Fierce

Chapter Four-3

His big smile seemed fake as he extended his hand and moved towards Mrs. Strong. She smiled and stood to receive his handshake graciously. “Mrs. Strong, I am so excited to show you the winning proposal. I know when you see my proposal you will want to break ground immediately!” “Mr. Spellman it sounds as if you have been busy. How are you doing?” asked Mrs. Strong. Bert seemed put back. Why should she care how he’s doing! This is business what else matters? Angelina rushed up to whisper in Bert’s ear. She saw the awkwardness of the situation and ever the loyal wife rushed in to help her husband. “Bert make small talk for a moment to break the ice. She is relational.” Bert snapped his head towards Angelina and in something nearing a hiss said, “Set up my presentation right now!” Angelina looked stung and quickly regained her bearing. With beet-red face she replied, “Yes sir.”

Angelina was also a Texan whose family lived here before it was a state. Her ancestors hailing from Mexico she had dark thick lustrous, hair often in beautiful braids. Her figure was much the same now as in high school. Deep brown eyes that hid her pain when Bert ridiculed or embarrassed her as he often did in public. Her deep convictions made leaving him almost an impossibility. As usual Bert had insisted, she dress almost slutty to show off her feminine charm. Her top flared at the hips and at the wide belt she wore a pencil skirt. Her tall heels and tight skirt made it hard for her to walk, but Bert showed no compassion.

The conference room fell silent as Angelina began setting up the boards. Bert sat down, oblivious to the reaction of his rude demeanor. He sat down and admired Angelina’s tight bottom as it stretched her tight skirt revealing panty lines. Turning his head back to ladies assembled at the table he made himself comfortable in his chair. His smug expression told all assembled that he was acting in character and saw no issue in the manner he was conducting himself. Then he spoke to everyone and no one announcing, “Ain’t she the picture of beauty?” Bert pointed at Angelina with a lazy hand movement. She was finishing setting up the boards, but Bert never saw her frown as he made his rude statement. “Angel, when you get done, I need some water!” Bert commanded Angelina not even bothering to look her way.

Mrs. Strong, Alexa, and Tiffany observed this play out with polite smiles and disgust. “Mr. Spellman, since lovely Angelina has done such a fine job of setting up your presentation would you like to present first?” Suggested Mrs. Strong. “I thought you would want to save the best for last but if you insist, I will lay it out for you right now.” Announced a very smug and self-absorbed Bert Spellman. “Angelina,” gently called Mrs. Strong. Angelina looked her way. It was clear she was near tears and only through a herculean effort holding them back. “Yes, Mrs. Strong?” Her voice was weak and crackly. Mrs. Strong favored her with a big genuine smile. “Angelina, you did a beautiful job setting this up and I for one appreciate your dedication and professionalism. Thank you, dear!” Angelina was speechless and looked at Mrs. Strong with almost loving eyes. Jaqueline quickly gathered Angelina and whisked her from the room to get Bert’s water.

Bert wasted no time presenting his development of the New Woman’s center. He found a great property that seemed perfect for the center. His vision of the center, visual aids and supporting documentation were professional and well done. Alexa watched his presentation and doubt crept in. She understood how this man had excelled in the development of commercial properties here in the Dallas area. When he finished, he walked triumphantly to Mrs. Strong and laid a contract down opened to the signature page. He handed her a pen which she accepted with a tight smile. Alexa and Tiffany watched as she moved the pen to paper. Their hearts stopped for a moment as Bert looked their way his smugness ever present as he gloated in triumph!

Mrs. Strong stopped short of signing the document. “Mr. Spellman I am truly impressed your reputation precedes you. However, I think I will wait to accept your offer until I see what Distinctive Developments has in mind.” “Mrs. Strong this is exactly what you are looking for! Why do you need to wait another minute? Just sign it and we can all get on with our day!” Retorted an agitated Bert. “Even so, it is only polite to hear them out.” “I figured this would happen! How on earth did I allow myself to waste so much time! Did you even have an open mind or was this just for show? Don’t think I don’t know you are all in bed!” He pointed an accusing finger at Tiffany. “Don’t deny it I know who Jaqueline is! It is unnatural and now I see how all of you are!” Spat Bert in disgust. “Mr. Spellman please stifle yourself this issue is not decided and if you want to keep your options open, you will sit down and listen!” Commanded Mrs. Strong. Bert looked on the verge of continuing his self-destructive behavior, but he finally kept his venom inside and sat hard into his chair.

Tiffany took the baton and stood up. With a wave of her hand, Jaqueline reappeared with Angelina. Angelina set the requested water before her husband. Then she gathered up the boards as Jaqueline quickly replaced them with the Double D presentation. She veiled one board as Alexa and Tiffany took turns describing the development offered by Distinctive Developments. Bert had a constant sneer during their presentation. Mrs. Strong’s face remained impassive revealing nothing. Alexa finished an excellent presentation and asked Mrs. Strong if she had questions. “Ladies, I am duly impressed with your presentation as with Mr. Spellman’s, but both offers miss one point.” Stated Mrs. Strong. “What do we lack Mrs. Strong?” Inquired Tiffany. “Mr. Spellman found a property that looks suitable, but your presentation is silent. Where do you intend to develop?”

Alexa and Tiffany looked at one another with passive expressions seemingly confused. Bert crossed his arms, smelling blood in the water. Tiffany pointed to Alexa to answer the question. “Mrs. Strong we encountered a roadblock in developing Accalia Reserve. I think it was central to your desire that we build the center on the Accalia. I am I correct in assuming this is your desire?” Asked Alexa. “I was very clear that Accalia Reserve is my first choice.” Responded Mrs. Strong. “Mrs. Strong, I mentioned roadblocks but here at Distinctive Development we would like to think with hard work, cooperation, and respect for our client’s wishes we can accomplish anything!” Announced Alexa. At this, Tiffany without cue got up and removed the veil from the last board.

The board showed Accalia Reserve’s site map. On the map was a red border of a small portion of the reserve. Written in the red border, “unlawful to develop, wolf reserve.” The board was a blown-up version of the microfiche. Hand-written in the red border was a new title that read, “Accalia Retreat.” Mrs. Strong looked at the board for what seemed like several minutes without comment. Her eyes misted over a bit and she said, “This means I can have my center in Accalia.” A confused Bert observed what was happening. He didn’t understand the subtle communication of women, but he sensed he had the losing hand. “What does this mean?” Shrieked Bert. Mrs. Strong collected her thoughts and looked at Bert with patient compassion.

“Mr. Spellman, thank you for all of your hard work. I really am impressed with your developmental ideas. However, in this case you met most of my wishes, but Distinctive Development met all of my criteria.” “What are you talking about? They didn’t even show their location. We all know they can’t use Accalia, but they did not provide an alternate location! What am I missing here!” Pouted an exasperated Bert Spellman. Tiffany spoke up. “Mr. Spellman, the document on the board is the actual proclamation that prohibits the development of Accalia Reserve. However, as you can see everyone was mistaken about the intent. The restricted development area indicated by the red border. 98% of the reserve has no restriction. Alexa discovered the actual document from the 1800s and realized this. As you pointed out, our intention is to develop the Accalia Reserve as requested.” Bert’s head snapped around to Mrs. Strong, hoping she would bring sanity to this insane turn of events. Mrs. Strong wore a face of granite, but it split into a wide smile. “Mr. Spellman do you know what Accalia means in Latin?” “No f*****g clue!” Was his angry response.

“Alexa, since you found the way around the roadblock would you care to enlighten our industrious colleague?” Offered Mrs. Strong. “Mr. Spellman it may amuse you to find it means She-Wolf. In fact, Mr. Robert Prescott, who is Mrs. Roberta Prescott-Strong’s namesake and great, great grandfather, designated this tract of land as a wolf reserve. He loved She-Wolves because of their nurturing yet highly protective nature towards their young. I believe Mrs. Strong may share his feelings.” Finished Alexa. “Ok, I get it. I entered a pack of She-Wolves and now you have ripped out my throat. Do you think I will skulk away tail between my legs! Hell, no! You pack of bitches can kiss my ass!” The ladies all tried not to laugh as Bert made a colossal fool of himself. It was clear to all even Bert if he cared to be honest with himself, he got beat fair and square. “Angelina, gather our stuff we are leaving immediately!” He bellowed.

Mr. Bert Spellman almost fell trying to exit the room. He nearly tripped on a carpet monster in his rage. Never looking back, he stormed out. Tiffany gave a signal to Jaqueline to accompany Bert out of Double D. Jaqueline caught up with him before he left. “Mr. Spellman are you ok? Is there anything I can offer you?” She called after him moving quickly on her heels to catch up. Bert spun on her a look on his face that could curdle milk. His mouth opened in a way that made Jaqueline expect him to curse her out. Oddly, his demeanor rapidly changed. He looked Jaqueline up and down in a lustful way. A lustful hunger replaced his anger. “Yeah, you can offer me something! I wonder if you can handle me. Are you ready for a real man? When you are, here is my card. I can make you squeal like no woman ever will!” Jaqueline politely took his card and blushed at his overt s****l advances. Bert settled down as he undressed Jaqueline with his eyes. Then it occurred to him his bladder would burst if he didn’t find a place to piss. “Yes, little lady you can help me I need to piss!” Stated Bert looking for the men’s room. “Right this way, sir.” said Jaqueline swaying her hips to Bert’s delight as she guided him to the powder room.

Angelina quickly set to gathering the boards and presentation material. She knew they agitated Bert and although he never hit her as of late; she was more concerned it may happen. He was struggling to bring in new business, and he seemed especially distracted. Many nights he came home late, half drunk and belligerent. He used to be a much better husband but lately he treated her so bad she almost dreaded his return home. Angelina knew Bert was depending upon this deal to keep his company solvent. Now what would he do? What would she do if kicked her out? Her eyes were close to tears, and she was visibly shaking as she gathered the boards. The worst part of all that was happening in her life was, she still loved him for what he had been.