"I know that Mr Black here has had to do some odd things to survive. I am also aware of the fact that you, Mr Brandon, have done some odd jobs too. But I will desist from mentioning your little stints" Mr Powell trailed off, a glint in his eye that sent shivers down Brandon's spine. "Sit down," Mr Powell said.
Then he turned to the rest of the board members, "some of you might be uncomfortable with my decision, maybe out of worry that I might be making the wrong decision but I have no children of my own, I have no nieces or nephews who I can leave my possessions to. I have no heir to take over my position here at Powell group."Mr. Powell's voice hitched, a flicker of sadness crossing his face,
"Without heirs, the generic thing to do would be leaving the position of CEO for anyone who's interested in it. But that's not the case anymore as I have James now.
I will school him on all the intricacies of the business world and I trust he will be a better CEO than me. Inasmuch as this might be devastating news for those of you who had eyes on my position, I urge you all to take it in good stride. Thank you." Mr Powell finished and walked out of the boardroom. I followed suit.
I walked quietly, afraid of him shouting or getting angry at my exposed past.
He paused midstride on the hallway, "is there any other thing from your past I need to know?" He asked and I shook my head, No.
"No babies, wives? Baby mamas? Drug history?" He asked and I denied.
"Okay, Good. Get back to work. We have a lot of things to cover. I need to get you prepared to take over in a short time." He said and went into his office.
I took a deep breath. Whoosh…that was close…my days of petty stealing to survive nearly cost me this.
***
There's a rasp knock on my door and Mr Orlando announced "Your secretary is here."
"Okay, let her come in." I said without looking up from the pile of work on my desk.
"Good day, Mr. Black. I'm Kimberly Jones," My new secretary said as she walked in. Her beauty was undeniable, but there was a guarded quality in her eyes that intrigued me.
"James Black," I responded, immediately captivated.
"Nice to meet you, Kimberly…I hope we work well together." I said.
"I look forward to that, Sir," she said. Even her voice was like that of an opera singer. So melodic, so sweet sounding.
I called myself to order. This was my secretary for Christ sake!
"Orlando will show you around and also instruct you on what to do." I said, dismissing her.
As she left I tried to recall where I had met her. And then it clicked, the night of my accident, I met her. No wonder her face looked familiar.
She still looked as beautiful as she had looked that night, I attributed not recognizing her to the fact that we first met at night.
***
"Is there any other meeting today?" I asked Kimberly. I was exhausted.
"No sir. That was the last one. You have one by nine o' clock tomorrow." She replied.
Since she began working here, she has been most effective. My work has been going smoothly. It was so delightful to see that she was not all beauty but was smart also.
"Oh, okay… would you love to go for a drink this evening? It's almost closing time." I impulsively asked.
A flicker of surprise crossed her face, then a hesitant smile played on her lips. "Actually, Mr. Black, there's something I need to tell you."
"You can tell me while we're out." I smirked
"Let me know when you're ready to leave." I said.
Back in my office, I punched the air several times in victory just before I heard her knock.
"I'm ready to leave, Sir." She announced.
***
"I won't be coming in today Son, I'm a bit sick. You know, old age and all its accompanying ailments." Mr Powell said to be over the phone as I got out of my car and walked into the Powell Group headquarters building.
"Oh sorry about that." I said
"Oh it's noth.." he coughed, "it's nothing. I'm used to it now. Old age has its perks but this ailments part sucks." He said and I chuckled.
"Well, why does everyone want to get old then?" I asked
Mr Powell began to laugh so loud that he started coughing again, "I do not know, Son… like I said, it has its perks. You're so funny."
"The cough, what has your doctor said about it?" I asked worriedly.
"It's fine. It'll go away in no time." He said. "Where are you right now?" He said, immediately changing the topic.
"Heading to the office." I responded.
"Okay that's good." He said before I heard some paper shuffling in the background.
"Alright, I'll snap some papers I want you to look at. Also when you get in, go to my office and help me finish all the paperwork that I have laid out on the desk. Then finally, attend the board meeting without me today. Be my eye. Have a good day, Son" he said and ended the call.
How very apt of him.
I waited for the elevator. And when it opened I saw something strikingly abnormal. The second largest shareholder of Powell group, Director Micheal, was in the elevator with my secretary. They looked like they were in a heated argument.
When they noticed me, they froze. Mr Powell had mentioned to me how much of a snake this Director was, I wondered what Kimberly was doing with him.
The elevator closed and there was awkward silence. I broke it by asking "You guys know each other?" I asked, a knot of unease tightening in my stomach. Kimberly looked down at her shoes, then blurted, "Yes, Mr. Black. He's my..."