Page 28 of Lilly

"Pearce," a voice says from the speaker. I'm not sure who it is, but I'm guessing it's Gerald Finnick, the owner of the estate. Years ago we went to Yale together. I've always found him to be rather dull so I usually try to avoid him at meetings and social events. "What a surprise. We weren't expecting you."

"I was already here for business and decided to attend."

"Let him through," he says to the guard.

I drive past the gate and follow the path that leads to the back of the house. Gerald has hosted meetings in the past so I know where to go. An attendant is waiting to park my car. I give him my keys then enter through the door that leads to the meeting. It's underground, like most of our meeting locations.

It's odd, but I'm not at all nervous like I thought I'd be. Perhaps because I'm older now and no longer intimidated by these people.

"Pearce." Gerald meets me at the door. "I have to say, I'm rather stunned you showed up. You haven't attended a meeting in years."

"I could use a drink," I say, not addressing his comment. "Could you direct me to the bar?"

"Yes, of course. It's right over there." He points to the left side of the room, where a group of men are gathered with drinks in their hands.

"Thank you, Gerald." I stride over to the bar, ignoring all the looks I'm getting. Wide eyes. Dropped jaws. It appears that blending in will not be an option. I knew my presence would come as a surprise but I didn't expect to get so much attention.

"Bourbon, neat," I tell the tall, blond associate who's tending the bar. She must be new. I've never seen her before. She can't be more than 21 or 22. She reminds me of Shelby back when she was that age. Young. Naive. Selling herself in exchange for whatever dream they promised her would come true. I've asked William many times to end the use of associates but he hasn't been able to do it. He couldn't even convince them to bring it up for a vote.

"What's your name?" she asks, smiling, as she hands me my drink.

"I won't be using your services, but thank you for the drink." I turn away from her.

I hear her talking behind me. "I'm Crystal if you change your mind."

It's hard to believe I used to be with those girls. It seems like that was someone else. A man I no longer know.

Moving away from the bar, I take a sip of my bourbon. It's only noon but when I'm around these people I need a drink. But not too many. I need to remain alert and aware of everything going on around me, such as the man approaching me on my left.

"Pearce." It's Paul Sythe. I went to prep school with him. He runs a law firm now. "What are you doing here?"

Paul is someone who's very direct, which some of the members consider to be rude.

"Hello to you as well, Paul." I swirl the bourbon in my glass.

He comes around in front of me. "Pardon me. I didn't mean for it to sound that way. I'm just surprised."

"And why is that? I'm still a member, aren't I?"

"Yes, but—"

"As far as I know, members are allowed to attend meetings. I was in the area and decided to drop in. It's as simple as that."

"They didn't know you were coming?"

"I think that's evident from the looks I'm getting." I take another drink, wishing Paul would go away. I've never liked him. He's a gossiper who spreads rumors about people that aren't true. He does it to get attention because people tend to ignore him. He's short and small and doesn't have any distinguishing characteristics that make him stand out, so he succumbs to gossiping in the hopes that it'll make people take note of him.

"How's your family?" he asks, digging for information.

I don't take the bait. Instead I say, "Good seeing you, Paul," and then I walk away.

I make my way through the room, ignoring the stares, until I'm stopped by Alister Cormack, a man who used to play golf with my father. Alister was on the board of Kensington Chemical for many years until I took over and replaced him with someone else. That displeased him to the point that he rarely spoke to me after that.

"Why are you here, Pearce?" he asks, standing in front of me. He doesn't even attempt to hide his anger. He must have something on the agenda he wants to get passed and assumes my presence might hinder that.

"That seems to be the question of the hour," I say, smiling at him. "You don't look happy to see me, Alister. May I ask why?"

He huffs. "You have some nerve showing up here! You haven't attended a meeting in years and yet you're still allowed the benefits of membership? The status? The money? The connections? Membership is a privilege and you are most definitely not worthy."

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