Disclaimer: The following story is a work of fiction. If you are offended by descriptions of homosexual acts or man/man relations, what the hell are you doing here anyway?
THE LIFEGUARD
Copyright c 2000 by Orrin C. Rush. All rights reserved.
Neither this story nor any parts of it may be distributed electronically or in any other manner without the express, writte consent of the author. All rights are retained.
Chapter 11
The first order of business was to let all of Metalco's employees know about the purchase of Chateau Properties. It was early, and I had access to the Company's Intranet from home, so I composed a message to everyone who had Email. They would get it when they came in at eight.
I explained what had happened, the surprising speed in which the buyout had been accomplished, and the seller's requirement that a news release be issued before I had a chance to let everyone know about it.
That complete, I sent another message to Nancy requesting that messages go out to all non-headquarters locations with the same information, over my signature.
Eric had left for school, so I waited for Annie to emerge.
She usually isn't at her best first thing in the morning, but today was a little different. She was downright pleasant.
Before even getting coffee, she came over and gave me a hug. "Congratulations, Dad, you pulled it off. I had serious doubts, but it worked!"
"It surprised me as much as anyone," I said. "I had no idea we'd be able to put it together this fast. Do you have a few minutes to talk?"
"Actually, no," she said. "I have an 8:30 meeting."
"How about lunch, then?" I asked.
"Great, around noon?" she said.
"I'll come get you," I told her.
When I got there, the office was a zoo. You'd have thought we'd just bought General Motors! I was surrounded and more than thoroughly congratulated on the accomplishment. I can't say that I didn't enjoy it.
Bill rescued me and we went into my office. "Congratulations, old buddy," he said, pumping my hand. "Are you as surprised as the rest of us?"
"Moreso," I said. "It was almost TOO easy. They were almost too eager to sell, and that scares me."
"That's why there were all those conditions in the Letter of Intent," he said. "We can still back out if things aren't what they're supposed to be."
"I'm still nervous," I said, "and I don't think I'll be able to relax until everything is all checked out and verified."
"Have you talked to the press yet?" he asked.
"No, and I don't want to," I said.
"On the off chance that this would actually happen, we started preparing last week," he said. "We were ready for them this morning, and a press conference is scheduled for ten o'clock. Want to come and answer questions?"
"No way," I said vehemently. "You know I love my privacy. You, or Annie can handle them."
"You're the star attraction, you know," he said. "Have you read the morning paper?"
"Saw the headline, but didn't read the article," I said.
"You'd better," he said. "The way it reads, you'd think that we're forking out five billion cash for Chateau, and you're the 'Mystery Man' behind it. They'll want to know a whole lot more about you before this is over."
"Oh shit," I said. "That's the LAST thing I want."
"Relax, it'll blow over," he said. "Here's the press release we're planning to hand out, read it and let me know what you think."
We sat down and I read it. Nancy brought coffee while I read. It was well written, providing background on Metalco that was public information anyway. A lot of numbers about Chateau were provided - number of properties, where they were, and the total number of hotel rooms involved, more information already public. It stated that I was 'Chairman', (not owner, thankfully), of Metalco. It also promised more information when the deal closed in 45 days and how it would affect the local economy.
I chuckled. "Excellent," I said. "Didn't tell them a damned thing they couldn't have found out with a little digging."
"That was our intention," Bill said, smiling from ear to ear.
"Well Dave," he said, "This was the biggest single move the Company's ever made. How do you feel about it?"
"I'm excited, naturally," I told him. "It's not every day that yo get to throw around that kind of money."
"It's heady, I know" he said. "I'm getting a vicarious thrill just from being involved. Don't forget, we've got a lot more to spend. This is only the beginning."
"I don't even want to hear about another deal until this one is totally over and done with," I said. "By the way, who's going to handle the whole verification process on Chateau?"
"Annie's in charge of the whole thing," he said. "I think she's meeting with her team right now."
"She didn't tell me," I said.
"I only gave her the assignment yesterday," he said.
"I'm having lunch with her, so I'll hear all about it," I said.
I spent the rest of the morning thinking - about my family. I didn't even try to do any work.
At noon, I walked into Annie's office. She was ready to go and we decided on a quiet Russian restuarant a few blocks from the office where we could talk uninterrupted.
Her spirits were high, elevating mine, and we laughed and joked until we were seated.
"Dad, you really pulled one off," she said. "I'm so proud of you.
"Now you get to do all the work, or so I've heard," I told her.
"I'm so excited I can hardly stand it!" she said. "I never dreamed that Bill would throw the whole thing in my lap."
"He wouldn't have," I told her, "unless he felt you could do the best job. He doesn't play favorites, even if you are my daughter."
"I feel I can handle it," she said, "but I wouldn't have the job if you hadn't made it happen in the first place."
"I had my doubts about it working," I said, "and I know everybody thought I was crazy, but it DID work. Do you know who's idea it was?"
"No."
"Eric came up with the idea of going direct, eliminating the bankers and lawyers in the preliminary phase," I told her.
"I'll be damned," she said. "Whoever's idea it was, it saved us a bundle of money."
"Eric's going to get part of that," I told her.
"He deserves it," she said. "There's a lot more to that guy than meets the eye."
"Let's talk about you," I said. "I hardly ever see you, and I feel I'm neglecting you."
"We both have 'lives'," she said. "I have mine and you have yours."
"I know, but I want you to be a part of mine," I said.
"You have Eric," she said.
"How do you feel about him?" I asked.
"When he first moved in, I was jealous as hell," she said. "I wanted you all to myself. A little thinking and I realized how selfish I was being. I was never around before he came on the scene, but I wanted you there, waiting for me. That wasn't fair to either one of us."
"You're OK now?" I asked.
"Oh yeah!" she said. "As soon as I realized what I was doing to myself, I got over it. Eric is a sweet guy, and a lot of fun to be around. The most important thing, though, is what he's done to you. You're like a totally different person, and I really, really, like the new you!"
"Have I changed that much?" I asked.
"Like night and day," she said. "You used to mope around, not very interested in anything, and god, you were almost like a hermit. Now, you get out, you're more dynamic and involved than I've ever seen you. You're happy, and that's the most important thing to me."
"Yes," I admitted, "I'm happier than I've ever been in my life. Now, what's going on in YOUR life?"
"I'm happy, too," she said, grinning. "I've met someone that I like a whole lot."
"Serious?" I asked.
"Getting that way, fast," she said. "He's really nice, a blueblood, but not a pretentious bone in his body. I think you'll like him."
"When do I get to meet him?" I asked.
"I'll ask him over for dinner sometime in the next week or so," she said.
"How does he feel about the gay issue?" I asked.
"He's cool with it," she answered. "I told him about you and Eric right up front, and he doesn't have any problem with it."
"That's good," I said.
"You know, Dad," she said, "we need to do this more often - talk - just the two of us. Wanna make this a regular Wednesday thing?"
I'd love that," I told her.
Our conversation drifted back to business. She told me how she was planning to deal with all of the audits, title searches, and other things that had to be verified. She had picked some of our best people to work with her, and was delegating like crazy. Her knowledge and grasp of the situation didn't really surprise me. She was one smart lady and I was a very proud dad.
"Are we going to celebrate tonight?" she asked.
"Why not," I said. "Let's get everybody together for dinner at the house. How does that sound?"
"Let's do it!" she enthused. "Let's invite everybody who was involved. I'll take care of that, and, hell, I'm going to bring Kevin. Why wait until next week!"
"Now, I'm getting nervous," I said, "all that's been going on, and meeting my future maybe son-in-law all at once!"
"Relax, you'll like him," she giggled. "I'll call Mary and alert her. If she can't handle it, we'll get it catered. Just like you can work fast too!"
"How many, do you think?" I asked.
She thought a few seconds, then said "With wives and husbands, about 50, I'd guess. That's too many for Mary to cope with on this short notice, we'll get a caterer."
"Get lots of champagne," I suggested.
"Oh, yes!" she said, "Lots of bubbly!"
Now that there was a lot for Annie to do, we hurried out. I didn't offer to help. This was her party.
I called Eric, who was already home, to warn him about the pending invasion. He thought it a great idea, and volunteered to help Mary.
I went home a little early, and the place was a madhouse. Mary advised me to just stay out of the way, so I found Eric and we "hid" in his study.
"How was your day?" he asked.
"Kind of a letdown," I admitted. "After last night, anything would be tame. How about yours?"
"I've been bubbling all day, wanting to tell somebody, anybody! about last night, but there wasn't anybody I could talk to." he said. "Then, this afternoon, my Business Law Professor came up after class, and just point blank asked me about what happened. I haven't a clue how he found out that I even know you."
"So?" I pressed.
"Well, I told him how exciting it was to be right there at the final negotiations, and how surprised I was to see things happen so fast when such big numbers were involved. Don't worry, I didn't spill any details," he said.
"I'm not worried about that," I said.
"He almost lost it when I told him that you did it without any Attorneys involved, or almost," he said. "Then, he told me that if word of that got around, maybe some of those guys who're milking the system might clean up their act."
"Did you tell him that it was your idea?" I asked.
"No," he said. "That wasn't important. The big thing, to me, was being there."
We went on to discuss my conversation with Annie. Eric was really happy to hear that she'd found a guy to get serious about. "We're going to meet him tonight," I told him.
Annie manned the front door, but when Kevin arrived, she turned it over to Mary. While she was introducing him around, I had an opportunity to look him over. Not bad. Annie had good taste. No hunk, but a handsome face and a great smile. I warmed to him immediately.
When they got over to me, Annie performed the introductions. Good firm handshake, direct eye contact. I liked this boy.
"Congratulations are definitely in order," he said. "You pulled off quite a coup!"
"Got lucky," I said. "Happened to be at the right place at the right time, and I had a lot of help."
"Annie's been telling me a little," he said, "and I think you're being entirely too modest."
I think I actually blushed. This guy was a charmer.
"Where's Eric?" Annie asked.
"Around here somewhere," I said, and they went off to find him.
I mingled, ending up with Bill, Eric and Kevin who were having a lively discussion about the Hotel business. Annie came up, and I was totally amazed at how knowledgable they all seemed. I had a lot to learn.
The party moved outside to the pool area where a buffet and tables had been set up. As promised, the "bubbly" flowed.
Bill rose to make a toast. "Here's to our leader who surprised us all, and himself, too, I think," he said.
I hated this much attention, but the muttered "speech" from many made it necessary for me to say something.
I stood. "Thanks, Bill," I said. "Yes, I did surprise myself, but I can only take a little of the credit. I had a lot of help." scanned the group and nodded at the key players, ending with Eric who got a big smile. "Thank you all," and I sat down.
"Well, what do you think of Kevin?" I asked as we got ready for bed.
"I really like him," Eric said. "He's a real nice guy, and he seems comfortable around us 'queers'."
"I like him too," I said. "The younger generation is a lot more tolerant and accepting."
Work was the name of the game. Midterms were approaching for Eric. Annie was totally immersed in her project, and I took on a lot of new responsibilities myself.
The "Jewel of the Sea Ball" provided a little break. I called Carol. She didn't hesitate in accepting. When I told her that we'd be a 'foursome' this year, she commented "I've heard rumors, but didn't know for sure."
"His name's Eric," I told her. "He's bringing someone too."
"I hear he's drop-dead gorgeous," she said.
"I think so," I told her.
"I can't wait to meet him!" she gushed.
Eric was taking Maria, the lifeguard he'd worked with. He assured me she would be "suitable" and knew the score.
With our "dates", we met at the house for a drink and to get acquainted. Maria was a knockout. Tall, striking good looks, and elegantly but simply dressed. She was dark, and contrasted with Eric's blond Nordic look, they made a stunning couple. In a tux, Eric looked good enough to eat. That would come later.
Carol checked Maria out thoroughly, and I don't think was too pleased with the competition. Her attention, though, was focused on Eric, who she couldn't seem to take her eyes off of.
At our table, Annie and Kevin joined us as well as Bill and Sandy. For a change, Sandy wasn't the chairperson of the affair and they could sit with us.
A steady stream of people stopped by our table. All the rich and powerful, and no doubt, quite a few who were just curious. With all the recent publicity, I'd become somewhat of a curiosity, and, I'm sure quite a few were curious about Eric too. He was a new face in these surroundings. We were lionized, and drew far more attention than I enjoyed.
I glanced at Bill, who rolled his eyes skyward, then we both chuckled.
Dinner was followed by a short performance by the latest singing sensation, the usual self-congratulatory speeches by the organizers, then the dancing began. I hate dancing, but did the obligatory with Carol. I could tell that she was basking in the attention we had all received.
I also danced with Annie and Maria, but as soon as the crowd started thinning out, we departed.
After dropping off our "dates", I asked Eric if he'd had a good time.
"Actually, I had a lot of fun," he said.
"So did I," I admitted.
"It's kind of fun being out in the 'straight' world with all that camouflage," he chuckled. "I think we pulled it off. I know Carol had a good time with all the attention we got, and Maria got comfortable faster than I expected. Kevin may be a blueblood, but he's the nicest guy I've met in a long time."
"I see you guys hit it off, I'm glad," I told him.
"He may just turn into a good friend as well as a son-in-law," he giggled.
"Not too friendly, I hope," I added.
"Oh hell, he's terminally straight," he said.
"I'm glad, for Annie's sake," I told him.
"I'm not straight," he said, "and I intend to make that real clear when we get home." He did.
A few weeks later, Annie asked Bill and me to meet with her for a progress report. I could tell she was excited when we went into her office.
"Everything's on schedule," she announced. "The audit's complete, no surprises; the building inspections are complete, and everything is OK there too. Legal has gone over all of the operating leases, and everything is in order there too." She paused for breath. "The best part is right here, though." She pointed to a pile of folders on her desk.
"I got the last appraisals this morning," she continued, pointing at the pile again. "With one exception, all of them came in at least ten percent higher than book value. Overall, the average is 14% higher. We got even more of a bargain than we thought."
I could see where she was headed. So could Bill because he looked at me and smiled.
"If we refinance at the same loan-to-value ratio as before," she went on, "not only can we recoup the $400 million we're paying, but we could pull cash out of this. Quite a bit, too."
She wasn't finished. "The guys who are working on the re-financing assure me that we can do it at least two percentage points below what Chateau's currently paying. That means that our debt service, even on the larger amount, would be less than they're currently paying. We'd have positive cash flow and money to play with."
"I'd be tickled to death just to come out even," I said.
"But," Bill added, "If we do any bigger acquisitions in the future, this would be cheaper money than we can get at the banks."
I smiled at both of them. They had me cornered. It was too good to pass up, and with even more cash in the coffers, we'd almost be forced to make more acquisitions. They were waiting for my reaction.
"Let's go shopping," I said.
Annie flew around her desk, and I had to stand up fast to get the hug I knew was coming.
"Oh Dad," she said, "this is all so exciting!" Bill just stood there and smiled.
"I'm having a little trouble with one thing, though," I said.
"What's that?" Bill asked.
"Why would Rene sell out so cheap?" I asked.
That night, I let Annie tell Eric about her discoveries over dinner. Her enthusiasm and excitement hadn't waned, and was contagious.
I watched as the gears turned. "It isn't everyday that you can buy five billion dollars worth of Real Estate for nothing, get about 400 million back, and still have 700 million in paper equity!" he said. "Helluva deal!"
"Not only that," Annie added, "with interest and depreciation writeoffs, we'll have positive cash flow."
"I think we really got lucky on this one," I said. "I hope the next one works out half as well."
Annie went out with Kevin, Eric went to take a shower, and I sat and watched the lights on the coast from the den. When he came back in, Eric wasn't wearing a stitch and was sporting an enormous hardon. He struck a pose and flexed his arms and upper torso muscles. I groaned. He was so damned beautiful and innocently sexy.
"Hold that pose," I told him. I walked over to him, taking his dick in my hand and gave him a soft kiss on the lips. "Stay right there."
I got the lube out of the bedroom and came back to find him exactly as I had left him. I knelt in front of him, and lubing up both hands, started stroking his magnificent manhood.
"Just like our first time," he smiled. I grinned at him and went to work.
Long slow strokes, then variations, twisting my hands around his shaft as I stroked to give him added stimulation. I felt him start to tense, and instead of backing off, continued at the same pace, letting him go over the edge the first time. I wanted to take him into my mouth and drink his nectar, but I also wanted to see his offering flow freely. He came. Long ropes of white hit my chest and shoulders. His whole body shuddered, and when the flow stopped he grabbed me for support.
I stood, still holding his softening dick, and he took me into a tight embrace, cum and all. It had been such an erotic sight that I was on the verge of orgasm myself. "Don't move," he cautioned, and began undressing me, just letting my clothes drop. I stood there with my pants around my ankles as he reached for the lube. Already almost there, it only took a few strokes before I let go too, covering his bare chest with my juices, and crumpling into a heap. He caught me as I collapsed and lowered me to the floor, covering my mouth with his as I came down from the explosive heights.
Closing our first big purchase was an anticlimax. Really, nothing happened as far as we were personally concerned. Already signed documents were exchanged in some lawyers office somewhere. One bank posted a big debit to its funds transfer account and another posted a credit.
No big deal. But, we did, now, own 66 hotels and an office building. The only ones of these I'd seen were the two hotels in our town - a Hyatt Regency and a Marriott Suites. Even using those two as perspective, the whole thing was still kind of abstract. I had to "touch and feel" things to make them real.
When I'd taken over Metalco, I'd had this same feeling. The only way I'd been able to fully grasp the whole situation was to become familiar with all of its parts. It took me almost two years, but I visited every plant and every other installation we owned or controlled. I met the people who ran them, walked the production room floors, and got firsthand knowledge of the people, their products and their problems.
I've maintained my ties to these people, even when I've been on an emotional low myself. I owe it to them because they are the ones who make my success possible.
When I told Eric about all this, he was totally amazed about my continuing contact with plant-level people. "In so many ways," he said, "you seem so detached, but now I see how deeply involved you really are. Rather unorthodox, but I think it's wonderful."
He also understood my feeling of unreality about the new properties and had a wonderful idea. "Let's check out a bed in each and every one of the hotels," he suggested with a leer. "I don't think there'll be any beds in the office building, but we can fuck on a desk!"
"You're awful!" I told him laughing, "but it's a good idea. Let's try to hit two or three a month. We'll burn a lot of jet fu but what the hell."
We discussed the idea, and quickly agreed that it wouldn't be necessary to actually make love in every one. If there were more than one property in a city, we'd stay at one and visit the others.
It was also agreed that we wouldn't show up unannounced. The reason we were going was to learn, not to pull surprise inspections.
A few days after the deal was closed, Nancy announced surprise visitors. It was Rene's "partners". In full daylight, they looked rather unsavory.
I welcomed them, and they sat. There was a moment of chit-chat, then one of them came directly to the point. "We've heard that you're refinancing," he said.
"Yes, we are," I told him. "We should have it wrapped up in about two weeks."
"We also hear that you're pulling out about 800 in cash," he said.
"That's a rather personal matter," I said. "I don't think I care to confirm or deny what you've heard."
"Thank you," he said politely. "We understand." They rose and left.
That night when I told Eric about my weird visitors, he agreed that they hadn't looked like real upstanding citizens when we were in Vegas. "Rene was the star attraction," he said. "I really didn't pay too much attention to the other three. They were so quiet, and kind of blended into the woodwork."
"I really wonder what they wanted?" I said. "It's kind of strange
"Who knows?" he said. "They're strange people."
It all became abundantly clear the next morning. The headline screamed "International Businessman Executed Gangland Style."
The article said that Rene's body had been found by the side of a road in the Nevada Desert, one bullet to the head. It went on to describe his business career, culminating with his "enormously successful" sale of Chateau Properties to Metalco less than a week ago. There was speculation that the killing was gangland related, and investigations were underway.
When Eric walked in, I handed him the paper without a word.
He read for a few minutes, then said "Well, that explains your weird visitors yesterday."
"I guess so," I said. "They must have gotten REALLY pissed that we did something that Rene either couldn't, or wouldn't do."
"I'll bet there's more to it than that," he said. "Maybe a doublecross, or god knows what."
"Your Dad's a criminal attorney isn't he?" I asked.
"Yep, sure is," he said.
"I'll have the cops knocking on the door before noon. Might be a good idea to know what to say," I said.
"Dad's your man," he said. "Do you want me to call him for you?"
Eric made an appointment for me and I drove directly to Karl's office.
"Never thought I'd be seeing you under these circumstances," he chuckled.
"I haven't killed anybody, yet," I said, "but I may be on the fringe of a rather nasty murder. Have you seen the paper this morning?"
"Do you mean the guy in Las Vegas?" he asked.
"That's the one," I said.
I told him the whole story, leaving nothing out. When I finished, I asked "What do you think?"
He thought about it for a few minutes. "First, there's no way that you could have been involved," he said. "Second, it'd be a real stretch for anyone to believe you had any prior knowledge because of that meeting yesterday. But, that meeting may have a direct bearing on the case, and the question now is, should you volunteer the information or wait until they ask you, and, be assured, they will."
"I can also understand your unwillingness to get involved in any way," he continued, "what we want to do is minimize that as much as possible."
"How do we do that?" I asked.
"I have a colleague in Las Vegas who deals with those guys all the time," he said. "Let me call him, and we can go from there. From a legal standpoint, you don't have to volunteer information right now, but as soon as you 'realize' the possible importance of what happened, then you should come forward. I should have some answers by noon. If they show up before then, tell them everything, and call me."
At the office, I decided not to tell anyone about the whole mess. Why involve them? Metalco had a squeaky clean reputation, and I wanted to keep it that way. Our purchase from Rene and his buddies had been totally aboveboard and open to scrutiny, but, if he was involved with organized crime, then some stigma could rub off on us, and I certainly didn't want that!
I tried to conduct business as usual, but was really relieved when Karl called. "I think we've found a solution," he said. "My friend in Vegas is pretty tight with one of the investigators assigned to the case, and he says the guy is pretty discreet. With your permission, he's going to set up a private interview for you with him, and I'll be present."
"Here, or in Las Vegas?" I asked.
"Definitely here," he said. "We want to cooperate, but we don't want to be eager."
"It sounds fine to me," I said.
"I'll make the arrangements," he said, "but, to be on the safe side, have your PR people on call in case there's a leak."
"I'll do that," I said, "and thanks a million, Karl."
It was time to let Bill and Annie in on what was going on.
Without having any real idea of what might happen, it was hard to formulate a game plan. Karl called while we were talking to let me know that the detective from Las Vegas would be there around 9:00 the next morning. He would be there at 8:00 to brief me. At least, we now had a timeframe to work from.
Eric was supportive, but thought I was blowing things out of proportion. Worst case, according to him, was that my information would, eventually, help provide a motive, if the three "partners" were involved at all. My information, alone, was certainly not enough to point the finger.
He understood my concern about Metalco's reputation, but, again, felt I was overly concerned. Quite frankly, his attitude pissed me off.
I tried not to be cool toward him, but he sensed how I felt, and tried to kid me out of my snit. It didn't work, and for the first time, we went to bed quietly. He held me, but I couldn't really get "into" it, and we fell asleep in silence.
When I woke up in the morning, Eric was leaning on his elbow, looking at me, looking very unhappy. "I love you," he whispered. "I don't ever want to go to sleep like that again."
"I didn't sleep very well either," I admitted.
"I'm with you, regardless of what," he said. "Remember we're in this together, whatever it is."
"I know," I said, "I'm worried, that's all."
Taking me into his arms, he said "It'll blow over."
Karl and I arrived at the office at the same time. We went over the story again. He wanted to know the names of the three partners, and I honestly didn't remember. I did remember that they'd signed the Letter of Intent, so I asked Nancy to find our copy.
The signatures were almost impossible to read, but Karl said they'd serve our purpose.
The detective was late. Karl, watching me fidget, tried his best to calm me down.
It wasn't one, but two detectives who showed up at almost 10:00. They announced that it would be an "informal" session, and agreed to Karl's tape recording of the conversation.
After establishing all of our identities, I told them that Rene's partners had visited me. I repeated, almost verbatim, the conversation that occurred, and that was all.
They asked what I considered significant about that, and before I could answer, Karl stepped in. "That would be pure speculation on the part of Mr. Rush," he told them. "He's given you the facts. That's all we have, I'm afraid."
The detectives looked at each other, and one said "Shit, we came over here for THAT?"
At about that time, Nancy tapped on the door and stuck her head in. "Mr. Lundborg," she said, "Can I speak to you for a moment. It's important."
He was gone only a minute or so, and when he returned he was obviously furious. He stood right in front of the detectives, fuming. "I believe an explanation is in order, gentlemen," he demanded. "If this was to be an 'informal' session, why are there photographers and TV cameras surrounding the building?"
I have to admit that they both looked genuinely surprised.
"Somebody had to tip them off," Karl continued. "It sure as hell didn't come from here."
"I don't know," they chorused.
"I believe that, in all fairness to us, you need to give them a statement, clearing up this matter right now," he demanded.
They looked at each other again. "I'm afraid our chief makes all statements to the press," he said. "All we can say is 'no comment'."
Karl shook his head. "That's wrong, and you know it," he said. "This is a setup, and I'm going to find out who's behind it."
"I'm sorry," one of them said, "those are the rules we have to live by."
"Then, here's a phone," Karl said, "call him, and have him issue a statement in Las Vegas."
"Sorry, can't do that, he's playing Golf today," one of them said. "I think it's time we got out of here."
As they left, Karl winked at me and shut off the tape recorder.
"I'm going to follow them down and find out what kind of questions they're asked," Karl said. "Don't let that tape recorder out of your sight."
I sat and waited. This was absolute bullshit. I'd tried to be helpful, and look what was happening. No more Mr. Nice Guy.
I called Nancy in. "I want Bill and Annie in here as fast as they can get here, and I want them to bring our PR guys with them," I told her. She nodded and left.
In minutes, Bill, Annie and our two PR guys came running in.
I motioned for them to sit at the conference table. "I don't know if you guys have been fully briefed yet," I said looking at the PR guys, "but it looks like the shit's hit the fan. We'll know how bad it is in a few minutes."
"They've been briefed," Annie said. "What happened?"
"Karl Lundborg will be back in a minute and we'll know how bad it is," I told them. We waited.
I heard Annie explaining to Bill that Karl was an Attorney and Eric's father.
Karl came in fuming. He didn't wait for introductions, and exploded. "That was a goddam deliberate setup! Somebody got in touch with all the media, and told them who, what, and when," he said. "I can't believe this!"
He slowed down long enough for me to introduce Bill and the PR guys. He knew Annie.
"Before they even knew what you had to say, they leaked that you were 'being questioned'," he said to me. "This really smells!"
I took charge. "Sit down, Karl, relax a minute," I told him.
I addressed the group, quietly, deliberately. "It's MY name and my reputation, and that of the Company too, that's on the line here. Since they didn't confirm or deny anything, the press is going to have a field day with innuendo. My name will be used in the same sentence with 'Organized Crime' and I won't tolerate that. I want this nipped in the bud. NOW. I don't care what it takes or what it costs, it's going to happen. NOW. Let's go to work."
"Before we go any further, it'd help to know what's really going on in Las Vegas," Karl said. "I already think I know, and can confirm it pretty fast. While I'm making a few phone calls, I'll let you listen to the tape. That will bring everybody up to date."
While Karl was rewinding it, I explained that Karl had taped the "interview" that morning with the Vegas detectives, with their permission. When the tape was playing, I took Karl into my other office to use the phone.
Everyone listened intently, and when it was over, Bill said "There's nothing to it!"
"That's just the point," I said, "There IS nothing to this whole damned thing, but that's not the impression that's been given to the media. Since they don't have anything to go on, they can speculate like crazy. That's what I want to stop."
Karl came back in. "Just what I expected," he said. "Goddam politics. The Clark County Sheriff, who has jurisdiction over Las Vegas Metro, is an ambitious son-of-a-bitch, and when your name came up, he saw a golden opportunity to get his name in the papers and on TV. Now, the question is, how do we shut the bastard up?"
"With the truth?" I suggested.
"I don't think so," Rob, one of our PR guys said. "You can tell the whole truth, Dave, and if the Sheriff keeps mum, saying that they're still investigating, nobody'll believe a word you say, and the media will 'hint' that you're not telling all."
Jay, the other PR guy added "The only thing that would stop this now is for the Sheriff to come out with a statement to the effect that you had some peripheral knowledge about Rene that you thought might be relevant, volunteered it, and that was it. But, based on what he's done already, I doubt that's going to happen."
"Whether you like it or not," Rob said, "They're going to make you seem like a suspect in the case."
"This is turning into a fucking nightmare," I exploded. "Karl do you have any legal advice?"
"You didn't do anything, don't have anything to hide, and you did your duty as a good citizen," he said. "This is nuts!"
"OK guys," I said to the group, "you have a half hour to kick this around, then we're going to do something, even if it's wrong."
Annie gave me a hug on her way out with the rest. Karl stayed.
"I'm really sorry, Dave," he said. "I gave you the right legal advice, but it turned out wrong."
"It's not your fault," I told him. "We got blindsided. Now, all we have to do is get out of this thing with our asses intact."
"The truth will eventually come out," he said, "but the damage will already have been done. I know how you value your privacy, but I guess you can kiss that goodbye."
I thought about applying political pressure. I have a lot of friends in high places, but that wouldn't work either. Anybody as stupid and ambitious as the Sheriff apparently was wouldn't bow to that kind of pressure. Revenge, too, wouldn't be worth the trouble. If the guy didn't self destruct, and got re-elected or ran for higher office and won, the people would get what they deserved. Cynical, but true.
Karl and I re-hashed the situation. At least we had the tape, which would be copied and transcribed for future use, if needed.
"I hope you did take 800 million out of that deal," Karl said.
"We're going to," I told him.
The group came back in less than a half hour and assembled around the table.
"Well?" I asked.
"Three words of advice," Jay said. "Don't say anything."
"Why?" I asked.
"Anything you say will be considered 'protestething too much', so why say anything?" Rob said.
"If you do say anything, it will be twisted, used out of context, misunderstood, but not ignored," Jay added. "It will also play right into the Sheriff's hand, giving him even more publicity which is what he's after anyway."
"Lie low, don't hide, act concerned, but don't give them any ammunition," Rob said.
"It'd be the easiest way," I offered.
"And, the safest," Annie added.
"I think it's good advice, Dave," Bill chimed in.
Actually, I agreed, but I also wanted some kind of action.
"OK, I'll go along," I said. "I think you're right, but we'll pla this thing day by day."
The meeting was over. Business as usual. Hah!
The phone rang. It was Eric.
"I heard," he said quietly. "I feel like a complete shit."
To be continued.
Author's note: Feedback and comments are always very welcome. I carefully consider all suggestions and constructive criticism. I'd really like to hear from you guys. orrinrush@yahoo.com