RECKLESS AUDACITY

CHAPTER 4: The Plaything

Furton House, Outer Richmond, August 2011

Alice lay in the antique bath allowing the rich moisturising and essential oils to soak into her skin. She closed her eyes as her mind drifted off, willing Edward to invade her thoughts and take control of her. She could still feel his fingers clawing into her flesh, drawing her in, totally possessing her. Even in the water, she could feel the warmth rising within her.

She had never been taken like that. She could not get more of him. In a brief moment during their time at The Ladera, she wished they sold such specimens in the shops. She could feel her n*****s tingling. She could not trust her emotions. She had thought her anger would have made her indifferent to his presence and charm. She thought she had gotten over her teenage obsession with him. So much for the expert sessions of the overpriced psychologists who worked with her to get her confidence back.

She felt the warmth and wetness between her thighs. She clasped her legs tightly together to stop the trembling in her thighs. She opened her eyes and exhaled. She had married George when she was 28 years old. She had not been with any man - she could not bear to be around guys her age - they brought bad memories. In the strictest of senses, she was still a virgin when she married George, who at that time was in the twilight of his life, at 64 years. Their love-making was respectful, nothing earth-shaking. Now her whole world had been torn apart - she had been thrown into a volcano when all she knew was a hot bath. The difference was mind-blowing.

She must see him again.

Her carefully thought out plan was derailing at the Edward end, but going full steam ahead at the Frank end. She resolved to rectify the Edward problem, and keep to the end goal. For now she needed a plaything, and she was going to use him. That was why she had asked Ethan to include Summit as part of Sterlings invitees to the California Governor-Business Community Gala.

Stevenson Street, Financial District, August 2011

Summit Securities offices had been moved from Mission Street to a 4-room duplex on 341 Stevenson Street which was inside the Financial District. It is a more modern office complex where the air conditioners do not clatter and splutter, and you cannot hear the whistle and banging of the toilet flush. The workforce has also been increased to ten to accommodate the workload.

Their impressive work for Silvergate had opened the floodgates for more contracts from other Sterling Capital subsidiaries. Currently, they are working on a twenty million contract for Legacy Financial. Edward and Frank were recognised when they stepped into the Barrel Room, and other hang-outs of the rich and powerful. Summit even got a mention on MSNBC after they did a pro-bono job for a local children’s hospital.

They were having a round-up meeting for the week when Frank asked to be excused. He needed to be somewhere urgently. Edward was getting concerned about Frank’s frequent out-of-office meetings. He walked out with him.

“Something the matter?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, it's becoming obvious that you always have to leave early every Friday.”

“I just have to run an errand for my mother”

“Is she alright?”. You have been visiting her quite frequently these past weeks.”

“You know how old age and loneliness get down to you.”

“Maybe you should put her in a hospice nearby, where she will be well taken care of, and you won’t have to take a 50-mile drive every Friday.”

“She won’t bulge from her home”

“Maybe you ought to let Cardi talk to her. I know of a very good home. If you need to, I will give them a call.”

“Will try, but I doubt it, she is so attached to her house.”

“Drive safe”

Graton Resort & Casino, Motel 6 Rohnert Park, August 2011

Frank headed onto California State Route 1 and followed it till he reached Jenner, then took the CA-116 East and followed it for about 25 miles until he reached Rohnert Park. It was about 9 p.m. when he drove into the Motel 6 Rohnert Park car park. He parked his car, tipped the security, and ordered a cab to take him to the Graton Resort & Casino.

Frank was a man haunted by three vices - women, booze and gambling - an addiction that was slowly eating him alive. In Saint Lucia, he had struck an unholy alliance with Ethan Stone, an avid gambler. Ethan had coaxed a membership at the Graton Resort & Casino for him. That membership came with a credit facility of 50 grand, which ought to be redeemed within a month, if you decide to use it.

When Frank first stepped into the high-end gambling backroom chamber he was struck by the sheer opulence of the room. The ornate chandeliers cast a soft glow over the scene, illuminating the plush velvet chairs and crystal glassware. He could feel the softness of the thick carpet under his feet, the room itself seemed to exude a sense of luxury and exclusivity.

As he followed Ethan around the room, exchanging pleasantries with the patrons, he took in the sights and sounds of the room. He could feel his heart race with excitement and anticipation. He observed the skilled dealers and croupiers working at each table, their movements precise and efficient. The other players, all dressed in their finest attire, exuded confidence and sophistication. He felt as if they had stepped into a whole new world, one filled with intrigue and high-stakes gaming. The air was thick with the smell of cigars and the clinking of crystal glasses, and he knew that he was in for a night unlike any other.

That was a month ago.

Now he was 147 grand in the red. Courtesy of Ethan, Tatanka, the manager, had broken house rules for him. He had promised to wire the money on Monday, but had not been able to coax Edward for the loan. He had only been issued a check for 100 grand, the maximum amount any partner can borrow in a quarter, this morning.

As he walked into the casino, Tatanka, the manager, suddenly appeared by his side, gave him a hug, and asked if he would have a drink with him at the bar. He ordered him a glass of Irish whiskey, and sat at the edge of his stool - just two buddies having friendly banter. But the conversation was anything but.

“Mr. Frank, your outstanding”

“No problem, Tatanka, I am good for it. I have a check here for 100, so you can rest assured. I will wipe off my slate by the end of the month”

Tatanka smiled.

“Mr. Frank, checks are no good here. You know the rules.”

“What do you want me to do now?”

“All I need is for you to settle your overdraft”

“But…..” He cut off when he saw a pretty patron and Ethan approaching him.

“Mr. Tatanka,” the stunning woman said, and the manager scrambled to his feet, bowing profusely. Ethan and Frank exchanged pleasantries, and introduced him to the woman - Alice, a colleague of his at Silvergate.

“I hope I am not interrupting….” She stopped in mid-sentence and stared at Frank with astonishment. “You are with Summit, right? The shining stars of San Francisco.”

Frank blushed. The circumstances were not one he wanted to meet with people he knew, especially not their major client.

“Are you just arriving?”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” Frank replied, running his hand over his balding head. ‘But apparently I didn’t read the memo that checks are of no value here”. He pulled the folded check from his jacket. But Alice gently, but firmly pushed his hand back, forcing him to repocket the check.

“Silly, don’t mind, Tatanka, the bully” she smiled, sensing Frank’s discomfort. She leaned towards Tatanka, whispered in his ears.

“Of course, madam.” Tatanka scuttled away.

Ethan had a call on his cell and had to step outside to get it.

Alice turned back to Frank. “I hear Summit is churning the cream off every lucrative deal in the Financial District.”

“We are struggling like the rest of the pack, trying to find our feet in the crisis.”

“Yes, sure you are,” she let out a husky, low, seductive laugh. “I just came and want to get lucky. Wanna go?”

Frank looked around for Tatanka. “I need to sort….”

“Don’t worry about Tatanka, let’s go and give me the scoop about how you guys are doing your magic in the District.”

They walked into a smaller, more exquisite back room. Obviously, this was for the ultra rich. She sank into the velvety sofas, and a server hurriedly rushed to her side, pouring Krug Clos d'Ambonnay champagne into tall handmade crystal glasses.

“What is the next big thing for Summit?”

“Nothing much, we are still ferreting like the rest of the pack.”

“Well, maybe you should look towards Africa. It was not hit badly like the rest of the world, and returns there are still pretty healthy.”

“We can barely hold up here. Africa will be a long spread for us.”

“Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”

He had never heard of Alice in the management of Silvergate. He was quite sure of that, since they had combed Silvergate with a fine comb when they were submitting their very first proposal. His train of thought was interrupted when Tatanka appeared and placed a 150,00o dollar chip rake in front of him. He handed over a pad to Alice and she signed.

When Frank returned to San Francisco on Sunday morning, he was owing Alice 297 grand, payable within 3 months. She had wiped off his outstanding debt and advanced him 150 grand. His vice was developing a soul of itself, and devouring him from the pocket.

Governor's House, California, August 2011

The Californian Annual Governor - Business Conference brings together all the business community, and affords the wealthy to showcase their vintage cars as well as the fleshy trophies. Summit Securities had received two tickets - the very first time they were participating.

The conference room was buzzing with the sound of chatter and laughter, as well as the clinking of bottle meeting glass, slurping sounds as free wine was being sipped, and small bites being chewed. Edward was deep in conversation with the Attorney General of the Southern District of California, enquiring how Summit can offer its services to improve the operations of the lower courts. Frank, on the other hand, was dazzling two local government officials on how mobile telephony can be used to address the data challenges faced by the counties.

Then there was a lull in the hum in the room, as heads turned towards the broad open doors. Both Edward and Frank followed the crowd's gaze - and their hearts jumped.

They both saw her.

Alice!

Walking beside Sir George Walter, her left hand deftly resting on his hooked hand, her elegant form gliding effortlessly, as they navigated through the throng of people. Both politicians and industry gurus pontificated around them. Edward's mind reeled in disbelief.

Alice?

Alice was Sir Walter’s wife!

Back in Saint Lucia, his mind was so alcohol-induced that he had not bothered to ask for her surname. Not that it mattered anyway, because he would never have linked her name to this old, filthily rich genius in the investment world.

When Edward had tried to make contact after waking up late that morning in Saint Lucia, Alice was gone, vanished into thin air. He had enquired from the reception at The Ladera and was informed that she had left no forwarding address. Not even a goodbye note. It was like she had never existed in the first place.

Then at the airport he had seen her being ushered into the private waiting room that catered for private planes. He had made a quick dash and tried to get her attention - he needed at least a contact number. But she looked at him with a puzzled expression and walked off. He stared at her walking away, and he could see her being escorted by an air hostess into a Gulfstream. He had never felt so used and discarded.

He had not told Frank about his tryst with this gorgeous woman. Now, he was thankful that he did not. He could feel the rage rising through him. Then there was something else - less sinister, almost cunning - a feeling of longing to have her in his arms again,

Frank’s swallowed air, his eyes were almost popping out. He was late in his payments and now he just realised he was indebted to the wife of the man who held the destiny of Summit in his hands. She could snuff out Summit with a snap of her fingers. Who wants to deal with a firm whose senior partner had a gambling addiction?

Damn, the room suddenly felt too warm. He sought out Edward, and saw him, pale-faced in the middle of the room, standing beside a man in an ill-fitting jacket. He glided towards Edward, putting as much distance between himself and the roaming Alice. His addiction was something he had kept hidden from Edward. He did not want her blurting out his weekend escapades.

They both watched Alice as she disengaged from a group and strolled towards them. Frank couldn’t see her because his back was turned towards her.

She locked eyes with Edward, but she looked right at him without any hint of recognition. A part of him was glad she was playing it coy, but the other part of him was angry, because it confirmed his fears that she had only used him to satisfy her boredom. A piece of meat to be chewed and spat out.

"Hi, I don't think we've met before. I'm Alice," she said, extending her hand to Edward.

He shook her hand, his palms sweaty and heart racing. "Hi," he blurted out, his face picking up a crimson colour. He tried to control his breathing, to stop his hand from shaking. His mind was flooded with memories. He was so close to her once again, yet so forbidden.

She turned her attention to Frank, who was gulping visibly.

“Eh, Frank of Summit Securities,” he managed to blurt out, but following her lead to play dumb.

“Oh, I have heard about Summit. It is becoming the star of the century. Maybe we should meet sometime and see how we could work together.”

“Sure, that would be nice”. Edward managed to find his voice.

They exchanged call cards.

Alice chuckled. "Well, it's nice to finally meet the two promising stars in the room. The executives speak very highly of you."

A patron momentarily distracted Frank. Alice took a step, her hand extended, and leaned in close to Edward with a conspiratorial whisper, “The Avant at 9 p.m. tonight, we need to talk.”

Edward's heart skipped a beat, too shocked to respond. She quickly shook hands with him before slipping away into the crowd, leaving him in a state of both excitement and apprehension.

Both men heaved a sigh of relief when she left. Well played, Alice, well played.

The Avant, August 2011

Edward was ushered into a private booth when he arrived at The Avant. They sat across from each other, observing, like two gladiators, circling and waiting. Alice had ordered a bottle of red wine and some small dishes.

After a few minutes of awkward silence, Alice spoke up.

"Sorry about Saint Lucia. I know I shouldn't have disappeared like that, but I was scared. It was fun, but just too risky."

"I thought we had been fairly open with each other. We both knew we were married, though I didn’t know you were married to the hand that feeds me."

"That is a gross way to put it.”

“What other way should I put it?”

“I know how I feel about you. I guess your feelings have changed.”

Edward shook his head. “Unbelievable. And what was this thing at the airport?”

Alice said nothing. Her mind was racing. If Edward saw someone at the airport in Saint Lucia, then it was not her, but her guest.

“Hey, look at the broader picture. You must understand the situation I was in. Staff from my husband’s firm are milling around the island. Can you imagine reading that in some gossip column?”

“You could have left a note.”

“Left a note? As evidence to support the act”

“What about a call before you leave, or a hi at the airport?”

“What was I to do? Come crying to your doorstep?"

"Nope. Just call."

"What are you, an adorable 12-year-old who must be informed of every move?"

“No. So why are we here?”

“I don’t know, you tell me. You could have stayed away, so why are you here?”

“I think you are right, I don’t have to be here. I must take my leave, excuse me”. He made a move to stand up.

“Edward Marden, sit your arse down”, she chuckled. Damn. This man drives me crazy.

“You are a handful.”

“You find it hard to forgive, right?”

Edward just glared at her - undecided whether to walk out and damned the consequence. Then he wondered if she would feel scorned, and what damage she could do? His mind drifted to the mortgage payments and the people who depended on Summit to survive. He sat and looked at her in silence. Her sensual lips were so inviting.

“Am I forgiven?”

Edward just sat across from her trying to suppress his feelings. He shook his head.

“Well, I guess in that case I must be punished. Would you want me to bend over?” She stood up and unbuttoned the black Donna dress she was wearing. She was naked underneath.