Chapter 13 #2
Brody struggled to repeat that word. Like he was learning a new language, one that required him to fashion a new sound. A new structure. Balance .
She went on, “Step away from an existence where ocean racing is the focal point. Energy, time, the best of who you are, right now it goes there first.”
His response emerged slowly, like he was forced to pull the words out one by one. “I’ve never seen it like that before. But it’s true. I never …”
For Rae, the entire morning took on an uncanny quality. Everything she thought she knew about Brody Reames belonged to a different era. “You’re searching for a way through a transition. And right now, you have no idea what shape that’s going to take.”
His gaze was an open door. “None.”
She nodded slowly. There was so much more to say. But now was not the time. Except for two simple words. “I understand.”
Brody searched for the right way ahead. He was desperate for her to help. He wanted her to assist in this exploration of life’s new dimensions. She could see it in how he watched her, how he had held her when she was weakest, how he’d revealed his most dreaded secrets.
Trusted her fully.
“You do, don’t you. Understand.”
“Yes.” She tapped the console’s central clock. “It’s time to make the call.”
“My name is Rae Alden, attorney at law. I’m calling in reference to your interest in Brody Reames.”
Shepphard Creighton asked, “You represent him?” “I do.”
“In what capacity?”
“I serve as his attorney of record. Excuse me, but should I call you ‘my lord’?”
“Certainly not. Am I correct in assuming Mr. Reames takes my offer seriously?”
“That might be presuming too much, Mr. Creighton. As there is no formal offer on the table.”
“Indeed, not. I stand corrected. And please call me Shep.”
His speech was a remarkable blend of upper-crust English and Atlanta honey. Rae found herself charmed. Which was a risk. “Again, sir, premature.”
His laugh sounded through Brody’s truck.
Rae thought it was genuine. She glanced at Brody.
He remained stationary, turned slightly so as to be fixated on her.
He showed her the most remarkable expression, so gentle, so trusting.
Rae was tempted to mute the phone and ask if he was actually listening to the conversation.
But Shep, the Viscount, chose that moment to ask, “How shall we proceed?”
“You requested the call, sir.”
“So I did. So I did.” He cleared his throat.
“Well, to the matter at hand. I was utterly taken by your client’s recent presentation.
Which electrified the conference, I must say.
He was all anyone spoke about. Allies in Charlotte related to me what happened next.
I assume Mr. Reames has mentioned the furious tirade that greeted your client upon his return to Jacob Whitinger’s place of business. ”
Rae decided not to respond.
Shep continued, “By all accounts, poor Jacob was livid to discover his hidden asset had now been revealed to the greater world. So I had my team pull together all Mr. Reames’s journal articles.”
This was new. “How many did they locate?”
“Five. Please tell me that’s all there are, else I’ll be forced to dismiss a favorite researcher.”
When Brody offered a slow nod, Rae replied, “Five is correct.”
“They made quite a fascinating read, I must tell you. Excellent work, start to finish, a true astonishment. I was sorely disappointed I had not heard of Mr. Reames before then.”
Rae studied this buccaneer seated beside her, this man with his remarkable mind. She found herself relishing this opportunity to hear another man’s praise. “Tell me why Mr. Reames holds such interest to your group.”
“Can he hear us?”
“He can.”
“My company’s focus is the management of family savings.
Some very large, but a considerable portion of our clients are simply preparing for the future.
College educations, retirements, vacation homes, and such.
We don’t do showy. We specialize in building a solid financial footing over years.
Decades. Sometimes generations. What Mr. Reames has accomplished opens an entirely new arena.
We, our clients, can use his work as a means of diversification.
His aim is precisely the same as ours. Steady long-term returns. ”
“Nothing flashy.”
“What works for Wall Street is an anathema to us and our clients,” Creighton agreed. “No roller coasters, no skyrockets. Steady, calm, safe passage through our turbulent and risky economic times.”
Rae searched for some reaction, a signal, but all Brody showed her was that same watchful calm.
Trusting her. With everything.
Rae said, “I suppose that brings us to the point.”
“Indeed.” Again, Creighton cleared his throat. “I do hope you will spare us both unnecessary regret and take me at my word. When it comes to members of my firm, I do not negotiate. I offer what I feel is top dollar. I expect nothing less in return. Is that clear?”
Rae continued to meet Brody’s gaze. “I’m listening.”
Creighton named a sum. “Plus bonus, of course.”
The amount completely shattered Brody’s calm.
She could see he was about to speak, agree, object it was too much, something totally absurd.
So, she did the only thing she could think of.
Rae reached across the divide and pressed a finger to his lips.
She said, “There is one final issue we need to cover before my client and I can consider your proposal.”
“I’m listening.”
Rae leaned back and said what she had been thinking of since hearing of this man with the silly name. “One of the elements that makes Brody Reames unique is his passion for open waters.”
“I will not, under any circumstances, allow him to continue racing on that scoundrel’s team.”
Rae thought Brody’s own words fit perfectly. “What if he was to give up racing entirely?”
The phone went silent.
“If Brody, Mr. Reames, is starting on this new course with your group, perhaps now is the time to enjoy sailing for sailing’s sake.
” Rae gave that a moment. “You probably expected him to demand specific periods away, timed to the racing calendar. Added to that would be training with his crew. What does that total, two months each year? More?”
“I confess this prospect almost kept me from reaching out.” His words slowed considerably. “What would you suggest?”
Rae found it absurd, how her heart decided this was the moment to flip into overdrive. “You allow him time each month to work off site.”
Creighton demanded, “Where would he be based?”
“The Outer Banks. Specifically, the region around Beaufort.”
A long silence, then: “Ten days each month. Timed to a somewhat flexible calendar, dependent upon office schedules.”
“Thank you very much, sir. In that case, I believe we have arrived at an offer my client will find acceptable.”
“When can I have his response? More importantly, when can he start?”
“I will discuss both matters with him, and respond before the close of business day after tomorrow. Unless you’d prefer to wait until after the holidays?”
“Certainly not.”
“Until then.” She cut the connection and watched as Brody’s hands reached over and took full hold.
She spent a timeless moment reveling in the man’s strength and warmth and closeness. The she gently freed herself and said, “Let’s go shopping.”