Newton's Cradle by Robert Valdin

Author:Robert Valdin [Valdin, Robert]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: energy, thriller, eco
Publisher: Soliquest Publishing
Published: 2020-06-22T15:41:15+00:00

Chapter 15

Riley and Margaret had decided to dine out that evening. It was a much-needed break from work, the battle over the company and daily routine. It was also an opportunity for them to make up after their disagreements. She hadn’t seen much of him over the last few weeks. And her wish to use whatever time they had left to travel and see the world together was still unfulfilled.

Riley took Margaret’s hands in a conciliatory gesture. “I know I haven’t been home much lately, but . . .” Riley trailed off. He’d been facing the lobby and had just seen an unwelcome sight. Stockwell had just come in, with a woman Riley had never seen before. The hostess was busy helping them with their overcoats.

Riley sighed, resigned.

“Of course. Just when I thought the day couldn’t get any worse.”

Stockwell excused himself from his companion and came over to their table. He said hi to Margaret and nodded to Riley.

“Enjoying yourselves?” he asked. Riley clenched his teeth and avoided Stockwell’s gaze by studying the silverware on the table.

“You’re a bit out of place here, aren’t you?” Riley said. “I guess they let anyone in these days.”

Stockwell pretended not to hear him and addressed Margaret instead. “You should try to talk some sense into your spouse, Mrs. Riley. Explain the stakes to him. The company’s a sinking ship.” An anguished expression passed over Margaret’s face.

“Go to hell,” Riley snarled. Stockwell smiled faintly.

“Listen to me, Mr. Riley,” Stockwell said in a neutral tone, as if it were still possible to get Riley to see reason. “We’re giving you the opportunity to step down quietly. The board will free up your bonuses and stock immediately. It’s going to be a beautiful summer. The company’s in good hands. Your inheritance will live on. Think about it.”

Riley said nothing. He had no reaction whatsoever. He kept his gaze down in defiance.

Stockwell continued, “Remember what you owe us.”

Riley leaned back into his chair and stared out ahead of him, contemplating. “I remember a man who wasn’t very bright and didn’t know anything about business,” he said.

“You’re fighting a losing battle,” Stockwell countered, shaking his head. “You just can’t see it.”

“He couldn’t lead without someone there to hold his hand and tell him how to handle things,” Riley continued. “But he’d somehow found a way into the industry.”

“Bullshit.” Stockwell rolled his eyes theatrically.

“Of course, no one dared insinuate nepotism, family connections.”

“Bullshit, and you know it!”

“I’m trying to enjoy a night off with my wife, and then you come over here with this shit. Leave us in peace—is that too much to ask?”

The maître d’ came over. They’d apparently gotten rather loud.

“Gentlemen, I’m going to have to ask you to lower your voices,” he said. Riley’s first impulse was to tell the man to go to hell, but he got ahold of himself and nodded towards Stockwell.

“Could you ask this man to get the hell away from our table?” Riley said.

Stockwell could see that he wasn’t going to get anywhere.

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