Page 43 of Saving Veronica
“But you can’t fire me, you don’t even work here. You have nothing to do with this company.” Janis whined.
“Yet you wanted to marry me, why is that Ms. Lorenzo? Not that I’d ever give you the time of day outside this office, frankly, you’re just not my type. So, just who do you think I am?”
“I thought you were filling in for Mrs. Pennyworth.”
“I was, but she’s back now. So, I’ll be working one on one with her from now on, as well as my own fundraiser. But, you haven’t answered my question. Who do you think I am?” Finn was actually enjoying watching her squirm. “I believe I clearly stated my name and relationship during last week’s meeting. I know I don’t stutter. Neither did my father when he introduced me.”
“The new rich executive,” Janis said. Suddenly her face contorted, and she screamed and literally jumped on the desk behind her. Everyone looked around and Finn threw his head back and laughed when he saw Eric standing there with Major. “What is that filthy beast doing here? We can’t have wild beasts wandering around, this is a place of business!” she screeched.
Finn ignored her and turned to Eric. “So you were the one that took him?” He indicated Major at his feet.
“Yep, figured he needed to go for a walk. What’s going on?”
“I’m in the process of firing Ms. Lorenzo, but she’s not getting the hint.”
“What grounds?” Eric asked, then crossed his arms over his chest, and settled in.
“Trying to threaten Lorna not to enter the contest and do her work for it.”
“Ah, makes sense.”
“Mr. Larson, you have to help me.” Janis pleaded to Eric. “This man, who doesn’t even work here, is trying to make up lies and have me fired.”
Eric sighed and looked at Janis. “Ms. Lorenzo, who is my son? The next in command here?”
“William.”
“And who is his son, the next in line for the throne?”
“William’s son, Finnegan. But he’s over in Afghanistan. You don’t even know if he’s alive.”
“Now, that’s not really true. I know he’s alive and well. He was brought in to learn the ropes from William, and when he has a handle on things, I’m retiring, William is taking my place, and Finn is taking William’s.”
“Finn?” Janis looked around in shock. By then the whole office stood watching them. Finn saw when understanding dawned on the clueless woman. It took everything he had not to burst out laughing at her expression.
“That’s me. So, yes, Iamthe new rich executive, but I am also Finnegan Larson, learning the ropes to take over for Dad. I told everyone this last week at the meeting. Are you going to pack up your personal items by yourself, or do I need to call security?”
“I’m not getting off this desk until that ungainly beast is removed.”
Finn sighed and looked at Major, he used hand signals and Major joined him and sat on his haunches beside his master. Finn swore the dog looked up and rolled his eyes. “He won’t attack you, not unless I give the signal. But based on your reactions to a well-trained animal, I have to ask, what do you think this contest is about?”
“A fundraiser for animals.” Janis frowned. “I don’t do animals. They’re dirty, smelly and misbehaved.”
Finn shook his head and walked away, taking Major with him. “Unbelievable,” he said, and settled in behind his desk. He looked at Major and shook his head. “What do we do with people like that?” The dog’s only answer was to lie down with his head on his paws and sigh heavily. “I hear ya, boy, I hear ya.”
*****
At nine forty-five Friday morning, Finn and Major made their way into the large conference room, surprising him when he noted it was standing room only. The only chair left was between his father and Grandfather. Major worked his way under the table, and settled down with his head on Finn’s cast.
Finn looked around and saw Maggie sitting next to William and she grinned. “Good luck,” she said, and passed him the list of people who had signed up. Finn couldn’t name his emotion when he saw the thirty-eight names on the list. Knowing he’d be there for the next three hours, he settled in and called the first name on the list. He made notes as each person came forward, and gave their presentation. Some were okay, others were terrible, but he kept a straight face.
“Lorna Hepplewaite,” Finn called out, with ten contestants left. He settled back and though he wasn’t bored, the proceedings frustrated him. He looked up and realized Lorna had been Janis’s assistant.
“First, I want to say thank you for this opportunity, Mr. Larson. In doing my research for this presentation, I contacted Dr. Grady Appleton personally, to tell him what we were doing for him. The first words out of his mouth were that he wouldn’t accept any money from the fundraiser, unless he could split half the proceeds with Ms. Veronica Parker, to help pay for her medical bills.”
“Hell,” Finn said, and held up his hand to halt her. He leaned over to Maggie. “Did you know about this?”
“No, but that’s how he is. He did tell me that he only agreed to it, because of Ronnie.”
