didn’t realize you were a direct descendant of Eric Finlayson.
You must be very excited about the discovery then.”
“Yes,
I am. It would be good to put to rest the stories that have abounded over the
years of his success or otherwise, not to mention allow Grandmother Charlotte
to finally rest in peace.” Charlotte handed an ornate silver photograph to
Michela.
Michela
smiled at the picture of a small child, no more than twelve months, sitting on
the knee of a woman of advancing years.
“That’s
my grandmother Charlotte and I. She died when I was young, but I know she went
to her grave believing Eric made it to Antarctica. Enough of my talk. Please
sit down and explain to me just exactly what it is you’re seeking.”
Michela
gave her presentation in the same format she’d used with her director and
finished with a request for much-needed funds.
Charlotte
sat back and considered the request. “Despite the current profitable state
of my company, what you’re asking for is quite a sum of money. What might I
gain from this venture?”
Michela
ran through a number of slick responses and found herself drawn to a simple
comment made by Charlotte. “There’s no direct profit to be gained by you
from this. But I believe there’s more to this expedition than my studies and
the recovery of artifacts.” She gazed at the imposing painting of
Finlayson and his family. “You said your grandmother always wondered
whether Eric made it to Antarctica. If his body is there, this would confirm
her belief in his success. At last you and your family would have
closure.”
Charlotte
Finlayson scrutinized Michela. “I like you. I’ve had some business pitches
thrown at me over the years and every once in a while it’s nice to see that put
aside for simple honesty.
“I’ll
agree to the funding on two conditions. I want you to head the expedition. It’s
not that I don’t trust the team in Australia. But it’s a large sum of my money
and I want it managed by someone who won’t run off and purchase every fancy
piece of excavation equipment available.” Michela reluctantly nodded.
“The second condition is personal.” Charlotte turned and looked at
the portrait holding pride of place in her office. “Bring my ancestor
home.”
Michela
couldn’t help but be affected by the gravity of Charlotte’s request.
“Ma’am, if he’s there, I promise you I will-“
Charlotte
Finlayson cleared her throat. “Now, I’ll have my lawyers draw up the papers
and Virginia will give you the contact details you’ll need to access these
funds. Please keep me updated on the project’s progress.” She stood,
motioning for Michela to do the same. “I look forward to speaking with you
when you return. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve another business appointment.
The car’s still at your disposal for the remainder of the day; just don’t do
anything illegal in it.” Her eyes twinkled as she escorted Michela to Ms.
Blainey’s desk.
Michela
felt if she was walking on air as she left the imposing art deco style
building. She barely noticed the driver in front of her.
“Where
to, ma’am?”
Michela
looked at her watch. “I didn’t realize the meeting would be so quick.
Could you take me to the airport? I might try to get a flight home tonight.”
“Ma’am,
there’s a phone in the centre console if you’d like to check.”
Michela
sank into the plush leather. “Thank you.” A quick call confirmed a
late flight. It’s better than nothing. At least it might give me some time
to talk through things with Natalie.
IN
THE AIRPORT, Michela sat in one of the business cubicles of the Club lounge.
She made herself comfortable, released an excited breath, and narrated an
e-mail to Sarah.
Hi
Sarah
I’ve
got great news! I’ve met with the CEO of Finlayson Enterprises and it so
happens she’s the grandchild of THE Finlayson. She’s agreed to fund the
remaining two-fifths, so now it’s only a matter of coordinating things
You must be very excited about the discovery then.”
“Yes,
I am. It would be good to put to rest the stories that have abounded over the
years of his success or otherwise, not to mention allow Grandmother Charlotte
to finally rest in peace.” Charlotte handed an ornate silver photograph to
Michela.
Michela
smiled at the picture of a small child, no more than twelve months, sitting on
the knee of a woman of advancing years.
“That’s
my grandmother Charlotte and I. She died when I was young, but I know she went
to her grave believing Eric made it to Antarctica. Enough of my talk. Please
sit down and explain to me just exactly what it is you’re seeking.”
Michela
gave her presentation in the same format she’d used with her director and
finished with a request for much-needed funds.
Charlotte
sat back and considered the request. “Despite the current profitable state
of my company, what you’re asking for is quite a sum of money. What might I
gain from this venture?”
Michela
ran through a number of slick responses and found herself drawn to a simple
comment made by Charlotte. “There’s no direct profit to be gained by you
from this. But I believe there’s more to this expedition than my studies and
the recovery of artifacts.” She gazed at the imposing painting of
Finlayson and his family. “You said your grandmother always wondered
whether Eric made it to Antarctica. If his body is there, this would confirm
her belief in his success. At last you and your family would have
closure.”
Charlotte
Finlayson scrutinized Michela. “I like you. I’ve had some business pitches
thrown at me over the years and every once in a while it’s nice to see that put
aside for simple honesty.
“I’ll
agree to the funding on two conditions. I want you to head the expedition. It’s
not that I don’t trust the team in Australia. But it’s a large sum of my money
and I want it managed by someone who won’t run off and purchase every fancy
piece of excavation equipment available.” Michela reluctantly nodded.
“The second condition is personal.” Charlotte turned and looked at
the portrait holding pride of place in her office. “Bring my ancestor
home.”
Michela
couldn’t help but be affected by the gravity of Charlotte’s request.
“Ma’am, if he’s there, I promise you I will-“
Charlotte
Finlayson cleared her throat. “Now, I’ll have my lawyers draw up the papers
and Virginia will give you the contact details you’ll need to access these
funds. Please keep me updated on the project’s progress.” She stood,
motioning for Michela to do the same. “I look forward to speaking with you
when you return. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve another business appointment.
The car’s still at your disposal for the remainder of the day; just don’t do
anything illegal in it.” Her eyes twinkled as she escorted Michela to Ms.
Blainey’s desk.
Michela
felt if she was walking on air as she left the imposing art deco style
building. She barely noticed the driver in front of her.
“Where
to, ma’am?”
Michela
looked at her watch. “I didn’t realize the meeting would be so quick.
Could you take me to the airport? I might try to get a flight home tonight.”
“Ma’am,
there’s a phone in the centre console if you’d like to check.”
Michela
sank into the plush leather. “Thank you.” A quick call confirmed a
late flight. It’s better than nothing. At least it might give me some time
to talk through things with Natalie.
IN
THE AIRPORT, Michela sat in one of the business cubicles of the Club lounge.
She made herself comfortable, released an excited breath, and narrated an
e-mail to Sarah.
Hi
Sarah
I’ve
got great news! I’ve met with the CEO of Finlayson Enterprises and it so
happens she’s the grandchild of THE Finlayson. She’s agreed to fund the
remaining two-fifths, so now it’s only a matter of coordinating things
Similar Books
