Desperate Measures (17 page)

“How could you lose your passport? I’ve told you over again to keep it in the safe with mine!”

Constance, usually ready to go head to head with Jack in a shouting match, lowered her face and said, “It has to be here somewhere, let me check the whole house.”

The missing passport hadn’t been located. Constance immediately sent off for a replacement after retrieving her original birth certificate from the safe. She expedited the request and paid a fortune to obtain the new legal travel document in two weeks. Once they sat down to dinner, the roast was dry and tasteless.

Thinking back to that day, Jack realized in the frenzy he forgot about the look of fear in his wife’s eyes at the discovery of the missing passport. What was she hiding?

This hurricane was the last thing any of them needed but Jack had a burst of inspiration. The storm, he hoped to hell it didn’t hit, could be a godsend to get his wife and son to safety. Wheels started spinning. He’d send Constance and Dean to Daniel’s in Atlanta, stay here to secure the house, wait for the passport to arrive.

* * * *

Scott walked to the back of the boat where Caitlin sat. He dreaded what he needed to tell his wife. “Caitlin, I know you haven’t seen the weather update today, or at least I don’t think you have. There’s a strong bitch brewing out there and Florida could very well be in its path for a direct hit.”

Caitlin dropped her head in her hands and mumbled, “How bad does this storm look?”

“Pretty bad, overnight it went from a tropical storm to a Category one hurricane. I just got off the phone with your father and he knows what to do if warnings go out. The projected path is from Jamaica to Georgia. The way it’s formed and developing, the forecasters are saying it could make landfall as a Cat. Five.”

“I have to call CSM and make sure the staff is preparing and reviewing the Emergency Response Plan. All of that equipment needs to be secured and the chemicals stored safely if any warnings go up,” Caitlin recited.

Scott shook his head and muttered as he walked back to the front of the boat and sat next to Tomas. “How’d I know she’d say that? I thought the FBI had a lot of acronyms. ERP, otherwise known as the company’s Emergency Response Plan. Not to be confused with the other ERP, Everglades Restoration Project. Half those damn lab tests and procedures, I can’t even pronounce.” Scott realized he rambled on and Tomas’s look confirmed it.

“What the hell are you talking about? Never mind, I think I get the gist, her company, right?” Tomas stated.

Steve reviewed the progress report which indicated the design phase could be started within a few months. He forced himself to not become prematurely optimistic but was impressed by the doctor’s achievements.

In the beginning, he was dead set against bringing Brad on board but not because of his lack of scientific knowledge and successes. Dr. Tessell’s bad reputation left a bitter taste in Steve’s mouth. He slowly realized that the scientist was determined and committed to the success of CSM and not just for personal gain to save his reputation.

Before Steve got too excited about the latest report, he’d double check and triple check everything himself. One screw up from Brad would not only be the end of CSM Technologies but the end of all of their careers as well. That couldn’t happen.

Someone knocked on his office door. “Come in.”

“Dr. Albright, Caitlin would like to speak with you. I have her on my extension. Do you want me to transfer the call?” Victoria asked.

“Yes, please. I need to talk to her, great timing.”

He picked up his extension. “Caitlin! I’m so glad you called. I’ve just finished reading Brad’s report and we could possibly go into production earlier than projected. I want to run some of my own independent tests to make sure he didn’t take any short-cuts. I’ll e-mail you what I have so far.”

“Wow! What happened to you, singing Brad’s praises all of a sudden?” Caitlin exclaimed.

“I’m not singing his praises but have to admit his work is pretty impressive. I’m still cautious because he could make us or break us with his baggage. He needs to prove himself which is what I’m skeptical about. I don’t believe we, at CSM, need to provide him with that opportunity. However, if his research comes through, I may get over my antagonism toward the man. Anyway, how are you doing? Any break yet in what’s going on?”

“Not much. Steve, I do want to apologize that due to my personal background, whatever that is, the company’s been dragged in and the employees questioned. I’m really sorry this is happening and I take full responsibility. How’s the staff? Has the press gotten wind of any of this?”

“The staff at first was shocked but more worried about you. They’re very dedicated and loyal to you. Victoria’s doing a great job of keeping everyone’s spirits up. No leaks to the press. Don’t worry about that. We’re also watching the weather and I made sure all the staff read the ERP. In the event of a shutdown, they’re ready to secure their areas and equipment,” Steve assured her.

“Good. I hope this thing doesn’t affect us but I’m glad you are prepared.”

“Caitlin, this is a new secure building and you did a hell of a job writing the response plan. You covered everything, even our hurricane insurance policy is top notch.”

“Thanks, Steve. I did have a lot of firsthand experience to put all of that together thanks to the 2004 and 2005 hurricanes.”

“Yes, you most certainly went through a lot. As unpleasant as it was at least the experience has been invaluable to disaster situations. Wilma was enough for me. I can’t imagine Frances and Jeanne back to back in 04.”

“It wasn’t pretty. I pray we don’t ever have to go through that again.”

“Caitlin, I’ll stay on top of the weather reports and do whatever is necessary. Is your house secure? Do you need me to do anything?”

“No. But thank you. My father has it all under control if it comes to that.”

Steve jumped at the chance to switch the conversation to her father. “Caitlin, how’s your father handling all of this? I don’t mean the hurricane.”

“So far he’s pretty calm. He didn’t come running down here but did send a top notch agent/bodyguard.”

“That’s good. At least you’re well protected.” Steve paused only a moment and blurted out the question he really wanted to ask. “Could you really be the granddaughter of Lukas Bucklin? Imagine the publicity we could get from that!”

“Steve!” Caitlin screeched.

“Sorry, sorry. I guess I’m just dreaming, having plans of grandeur. Reading Brad’s report gave me high hopes. We’re on the brink of a major breakthrough and success. If the Bucklin name was tied to the company, the sky would be the limit.”

“Steve, what the hell’s gotten into you? First you praise Brad and now you essentially want to prostitute me and my family for some PR stunt. That’s not how I operate and you know that. I’ve always been professional and I expect the same from all of my staff, especially the executives.

“One more thing before I hang up. This company will be a success and we don’t need any big shot name in order to accomplish that. Good bye, Steve, send me that report and I’ll touch base with you daily about the hurricane.”

The phone clicked and went dead.

* * * *

Blood rushed to Caitlin’s face. Moisture collected from the heat, when she wiped it away, she realized she’d forgotten to apply sun block. Just as well, her sun tinged cheeks might mask her anger. Steve could bullshit her all he wanted. She knew he only cared about the company and didn’t give a damn about her personally. But to suggest such a disgusting tactic wasn’t what she’d ever expect from him.

Steve may have been somewhat impressed with Brad’s progress but she knew damn well what he really thought. They had gone round and round on this issue, unfortunately in front of the Board of Directors. When Caitlin first told Steve about Tessell, he adamantly opposed and undermined her decision to hire the man. As a voting member of the board he went over her head and called a board meeting. He did have the professional courtesy to copy Caitlin in the memo. Sure of herself and her decision, she took control of the meeting, prepared the agenda, had copies of the background check, employment contract, and a revenue projection meticulously organized.

At the end of the meeting the Board of Directors voted unanimously in favor of Caitlin’s decision. Their vote said one thing but their serious eyes another: one screw up and we pull our investments and confidence in you. Caitlin shuddered at the memory. At that moment she knew how vulnerable she really was. She’d started up a successful company with her own investment, secured a prestigious Board of Directors who had invested heavily in her company. The bottom line was that she may be the owner but until she paid back all of the loans, with one blip, she could be on the street with a vote from the board; if there was a quorum.

“Bastard!” Caitlin shouted. She had a lunatic out there threatening her, a hurricane coming, and now an asshole that could be undermining her.

* * * *

Chris released the helm to Scott and walked toward the back of the vessel. Caitlin fumed, her face red as a tomato, or maybe she’d gotten too much sun. As he drew closer, he saw the phone clenched in her hand and heard her curse.

“Caitlin, are you okay? Not another threat, is it?”

She looked up. A confused look clouded her remarkable gray-blue eyes. “What?” Distracted, she replied. “No, not a threat, but what an asshole! I can’t believe he said that.”

“Slow down, who were you talking to and what happened? You have to tell me. It might be relevant to this case.”

“That son of a bitch, Steve! I thought I could trust him, can you believe he suggested we capitalize on this theoretical horse shit about the Bucklin’s to drive my company, I repeat, my company, forward. I formed and built the company on my own and don’t need help. I’ll be damned if I use anyone to help me climb the ladder of success, especially some stranger who could be my grandfather. I will build my own empire.”

“Why are you being so defensive? None of this is your fault.”

“The hell it’s not!” Caitlin screeched. “I should’ve found out the truth when my father told me.”

Chris leaned back, crossed his arms over his chest, and made a low whistling sound. “Whoa, that was some stream of pent up energy you just let out. Anything else you want to unload?”

“No, I’m successful because of my own merit and experience, and I plan on proving it. I will accomplish and achieve my goals!”

“Miss independent and determined, let me ask you one question. Where do you get all of this drive and ambition from?”

“My parents, of course. My father served as the District Attorney of Monmouth County, New Jersey and my mother succeeded as an accomplished real estate attorney.”

“I know all of that but neither of them would even think about taking on what you have, leaving your position as president of five laboratories and opening up your own company. That tells you something, Caitlin. Another thing you need to ask yourself, is there anyone else in your family that has the aptitude and interest in science that you do? That has to come from somewhere, don’t you agree?

“Lukas Bucklin made a success of his first run at internationalizing his stores due to his chemistry and biology background and revolutionized the process of the bakery department. He designed the show cases and transportation vehicles after he discovered that humidity, not temperature, kept the pastries fresh. That’s what launched his international chain. He expanded rapidly once his patent was approved.”

Caitlin raised an eyebrow. “How do you know all of that?”

“Barry pays me very well. I do all of my research.”

“Then you’ve seen the resemblance between my father and Lukas.”

“Yes, I have.” Chris nodded and concluded the intense conversation. Chris knew Caitlin was pissed at Steve. He also knew Steve Albright was not a suspect, maybe a little weasel trying to capitalize on a terrifying situation, but not a criminal.

* * * *

Steve put the phone back in the cradle. He’d blown it big time and overstepped his bounds. Dammit, he needed to hit the mother lode soon. When he first signed on at CSM, he didn’t expect all of the issues and debts to come out of the woodwork. He’d invested in a real estate deal that was anticipated to be a cash cow, a sure thing. Who knew the market would take a nose dive? One stupid mistake and he was going to pay forever. Once CSM Technologies makes the break-through that’ll be the end of it.

The phone rang once, then twice. Jack stared at the digitized incoming number. He knew the area code and it could only be one person calling. He had no desire to hear the voice on the other end of the line and contemplated letting the answering machine pick-up. Given the past animosity, he knew he couldn’t do that. A short conversation might provide a clue to save Caitlin.

On the fourth ring, he presented an unfriendly greeting. “What do you want?”

“Jack, I don’t want anything other than to find out if you’re okay. You’re my brother. We haven’t talked in a long time but we are a family. How’s Caitlin?”

“Caitlin’s fine. I don’t believe your bullshit for one minute. You never cared one bit about Caitlin and neither did that bitch of a sister I have. Gary, I’ll ask you one more time. What do you want?”

“I know you don’t believe me but I do care. I’ll leave it at that for now. The reason I’m calling is I’m worried about Ginny. Before you go into a tirade, please hear me out. I discovered something missing from my house after Ginny came here in May. It may be significant to Caitlin’s dilemma.”

“I’m aware that FBI Agent Cox paid you a visit. Why the hell didn’t you tell him when he was there?” Jack demanded.

“I didn’t notice the picture was missing until after he left. I didn’t want to appear guilty by calling him back.”

The hair on the back of Jack’s neck stood up. He breathed deeply in an effort to calm his racing heart. “Picture? What picture are you talking about?”