Falcon (Trinity Academy 1)

Falcon, Mason, and Lake stand behind them, joined by Mr. Cutler and a man I can only assume is Mr. Chargill.

“Thirty-two years,” Mr. Reyes repeats, then he slowly turns his head.

I lean closer to Kingsley and ask, “Is that Mr. Chargill standing next to Mr. Cutler.”

Kingsley nods, then whispers, “Yes.”

“Todd, do you remember how drunk we got after we signed our first deal?”

“You and Asher were the ones who got drunk. I, of course, was the designated driver,” Mr. Cutler calls out.

“Oh, right,” Mr. Reyes chuckles.

“I’ll never forget the first deal we signed. It wasn’t anything big, but the pride we felt.” Mr. Reyes looks up and sighs loudly. “Lord, the pride we felt. It was priceless.”

He bows his head again, and a couple of seconds pass. “The time has come for me to step down as chairman.” Lifting his eyes to the audience, I begin to feel emotional, when he says, “I’m so indescribably proud to announce that I will be handing over the helm to Julian, my eldest. I trust you will all show him the same loyalty which you’ve shown me.”

Mr. Reyes turns to Julian and places his left hand on his shoulder while holding out his right. As Julian takes his hand, Mr. Reyes says, “Mr. Chairman, I hand CRC Holdings, and its legacy over to you with a peaceful and assured heart.”

Julian slightly bows his head. “Thank you,” he pauses for a second, “Father. I will do my best to fill the insurmountable space you will leave.”

A round of applause sounds up, and I grin wide as I join in.

“I’ll leave you to it then,” Mr. Reyes says as he steps away from the podium to go stand next to Falcon.

Julian’s eyes scan over the people who have all helped shape CRC into what it is today. “I’ve only been with the company for four years, and there were days I marveled at how my father, Mr. Chargill, and Mr. Cutler managed to handle it for thirty-two years.” He smiles. “Luckily, I’ll have all of you, and Stephanie has agreed to stay on as my assistant.” Julian looks to Mom. “Thank you, Stephanie.”

Mom nods at him, a proud smile on her face.

Julian turns, and I’m not sure who he’s looking at, then he says, “Mason, will you join me.”

Mason glances to his father who nods for him to go.

“In six months, Mason will be joining us, and after a year, he will be inaugurated as the President.”

When Mason is standing next to Julian, I wonder what it means for the future of the company that Falcon and Lake won’t be joining them.

“I count myself lucky to know I’ll have Mason by my side. I’m sure I can speak for both of us when I say, we have great plans for the future.”

Mason’s mouth lifts at the corner, and his eyes show no emotion, as he says, “Definitely.”

“There goes the future of CRC,” Kingsley grumbles softly next to me.

Mason gestures to Falcon and Lake, then adds, “Let’s not forget Falcon and Lake. Even though they’re only shareholders, they will play a big part in our future growth.”

I smile as I look at the future of CRC. “I think they’re all going to make a great team,” I whisper to Kingsley.FalconI’m standing with Mason and Lake, watching as the guests enjoy the selection of appetizers and cocktails.

“I think she’d give Lake a run for his money when it comes to eating,” Mason suddenly says.

“Who?” Lake asks while trying to suppress a yawn.

“Kingsley.” Mason gestures toward the banquet tables along the left side of the hall. “That’s her third plate she’s busy loading.”

I smile when my eyes land on Layla, and she waves at me.

“Falcon,” Mother says as she comes toward me, looking elegant as always. “Aren’t you going to greet your mother?”

Keeping up with pretenses, I lean down and brush my lips over her cheek. “Mother.”

“Doesn’t Serena look beautiful tonight?” she asks, smiling toward the table where Serena is helping the servers arrange the food.

“I haven’t noticed.”

A scowl quickly settles on Mothers face.

“Why is she here, anyway?” Mason asks, much to my surprise.

“I invited her, of course.”

Mason ignores the disapproving look on my mother’s face, then states, “She better enjoy it. Once I take over, that will change.”

“Honestly, Mason. Your aggression toward Serena is uncalled for,” Mother snaps.

Mason lets out a dry chuckle. “Uncalled for my ass.”

Mother focusses her dark scowl on him. “It astounds me how Asher and Candice managed to raise such an imprudent son.”

“Mother,” Julian says as he joins us, “stirring the pot as usual?”

Gasping, she turns to Julian with wide eyes. “I’m doing no such thing. The boy doesn’t know the first thing about being respectful.”

Julian smiles politely, and taking hold of Mother’s elbow, he whispers, “Respect is earned. Leave them be and go talk with the other wives.”