Chapter 16

"Ladies, please be seated," said Roger McKinley, Chairman of the Board of Directors, indicating side by side seats at the far end of the table. Vickie and Andrea leaned away from each other, their abhorrence of each other quite apparent.

"We appreciate your waiting while the board made its decision. Before announcing that decision however I would like to acknowledge the contributions of both these women."

There were smiles up and down the table.

"Andrea, of course, took the reins of the firm from her father and under her direction the company prospered... and I might add she has recently seen fit to bring Teleprom International into our corporate fold."

Andrea smiled outwardly, but was inwardly displeased because she had wanted to withhold the news of Teleprom until after she had been made CEO. Perhaps, she thought, Whitcomb had had to use that news as leverage. Oh well, she thought, as long as I get to sit at the head of the table.

"And of course Vickie McPeak, the youngest CEO in the history of our industry who stepped in at a time when our fortunes had gone awry and has done a remarkable job not only in keeping clients, but being personally responsible for the acquisition of two new major accounts in such a short time."

Again there were smiles and Vickie was only too glad to acknowledge them. She was hopeful that since she had been introduced last, it meant she had the job.

"And now for the announcement you have all been waiting for."

Vickie and Andre both fidgeted a bit and both straightened, sitting forward on the edge of their chairs.

"By a unanimous vote of the board, I am pleased to announce and introduce to you the new CEO of Beaumont Investments... Mr. David Reinfield!"

A side door opened and the former CEO of the second largest investment firm in New York strode into the room.

Vickie and Andrea were thunderstruck, each suppressing an urge to jump to her feet and scream foul.

"Mr. Reinfield, as the members know, has been in negotiation with us for some time. He will be bringing a number of his clients from Dennison/Rathbone and I am happy to announce that with our combined client base, we will surpass Dennison/Rathbone and become the second largest firm in the city."

There was hearty applause all around, except for Andrea and Vickie who sat dumbfounded. For them, this was a thunderbolt from the blue. While concentrating on each other they had allowed the usurper to walk in virtually unopposed. Andrea sought Whitcomb's face and Vickie, Stanley's, each man wearing just the slightest hint of a superior smile. The two women realized they had been taken, each by the man she trusted most.

"Thank you. Thank you all," said Reinfield, assuming his place at the head of the long conference table. "No long speech. We have a company on the rise. I intend to see it stays that way."

Reinfield had an even more ruthless reputation than Vickie or Andrea so it came as a shock to both of them when he turned to them and smiled.

"I understand what a disappointment this must be to you both, but I can assure you that if you will stay after the meeting, I would like to discuss offering each of you a position with Beaumont Investments."

The two looked at each other in amazement, then turned and nodded. They would at least listen to his offer.

"If there is nothing else..." he said, "I think we are adjourned. We have some refreshments in the other room."

The board members filed out, broad smiles and handshakes all around. When the room was cleared, Reinfield stood looking at the two ex-executives.

"I do want to discuss employment with you both, but first there is someone who has asked to meet privately with you for a few moments."

He walked to the door and, opened it, ushered in Donnie and exited.

"Donnie, what are you... ?"

"There are some others who want to say hello," he said, as the door again opened and to Vickie's complete shock, Laurel, Cassandra, Cindy and Yuki entered.

"But... but..." stammered Vickie.

"Surprised to see them, Vickie? And you Andrea? Did you think you would never see again the women you enslaved and abused."

"But they were..." started Vickie, pointing at Laurel and Cassandra.

"Sold? Oh yes, and they cost a pretty penny too."

"YOU?" sputtered Vickie.

"When Cassandra first called me and told me you had sold Cindy, it took several days and close to a million dollars to buy her freedom from Mr. Aziez and have her returned home. Then when Cassandra called me again, this time to alert me to the fact that she and Laurel would be sold, I contacted Aziez and he told me how to contact the cartel and become a buyer. I really thought you would catch on during the auction, Vickie. Mr. Drawes? Just spell it backwards."

Vickie's face turned ashen. How could she not have realized.

"So I have pretty well emptied out the two million that Cindy and I got from you Andrea, but I also did a little computer raiding last night. The ladies and I now own a great deal of stock in this firm. Enough to provide us with a comfortable living, thanks to Vickie."

"So they are your slaves now?" spat Vickie.

"No not slaves... family," he replied. "The family I've always wanted."

"We live together," joined in Cassandra, "because we choose to. Yes, each of us goes to Donnie's bed, sometimes singly, sometimes together, but we go there out of love and desire, not fear."

"You could have had us all as your loving slaves, Vickie," said Yuki, "but power more important to you than love."

"But... you were slaves. You gave yourselves to me."

"Yes and had you treated us with kindness and returned the love we gave to you, we would still be with you," countered Cindy, "but you betrayed us."

"And I stupidly let you manipulate me as well," added Donnie. "I let you convince me to give Cindy to you, thinking you would help her. Instead you betrayed us both. I have asked for her forgiveness," he said, turning to look at the lovely redhead who smiled in return.

"And I have given it," she replied taking his hand.

"Donnie treats us with dignity. He respects us," said Laurel. "Of course, he never uses the word slave, but we all have given ourselves to him, not because he wields any power over us, but because he is gentle and kind and loving, as you once were, Vickie."

"So we are all moving to Chicago where we will live together, love together and be a family," said Donnie putting his arm around the lovely young Asian. "Yuki is carrying my child and Cassandra, Laurel and Cindy have all also agreed to have my children as well."