Smokescreen

“Well, fuck you very much.” Laci stares at her phone in disgust. “Douchebag.”

“Laci!”

“Pricks are what they are. Stupid pricks. We don’t need their business anyway.”

My mood drops a little more knowing we lost another client. So far I’ve lost sixty percent of my current workload. Even though Hurst & McCoy had taken up a lot of my time, I still had side projects. Today was supposed to be the launch of a new campaign for a local business expansion. We had plans to meet in my office to brainstorm on the overall marketing strategy. Laci got a call canceling the meeting until further notice. That was just one in many clients that wanted to distance themselves from Sullivan PR. Surprisingly, the clients I left messages for on Saturday morning had called and requested to move forward. So while I was losing business fast, I still had something to keep us floating.

Landon’s beside himself begging to come help, but we told him to stay put because he could be followed by the press. So far every single contact I had at the local newspapers and television stations had called to ask for a comment. I ignored them, knowing our plan for this morning would give a more powerful impact.

Sara, Matt, and Mason all left to attend Max’s press conference. Chris worked alongside us until it was time for him to go to my office. My parents and Amy tried to stay out of the way, but it was obvious they were listening to every word. Even Laci’s inappropriate tirades each time she hung up with a client that was firing us.

Promptly at ten, I turn on the local news and watch as the press changed the programming to the Hurst & McCoy building. Dana chose one of the boardrooms that I’d never been in. The formality was overwhelming, but we had to emphasize who Max is. He’s the President and CEO of an international conglomerate. He’s in charge of thousands employees around the globe working for his companies. His time is limited, his experience and knowledge is priceless, and his dedication to his business ethics commendable. He needs to look the part, so the formality is expected.

When he walks in the room, my breath leaves my body. He looks every bit of authoritative, decisive, commanding, and all business. Edward follows behind and positions himself directly on the right side of the podium. A few other people stand in the background, which I recognize as the executive board. Vicki and Henry are the only ones I know.

There’s a buzz in the room, but Max’s powerful presence causes silence.

“Over the weekend, the Hurst & McCoy organization once again found ourselves in the news with regard to one of our businesses. JOS Athletic Apparel is currently undergoing extensive renovations in all areas of operations to make sure it is the best it can be in regards to employee safety, satisfaction, and operational efficiency. Our commitment has not wavered. Hurst & McCoy is still dedicated to uncovering the truths and any injustices that would link with our name.

“We take our promises seriously and as an obligation to our JOS family, we will be launching a full investigation into the allegations that a trusted business partner has broken not only the law but also our strong code of ethics. Our investigation will be independently funded and will cooperate with federal and local officials. Because this is now an active investigation, we cannot comment on the allegations, charges, or the business relationship with Sullivan PR. All we can say is we believe in our legal system and intend to reveal any and all inappropriate behaviors.

“Not wanting to halt the progress we have made with the rebuilding efforts in South America, we will remain business as usual and continue the work we started. Edward Hurst and I stand behind our company. Hurst & McCoy has been in business for over forty years. Like my father before me, I take my position as a leader very seriously. My executive team, the board members, and our employees all support this action. Thank you for your time today.”

Max doesn’t move as questions are screamed at him. He raises his hand and scans the room with agitation. “I’ll take a few questions. But I’ll warn you, don’t waste my time with questions regarding the allegations brought forward.” His eyes land on the reporter from Saturday and she sulks back in her chair.

“Mr. McCoy, is it true you came back from South America when you heard about the charges? Doesn’t that send mixed messages to the employees and their families?”

“My decision to return was purely a business decision. I needed to get to my team and speak with Edward about our plan of action. I’ve sent word back to my management team in South America that I’ll be back as soon as possible. Next.”

“Mr. McCoy, if these allegations are found to be true, what will you do?”

Max’s jaw ticks and his fingers grip the wood tightly. “We will follow this to the letter of the law and do what is necessary to protect the innocent and prosecute the offenders. You may remember I’m an international lawyer. We’re at an advantage here.”

“Mr. McCoy, are you in a personal, romantic relationship with Stella Sullivan?”

Max face grows alarmingly red, his glare penetrates angrily and even through the TV I hear him growl. “What’s your name?”

“John.” The poor reporter sits back a little.

“John, you must be new around here because one thing I’ve always made perfectly clear is I don’t discuss my personal life. And on that question, I’m done.”

Max gives the man a death stare then turns and walks out with Edward following him. He glances at his watch briefly and I know he’s thinking about me. We planned it so as soon as Max was finished Chris would speak. Laci rushes over to me with my laptop and we watch the video streaming of my office building. News vans have been parked outside for over twenty-four hours shooting live shots in front of my door.

Chris walks out looking like he just stepped off the pages of a magazine. His suit is tailored to fit him perfectly and the green tie makes his eyes stand out against his tan face. He looks the epitome of badass lawyer, domineering and forceful. Similar to the way Max looked when he walked into his boardroom.

Cameras flock to him and the TV makes a quick transition to the live stream as well. He stares at the camera directly in front of him and puts his hands on his hips. The stance commands attention and the chatter around him turns to silence.

“My name is Chris White and I’m Miss Sullivan’s personal lawyer. First, I’d like to say that Miss Sullivan vehemently denies any and all allegations against her. She has never accepted bribes nor engaged in child solicitation. Her work in South America was through a legitimate business contract between Sullivan PR and Hurst & McCoy. These false accusations have no merit. Miss Sullivan has and will continue to cooperate with local and international officials to clear her name.

“We ask that you respect her need for privacy at this time. Whatever the motives behind this vicious attack on her character will be uncovered. Standing by her business partnership with Hurst & McCoy, she will do whatever necessary to reveal the truth. Her commitment to rebuilding the JOS brand and the community is still very much a priority to her.

“Most of you have worked with Miss Sullivan for years and know her true character. She’s well known in the community with her tenacious work ethic and dedication. No

one has ever questioned her devotion to her clients and their businesses. Any future questions going forward regarding Miss Sullivan should come directly through my office.”

Reporters yell questions, but Chris walks back into the office, shutting the door in their face. The screen switches back to the news studio. I don’t even have to change the channel to know this is on every local station. I even tipped off a national network anonymously last night through Jake’s covert line.

The room is still as we all look at each other, waiting for someone to talk. Of course, Laci breaks the ice.