Total pages in book: 130
Estimated words: 123579 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 618(@200wpm)___ 494(@250wpm)___ 412(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 123579 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 618(@200wpm)___ 494(@250wpm)___ 412(@300wpm)
As much as I love this city, I want to be done with our business so I can get back to New York. Back to Sofie. I can’t help but think of the scandals of her past Kyle’s team has resurrected. She may not be leading a revolution, but what she is doing takes tremendous courage. She’s risking a lot; taking hard blows to see if her hurt has the possibility to help. Wondering if her past mistakes make her irredeemable. I know they don’t, and I’m so damn proud of her.
I sip from the glass at my elbow, savoring the Vergelegen V, one of my favorite wines from the famous Cape Town vineyard. I raise the glass in a toast to Henri. She always makes sure I have it when we’re here.
“Is it good?” She sips her merlot, eyeing me expectantly.
“Always.” I flake off some of the blackened panga, a South African fish seasoned with turmeric, cumin, and nutmeg, before turning my attention to the man joining Henri, Harold, and me for dinner. “And your steak, Thurston? Good?”
“Very.” He speaks between chews. “How’d you think the meetings went today?”
I take my time answering, savoring every spicy bite.
“Satisfactory.” I set my fork on the plate, giving this exchange my full attention. “I’ll be interested to see how some of the Collective members who have been around for a while respond to the transparency measures I outlined.”
Thurston pauses, fork hovering between his plate and his mouth.
“Maybe you don’t know, but I am one of the original members of the Collective, Trevor.”
“I actually did know that, Thurston.” I give him stare for stare until he finally grins, and I grin back.
“I see.” Thurston resumes eating, eyes sharp and set on my face. “You’re that rare man who doesn’t deal in bullshit, Bishop.”
“I’m not sure that I’m rare,” I say. “But you’re right that I don’t have much tolerance for bullshit, so tell me how you think the transparency measures will fare when we vote tomorrow.”
Harold and Henri exchange nervous glances, but my eyes never leave Thurston’s face.
“Why do I get the feeling this isn’t the casual dinner I thought it would be?” Thurston asks.
“No harm in making conversation over a delicious meal.” I lean forward. “Thurston, you know as well as I do that the Collective can’t afford another scandal if we’re to maintain our corporate and philanthropic integrity. Members disclosing possible conflicts of interest and voluntarily submitting tax records, which are public anyway, are just a few ways we can protect the organization against corruption and self-interest, the very things we’re fighting with most of these countries’ leaders.”
“And will you be disclosing information about your personal life, Trevor?” Thurston’s tone is casual, but his eyes remain sharp. “Rumor has it that you’ve been making some very, shall we say, interesting personal alliances lately.”
I push my plate away, and set my elbows on the table, linking my hands into a shelf I rest my chin on.
“To what are you referring exactly, Thurston?”
“Well, is it true you’re seeing Sofie Baston?” Thurston drops his eyes to the meal in front of him, conveniently avoiding my direct stare.
“I’m the one who proposed the transparency measures, Thurston, and will be more than willing, of course, to fully cooperate within the confines of the requirements, which doesn’t include who I’m seeing romantically.”
“So you are romantic with Sofie Baston?” Thurston looks up, eyes gleaming for a moment with a light that is all male. “She sure is something. I can’t blame you. Few men could turn that down.”
I’d hate to bash Thurston over the head with the Michelangelo Hotel’s fine china, but if he oversteps, I will.
“It’s really no one’s business who I’m seeing.” I take another sip of my wine, using precious seconds to control my irritation with the direction this conversation has taken. “It has no bearing on my work with the Collective.”
“Surely you’re not that naïve, Bishop.” Thurston’s cynical laugher irritates me even more. “Just be careful. It can’t leave this table, but you are definitely the leading candidate to assume leadership. Everyone loves your ideas. It’s apparent you have integrity and vision. Your business and personal record are above reproach. You’re young and vibrant, which is something we need. I’m in your corner. That’s why I tell you to be careful. Ms. Baston has made a very powerful enemy. If you’re involved with her, then so have you.”
I’m just about to tell Thurston what he and the rest of his cronies can do with their sage advice and inappropriate concern, but Harold, who knows me too well, cuts in.
“I’m sure the transparency measures will pass tomorrow,” Harold says. “It’s good business practice and will go a long way toward restoring public faith that we remain committed to the best interests of the nations we’ve been tasked with serving.”