“Mr. Collins wife, Suzanne, was a close friend of Mrs. Ferguson.”
“It was a shame about the two of them. They were very nice people.”
“Did you know them personally, Ms. Foster?”
“Mondrya, please, and yes, before my promotion, I was Frank's group manager. I'd met his wife several times. I may have even met Mrs. Ferguson at one of Suzanne's parties.”
“Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?”
“No, not at all,” Mondrya said, taking out a pad and pen. “Do you mind if I take notes?”
“Not at all,” Marcus replied. “What did Mr. Collins do here?”
“Frank worked as an account manager. They work closely with clients to develop a customized plan that meets their long-term financial goals and objectives. They offer exclusive access to products and an array of quality financial products and services.”
“Was he still reporting to you at the time of his death?”
“I was already in my position by that time. And if I remember correctly, that happened when Frank was transitioning to his new position. So he would have been a direct report to Mr. Hudson.”
“What was his new position?”
Mondrya turned to her computer and clicked a few times. “To develop and execute plans to integrate software and internet-based technologies into our services. Recruit, hire, lead, and evaluate staff. Measure and report on key processes; use data to identify and implement improvements. Achieve commitments: revenue, productivity, service quality, net income.”
“Impressive. All that information.”
“It's the secret of my success, availability of information. When I started here fifteen years ago right out of college. Skinny black girl with a degree in finance. They hired me as a receptionist. I made my way from there. “
“Receptionist to VP.”
“There were some stops along the way; analyst, financial planner, group manager.”
“But at times Mr. Collins did report to you?”
“Yes. We have two teams of about 18 members a piece, each under the leadership of a group manager, and each managing portfolios with credit lines up to $10 million.”
“Mr. Collins managed a portfolio like that?”
“For as many as twenty clients.”
“Any problems you know of?”
“Frank was doing an excellent job; all of his clients were pleased. And he had some hard to please clients.” Mondrya paused and looked at Marcus. “That's why he was promoted.”
“How long before his wife died was this?”
“Two weeks, maybe. After that he went to pieces. It was sad to watch a friend go through that.”
“Did he talk much a about the details of his wife's death?”
“He didn't, but there were a lot of rumors, but there always are.”
“Like what?”
“Like he raped and killed her himself, or that she was having an affair with - - -” the phone rang. “Excuse me, Mr. Douglas. My husband,” Mondrya said and turned away. “Instruct our broker to execute that order as quickly as possible at the best price available.” She said and hung up the phone. “I just love it when he calls for investment advice.”
“Is this your family?” Marcus asked picking up the picture frame from her desk
“Yes, those are my two sons, Zaviere & Keenan. Zavi is 17 and Keenan is 12. That's my husband Amar. Handling them is truly a labor of love.”