Page 32 of Rekindling Desire

“Awkward,” I repeated. “You called a meeting when you knew that two members of the executive board would not be present. My name is Sinclair. I only have the best interest of this company in mind.” I took a breath. “I apologize, I forgot to congratulate you on the marriage of your daughter. I suppose that now makes you a Sinclair by proxy.”

“I would say that you missed your chance.”

“With Amber? No, Gloria, I passed. You’ll both learn that Darius isn’t an equal. She didn’t just swap one Sinclair for another.” I peered across the room, meeting Ella’s gaze, and back to Gloria. “I too am married. If it comes to it, be prepared to discuss the addendum.”

“Do you have proof?”

“Other than my beautiful bride, yes.”

A hush fell over the room as Darius and Amber entered. Mentally, I cringed at the sight of my brother’s face. The bruising was more than I’d realized. One eye was practically swollen shut.

“Darius…” Questions came from members of the board and stockholders alike.

What happened?

Are you seriously injured?

Did you file a police report?

Ella was back at my side. In a whisper, she said, “At least he’s sticking with the mugging story.”

“Oh good,” Gloria said, “Art Hatfield is here. Everyone is accounted for.” She looked at her watch and spoke to the room, “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s about time to call this meeting to order.”

A smile curled my lips as Lynwood approached Gloria. As parliamentarian, it was his duty to be certain that our meetings were conducted properly, and we followed Robert’s Rules of Order. Under normal circumstances, when the chairman was absent, the vice-chair would take charge.

These weren’t normal circumstances.

Ella, Dani, and I watched as Lyn Sharp explained the legal work that transpired yesterday, giving Danielle Sinclair the power as chairwoman. While they kept their voices low, body language suggested that Gloria was caught off guard. Amber walked over to her mother. If she were a cartoon, I imagined smoke coming from her ears.

I whispered to Ella and Dani. “In our game of chess, I believe that is check.”

Dani stepped forward. “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming today. I was made aware that our vice-chair, Gloria Wilmott, has a few new matters to discuss with the board. If everyone can take a seat, we’ll begin.”

“She’s good,” Ella whispered.

She was. My sister was first and foremost a scientist with her PhD in chemistry. She innately understood the side of Sinclair Pharmaceuticals that I did not. She was as at home in a laboratory as I was in a boardroom, yet when push came to shove, Dani was a Sinclair and as such, could competently navigate the boardroom, much more than I could a laboratory.

The front table filled, with Dani sitting in for the chairman. Gloria took her seat as vice-chair. Rachel Stokes was secretary, Art Hatfield, treasurer, and Lyn Sharp took his seat as parliamentarian.

Danielle gaveled the meeting to order. “Mr. Sharp, could you please stand and address the board, explaining why I am here in this place of honor.”

Lyn stood. “Dr. Sinclair is obviously well-versed in many aspects of Sinclair Pharmaceuticals. As of yesterday, Dr. Sinclair was given the legal power of attorney to speak for her father, Derek Sinclair, and her mother, Marsha Sinclair. Accordingly, she will be conducting our meeting as ad hoc madam chairwoman.”

“Thank you, Mr. Sharp,” Dani said. “As a matter of order, Mrs. Stokes will read the minutes from our last meeting.”

As Rachel Stokes stood and spoke, I watched the uneasiness of Gloria. A quick turn of my head and I saw her displeasure mirrored by her daughter and son-in-law.

“Do we have any reports to share?” Dani asked.

The answer was no.

“Our next item of business is time-sensitive situations.”

“Madam chairwoman,” Gloria said. “I have a time-sensitive matter to discuss. It’s the reason I called this meeting.”

“Ms. Wilmott, the floor is yours.”

Gloria cleared her throat as she stood. “On a personal note, Dr. Sinclair and both Mr. Sinclairs, the board’s thoughts and prayers are with your parents at this difficult time.”

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