Money Talks

By L.A. Tripp

All it takes is one person to change the course of history.

But what happens when that one person is forced to be in that role?

That's where Troy Estrada finds himself. As his tyrant boss threatens Troy just short of his life, then has a heart attack himself, Troy must decide which direction his life is taking him. On top of that, he has personal issues to deal with. Between his wife putting them months behind on their bills while sleeping with her boss and his secretary lusting for him, he now has the added bonus of the weight of the world on his shoulders.

Will he finish the task set before him willingly or grudgingly?

• Language: English
• Publisher: L.A. Tripp
• Release date: Sep 21, 2011
• ISBN: 9781301256167

L.A. Tripp

L.A. Tripp has written Money Talks, his debut novel, and it's first sequel, Monica.Money Talks is about flipping society as we know it, on it's head. The wealthy lose their wealth and the broke gain it. Along with romance and sex sprinkled within, this book has received rave reviews.Monica focuses on a timeline from when Money finishes and follows one of Money's characters through about a week of her life, through her own eyes. The reader gets the joy of experiencing a pregnancy, finding a lost love, a big move, and all of the emotional ups and downs that such a roller coaster will bring.Tripp has also published The Dating Doctor Diaries, which chronicles his career as a dating and seduction coach.He's also propelling a new series that's completely different from his previous works. He says people will be able to relate to it and it's very comical! It's called All Jacked Up.He has written several articles for Examiner.com and has been featured in the local magazine News4U.Tripp resides just out of reach of the Bible Belt.

Book preview

Money Talks

By L.A. Tripp

Smashwords Edition

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, incidents, and all likenesses are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to any actual person, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Money Talks

A Page Turners Book / published by arrangement with the author

Page Turners Edition

All rights reserved

Copyright 2010 by L.A. Tripp

This ebook may not be reproduced in whole or in part without permission.

Trademarks belong to Page Turners Publishing, LLC and author L.A. Tripp

COUNTDOWN . . . 128

I’m sorry, Mr. Garrison, Troy said. Every dollar is frozen.

What do you mean, it’s frozen? I should have enough cash to buy this city! I’m not like those other billionaires on the Forbes list. 80% of mine is completely liquid! Royce’s anger roared through the phone.

Troy could imagine Royce’s scowl and his knuckles turning white from squeezing the receiver so tight. Don’t worry, Troy said. You’re not the only one this has happened to. It seems that all of your colleagues are having the same problem. Derrick Plum even had to ride the public bus into the company this morning. His credit card wouldn’t work, and he had almost no cash on him.

"Like that’s supposed to make me feel better! Royce screamed. I don’t care what he had to do! He’s a minor partner anyway. I, on the other hand, have to fly to Europe to close a major deal! How am I going to be able to do that if my accounts are frozen?"

Troy sighed. What was he supposed to say to the man who had founded Garrison and Associates ten years ago and could make a split second decision on whether to keep him or fire him? What would you like me to do, Mr. Garrison?

You’re supposed to know about computers. Figure out where the glitch is! Garrison’s voice roared through the phone.

I’ll do my best, sir.

You’d better do more than your best, Troy Estrada, or else!

Troy could swear he heard Royce’s phone crack as he hung up. He plastered his palms over his eyes. He didn’t understand what was going on. As a glorified account manager who handled the top accounts in the company, he had never seen anything like this before. Every single partner in the company had all their assets frozen. It was like the instance with AIG where the government smells a scandal, swoops in to investigate, then saves the day.

Troy studied the computer screen. He had no idea where to start looking. As he scanned the screen, he noticed it was not only the partners whose assets were frozen, but everyone with at least a million dollars. He recognized the names immediately. He personally handled the accounts for every one of them.

Damn, this makes it look like I’m extorting their money! I don’t need this shit right now.

That meant bye-bye job, which is the last thing he needed considering he was six months behind on the house payment. The only reason they hadn’t foreclosed was that one of his clients managed the bank that financed him. He was three months behind on both car payments, and the payments weren’t cheap. One day he would own ‘lux-mobiles’, as he called them - the Lamborghinis and Ferraris wealthy people own. But not now. On top of all that, his wife was ready to leave him because she knew he was having sex with his secretary. What else did she expect him to do when she spent night after night with her own boss?

Hey Troy, have you seen this stuff this morning? Is this crazy or what? Jim King, his life-long friend and colleague, said as he walked into his office. He handled all the accounts ranging between one hundred thousand and one million dollars. Jim was the next notch down on the totem pole under Troy.

You mean your clients’ accounts are messed up too?

Messed up? That’s not even close to describing this. Every single penny is frozen. He laughed, then said with a cocky smile, Now my clients get to see what it’s like to work for a living, like we have to. I’m glad now that I never invested my cash into the company like they wanted us to. I’d be in the same boat as them.

Yeah, good for you, Troy said halfheartedly, wondering how Jim managed to have the money he always seemed to have. Troy’s commissions were always bigger because he had wealthier clients.

He didn’t even look at Jim’s face, already knowing he was beaming with pride and relief. They played sports and hung out together. Carefree times. A part of Troy wished he could have those carefree times back right now.

So how bad is it with your clients? Jim’s voice crackled with too much excitement for Troy’s ears to handle at the moment.

Same.

I heard Garrison is ready to go on a firing spree because of this. He wants to hang somebody for this mess-up, and quick.

Really. Troy wondered how they had managed to remain friends all these years.

Yeah, Troy. He can’t get me, I’m sure, because there is no trace of me linked to this. For once, something I didn’t have a part of!

That’s good to hear. Troy tried sounding interested, but the half-heartedness just wouldn’t go away. He had too much else on his mind to worry about what Jim was saying.

Countdown . . . 127

Royce couldn’t calm his heart rate down. He already had heart problems and his doctor had him popping pills like candy. This wasn’t helping. He dialed another number.

Olivia, he said as soon as the other end picked up.

Yes, Royce, she responded as cheerful and eager as ever. By the sound of her voice, no one would ever know anything was wrong. However, Olivia Swanson was so good at knowing what was going on she probably knew about this computer glitch before anybody in the building did. That’s one reason Royce had her as his secretary. He wouldn’t let anybody else benefit from her skills if he could help it.

How much cash do we have on hand? Royce kept his emergency cash in a grey lockbox in his secretary’s office. He figured if someone wanted to rob him, they would look in his office, not hers.

There’s half a million, Royce.

Be prepared for every emergency, that’s what I've always said. Olivia has learned that well. Too bad my partners never did. Course, I never expected an emergency like this.

Well, that should get us through a few days anyway. He breathed a slight sigh. Hopefully, by then our computer geeks will have this mess straightened out. I don’t know why I pay them if they can’t stop this kind of thing.

Royce, before you go on a firing spree, I think you should know something…

Don’t have time right now, Olivia. We’ll talk later today.

Okay, but make sure we do talk today. And please, to save yourself some embarrassment, don’t fire anyone until you talk to me.

Okay, whatever you say Olivia. He disconnected. Royce did want to fire some people. He wanted to fire every computer guy in the building, but he knew that was his temper talking and it wouldn’t solve anything. He walked to his window and took in the view to calm himself down. The view always did the trick. Looking over the city from the 90th floor, he could see the entire city of Eville, Indiana. It reminded him that the city was all under his control. His building, which was a personal asset, also housed the offices of thirty-five other companies. With his money and power, the government always gave him priority and usually did what he wanted.

Now, he took a deep breath in as he looked out the massive imported windows that covered the entire wall facing the city. The opposite side of his office looked over the river the city was built on. His office looked like an out of shape barbell, with two big pockets at each end of the building, with a sort of walkway connecting them. In the middle of the walkway there was one elevator that connected Royce with the rest of the world. There was also a secret elevator in his office that insulated him from the world, coming out on the ground floor out of sight from everyone.

Not bad for a 45-year-old guy with a wife and three kids. Now, if he could just get his assets unfrozen, his heart could start beating normally again.

COUNTDOWN . . . 126

Troy sat there, his face buried in his hands, mind racing. He looked at the screen again. From everything he had pulled up, this computer glitch just seemed to ‘happen’, with no explanation. Nothing made sense. Yesterday everything was fine, but today everything was haywire.

At least my account isn’t frozen, but that’s probably because there’s nothing in it.

For a man in his position, he was not doing well financially. He should have at least half a million dollars in savings and his bills caught up -- at least according to all of the ‘statistics’. But none of that mattered. At the moment, he had to somehow figure out what was going on with Garrison’s money and assets.

The phone’s ring took him away from worrying about Garrison’s money, at least for the moment. Hello, Troy answered, his voice downcast.

Baby, our electric just got cut off. Thought I’d let you know. I won’t be home tonight. I’ll be spending the night with Brad. Again, just thought I’d let you know. He heard the click on the other end.

Brad Templeton: wife stealer. Talk about shoving the knife in and twisting it. He knew he still loved her, and that’s what made it hurt even more. Maybe that was one reason he turned to his secretary for comfort, since he couldn’t turn to his wife. Hmmm, my secretary, maybe she’s heard something about this mess with the company.

She picked up when he paged her.

Jessica, do you know anything new about the accounts here?

No, sorry, I don’t. Jessica Worthwood sounded apologetic for not being able to give an answer.

Okay, that’s fine. Hey Jess...

Yes, Troy?

Do you mind if I come over tonight? I have the whole night free, and I’d like to spend it with you.

Sure. We’ll have some fun.

He hung up. He could hear an edge of excitement in her voice. Obviously she loved spending time with him, although he didn’t completely understand why. She was a beautiful woman, twenty-five years old, with a bright future.

I don’t know for the life of me why she’s still single.

He’d worked with her now for two years, and she seemed perfect; wonderful personality, hard worker, the sweetest woman he'd ever met. Not to mention the best lover he ever had. Why didn’t she have a husband? Or at least a boyfriend?

She was obviously excited to have him stay with her for the night. That only happened once before, when she’d gone with him on a business trip. They stayed in the same room, of course. He'd never stayed at her house, although he had been there several times before or after work.

COUNTDOWN . . . 125

Olivia hit the intercom button.

Royce, the rest of the partners are on their way here. They've called an emergency meeting. She chuckled. I’m sorry, but this is funny, eight of the nine have to use public transportation today to get here. Needless to say they are not in a good mood. Do you need me to get anything for the meeting?

No, Olivia, thank you. Just don’t say anything about the cash that we have in there.

No problem.

***

Troy scanned his computer screen again, hoping to find something, even a tiny piece, which would jump out at him and give him a mental link to what was going on.

I have to...find this problem...now. Dammit brain, think.

As he scanned, his mind raced between his problems at home, at work, and wondering when Garrison would bring the hammer down. It was probably a good thing that Garrison hired Troy personally, so at least Royce knew him a little better than if Troy had gone through the normal hiring process.

He met Garrison three years earlier, while he was between corporate gigs and using sales to make ends meet. Royce was looking for a special gift for his wife, and Troy helped him find the perfect one. Troy didn’t have to ask what he did with his time away from his wife. To Troy it was pretty obvious. Guys in Garrison’s position held a lot of power. He imagined that power would be intoxicating. They knew each other about a month before Garrison approached him about this job. I want someone that can keep a low profile at the company and take care of things for me, Garrison told him one day. I’m making the offer because I like your attitude. You remind me of me, when I was younger.

As Troy scanned and scanned, the frustration seemed to cling to his fingers. It wouldn’t shake off, no matter how many keys he pounded. There was nothing obvious there to catch his eye. This didn’t seem to be some small mistake that just happened, because he wasn’t seeing any obvious signs of that. No one entered any wrong information by accident. He didn’t see any computer malfunction. It didn’t appear to be anything that happened within the company.

COUNTDOWN . . . 124

Jim ran back into Troy’s office, his eyes so wide Troy was surprised they were still nestled nicely in their sockets. Troy! You’ve got to see this. Turn on your TV.

What Jim? What’s up? Troy’s voice was almost a growl. He tried to hide it, but hanging on the edges of irritation didn’t make it easy.

Just trust me, buddy.

He sighed, then reluctantly turned his TV on. Better do it or Jim won’t back off. It was tuned to the news station, as usual. Working for Garrison, keeping up with current events was necessary.

A glass panel that was invisible and would be mistaken for the wall suddenly came to life with images from around the world and a news anchor dressed in the typical navy blue blazer.

Troy’s eyes immediately became glued to the monitor. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing and hearing. Companies from all over the world were reporting the same type of problem that his company was having.

This is unbelievable. Jim said after letting him soak it in.

Troy sighed with relief. Actually, it’s very believable to me. It explains why I couldn’t see anything on the screen when I was scanning the files. It also brings me a little relief. At least Garrison won’t hold me accountable for all of this.

I’d love to know how it’s all happening, Jim said.

Well, I’m sure we will all find out soon. With the entire world now linked together, none of the governments are going to sit back and let this go on. They will stop it fast. At least it’s out of my hands. He sat back in his chair and closed his eyes, glad to have the load off him.

Are you going to tell Garrison?

He probably already knows by now. That’s probably why he hasn’t been breathing down my neck about this. Troy mumbled with his eyes still closed.

Well, you’re the computer whiz here. How do you explain this?

He looked up at Jim, barely holding the irritation back. I don’t explain it, Jim. I don’t need to, so I’m not worried about it. I’ve got too many other things to worry about.

Jim walked out of the office without saying another word.

Troy wondered if Jim could feel the tension radiating from him. The air in the room felt heavy. As he sat there, trying to let the tension drain from him, which wasn’t working anyway, his phone rang again. He looked at it with dread. He let it ring twice before he even attempted to answer. This is Troy.

After my partners and I have a meeting, you and I need to talk.

Troy stiffened up even more. Apparently he wasn’t out of the woods with Garrison yet.

Understand, Troy? Garrison’s voice radiated authority, as always.

Yes, sir.

Our meeting shouldn’t last long, and we’re about to start. I’ll call you when we’re done. He heard the click on Garrison’s end. Then hung up...and put his head in his hands again.

COUNTDOWN . . . 123

After work, Troy went straight to Jess’s house. I need to refocus my mind on something other than work.

She met him at the door wearing a long Mickey Mouse shirt that she wore to bed sometimes. It was long enough to be a very short dress, and she probably didn’t have anything on under it, knowing her anticipation. That was fine with him; he was just as excited.

Hey baby. I’m glad you could stay with me tonight, and at my house too. She reached out and wrapped her arms around him, pulled him close, and laid the biggest kiss on his lips that she could muster. I’m hungry, let’s go eat.

Trying to tease me already, eh?

Nah, just getting ready for later. One eye shut, while the other watched him, and a smile formed on her lips.

He tapped her rear as she walked in front of him. Let’s save the food on the table...for dessert, he said as he pushed her against the wall, pinning her back to it, covering her inviting lips with his, squeezing the swollen mounds on her chest with his hands.

***

Troy lay in bed with Jess. She was already sound asleep, snuggled up against him after a fantastic night spent enjoying each other. Troy just couldn’t sleep right now. His mind wandered off to his wife, wondering how much she was screaming tonight with pleasure from Brad. He would probably never know. As much as he felt at home with Jess, he really missed his wife. He was sure she didn’t share the sentiment.

The short meeting with Garrison was also on his mind. Troy thought he was walking into a power sub-station when he entered Garrison's office; there was so much tension in the air. As fast as he could, he grabbed a seat, not knowing what to expect. Garrison turned from his window view and locked eyes with Troy. Fix it or you’re gone. And while I’m at it, I’ll take your first born as well. You’re supposed to be competent on the computer. Work your damn magic, boy! Garrison slammed his fist on his desk so hard that his papers lifted into the air and paper clips fell onto the floor. Now I don't want to see your face again until you've fixed this. Get out!" Troy could swear the old man slammed the office door with the wave of his hand when Troy walked out.

Troy knew it was impossible to meet the man’s standards, but that didn’t take any pressure off. Troy’s career was in Garrison’s hands, and he felt his life was too, at this moment; the pressure was so intense.

How am I supposed to cure or solve or fix anything anyway? This isn’t just a problem in our local system. Yesterday’s news showed it’s a worldwide problem. And I have enough personal problems anyway. I can’t be expected to focus on this global dilemma. Of course Garrison would expect it; I’m watching all of his billions. If I just had one percent of that man’s wealth. Just one measly percent!

His financial struggles would be over then. One percent of 85 billion. Nice thought. Of course, all of it was frozen right now. Garrison can’t even get to it. Except for the stash he kept in Olivia’s office. He wasn’t supposed to know about that stash, but what Garrison didn’t know, as they say. In any case, he knew the old man didn’t have to worry about anything financially, unless of course this freeze thing kept on for a week or more. The power players of the world, of which the old man was one of the biggest, wouldn’t allow that to happen.

He just needed to keep Garrison happy in order to keep his job so he could keep his current cash flow coming. Not that it would save his present finances, but maybe he could figure a way to dig out...maybe.

COUNTDOWN . . . 122

Jess met him in the kitchen with a huge smile, breakfast on the table, and a bear hug. Her hair lay loosely on her shoulders. Baby, last night was fantastic. I feel so good this morning. We should do this more often. Her smile was electric. I haven’t slept that good in a long time.

Yeah, mind-blowing sex usually does that. He