Page 126 of Ten Day Affair
After recoveringfrom that disaster of a meeting, I drive back to my beach house. As I walk in the door, Angela's name flashes on the screen.
"What is it?"
"Mr. Houston, Mr. Blankenship from Kings Holdings' board called. He wants to speak with you tonight. Says it's urgent."
Of course it is. "Put him through."
I walk to the couch and sit on the edge. The leather is cold and stiff under my legs.
"Cole, I'm sure you've seen today's coverage." Blankenship's voice is polished corporate smooth, but there's an edge underneath.
"I have."
"We need you to step down. Temporarily, of course. Just until this blows over."
The words land like punches. I grip the phone tightly. "Gerald, this is speculation. Nothing's been proven. You know this is not something that will sink us."
"The optics are terrible, Cole. The entire Meridian deal is in jeopardy because your name is attached to it."
"You're asking me to step away from my own company?"
"We're asking, not voting. Don't make this harder than it needs to be."
Translation: Do this quietly, or we'll force you out publicly.
"How long?"
"Until the story dies. It could be weeks, it could be months. But you're toxic right now, and that toxicity is spreading to every deal you touch."
The line goes quiet except for the hum of the refrigerator in the kitchen. I stare at a spot on the wall where normal people might hang family photos.
"Cole? Are you there?"
"Yeah. I'm here."
"Good. We'll handle the transition internally."
I end the call without responding.
I sit in the dark for twenty minutes, turning the phone over in my hands. The ocean crashes outside, but I can't hear it over the blood pounding in my ears.
She left Palm Beach.
The thought circles back like a vulture. Sam is gone from her home because of what I did. Because of the choices I made without telling her who I was.
I dial before I can second-guess myself.
"Laurel Harrelson."
Her voice is crisp, professional. It's past nine, but she answers like she's been waiting.
"It's Cole Houston."
A pause. Papers rustling in the background.
"Ready to talk?"
I stand and walk to the window. Sam's house next door is completely dark and empty.
