Saved by the Rancher (37 page)

“It’s quite an offer, but I run Ortel.”

“Ortel is small beans compared to Merrick. I don’t say that to insult you. But heading Merrick would give you the opportunity to work your magic at a bigger international level.

“You took a fledgling company and grew it into a very competitive organization. I imagine letting someone else take over is difficult, but not impossible. Running Merrick would be a coup. You’d be one of the youngest presidents to run a company the size and scope of Merrick International. This is a dream job for someone in your position, and I’m handing it to you. You’d be crazy to pass up this opportunity,” she finished.

Ortel was his baby, but she was right. He couldn’t pass this up, despite the fact it would be detrimental to his personal life and what little time he had with his daughter. A pang of guilt gripped his heart when he thought about Emma. He wanted so much to give her a good life.

“You have a deal. I’ll run Merrick’s day-to-day operations, but I want you involved even if it’s just a weekly conference call. Anyone who can take over the company the way you have deserves my respect and admiration. I’d be a fool to let you step back completely and not use your uncanny sense of trends and business savvy. No way I’m letting that asset go to waste.”

She had to admit, talking to Cameron put a lot of things into perspective. She really thought the two of them could run the company together. In fact, she was excited about it.

“Deal. We’ll work together, but it will have to be long distance. I want to live in Colorado on the ranch with Jack and the babies. I won’t give that up. But I will meet you halfway. I’ll fly into San Francisco when necessary, but never for more than a day or two.”

“Great. We’ll work out all the details later. If I understand what you have planned for the board meeting, we’ll also need to restructure the top levels of the company. I have a few people in mind for some key positions. We can discuss this at a later date.”

“We’ll do it by phone and webcam. Once we’re finished today, I’m getting back on this plane and going home. Unfortunately, David may have other ideas. Sam and I have a plan to deal with him. I only hope it works.”

“With your security, David can’t get close to you, unless you want him to.”

“Exactly.”

Cameron frowned, not understanding her cryptic answer. She was about to explain, but Jack and Sam headed toward them, looking grim.

“It’s time to go. The board meets in an hour and we don’t want to be late.” Jack gave Cameron the once-over. “Did you two come to an agreement?”

“We’re all set. Stop glaring at Cameron. He was a perfect gentleman. Don’t worry, Cameron, he’s jealous of his horse, too.”

“I am not.” Jack’s smile said otherwise.

“Are too. It’s cute though. Let’s go.”

Time to face her past and take back her future.

Chapter Fifty-Seven

J
ENNA’S MEETING WITH
Cameron went so well, her confidence soared. The limo took them down the crowded city streets, followed by another car full of her security people. She stared out the window at the people and buildings while Jack, Sam, and Cameron talked about . . . Well, she didn’t know what they were talking about. Her thoughts were on the upcoming board meeting and the possibilities of what might happen.

Jack held her hand. Even though the guys carried on with their conversation, they remained focused on her. Even Cameron understood the stakes, and that she was, essentially, walking into the lion’s den.

They arrived in front of the Merrick International building and stepped out. What a sight they made. Three of the most handsome men around, dressed in their best suits, and her in her finest business attire flanked by five other large men, who despite their suits couldn’t be mistaken for anything but bodyguards. They drew everyone’s attention in the lobby of the building as Cameron led the way to the elevators to take them up to the conference room on the thirty-sixth floor.

Nervous, her palms were sweating. Jack still held her hand and leaned in to say, “You’ll do fine. He can’t hurt you. Go in there and do what you came to do. Sam and I have your back.”

The elevator doors opened and Jack released her hand. They exited the elevator and headed to the conference room door. He understood she needed to stand on her own. She entered, Sam and Jack right behind her. Cameron followed along with the five bodyguards, who spread out around the room. Jenna headed to the large table and looked at the other occupants already assembled.

Charles Merrick, Nathan and Marion Merrick, and the other two members of the board appeared surprised to see her. She settled her gaze last on David, seated to Charles’s left at the head of the table, his parents on the right. She noted his furious expression. Mr. Jamison and Mr. Richards were seated beside David’s parents. Cameron took the seat next to David, watching him with a predatory glare.

Jenna stood at the head of the table at the opposite end from Charles waiting a moment to gather her strength. Jack and Sam sat in the chairs behind her against the wall. As she continued to stare at David steam, Charles broke the silence that ensued once she walked into the room.

“Good afternoon, Jenna. We weren’t expecting you. It’s a pleasure to see you. I’m happy you’ve decided to actually attend the board meeting, instead of simply calling in.”

“It’s nice to see you, too, though I doubt you’ll think it’s such a good afternoon when you find out why I’ve come today, Charles.”

She’d always liked him. A shrewd businessman, he believed in hard work and an honest living. He’d never approved of David’s personal life, but stayed out of it so as not to draw David’s temper. He hadn’t liked the fact Jenna won part of the company in the divorce settlement, but he hadn’t approved of David’s treatment of her either. Married for over forty years to his beloved wife before she died of a heart attack, Jenna knew he still missed her, even after her death more than ten years ago. She didn’t want to hurt him, but she couldn’t allow David to run the company when he retired.

“What the hell are you doing here? I thought you were in the hospital,” David seethed.

“I’m sure you did. How’s your new wife. Still alive and in one piece, I hope.”

“You bitch!” He stood and slammed his hands on the table. Every one of the guards tensed. Jack and Sam stepped forward ominously. David fell back into his chair.

“Shut up,” she snapped. “I’m not putting up with you anymore. I warned you in Colorado to leave me alone, or suffer the consequences. I’m here to deliver the consequences.”

“Jenna, we have business to discuss. I’m sure you can deal with your personal issues with David after the meeting, which I’ll remind you is not open to anyone but board members. I’d appreciate it if you’d ask these men to leave the room, while we conduct that business.”

“Charles, respectfully, I’m sorry, but I can’t do that. These men are here to protect me.”

“Protect you from whom? Nobody here will harm you. It’s simply a business meeting.”

“No, Charles, this isn’t just any business meeting. I’m sure you remember the circumstances of David’s and my divorce. My safety is at issue here. The men stay.”

“All right, if it makes you feel better, I’ll make an exception. Let’s get on with the meeting.”

“Charles, I hate to interrupt you, but I have business to discuss before we can go any further. I realize you and everyone else are quite surprised to see me here today, but I have a very good reason for coming. Unfortunately, the consequences David has to face will also affect you and David’s parents. It’s unfortunate, but unavoidable at this point. David pushed me too far. And now, I’m pushing back.”

“She’s crazy. I haven’t seen her in years, except to visit her in the hospital a few days ago after she had an accident. Meredith and I were on our honeymoon in Denver when we heard she’d been hurt.” He tried to sound sincere. He didn’t want his grandfather to rethink his upcoming retirement. He wanted Merrick International all to himself. Soon, he’d have it. If it’s the last thing he did, he’d have his shares back from Jenna, too.

Jenna shook with fury. She placed her briefcase on the table in front of her and crossed her arms over her chest.

“Is that so, David? You haven’t seen me in years? Liar! Bastard!”

“You got what you wanted. You took my shares in the company and millions in the settlement. What more do you want? You were a gold digger then, and you’re still one,” he spat out.

“Aren’t you going to congratulate me on my engagement?” She’d thrown him with that one. She refused to allow him to continue acting like the last few years hadn’t happened. He simply stared at her, furious. She held up her hand and admired the diamond ring.

“It’s beautiful, don’t you think? Jack and I are getting married. This is Jack, everyone.” She pointed to Jack behind her and gave him a big smile. “He’s a very successful rancher in Colorado. Did I mention, David, we’re expecting? Twins.”

David fumed. Sweat broke out across his brow and his ears turned red.

“Charles, I apologize. You were interested in the business I have to discuss. First, let me say I’m truly sorry to do this to you, but there’s simply no other way. I’m sure if you think about the future, you’ll see what I’m about to do is best for the company. You’ll profit for many years to come. David,” she turned and locked gazes with him, “although you’ll profit from the shares you still hold at Merrick, you’ll be the most hurt by what I’m doing. You’ll be ruined, both personally and professionally. Just know you deserve it and so much more.”

“There’s nothing you can do to me. You couldn’t when we were married, and you can’t now.”

Jenna smiled at him and then at Cameron. “I wouldn’t be so sure about that.”

She opened her briefcase and took out the copy of the newspaper she’d shown Cameron. She walked around the table, passing behind David, and handed the paper to his grandfather.

Charles read the headline and snapped his head toward David. He turned back to Jenna and took a good long look at her. Everyone waited in silence while he read the article. Jenna returned to the other end of the table, giving Jack a wink as she took her position. He and Sam sat at her back keeping an eye on David and the rest of the board.

Charles handed the paper to David’s mother and father. They took one look at it and gasped. Marion Merrick looked at Jenna with tears in her eyes. “No, Jenna. This isn’t possible. He didn’t do this.”

“It’s true. Every picture. Every word. I asked for your help the first time he came after me after the divorce. Back then, he wasn’t quite so physical, but still you wouldn’t believe me, or help me. This family has sheltered him, giving in to his every whim, and in doing so, you’ve condoned his behavior with your indifference. He killed your grandchild,” she finished, driving her point home.

Marion’s gaze fell to her lap in shame. Nathan simply sat like a stone starring at his son.

“What’s in that paper? Why are you all so upset?” David demanded.

Nathan Merrick threw the paper on the table in front of his son. “How could you? You aren’t the man I thought you were. I taught you better than this.” He indicated the paper with a disgusted look on his face. “You don’t hurt people, especially women. What kind of person does this to someone?”

David stared at the headline.

DAVID MERRICK – HUNTER

JENNA CALDWELL MERRICK – THE HUNTED

Several pictures of Jenna were printed beneath the headline, all in color, along with an accompanying article. His whole face turned red with rage. He stood, about to go after her when one of the bodyguards grabbed his shoulders from behind and sat him forcefully back into his seat. Jenna felt Jack’s body heat as he stood directly behind her, his arm banding around her protectively, his hand resting over her belly.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you, David,” Jenna warned. “These men have orders to protect me. They’ll do just that.”

“You can’t be serious about this. I’ll sue you for libel and defamation of character. No one will believe you when I’m finished with you, you bitch.”

“Go ahead, but I have the pictures. If a picture speaks a thousand words, I won’t need to say anything. I only printed a few, but I have an entire book full of pictures of all the damage you’ve ever done to me. Push me and I’ll print the whole damn thing. Sue me and I’ll bring them to court.”

“You can’t do this.”

Jenna patted Jack’s hand, and he released her and took his seat again. “I already have. I’ve asked you . . . No, I begged you to leave me alone. You continued to hunt me down. I spent year after year hiding, fearing the day you’d show up to hurt and punish me. No more. You won’t ever lay a hand on me again.”

“I’ll kill you for this, you stupid bitch!”

“Be careful what you say, David. Sam here is an FBI agent. You wouldn’t want to go to jail for threatening my life.”

“Jenna, what do you want?” Charles asked, trying to defuse the situation and turn the conversation back to civil. “How can we make this right for you? Do you want David arrested?”

“Having David arrested wouldn’t make up for what he’s done, but it would be a start. If only I could have him arrested and prosecuted for what he’s done.”

“You’d never win,” David said, a sneer on his face.

“I should have stepped in during the divorce proceedings,” Charles interjected before David could wind up again. “I turned a blind eye, allowed David to handle the situation. It was a bad decision, and one you’ve paid for dearly. I’m sorry, I wish I could make this right.”

“Charles, I appreciate the sentiment. But you can’t make this right. David spent a great deal of time making sure records disappeared. He’d only pay people off to get his way in court. He’d tie us up in court for years. Frankly, at this point, I don’t have the time or inclination. David had a chance to do the right thing and leave me alone. He chose not to, and now I’m taking everything he holds dear away from him.”

“So what?” David thundered. “The paper will come out today. There’ll be press for a few days maybe a week and the next story will come along and everyone will forget. You won’t have accomplished very much,” he said arrogantly.