Page 61 of Seduced By a Billionaire

“Anything I should know before the meeting?”

“Naw nothing you don’t already know.”

Kyle walked to the door and he and Pete headed towards the conference room. Some of their team were already seated around the long table. Kyle took his seat and his assistant Elenore took her seat beside him, pen and notebook in hand.

Looking around at the engaged faces of his colleagues, Kyle felt a sense of camaraderie that was unfamiliar to him. He cleared his throat, “First, on a personal note, I want to thank you all for your dedication to this firm and your willingness to go above and beyond. It is greatly appreciated and noted. As you are all aware, it’s a miracle that I’m even sitting here right now. Thank you for the get-well cards and words of encouragement. They meant a lot.”

Gillian piped in, “We’re so glad you’re back, sir. It was such a shock.”

“I’m glad to be back, thank you. I’d like to go around the table and give everyone a few minutes to brief me on your cases…any issues you’d like help with, any concerns.” Smiling Kyle said, “Let’s start with you John, what do you have for us?”

Everyone took turns sharing and Kyle was satisfied that none of their current cases had anything to do with either the vandalism and sabotage of his father’s development or the anthrax scare.

“Does anyone have any ideas about who could be trying to threaten our firm?” Everyone looked concerned as they shook their heads no.

“Pete would you fill them in on the latest?”

“Sometime in the wee hours of the morning, there was more machinery vandalized at the Bennett construction site. Kyle got the call about an hour ago. I drove by on my way here and right now, we have two separate groups picketing the site. Earths Saviors and the neighboring billionaires club. Fun times.”

Kyle’s eyebrows were drawn together, his jaw tight. “I’m very concerned. I can’t stress enough the seriousness of this. People, you come first. I want everyone here to be extra vigilant. I’m not trying to scare anyone, but we can’t assume that they won’t escalate their attacks, I’m sorry,” Kyle said.

Pete continued, “Two pieces of heavy equipment were targeted. A grader, about a five-hundred-thousand-dollar proposition, and excavator valued around two-hundred-thousand dollars. Someone broke into the mobile office and took the keys to the excavator and spun it around crashing into the bulldozer next to it. Turned it over and crushed the cab. Then, not satisfied, they poured tar in the fuel tank of the grader and all over the interior of the office, almost impossible to clean up. Ruined for all practical purposes. Some serious tampering going on. As all of you know, this is Kyle’s family business, ouch!”

Kyle added, “Couple that with the powder delivery and the random slashed tires and burglary, we’ve got a big problem. I’ve hired extra security for the office. We’re having more surveillance cameras installed in and around the building and parking lot,” Kyle said.

“At least they’re targeting things and not people,” one of the paralegals offered hopefully.

“Yes, there is that, however we don’t want to assume anything. If you have any concerns or see anything suspicious let Pete or me know immediately, and don’t hesitate to call the police. Any questions? Okay, so I’ll only be in the office a couple hours a day until I build up my stamina. Everyone knows how to reach me. Thanks for your time,” Kyle said. He stood up and shook a few hands as the group filed out of the room.

Elenore lingered behind, concern etched on her face, “You look so pale, are you sure you’re ready to jump back in?”

Kyle smiled kindly at her and said, “I’m only going to be here another hour or so then I’m heading home. Don’t worry about me, you’ve got enough to worry about just keeping this damn place going.”

“Don’t push it. Remember what you said, people first, that includes yourself,” she turned on her heel and left him standing there with Pete.

“She’s right. Why don’t you go home? You look like hell.”

“Gee thanks.”

“I know I was pushing you to return, but we’ve got it covered. You can deal with your old man from home. I’ll let you have that honor.”

“Just shoot me, will ya?” Kyle knew how that conversation was going to go. He would somehow be to blame for the problems at the construction site. “I’ve just got a few things to finish up and then I’ll head out of here.”

“Back into the arms of your sexy nurse for hire. Maybe I could retain her services. I’ve been a little under the weather lately,” he grinned wolfishly.

Gritting his teeth Kyle said, “Her name is Ella. And she’ll be returning to the hospital, this was a one and done.”

“One and done huh? Money talks. Only the best for the Bennett family.”

“What the fuck is your problem?” Kyle asked.

“No problem. Did you develop a thin skin while you were convalescing?”

“No but I’m thinking maybe your sensitivity chip got misplaced while I was recovering.”

Touching his hand to his forehead in a mock salute, Peter said, “Good one chief. Never had one of those chips to begin with. I’ve got to run, see you tomorrow.”

“I thought you said you had it covered. How are you going to do that if you’re not around?”

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