Power Play

By C Doolittle

Mike's boss orders him to bribe two Congressmen who end up dead. He fights for his innocence in court, accused of fraud, hounded by the IRS, his wife, another woman who claims he is the father of her child and greedy friends who turn on him. Mike fights back by rallying the business community against the company with the monopoly. They provide donations. He becomes rich. They all want a piece.

• Language: English
• Publisher: C Doolittle
• Release date: Nov 29, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301107551

Book preview

Chapter One

The limo entered the private road through a canopy of trees, avoiding the morning workers and executives Jerick hated. He glanced across the landscaping and spotted the valet blocking a car at the employee entrance. He smiled to himself. That jerk will be my next victim.

His driver parked and and opened the car door. Checking his surroundings, he hesitated before leaving the sanctuary of bulletproof glass Once he felt safe, the driver walked alongside him to the building, doubling as a body guard. Inside, the driver would disappear until called upon for service. Bobby didn't care what it cost; for him it necessary to avoid another nutcase with a gun.

Reflecting on his own accomplishments, he was proud of himself for making it to the top faster than any other CEO in the company's history. Mainly due to nepotism and his ability to discredit anyone in his way. Bobby had been required to begin in the mail room by his step-father, the Chairman of Farkel. Demanding continuous promotions and equal treatment in the family, he secured his position once he became engaged to his new step sister. His step dad gave him a seat on the board where he managed to discredit the man's own son, giving him an edge and the designation of CEO in record time.

The intercom buzzed. Sir, your meeting has begun.

Yes, Donna, I know.

He enjoyed making the anxious employees wait for their rarely seen boss. His tactic was to instill fear. Those who weren't affected were either defiant and dumped or courageous and promoted. The board meeting was a good way for him to discover and weed out troublemakers. If he didn't like one of them, or they questioned his authority, they were immediately escorted from the building in shame.

He opened the side door from his office connecting the two rooms. All heads watched him. He didn't smile or acknowledge any one. Instead, he turned away from the roomful of employees and walked to the window. For several minutes, he stared at the Olympics in the distance. The beautiful mountain views were the only thing he still appreciated in his life.

Several minutes later, he circled the group. Most of them were intimidated. He noticed a conversation between his company attorney and one of the executives.

It isn't enough, Jerick said, interrupting. We should be charging higher fees.

Tom Sharpe, Managing Attorney for Farkel, Inc, was in charge of maneuvering small businesses into signing contracts taking away half their profits with little or no cost to Farkel. He sat at the far end of the table so he could catch conversations Bobby Jerick didn't hear. Sir, we are doing everything we can to deregulate. But those assholes in Congress won't budge.

Nonsense, they care how much money we give them for their elections. Give them more and they'll change their tune, Jerick said.

I'm working on it, Sharpe said.

Jerick completed his perimeter walk, eyeballing the new execs. I want new ideas, if any of you have the guts to speak up. He hesitated a moment, waiting for the new blood in the room to speak. Some of you won't make it at this level. Jerick added, enjoying his intimidation while he searched for the trouble makers; any one willing to stand up to him and believed in his own ideas.

Jerick had been one of those men a few years ago. His step-dad had underestimated him as he made connections. He knew when the old man died, he'd be leaving his portfolio and the reigns of the company to the favorite. And that wasn't him. Jerick needed to get his brother completely out of the company, one way or another. He needed help with his plan. A patsy. He walked back to the window, staring down at the employee blocked by the valet. Grabbing the phone, he dialed the lot.

Let him sweat another five minutes. He hung up and continued circling, waiting for his victim to arrive.

Do any of you realize this company has taken over just about everything? We began with free coupons to open source free software and moved into online sales of books and goods. We have fingers in every small business across the United States and Canada. This company has grown bigger than Amazon, Groupon, Walmart, Costco and Google combined. The group clapped but no one stood out.

My latest accomplishment has tripled the company stock value, Jerick bragged. Everything improved at Farkel when I implemented my latest power play and began the federally mandated car checkup. We all love that one, don't we? No takers. Jerick continued circling the table. No one has a comment on the requirement to leave your car keys, pay a valet to park it, while you wait or shop for groceries?

An employee at the table cleared his throat and began. I am not happy with an unnecessary service. When people don't have the cash or credit card to pay, they become indentured servants to Farkel, with interest. If they work somewhere else, their wages are garnished, and of course, a fee added for the service of taking the money directly.

You shouldn't have to work for a company you don't like. You are fired. Jerick pushed a button on the wall by the door. A guard entered. Take this former employee to the exit. The man was escorted from the room.

#####

Mike Leader fidgeted in his car, growing more impatient with the valet blocking him from entering the employee parking lot. The man wore a red blazer, short red tie and ugly red pants that made him cringe. Most of the employees were intimidated by him. Not Mike. His fears were focused on the boss.

He knew why the worker hated his job. The valet's scowl reminded him to check the mirror, setting into place a frozen smile. The familiar unhappy expression he tried very hard to avoid, was the common look Although he had one of the best jobs in the region on paper, he was one of the extremely unhappy employees. He didn't want anyone to know how he felt about working for the worst corporation in America where cameras followed him from entry to his desk and even to the bathroom. Farkel, Inc didn't trust him or any other employee. And all of them knew it.

Mike waved his work ID card into the air. The man refused to allow his car any space to get past. Even though he recognized Mike. After several minutes and several swear words, Mike began honking.

Today, he had no patience. He was already late to work. He resisted the urge to raise his middle finger in disgust. He inched his car forward until he was close enough to flatten the man's feet. The valet threw Mike a dirty look before stepping aside with barely enough room to allow the car to pass.

Welcome to Farkel, Inc, the pinched faced man said.

The sarcasm was not lost on Mike. He drove around the brightly dressed man and into the parking lot designated for employees, finding the last open space. The company, a mixture of mostly unnecessary services and warehouse bulk foods was growing at a rapid pace. Although he wasn't crazy about his job, it was better than the unemployment line many of his neighbors attended.

Mike parked his car and ran across the lot to the key box. He entered his ID on the keypad and dropped a bogus key inside the box. He resented the requirement of leaving his car key, an unnecessary company demand. To keep the appearance of playing along, the key he deposited was his old apartment key.

Checking his watch, he worried he'd already offended the boss. He ran to the employee entrance on the side of the building and punched in his personal identification code on another keypad. The door buzzed and he entered a busy hallway playing the Holiday theme of Christmas, in September. A little early for Mike's taste.

In spite of all the annoyances, Mike had a special meeting to attend. A rare invite to join the top executives upstairs and meet the CEO. He was excited and scared at the same time. He planned a small speech he never expected to make. Yet, he practiced it repeatedly in front of his wife. He wanted a chance to impress the boss. In his five years at Farkel, Inc, he had never even seen the man, let alone be invited to an executive meeting. Kate, his wife, reminded him to breath deeply and speak deliberately. He ignored the other employees shuffling past him.

He took in a few deep breaths. He was so nervous he needed reassurance. He took the photo of his wife out of his pocket and glanced at it. She was his rock; his mentor and always encouraged him to greatness. Or so she reminded him. Returning the photo to his pocket, he walked to the special elevator for the top floor. He waved his ID at the guard.

Once inside the elevator, he glanced at the unfamiliar faces. No one from his division of procurement. He wasn't sure if that meant he was the only one noticed for his work or a routine check-up of newly promoted employees. His job was simple to him. He only had to locate durable products and place a purchase request in vast quantities. The division manager handled the purchase.

Until now. Mike was the new manager of procurement, a recent development he believed was due to a combination of time served and his discovery of unaccounted for spending on products that never arrived. When his promotion was announced, his former boss was fired and escorted out of the building in shame. He had an inkling his former boss had been stealing from the company for many years. Mike continued his research into the lost procurement monies, discovering theft in the millions. When senior management invited him to today's top level board meeting, he hoped it meant acknowledgment of his good work, a raise and an office with a window instead of in the basement.

Mike exited the elevator to a foyer alone. A guard opened the door to the conference room. . The CEO stood at the head of the table. All heads turned to Mike. Mike felt the hairs on his neck stand up

Glad you could make it. Your name?" Jerick said.

Mike Leader. He didn't want to be remembered this way. He walked around the table, finding an empty seat at the back of the room. He parked his nervous body and waited for the meeting to continue.

#####

Jerick was lost in thoughts of his own successes. The rudeness of such a whiny voice angered him. He scowled like an angry drill instructor. Where do you work, Mike?

Sorry, sir. I'm in procurement, the employee said, leaning forward into the microphone on the table.

Have any ideas for our meeting?

Mike cleared his throat and lowered his voice. We haven't done much with funeral services. Just urns and vases for the deceased.

And? Jerick said, getting more impatient by the second.

We can lobby for full control of all funeral services, and then farm them out to the current crematoriums and funeral homes, Mike said.

Jerick hated the idea. He frowned at himself in the mirror on the far wall. He decided he'd keep the jerk in his position long enough to fulfill the plan. This was the man who had uncovered his misuse of company funds. Jerick would make him pay for that.

Get on it immediately, Jerick said. Anyone else with a bright idea?

The men, and the one woman in the room, bowed their heads in shame or fear. He didn't care which. He was disgusted with the whole lot. He looked at the man at the far end of the table. You have two days to get your idea in place.

Sir, I don't think that's enough time, Mike said.

You're right. You don't think. Get it done in two hours and report to me at that time, Jerick said.

It'll take longer to get a hold of someone, Mike said.

You've got guts, don't you? Jerick said. Okay, how about I give you a week.

That's better. I'll try, Mike said.

Stay after the meeting. I'll give you some contacts, Jerick said.

Mike nodded. He was surprised at how helpful Jerick was considering all he had heard. He looked around the room, noting most of the employees stared blankly at the space in front of them. No one looked at the boss. No one looked at him. He cleared his throat again. That got him a few looks; all annoyed at him for outdoing them, he supposed.

Now that we have a plan of action forthcoming, I want Joe Sanders and George Andrews to prepare business connections for Mr. Leader and his idea, Jerick said. Both of you should stay after the meeting.

I, uh, have another meeting right after this one, George Andrews said.

It can wait, Jerick said.Besides, we're done.

The group of thirty stood and gathered their notes. As they filtered out of the room, Jerick walked to the window and frowned at the crowd below. Some man was waving his arms, obviously arguing with the lot attendant. He picked up the phone and dialed the main entrance. What's the problem?

The line was answered immediately. Sir, there's a man here who says he doesn't have to pay the valet. He wants to park his own car for the monthly tuneup.

Let him, Jerick said. And charge him extra.

Yes, sir.

Jerick hung up.

He turned around to find Mike Leader, Joe Sanders and George Andrews standing at attention, waiting for his orders. Well, Leader, what's your plan of action?

I haven't thought it out, sir, Mike Leader said.

Make a plan, Jerick said. When it's ready, submit it to my secretary for my approval. You're going to Washington.

Who are my contacts? Leader said.

I'll leave their names with my secretary. She can schedule the meetings for you and give you your schedule when she has it set up, Jerick said.

What do you want me to do? Joe Sanders said.

You will be working for Leader. Follow him around today while he gets his plan together. All three of you need to assign someone to take your previous job tasks until this is done, Jerick said.

Joe and George looked surprised.

I don't know who could do my job, sir, Joe said.

Then, have HR find someone. Call them now, Jerick said. My secretary can give you their number.

Joe left the room to find the secretary.

George, you can help Joe Sanders while Leader is out of town. I need this project worked on day and night until it is ready. Mike, get on the first plane out. Call ahead and make sure at least one of them is in Washington.

Of course, Mike said.

It was time for his exercise routine. He buzzed his secretary who came into the conference room. Her tight short skirt and soft body hugging sweater enticed him to exercise all over her body.

Where's Anna? Jerick said.

She's waiting by my desk, secretary Bunny said. Jerick didn't remember her real name. He just liked to think of her as a bimbo and he considered Bunny a bimbo name. He used it to remind himself that fucking her might create some small critters he did not want to feed. He already had two of those with the wife he was tired of.

Get Leader a flight out to Washington, our contracts and a business expense card, Jerick said. And tell Anna to come in.

Thank you, sir, Mike said. When should I get back to you on the plan?

This afternoon. By three thirty. I want you flying out first thing tomorrow morning, Jerick said.

Sounds good to me, sir, Mike said.

Get out there and make that secretary set it up right away, Jerick said. He just wanted them to leave. He had other plans with Anna.

Leader followed the secretary out of the room. Her name plate said Donna Peters, something he was sure the boss never called her. I need.

Donna turned to Mike with a cold stare. It'll probably take a while to set up your schedule. Meanwhile, if you have an important meeting or lunch to attend, I'll call when it's ready.

Thanks, I appreciate that, Mike said. He gave her his cell number. She handed him a charge card and a laptop. This will be your expense card. Just sign as Farkel comma Leader. The laptop password is exec.

I'd like one of those, Joe said.

Donna went to a file cabinet and pulled out two more charge cards, handing them to Joe and George. Here you go. Only one laptop for the group. Sorry.

Fine with me, Joe said. He took the card. "I think I'm going to like this assignment. Why don't we get lunch while we figure out what the boss wants.

Sure. Let's get out of here, George said, taking his expense card.

Mike knew his job was on the line and possibly theirs. Pick a place.

His new assistants picked a rib restaurant across the street. Mike tried to place his laptop on the table. The mess was hard to avoid, leaving barbeque sauce on his screen. He tried to type a list of things each of his team members could do while he was gone. They were only interested in the free meal and berating the boss. He put the laptop away and took a napkin from the counter, making a list of items he wanted them to get done before he returned, along with his phone numbers, and email.

Do you really think Farkel can get a contract like that? Joe said. Everyone's already up in arms about the car maintenance thing.

Yeah, I don't think this company is going to be around much longer. Everyone wants to kill Bobby Jerick,George said.

Do you? Leader said.

Yeah, sure. For now, he's the boss, George said.

Joe nodded in agreement. Meanwhile, we should use this spot as our meeting room.

I like that idea, George said. When do you leave?

You heard Donna. She'll call me, Leader said.

If you go tomorrow and meet both, you can get the evening flight back home and have an extra couple of days of free vacation. That's what I'd do, Joe said.

It'll be up to the schedule set up for me, Leader said.

You can change the schedule, Joe said. Just find out where they're speaking and go to that meeting.

Is it that easy to get in? Leader said.

Ask for press times. I used to date a reporter and they get into any place just about any time they want, Joe said.

I'll try it if they won't take a personal meeting, Leader said.

Just don't do anything to damage your reputation, George said.

Working for Jerick, you will get damaged if you're not careful, Joe said. You know why we're here instead of at the office?

The food?

No, although that helps. We're avoiding the bugs. Farkel is big brother. They bug everyone and use it against them, Joe said.

Where did you get that idea from? And why would they waste manpower on people's trivial conversations? Mike said.

You must have noticed all the cameras. There's more on the employees than on the store. Doesn't that tell you something?

I noticed. And it irritates me, Mike said.

Me, too, George said.

But bugging isn't legal. And who is transcribing all of it? Mike said.

Their security team. Bunch of crooks, Joe said.

How do you know all of this? Or are you just assuming because of the cameras? Mike said.

Donna told me yesterday, Joe said. It was her warning to us.

Donna told you what her boss does? Why would she tell you? Mike said. How would she know we'd be assigned to this project?

I'm dating her. Have been for a few months, Joe said. Our group was pre-planned.

His pone rang. It was Donna. He wrote down the flight time, the meeting time for Jerick and his contact names. She had found them in Washington. Both were willing to meet with him. That was lucky, he thought.

Mike thanked Donna and hung up the phone. Looks like I'm all set for the morning.

Good. What do we do? George said.

How about strategy, in case the idea is accepted, Mike said.

Good. We'll be here if you need us, Joe said.

Mike didn't know or care what his new team would do while he was gone. He was worried about his contacts. He knew Congress was pushing a new agenda in Washington; claiming they were getting rid of corporate powers over DC. If their ties to Farkel weren't strong enough, they might decide to take the company down and Jerick along with it. That would suit Mike just fine if his job hadn't suddenly been added to the mix.

Chapter Two

After lunch, Mike stopped at Donna's desk and picked up his itinerary, prepaid tickets, and cash needed for non-chargeable expenses. He thanked her and went into Bobby Jerick's office for the scheduled meeting. He planned to make some demands and desperately wanted to unload Joe and George. He didn't know the men personally but he sensed from their comments at the meeting they had an agenda that was destructive. He didn't want any part of that kind of thinking.

Jerick putted a golf ball across the floor, missing the green felt entirely when Mike opened the office door.

It's your fault. Do you golf? Jerick said.

Sorry. When I can, Mike said. He made a mental note to practice his swing just in case he was invited.

Good. We'll have you out sometime with the group, Jerick said. Have you been able to get the meetings set up?

Yes, both of your contacts are there and want to talk, Mike said.

Jerick nodded. He knew they would.

I never thought they'd be available so fast, Mike said.

It's all about money, Jerick said. And who has the power play in their pocket.

Yeah, I suppose, Mike said. I have a few items we need to address before I get started on this project.

Like what?

Joe and George don't seem to be the right fit for this project, if I may say so, Mike said.

Why is that?

Well, I barely know them but at our first meeting they were only interested in eating, Mike said.

We're all interested in eating. They're fat. You're thin. 'Maybe you should eat with them more often, Jerick said. I'd stay out of their biting range. He laughed at his own joke. I want to keep them on it for now. Give them anything to do and get back to me about their progress.

Another thing, I think I am going to need more than a week just to set up the Washington plans, Mike said. There will have to be a contract, negotiations and other stuff.

No, you just make contact. Our attorney will handle the legal issues, Jerick said. Just make sure they say yes.

Oh, I see. I guess I don't need to be there as long as I expected. Mike followed Jerick around the room as he putted.

You're in and then out. Make it quick, Jerick said. Call Tom Sharpe once you get the okay.

There may be a problem in Washington. Both men are calling for tighter controls over businesses and ethical issues, Mike said. Since you know these men personally, do you think that will cause problems?

You're thinking too hard. You are going there as our front man. That's all, Jerick said. I have a new motto I am working on. Tell me what you think.

Mike nodded.

Go for the Farkel Gold. Our business can advertise that Farkel is Gold. I am still working out the details. Maybe your team can work on some advertising plans while you're gone. It might just work well in the coffin and urn advertising.

What about Giving People the Gold: respect, independence, and people power, Leader said.

No. That doesn't fit with our company or the products. If the advertising department doesn't like it or we don't do the urn coffin idea, then it's yours, Jerick said. In fact, use it somewhere a lot in something noteworthy, if you can find anything like that. I don't see it fitting Farkel at all,

Okay, sir. Thank you. I will, Mike said.

You should be on the first flight out tomorrow, Jerick said.

Yes, sir. First flight out, Mike said.

Get out of here and remember, all of your jobs depend on this account, Jerick said. He continued to follow the ball around the room.

Mike flinched at those words. He knew he'd never feel comfortable around Bobby Jerick whose sole purpose in life was to intimidate everyone around him.

Just remember to tell those two Congressmen they'd better go along with the plan or else, Jerick said. He pulled his pointer finger across his throat, indicating a knife slitting a throat. Then, he smiled.

Mike cringed at the look on Jerick's face. What a sick bastard for putting everyone in harm's way.

You want me to threaten two Congressmen? Mike said, his eyes widening.

Yeah, make sure they know I mean it. You have to say it, Jerick said. He stopped putting and looked Leader over. Can you do it?

Threaten? No. But I will do a very persuasive argument on your behalf, Mike said.

Make sure you do that, argument stuff, or whatever you want to call it, Jerick said. He began putting again.

Threatening a Congress person is a federal offense. I won't be doing that, no matter what, Mike said.

Don't worry so much. This isn't about stating anything in particular. This is about their ownership in Farkel, if you must know, Jerick said. He looked at Mike. Both have massive interests in this company.

Mike didn't buy it. Jerick apparently didn't know what his limits were regarding the law and threatening people, especially government employees. He knew he had no choice but to go to DC and meet the contacts. After that, he was sure he wouldn't be working the following week.

Remember to mention their massive interests, Jerick said. Now get out of here and get a good nights rest before your big day.

Okay, sir, Mike said.

He left the office and went down to Joe's desk. He wasn't there. He dialed Joe's number. Where are you?

If you must know, we're doing an early dinner meeting across the street at the restaurant, Joe said. Come on over.

Mike found another mess of plates cluttering the table, similar to the previous meal. He shoved them aside and placed the laptop in their space.

Glad I don't have to lug that around, Joe said.

I'm not taking it. Do you want to use it while I'm gone? Mike said.

No. We're talking but not writing anything incriminating for Jerick to use against us. I have all my notes in my head, Joe said, pointing at his face.

I'll leave it at home.

What took you so long? Joe said. We were about to go home when you called. He finished another round of ribs and loaded the plate on top of the stack of dirty plates to his right.

I had to attend Jerick's meeting about the trip, Mike said. If I'm keeping you here, we can catch up once I'm back from the trip.

No, we can stay and talk. Order some dinner, George said. We've been brain storming and have some great ideas for you.

Mike looked at the mess on the table. I'd like to see some notes.

What? Can't read my mind?

Mike shook his head and laughed. Not quite.

We'll write out some while you're gone, Joe said. He chuckled.

You do realize all of our jobs are on the line, don't you? Mike said, getting serious. Jerick specifically reminded me of that.

Yeah, and we have a few ideas for ourselves, if Jerick decides to fire us, Joe said. At the moment, we're not talking about those plans, are we George?

No, not yet, George said.

So, you expect to get fired? Mike said.

Probably. He doesn't like anyone. Even if you get your contracts, we're both not liked by him, Joe said.

We expect him to dump our asses when you return, George said.

We're working here, eating here and when you return, we'll meet you here, Joe said. Meanwhile, got any ideas of your own?

Yeah, Jerick said something about Go for the Farkel Gold in urns and coffins. Do you want to run something about it by advertising and see what they think?

Sure. Why not, Joe said.He also said I could have the slogan if it isn't used, Mike said. I have a few ideas of my own if he fires us.

"Well, expect him to. He is just kissing all our