Ericson. "Have a seat, have a seat."
Tom took the offered chair. "Great to see you, Mr Ericson--"
"Call me Ozzie," Ericson said, draining his tumbler of Scotch. "We're going to be great friends. I know it."
"It would be an honor," Tom said, maintaining a humble expression.
"But let's talk business first," Ericson rumbled. "Get that all settled."
Tom hid his excitement as turned to accept the drink from the waiter.
Ericson fumbled at his vest pocket and pulled out a folded paper. He tossed it at Zarek.
Unfolding it, Tom examined the list of names in three columns; yes, no, unknown.
"It's the shareholders and how they'll vote," Ericson said helpfully.
Zarek scanned it quickly. His eyes widened. "What the hell is this?" he growled, unable to contain his fury.
Ericson leaned over, peering through his monocle. "Oh yes. I got that little bit of news through the grapevine." He lay his finger on the side of nose and winked.
Leaning back in his chair, Tom thought furiously. Everything with Carolanne Adams, putting up with her histrionics, was for nothing. Bill Adams' shares were now in the hands of Zak and Lee Adams, not their father's.
"Gotta assume those boys will vote how their landlady says," Ericson said regretfully. "No idea why he gave the shares up. Coulda sold them for a pretty penny right now."
"I don't know about that," Tom said slowly. "Let's put those votes in the unknown column for now."
Ericson raised his shaggy eyebrows. "All right."
The two men worked through the list, plotting their next moves.
On his second drink, Tom felt expansive. "Glad I could help you," he said warmly and lit his own cigar.
The heavyset businessman squinted at him through the haze of blue smoke. "What else will you do to help?"
"What do you mean?" Tom asked, tapping ash from his cigar.
Smirking, Ericson nodded in approval at Zarek's humility.
"We'll need a new president for the Roslin Industries' board."
Zarek dropped his gaze bashfully. "Surely--"
"You know the company, hell, you've been running it for years. Might as well make it official, and see that you're compensated properly."
Tom smiled at this. Yes, proper compensation.
The smile faded. But he'd need to rid himself of a complication first; a unstable woman with an uncomfortable amount of knowledge of his tactics.
But he would deal with her later. "I'd be honored, Mr Eric--Ozzie," he said smoothly.
"We have two more weeks until the vote," Ericson said, folding the list of shareholders again and tucking it away.
"Don't worry," Tom assured him. "I'll have enough names on our side by the board meeting."
But as he strode from the dark-paneled club, he was visited by that lingering sense of unfinished business. After all his years of plotting to take over Roslin Industries, two weeks felt like a very long time.
~*~
"A woman such as yourself," Laura said silkily, "could enjoy much more of life than simply withering away in some poky apartment. You could travel, have a flat in New York..."
Carolanne's eyes grew bright as she watched Laura pull open a drawer in her desk.
"I owe you," Laura suggested. "It's only right."
"Yes, you do," Carolanne said with fire. "Everything I've been through, all that I've missed..."
Laura carefully removed a bundle of bills, then another and another. "One hundred thousand dollars, to go away--"
Carolanne's eyes filled with tears suddenly; her greedy expression disappeared in a flash.
Bill burst through the ajar French doors to the terrace, tossing aside the cigarette he'd been smoking outside. "What are you doing here?" he thundered at Carolanne, then his gaze fell on the pile of money on the desk. "What--"
Carolonne tugged her handkerchief from her sleeve and dabbed at her eyes. "This woman--"
Laura sagged against the desk when she saw the furious expression on Bill's face and the wickedly glistening gaze of Carolanne behind his back.
End ~ Chapter Twelve