CHAPTER 16: TAKEOVERS AND CLAUSES

JUSTIN:

“Oh God, right there… Jus… right… don’t leave… stay… YES!”

That’s right. I’m tearing his ass up, and with good reason. All day and all night long he’s been teasing me, beginning with telling me how he and Dale met. Between the two of them, they gave me a blow-by-blow of Dale’s performance at the Leather Ball. Then they traded stories of their forays into different BDSM clubs around the globe.

I still want to visit Nonny’s in NYC as a spectator. Brian introduced me to Meat Hook for my eighteenth birthday, but according to both of them Nonny’s is much more intense. I suppose I should have expected that living vicariously through Brian’s memories would leave me restless throughout the night. The images of me in every possible position, both taking what I want and being taken how I needed, kept me on the edge of orgasm. The dreams themselves were exhausting and exhilarating by turns.

So by the time Brian woke up this morning, I was already on ten and just about at the point of no return. Finding him sleeping on his stomach, which he rarely does, gave me license to pounce. And that’s what I did, and will continue to do until I hear him screaming my fucking name!

“Come on, Brian. Push back harder on my dick. Give it to me!” I demand as I push forcefully into him, holding his shoulders and using them as leverage. Instead, he tries to unman me by squeezing his sphincter extra tight. I slap his ass and change the angle, passing directly over his prostate. As he gasps, I smile. I do it again and croon, “Oh… you liked that, didn’t you?”

“Fuck yeah!” Brian yells as I thrust into him again and again.

“I’ll never get enough of you. And after I’m finished, it’s your turn, Brian. I want you to fuck me til I can’t remember my name; so hard that every time I even think of sitting down, I have second thoughts…”

And those words were all it took to have us both trembling uncontrollably, reaching that point of nirvana which we have only ever found with each other. Dismounting as carefully as I can, I first dispose of the nearly-full condom into the trash bin by the bed, then kiss Brian’s back while my hands untie his and travel down his back. Massaging his muscles gently, I relish the small sigh of bliss escaping him as he lays there boneless. Being able to take care of him like this is one of the most transcendent experiences I’ve ever had. It means everything that he trusts me implicitly, even in these small actions, especially since he keeps finding out just how much he has been betrayed by those who continually drilled into his head how much they loved him.

But the one thing they’ve apparently never learned about Brian is that he not only lives by the motto that actions speak louder than words, he breathes it. And their actions have told Brian- told US- a very different story.

“We have a very big day ahead of us, Sunshine. If you keep this up, I swear I’ll sleepwalk right through it.”

“That may not be such a bad thing,” I whisper in his ear as I keep up the feather-light touches.

“Nope. I want to be wide awake as I watch that fucker’s demise at our hands.”

“Well you always did say that together we are unstoppable.”

“I did? When?”

“The first time was the night I decided I wasn’t going to Dartmouth. And then there was the week before the GLC Carnivale when I came to show you the final cut of the poster. And of course there’s the taking down of Stockwell. It’s something you’ve seemed to always know, but that was the time you really believed it.”

“And with good reason. It was and still is the truth. After we get this account today, we’re going to be big fat fucking successes.”

“You really believe that?”

“Hell yeah, I do. The one thing they have done that was a huge mistake on their part is that they thought us down for the count. And for a little while, we were, I admit. But the thing no one ever seems to realize is that we never run from a fight. It’s just who we are as men, and now as a couple. As I look back on it now, we didn’t run from the bullshit with your father, we didn’t against Hobbs and during your healing process… We don’t allow each other to bury our heads in the sand while waiting for a brighter fucking day. We make shit happen. That’s who the fuck we are, Sunshine.”

“Sometimes you have to sacrifice everything for what you believe in.”

“Exactly! Only this time we’ve sacrificed e-fucking-nough. It’s time to take back what they have temporarily been holding hostage from us. You ready?”

I look into the hazel eyes I know and love so well. The belief in us is so clear that it nearly takes my breath away. But it’s the light of battle, swirling in their depths, that has me smiling back at the man I love more and more with each inhale and exhale I take. “Let’s go.”

It’s time to put on that fuck’em all and fuck you too persona that has always kept Brian and I together in one way or another since the night we met. Despite everything that’s happened over the past three years, it’s also the attitude we have which keeps us as royalty within our little kingdom… and something Gardner Vance is not prepared for, but is about to learn, albeit too late for his own fucking good. I can’t wait!

MELANIE

As I am sitting here having breakfast in this big empty house, I find myself a bundle of nerves. Gus has spent the night with Jennifer so that I didn’t have to trouble Dusty and Marie again, nor drive all the way across town this morning to drop him off. I still can’t believe the information that I obtained in reference to Lindsay last night. At tomorrow’s conference, she’s going to be in for a huge surprise. But right now, I have to concentrate on the meeting that is either going to make or break Kinnetik.

I was surprised when Justin asked me to accompany them today. It’s not that I wouldn’t have wanted to watch them wipe the floor with that bald fucker. Who the hell wouldn’t want to watch justice being served on a very personal level, whether within the confines of the law or not? But it was the reason for Justin’s request that shocked me. Underneath all that blond is a fucking genius.

So I’m sitting here, going over a revised contract that he’s drawn up… HIM! Justin Taylor, who never went to law school, but managed to get every fucking thing right and airtight. Even things that most corporate lawyers tend to overlook in their familiarity and arrogance. And I have to say it’s fucking good.

He looked at Brian’s original contract with Ryder, and the contract Brian had with Vanguard before he became a partner. Both were violated in every conceivable fashion. It’s funny, but I never even considered looking at the Ryder contract, thinking that the terms of that contract were null and void. But Justin did, and found the missing piece to the Vance puzzle that was sure to put the nail in his proverbial coffin. Clearing the breakfast dishes, and putting them into the dishwasher, I grab up the contract and place it into my briefcase.

I need to make all of it official, so I’m going to have Janice type it all up before heading to Vanguard to watch the fireworks. The fact that I get to actually participate in some capacity as Brian and Justin’s personal attorney will be an added bonus. I love handing powerful men their asses while they are kissing my own. This day is going to be so much fun!

BRIAN:

Fuck! I know I’m sporting a woody the size of Texas right now. I always get this way in anticipation of the chase ahead. Justin and I sat in the car as we watched John Remson and his staff enter the building a half an hour ago. We figured we’d give Gardner the benefit of presenting the original campaign I did, knowing now that it was ineffective.

Sure it was brilliantly convincing for what it was. Take a pill, and immediately you're back on top; easy peasy, right? However, I’d only had a series of preconceived notions to go by back then. Speaking with Vic and Ben put things in a very different light regarding my thoughts on HIV/AIDS medications in general. The conversation was so candid, and educational; very enlightening in ways I never would have thought it could be.

I’m glad Justin came up with the idea to include them.

“How much longer do you think we should give him to fuck up?” Justin asks me. He has that particular mercenary gleam in his eye that I have come to love. It used to make me a bit apprehensive, but since his plotting was never really directed towards me, I’ve learned to relax when seeing it.

“Only a few more minutes. Cynthia just arrived after getting what I asked her to pick up.”

“What was that?”

“Finger foods from Em. Since we are going to crash Vance’s party, I figured we should do it in style. Plus it will also help Vic drum up business for HoneyGrass Elegant Creations.”

“And you call me the brilliant one?” He shakes his head, hair falling into his eyes.

God, he’s beautiful with his sparkling and predatory eyes. He’s irresistible on so many levels as it is, but sitting across from me in that suit… Well, gone was the boy I met three years ago, and in his place is a self-assured man. If John Remson is gay, seeing Justin is going to have him cumming in his pants. But then again, even if he isn’t, he’ll do it anyway.

Justin is more than enough to make any man take a second, third, fourth, and fifth look while wondering how easy it would be to have a piece of him. But the worst thing they can ever do is underestimate him. It’s something I learned not to do in some very hard ways.

Seeing Cynthia walking towards our car, I smile. “Let’s go, Sunshine. It’s showtime.”

In addition to Cyn, Ted and Mel join us along with our two very special guests. After our strategy and planning stage, we figured that having Vic and Ben in the meeting to dispel the myths Vance is putting forth would give more of an added impact for Remson’s edification. Food for thought is always good, but we don’t have time to spoon feed John Remson into our way of thinking. Besides, Justin and I, and therefore our team, are more in-your-face people. So cramming the information down his throat when faced with the same type of people he’s trying to help is definitely the way to go.

Bypassing security based on the fact that they still respect me, we reach the fourth floor in no time. It also helps that Cynthia thought ahead and bought pastries for them to consume while we were fucking up Vance’s day. Justin decides to open the portfolio containing the boards. At my questioning look, he smiles as he takes them out of their case.

“So we don’t waste time with the production… I don’t want Vance to even have one second to regroup. Instead, I want Remson to see him scrambling.”

“He’s right, Brian. Gardner is trying to pass that campaign off as his own. Having him at a loss to come up with any argument to defend your original ideas will also show just how incompetent and lazy he’s become over the years, leaving all of the real work to his subordinates. It’s something you’ve never done in all the years I’ve worked with you. They need to see who the real brain behind Vanguard's recent success was,” Cynthia tells me.

“Besides, isn’t he here upon the recommendation of Kellie McQuaid from Eyeconics?”

“Yes, he is,” I answer Justin.

“Well, her campaign request is currently on my desk at the loft. She’s doing a joint campaign with Remson’s brother-in-law’s swimwear line. Apparently, while she knows that you’re no longer here at Vanguard, she hasn’t told Remson as of yet. Too busy trying to get her small foot into our door, I suppose. So it stands to reason that when Remson finds out, he’ll happily jump ship immediately. I’ll be sure to drop that little tidbit of information while you’re no doubt dealing with Gardner. Just remember during that meeting to let Mel do most of the talking where the legal aspects are concerned.”

“I’m not an amateur, Sunshine.”

“Didn’t mean to imply that you were, Brian. Just that Melanie has some additional information that’s going to tip this in your favor even more.” He kisses me briefly, no doubt to appease my ruffled feathers. I feel the tension leaving me at the touch of his lips, just before he pulls back with a smile. “Now, let’s go kick ass.”

Avery, Vance’s assistant, was sitting at his desk with the headset attached to his ear. It was obvious that whomever he was talking to had nothing to do with business, as evident by him filing his nails even as we began to walk by.

“Oh shit! Look, I have to go. Vance is about to receive some very unwanted visitors! Besides he’s here, too. Yeah, I’ll call you back.” He throws the headset down on the desk before yelling, “Mr. Kinney, you can’t go in there!”

“Calm down Avery, and file your raggedy nails some more. Wouldn’t want that hangnail affecting you while you have your thumb up your ass,” I reply sarcastically. “Don’t worry, I’ll be sure to tell Vance that you did your job and barked at us sufficiently to stop us for all of thirty seconds.” I never could stand that condescending little punk. It felt good to get some of my own back.

“Come on, Bri. Let’s not waste our time on the insignificant. You can fire him later,” Justin says mysteriously, but I don’t have enough time to question him about his statement as he’s already pushed into the conference room.

“Back on Top… that’s what the people you want taking your…. WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING HERE?!”

And that’s my cue as I enter right behind Justin with the makeshift staff of Kinnetik, Inc. “Hello, Gardner. I thought Remson Pharmaceuticals could do with a real campaign, so those of us forming my new company, Kinnetik, thought to give him one.” I extend my hand towards the man in question. “Hello, John. It’s nice to finally meet you in person.”

“Brian Kinney?”

“The one and only, although I’m sure Gardner is wishing that I was a clone or hologram right about now,” I joke before sobering. “I’m not sure that Gardner has had a chance to tell you that I’m no longer associated with this… establishment.”

“No, he hasn’t. Otherwise, I would have cancelled this meeting until further investigation.”

“I understand. Your brother-in-law and a mutual friend have already sent us the preliminary specs for their joint campaign. I thought you might like to see what we have to offer before you sign under the misapprehension that I was still going to be involved directly with your campaign.”

“Brian…”

“Quiet, Vance. I would like to hear his presentation, especially since I was misled into keeping this appointment.” He answers Gardner curtly before he turns to me. “Please proceed.”

“Before I do, I wanted this meeting to go a little differently than the standard formalities Vanguard offers. First, I’d like to tell you how Kinnetik got started so that you get it directly from me as opposed to a mishmash of conjecture in order to make Vance look like the hero he isn’t.”

I go on to explain how all- and I mean, ALL- of my time at Vanguard went; the partnership agreement solidified by obtaining the Brown Athletics account to the official split between Vanguard and me. As I thought, Gardner did badmouth me to the client, advising him that my absence here today was due to a mere disciplinary action, instead of telling the truth of my enforced departure. What’s funny is that apparently Gardner never thought that what Justin and I did would make National headlines, and that not only would Remson read the paper while based in Chicago, but that so would several other companies that I’d brought into his. I never expected that an anonymous tip off to the press, and a reluctantly given exclusive with the New York Times would have snowballed into this kind of response. Although, I suppose I should have with the influx of accounts to review that Justin and I have sitting on our desk at home right now.

“Thank you for trusting me with the full story, Brian. The newspaper article only touched briefly on your part in bringing that tyrant to justice. I live in Chicago, but I’m originally from here and remember Stockwell’s father very well. He was a stand-up guy until the last five years of his tenure as police commissioner. He was then given the option to retire or face arrest. No doubt which avenue he chose. But now, let’s get to your presentation. By the way, these hors d'oeuvre are delicious. Who made them?”

“That would my business partner and me,” Vic tells him. It’s not hard to miss the pride in his eyes or voice.

“They are wonderful. Do you have a business card, and do you do out of state accounts?”

“I’m sure we would be able to accomodate you, Mr. Remson. But there is something you should know about me. I’m one of the people who would benefit from your new medication, as is my friend here. Ben and I have a very big vested interest in seeing the truth about medications such as yours, in print.”

“You mean you’re…”

“Yes, I am, but that’s not the total sum of me. As you can taste and see, I’m a classically trained chef and would like to remain so for the rest of my life.”

“How long have you been living with the virus?” John Remson seemed not only unfazed by the information Vic was giving about himself, but genuinely interested in the answer to his question.

“It’s going on twenty years now, Mr. Remson.”

“John. Please call me John.”

Vic bows his head and blushes. There is no doubt that Remson is attractive, but it’s little things like not being treated as a disease that matter the most to Vic. “John it is then. Well John, I can tell you that Brian’s original campaign, which is the one Vance tried presenting to you, while good, it’s also not accurate. Most days on the meds Ben and I feel like shit. While helpful, they are also very harsh on the body.”

“But that’s okay,” Ben tells the occupants of the room. “At least we’re alive to feel like shit. That’s what matters the most to those of us on these types of meds.”

“It’s a harsh reality, but there it is. The boards that Brian and Justin came up with tell the truth of what the medication can make you feel like, but it also gives us a hope. Not that we’ll be cured since that’s not coming for a long time, but that Endovir will help slow down the progress of the thing inside us trying to take us out of here in a body bag. I’m sure that anyone who has this virus will agree that it’s all we want. Many of us have children and grandchildren that we want to see grow old. Ben here is a natural born teacher who does his best to educate his students and keep them encouraged and enlightened. We need people like him around. As for me, I just returned to the land of the living, so to speak. My business partner, Emmett, and I, just started HoneyGrass Elegant Creations a little while ago. I’m finally doing what I have always wanted to do again. I have a partner who loves me, which I never thought to find and yes, he’s also positive. But more importantly, drugs like Endovir have given me a new lease on life, along with a major verbal asskicking from that blond young man over there. Although Justin doesn’t have the virus, someone tried to kill him a little over two and a half years ago.”

“What?” John asks in amazement.

“See, Vance really didn’t know who he had working for him when he fired Brian and Justin. Justin was at his senior prom with Brian as his date when a classmate took offense. We still don’t know if it’s because he was closeted and jealous that Justin was living the life he wanted, or if it was because he truly was a homophobe. It’s something we’ll probably never know, but that’s not the point of this story. The fact is that after Justin was bashed, people wrote him off as never being able to draw again, and yet those boards you’re looking at so intently were done by his hands. Brian is the one who wouldn’t let him give up on himself. And then later, they wouldn’t let themselves give up on each other. Through job loss and sheer determination, you’re looking at two men who treat every campaign as if their lives depend on it… because in truth, it does.”

Ben jumps in there with a statement that I never would have expected from him. “So John, in short, betting on Kinnetik gives you unlimited access to not only their individual genius, but the magic that happens when two creative people who know each other so well, and trust each other implicitly, work together. Not only are they driven; they’re relentless in their pursuit of perfection. If I may say so, you’d be a fool to trust your very sensitive and important product to anyone else, especially someone with no real knowledge or experience of that medication. Brian, Justin, and the staff at Kinnetik may all be free of the virus, but they all know the effects it can have on the people around them. After all, they interact with Vic and I everyday, checking on us to make sure we have what we need, and making sure we’re eating and staying as healthy as we can. To me, a constant survivor of HIV, that’s what I consider invaluable.”

I don’t think I’ve ever been so proud to just be me in my life. Hearing two men who I’ve come to respect talk about Justin and me like that is just… there aren’t any words that would be adequate enough. Justin once told me that he knew the real me, but it’s so shocking to me that he’s not the only one. I clear my throat of the roil of emotions I’m experiencing at this moment.

“Well, John, you’ve heard what two people living with the virus had to say,” and so much more, I think to myself. “I’m sure you have questions for us before making your decision.”

“BRIAN! A WORD, NOW!” Gardner yells, finally having come out of his stupor.

Justin smiles at me from across the room. “Brian, you go and take care of him. I’ll stay here and wrap up with John and answer any questions he may have.” He crosses the room and gives me a kiss before whispering, “Mel’s ready.”

“Ready?”

“Yeah. Love you.” He reassures me with a slight shoulder bump, before turning back to the representatives of Remson Pharmaceuticals. “So, John, your questions…”

I smile as I leave the room, knowing that I’ll be given a full account of Justin’s genius later. Besides, if he should run into trouble since this is really the first time he’ll be securing an account on his own, Cynthia is in there. Ted, as our CFO, will go over the cost projections we’ve worked hard to come up with. So in short. I can go into this meeting with a clear conscience and worry-free.

Following Vance into his large office, I’m not surprised to see Harold Davis there. Vance is well-known for keeping his lapdog attorney on speed dial, and the fact that Melanie is in the building with me would have had Baldy sending up the red flags. The fact that even as we speak Justin is applying the last nail to Vance’s proverbial coffin is just an added bonus in my book.

“What the actual fuck did you think you were doing barging into my meeting, Brian?!” Vance yells, his nostrils flaring angrily. I almost want to laugh since he looks like a fucking drugged-up dragon right now.

“I should think that would be obvious.”

“I know what the fuck you are doing! But did you forget that you signed a non-competition clause? I could sue your ass for everything you’ve got!”

“Wrong again, Vance. I signed no such thing since I would have been denouncing myself as your partner. I mean, what idiot would jeopardize their position within their own company? However, what I did sign was a separate contract stating that any clients I brought into the business would have the option of staying with you. The key word there is option, in case you missed it. The fact that they are jumping ship like Vanguard is the fucking Titanic should tell you something. Besides, I think there is the more important matter of my backpay that we should be here discussing and not the account you just lost.”

“Mr. Vance,” Melanie begins. “As you were informed numerous times over the last few weeks, Mr. Kinney is owed roughly six million dollars in past commissions and bonuses which he’d foregone in order to buy into Vanguard Advertising. Per his contract, which you knowingly signed, he was to receive that money back upon dissolution of the partnership should that ever happen. Based on your actions, it has, so please be so kind as to cut him his check and then this part of negotiations can be concluded. Otherwise, we will be happy to take you to court to get Mr. Kinney’s just due.”

“But… but I don’t have… the company is losing clients. Besides with the stunt Kinney just pulled that should be considered payment enough! It's a three billion dollar contract for Christ's sake! At ten percent commission...”

Melanie laughs, but there isn’t any humor in it. I swear if she wasn’t on my side, I’d be scared right about now. “Oh we know you don’t have it, which is why we have another option for you altogether. But you should probably also be aware that the new house you bought is also included in the deal since it was just purchased after Brian’s supposed termination. So in exchange for all of the money, plus the house that you’ve technically stolen from my client…”

“I did NOT steal from him!”

“Yes, you did. You knowingly withheld all of the money Brian was due to receive back, only you thought it wouldn’t catch up with you, Mr. Vance. You thought that you had Brian defeated, and that you would get to walk away scot-free with money that didn’t belong to you. You thought because of what happened with Stockwell, that you could just take the money and run, right? WRONG! By the way, it was also written in his contract that he didn’t have to work with people he was opposed to doing business with. You should’ve asked your attorney about that.”

Harold Davis snickers. “He did, and I advised that Mr. Kinney was well within his rights as a partner to request that clause be put in. If Brian walked, so would Brown Athletics, so for Gardner signing that contract was a no brainer.” He turns to Vance. “I told you not to force his hand regarding Stockwell, didn’t I? I also advised you to give Brian back his financial investment into Vanguard that went along with his partnership, didn’t I?”

“But…”

“No, not but, Vance. Instead, it’s about to be your ass. So Ms. Marcus, what is this new solution you have for my boss?”

“That he not be your boss anymore.” At all of our puzzled looks, Mel continues. “We had our CFO, Ted Schmidt, look into the current value of Vanguard Advertising which seems to be decreasing weekly. Sadly for you, Vance, having Remson Pharmaceuticals as a client still wouldn’t have covered your debt to Brian. So here is what I propose we do about it: Transfer ownership of Vanguard to Brian as a gift.”

“WHAT?!” Vance is as red as a boiled lobster right now, and I suddenly understand why Justin told me to let Melanie do all the talking. I never would have asked for this company, but I can see the wisdom in owning it.

“It’s simple really, Vance. The company as it is right now is worth about half the money that you owe Brian. Then there is the Defamation of Character lawsuit that we can file due to your attempts to blackball Brian within the industry that he has worked in for the past twelve years with more success than you have had in the last twenty.”

“Attempts?” Harold asks.

“Yes. There were five that we know of so far. Kennedy and Collins in New York City; Whitlock and Thomas Advertising in New York City; Marsden Advertising in Harrisburg; Johnson, Peters, and James Advertising also in Harrisburg; and Innovation, Inc in Chicago. I’m sure if there are any more, they will be happy to come forth on Brian’s behalf. You see, Vance, Vic was telling the truth when he said that you didn’t know who you had working for and with you. Brian Kinney is the man in the industry that they are all chasing and have been for years before you ever registered on Ryder’s radar. It’s actually why Ryder sold the company to you.”

“What do you mean, Mel?” This is new news to me, too.

“I swear, you really don’t know what you have in your partner, do you?” She smiles at me with a twinkle in her eye. “Anyway, Justin looked into the background of why Ryder was sold to Vanguard. The primary reason was because of Kennedy and Collins. Ryder was so sure that you were going to get the job and move there that he wanted to bail before that could happen. The original contract with Ryder stated that you were to be given first refusal if Ryder ever considered selling the company. He violated that when he brought in Vance. Vance in turn wouldn’t buy the company without Ryder’s top ad man. When Ryder found out that you were staying, he went ahead and sold the company to Vance. We both know that you could have afforded to buy Ryder Advertising at the time should the offer had been made, but you didn’t even know about the clause the other partners had put into your contract before Marty Ryder bought them out. He did though. However, Vance offered more money, wanting a foothold here since it’s was directly in between his offices in Chicago and his dreams of conquering the New York market.” She smiles that shark smile again as she turns to Vance. “So what’s it going to be? Vanguard and the house, or court and public humiliation? It’s your choice.”

Vance looks piteously at Harold, who in turn just shrugs. “Don’t know what you’re looking at me for. You didn’t take my advice before, and you’ve brought all of this down on yourself. Don’t look for a fucking life preserver now. You won’t get one from me.”

“Isn’t there some way we can come to an amicable agreement where I don’t lose everything?” he asks Melanie, but he’s looking directly at me.

“No.” both of us say at the same time, before she lets me have my say. “You’ve already burned me once, Gardner. I didn’t trust you before, but I trust you even less now. You’ve heard the terms my attorney laid out before you: either pay up or hand over the company immediately.”

“Don’t I get a cooling off period, or some time to think about this?”

“You’ve had weeks- months even- to honor my original partnership contract, or even the one before I made partner. Instead, you decided to dig in your heels and be dragged kicking and screaming to the correct conclusion of this mess. Well, here’s a newsflash. I’m done waiting. It’s now or never, or I make the decision for you which will involve a judge and all your dirty little secrets coming out. What’s it going to be?”

I could see the wheels turning in his head about what it is that I could possibly know about him that he wouldn’t want to become public knowledge when he finally answers. “FINE! I’ll fucking sign over the damn company. Are you happy now that you’ve ruined me?”

“I wouldn’t say happy per se…”

“What the fuck ever! Just draw up the damn contract and have it back here on Monday at nine a.m.”

“No need to wait,” Mel says smugly, handing the contract to Harold for him to read over. “So just as a reiteration of what Harold is reading, Vance, you are to vacate the new property within fifteen days. Since it was technically obtained through illegal means, we are being gracious allowing you even that time. As for the company, it’s a standard contract, stating that you are giving the company in its entirety to Brian Aidan Kinney, with the knowledge that you will be absorbing the gift tax. In addition to that, although you may start up your own company, you will not be able to use the Vanguard name, nor compete for Kinnetik’s accounts under Vanguard, the ones they have presently or those in the future.”

“Is that legal? Is it airtight?” he asks Harold, brokenly.

“Even moreso than a frog’s ass is watertight.” Harold answers, still looking over the paperwork.

I would probably feel sorry for him if he hadn’t fucked me over. I think back to the bullshit he put me through in the beginning that ultimately caused me to lose Justin to the fiddler for a time. Knowing that my job technically was never in danger- that I could’ve gone on the aborted trip to Vermont instead of going to Chicago to prove myself- angers me. But then again, if I hadn’t gone to Chicago, I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in now. So I can be a little forgiving in that respect… but with Michael’s part in the whole mess, not so much. I’ll be dealing with that tomorrow.

I watch as Harold hands the papers over to Vance for his signatures. Melanie had placed mini post-it notes on every single section he is supposed to sign. I can’t say that I’m surprised at her efficiency, even as she hands me a copy of the document. As I peruse it, I’m astounded at the terms. Not only do I get the mansion located in the outskirts of Pittsburgh, but the current employees of Vanguard whose salaries he has to finish paying out from his personal account before I take possession of the business. That way the profit margin technically becomes that of Kinnetik’s from the onset. I suspect he’ll have to dig into his offshore bank account that he thinks no one knows about to make that happen.

“The contract takes effect one week from today,” Melanie informs all of us as Vance hands her back the sheaf of papers. “However, we will begin putting our own staff in place on Monday. We’ll expect this office to be cleaned out. You can use one of the smaller offices should you choose to keep up a modicum of appearances until the transfer of ownership is complete.”

“But today is Friday,” Vance whines.

“Then I suggest you hop to it, Gardner. Time waits for no man… and neither do I,” I tell him.

Melanie and I leave the office in the company of Harold. He eyes me skeptically before asking, “Should I clear out my desk as well?”

“That depends on you. I would like to keep you on as one of the heads of the Legal Department, but the one thing we demand at Kinnetik is loyalty. I know that you’ve been with Vance a long time, so I will understand if you feel that you can’t be.”

“My loyalty was never to Vance personally, but to him doing the right thing with the power he’s been given. He’s violated trust all the way around, Brian, not just with you.”

“Then stay on, Harold. Between you and Melanie, I’m sure you will keep Justin and I on the up and up.” I smile at the stout man. I’ve always like him for his plain speaking, no nonsense nature. I feel that keeping him really is the right thing to do.

“By the way, what do you have on Vance?” Mel asks me.

I laugh at her as we make our way back to the conference room. “Not a fucking thing.”

“But…”

“It’s why I’m the best in the business. A lot of time, bluffing is the name of the game. I just so happen to be able to deliver.” I tell her as I find myself with an armful of delighted, excited, happy blond. Looking down at him, I take in his flushed appearance. “Everything went well?”

He nods. “Did you expect any less?”

“No. Not from you.”

“Good. So how did your meeting go?”

“You have some explaining to do, young man. Like how come you aren’t going to law school?” I kiss him passionately before telling him, “But to answer your question, we own Vanguard.”

“We do?” I nod at him, and he grins. “Well, in that case, there’s something I have to do real quick.”

We watch puzzled as Justin heads back out to reception. “Avery, it’s my absolute pleasure to say YOU’RE FIRED! Pack up, leave and perhaps we’ll write you a reference.”

“You don’t…”

“Yes, I do. Now please tell me I have to call security. Please?” Justin narrows his blue eyes at the pencil-thin man with his snooty attitude as he hurriedly gathers his belongings and backs his way to the elevator.

“Justin? Why?”

“Other than the fact that he’s Ethan’s cousin, he just always rubbed me the wrong fucking way. Who do you think he was on the phone with when we arrived?”

“How do you know that?”

“There’s only one other nasally whine I know better, and we’re dealing with him tomorrow.”

“When?”

“When we first went past the desk. The fact that he was reporting to Ethan that I was here just pissed me off. So I just did what I could.”

“Yeah, but we don’t take possession officially until next Friday, even though we’ll probably spend the week here getting acquainted with the staff, beginning on Monday.”

Justin smiles brightly at me. “But he doesn’t know that, and by the time he finds out, he really will be fired. It’s a win-win situation to me. But if Ethan shows up…”

I kiss him silent until I see the dazed glaze enter his eyes. “Then we’ll deal with him,” I whisper against his lips.