at the lights of The Plaza. Stephanie sat down and waited for him to start talking.
“Stef, the guy who owns Whiterock does exactly what you told me. He buys his way into a company, takes it over, and then sells off the pieces. Fernando Guevara believes he can do no wrong. He buys and sells companies like a used car dealer. No concern for the employees of the companies. They’re just part of the assets.”
Stephanie sipped her coffee and said, “Should I warn someone at my company?”
Kruger shrugged. “I don’t know, his tactics aren’t secret. I’m sure your senior management is aware of how he does business.”
Stephanie grew quiet and stared out past the balcony. After several minutes, she said, “What can I do, Sean? I have to warn someone.”
“I’m familiar with the psych profile, individuals who have an inflated perception of their own importance. They surround themselves with people who agree with everything they say. The rest of humanity is here to serve their needs and bow down to them. His personality type is dangerous when they have a gun, but this guy is probably more treacherous in other ways. The only thing I can suggest is talk to Neil. I’m not sure he can do anything if Guevara buys the stock he needs.”
Stephanie reached for his hand and squeezed it. “Thank you, I appreciate you making the phone call. As I told you Friday night, I’ve lost my lust for making sales goals, and if something happens to the company…” She shrugged. “Let’s concentrate on ourselves for a change, not the job.”
“Whatever happens, we’ll get through it together,” Kruger said with a smile. “Hell, who knows, Oklahoma City might look pretty good in a few months.”
Chapter 10
Kansas City, MO
Sunday
Small talk was not his favorite pastime, but he did enjoy observing corporate culture in action. The reception held for them by Stephanie’s company on Sunday afternoon was a great place to observe the pecking order and who was trying to get promoted. After all the congratulations and hand-shaking, Kruger found himself standing next to the bar and drinking the first of his self-imposed two beer limit. While watching Stephanie introduce Brian and Michele to her co-workers, he thought back to last night’s dinner after their wedding.
Stephanie had arranged everybody at the table so she could sit next to Brian. After the cocktails and wine were served, she turned to him and in a serious tone, said, “Brian, now that your father and I are married, I would like to ask you a question. I know I’m not your real mother, but I love you like a son. With your permission, I’d like to introduce you tomorrow, and in the future, as my son. Would that be alright?”
Brian smiled. Like his father, he was seldom caught off guard by unexpected questions.
“Only if you allow me to call you Mom,” he answered.
From that moment on, the evening went perfectly.
He smiled with the memory and sensed more than saw someone approaching where he stood. Wine glass in hand, Neil Ross, CEO and president of the company, was walking over to Kruger. The two shook hands, and Neil said, “Congratulations, Sean, I’m happy for both of you. Stephanie’s an extraordinary individual and a valued member of my team. She deserves a fulfilling personal life.”
“Thank you, Neil. I agree, she is extraordinary.”
Neil Ross was in his early 60s, and not a heavy man, but one who had the body of someone who spent more time behind a desk than on a treadmill. He was dressed in a dark gray pinstripe Armani suit, complimented with an open collar blue silk shirt. His once coal-black hair was now lightened by an increasing number of silver streaks. Ross was the same height as Kruger, but today he appeared weary, his posture was slightly slumped, and the dark circles under his eyes detracted from his handsome face. Neil looked out at the crowd and said, “Can I talk to you for a moment on a professional level?”
Kruger
“Stef, the guy who owns Whiterock does exactly what you told me. He buys his way into a company, takes it over, and then sells off the pieces. Fernando Guevara believes he can do no wrong. He buys and sells companies like a used car dealer. No concern for the employees of the companies. They’re just part of the assets.”
Stephanie sipped her coffee and said, “Should I warn someone at my company?”
Kruger shrugged. “I don’t know, his tactics aren’t secret. I’m sure your senior management is aware of how he does business.”
Stephanie grew quiet and stared out past the balcony. After several minutes, she said, “What can I do, Sean? I have to warn someone.”
“I’m familiar with the psych profile, individuals who have an inflated perception of their own importance. They surround themselves with people who agree with everything they say. The rest of humanity is here to serve their needs and bow down to them. His personality type is dangerous when they have a gun, but this guy is probably more treacherous in other ways. The only thing I can suggest is talk to Neil. I’m not sure he can do anything if Guevara buys the stock he needs.”
Stephanie reached for his hand and squeezed it. “Thank you, I appreciate you making the phone call. As I told you Friday night, I’ve lost my lust for making sales goals, and if something happens to the company…” She shrugged. “Let’s concentrate on ourselves for a change, not the job.”
“Whatever happens, we’ll get through it together,” Kruger said with a smile. “Hell, who knows, Oklahoma City might look pretty good in a few months.”
Chapter 10
Kansas City, MO
Sunday
Small talk was not his favorite pastime, but he did enjoy observing corporate culture in action. The reception held for them by Stephanie’s company on Sunday afternoon was a great place to observe the pecking order and who was trying to get promoted. After all the congratulations and hand-shaking, Kruger found himself standing next to the bar and drinking the first of his self-imposed two beer limit. While watching Stephanie introduce Brian and Michele to her co-workers, he thought back to last night’s dinner after their wedding.
Stephanie had arranged everybody at the table so she could sit next to Brian. After the cocktails and wine were served, she turned to him and in a serious tone, said, “Brian, now that your father and I are married, I would like to ask you a question. I know I’m not your real mother, but I love you like a son. With your permission, I’d like to introduce you tomorrow, and in the future, as my son. Would that be alright?”
Brian smiled. Like his father, he was seldom caught off guard by unexpected questions.
“Only if you allow me to call you Mom,” he answered.
From that moment on, the evening went perfectly.
He smiled with the memory and sensed more than saw someone approaching where he stood. Wine glass in hand, Neil Ross, CEO and president of the company, was walking over to Kruger. The two shook hands, and Neil said, “Congratulations, Sean, I’m happy for both of you. Stephanie’s an extraordinary individual and a valued member of my team. She deserves a fulfilling personal life.”
“Thank you, Neil. I agree, she is extraordinary.”
Neil Ross was in his early 60s, and not a heavy man, but one who had the body of someone who spent more time behind a desk than on a treadmill. He was dressed in a dark gray pinstripe Armani suit, complimented with an open collar blue silk shirt. His once coal-black hair was now lightened by an increasing number of silver streaks. Ross was the same height as Kruger, but today he appeared weary, his posture was slightly slumped, and the dark circles under his eyes detracted from his handsome face. Neil looked out at the crowd and said, “Can I talk to you for a moment on a professional level?”
Kruger
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