“That’s what we need to find out. The security division has rescreened every employee hired in the last two years. I want to know everything that might sound the least bit suspicious. I want to know who they shared a box of crayons with in first grade. Everything.” He looked at her, his expression tired. “You are the only one I trust, Sophie.”
She’d gone absolutely ashen.
“Are you all right?” he asked, tilting his head in concern. “You look as though you’re about to pass out. Sophie, if you need to go home...”
“No. Ah... I’ll be fine.”
Clay rose from his chair and shoved his hands inside his trouser pockets. “At this point I’m leaving nothing and no one out. Our clients are starting to withdraw and close their accounts. In the last ten days we’re down over thirty percent. The security division is trying to trace back where the rumors started so we have a clear indicator of how far they’ve come and where they’re going with this. Beginning in the morning, you and I are going to hit the phones and contact each and every CEO, president, vice president, owner or founder doing business with Everest and assure them not only are the rumors not true, we are doing everything possible to stay on top of this. We’re going to ask for their trust, Sophie. Expect anything and everything.
“Some will tell you right up front they can’t afford to take the risk. Others will tell you they’ll always stand behind us, then close their account when they get off the phone. Others will say they believe you and that they trust us and prove they mean what they say by picking up the phone and calling as many businesses and individuals as they can to spread the word that Everest is sound. Whoever is behind this is attempting to take Everest down. I’ve got to reinforce the wall before everything is destroyed.”
For several more minutes Clay went over the details to bring Sophie up to speed.
“We will solve this, Clay. I promise,” she assured him. “I don’t know the whos or the whys of it, but we will find out and save your company.”
“I hope you’re right.”
Clay walked across the room and stared out the large picture window even though he didn’t really see a damn thing. His patience had all but run out with the situation. He was livid but he knew he had to hold it together until a solution was found. He walked to the chair opposite, where she sat in front of the desk. Sitting down, he leaned toward her, his forearms resting on his knees.
“I need to ask a large favor. I need to know if you will stay over, here at the ranch, and help me through this. I have meetings scheduled, calls to return, letters to address—the list is long. It would help me a lot if, for a few weeks, you were here and wouldn’t mind being called on outside normal business hours.”
He could see her hesitation. Staying in his house night and day put a greater temptation between them. At least it did on his side.
“I promise this is all about business,” he said as if reading her mind. He held up three fingers. “Scout’s honor.”
“Were you really a Boy Scout?”
He let out a sigh. “No. But I always wanted to be. Does that count?” He leaned down toward her and cupped her face in his hands. “It will be damn hard, Sophie. But I promise I will do my absolute best to keep this strictly on a business level.”
With that he covered her lips with his and bestowed a light kiss. Standing, he took in a deep breath.
“Good way to start.” She cracked a nervous grin.
He gave her a crooked smile.
“But I’ll do it,” she said. “This is a priority. How does one stop a rumor? I don’t mean to sound negative but it seems like an uphill battle.” She was quiet for a moment in deep contemplation. “Why would anyone spread vicious gossip like this?”
“If I knew the answer to that...” He shrugged. “But what I do know is we’ve got to get a handle on this and fast. Two secretaries will be here this afternoon. I would like you to move into my office temporarily and help me man the phones. We need to contact as many of the accounts as possible and give assurances that these reports are not valid. I have staff standing by in New York to contact the smaller accounts. You and I will tackle the ones for a million dollars and up.”
“You might also call a meeting and invite all the other local business owners or CEOs. They all know you. This was your hometown. I’ve got to think that they will help you if you ask.”
Clay nodded. “Great idea. I’ll put together a list and ask you to send out invitations.”
“I’ll email then follow up with a phone call.”
“Good. Probably would be best not to have it here. Reserve a large meeting room at the TCC clubhouse. Arrange for refreshments. Let’s make it on July eighteenth, ten o’clock in the morning.”
“That’s in just over a week. I’ll get right on it.” She stood.
“Thanks, Sophie.”
“No problem. At lunch I’ll run to my house and pack a few things.”
“Let me know when you leave and I’ll pick you up. Someone will spot your car if you stay here. We don’t need any more rumors.” He winked and it got the desired response.
“Thanks.”
“No. Thank you.”