Robert didn't sleep that night.. He paced his hotel room. Thinking. Planning. Strategizing.At six AM he was in the office of Marcus Webb. His lawyer came at seven, surprised to find Robert waiting.“We must do away with Thomas Whitmore. Without any preliminary” Robert said. "Completely."Marcus unlocked his office. "I've been working on it. Come in."They put papers on the conference table. Thomas's lawsuit. The witness statements. Everything.“Both Carlton and Gerald are now convicted felons.” Marcus said. “That is a big blow to their credibility.”“Nonetheless, they are still ready to testify.” Robert said."For money, probably." Marcus said. "Thomas is likely paying them.""Can we prove that?" Robert asked."We're working on it." Marcus said. “I have investigators who are following the financial records of Thomas. Looking for payments to Carlton or Gerald.”Robert examined the initial claim made by Thomas on the contract. Something felt off."This signature." Robert pointed. "It d

At noon Robert came to the office of Victoria Castellano. The building was impressive. Sleek glass. Modern design. Screamed money and power.He was accompanied to the top floor by a receptionist. Corner office. City views. Victoria sat upon a huge mahogany table.She stood when he entered. Mid-forties. Striking. Dark hair. Sharp suit. Predatory eyes."Mr. Jackson." She extended her hand. "Thank you for coming."Robert shook it. Firm grip. "Ms. Castellano.""Please, call me Victoria." She gestured to a chair. "Coffee? Water?""I'm fine." Robert sat. "Let's get to business."Victoria smiled. "Direct. I like that." She pulled out a folder. "I've been watching Zenco. I see potential.""Potential for what?" Robert asked."Partnership." Victoria said. "My distribution networks. Your products. We could dominate the market.""In exchange for what?" Robert asked."Thirty percent equity." Victoria said. "Two board seats. And co-CEO status."Robert almost laughed. "You want to run my company.""

Three days later after the confession made by Roxanne, Robert arrived at Zenco with reporters once again camped outside."What now?" He muttered.He pushed through them. They were screaming questions about Roxanne. He ignored them all.Inside, Margaret was waiting. "Roxanne's downstairs. In the lobby. Says she won't leave until you talk to her."Robert cursed. "Call security. Have her removed.""We tried." Margaret said. "She's not causing a scene. Just sitting. Security states that she cannot be forced out unless she is causing trouble.”Robert went to the lobby. Roxanne sat on a bench. Looking small. Defeated.She saw him. Stood immediately."Robert." She said. "Please. Just five minutes.""No." Robert said. Turned to leave."I love you." Roxanne said loudly.People in the lobby turned. Stared.“I love you and I destroyed everything.” Roxanne continued. Voice breaking. "I'm sorry."Robert kept walking. Didn't look back."Please!" Roxanne shouted. "Please just talk to me!"Robert ent

His phone rang and Robert woke up. Marcus calling."The DA wants you to testify." Marcus said. "Against the consortium.""When?" Robert asked."This afternoon. Two PM." Marcus said."I'll be there." Robert said.At Zenco his employees received him heartily. Congratulations. All pleased that the conspiracy was exposed.Margaret met him. “Stock price has risen by eighteen percent.”"Good." Robert said. "What else?""Three new partnership offers." Margaret said."Review them." Robert said. "Set up meetings."Dave knocked. "Got a minute?""Come in." Robert said.Dave closed the door. "I've been thinking about the unknown sender.""What about them?" Robert asked."They are the ones who know everything that is going on before anybody.” Dave said. "They're either extremely well connected or close to you."Robert's jaw clenched. “You believe that somebody that I trust is the one who is sending it?”"I think it's possible." Dave said. "Who knows your schedule? Your meetings?""You. Margaret. M

Robert stared at the screen. His hands clenched to the edge of the desk.The man on the video smiled. A face he knew well."Surprised, Robert?" The voice said. Though the face was clear but the voice still distorted.It was Leonard Hayes. Robert’s former business partner who he parted ways with six years ago. He was the man who had assisted him in scouting the oil fields in the first place."Leonard." Robert whispered. "But you're supposed to be""Dead?" Leonard laughed. "That's what I wanted everyone to think. Easier to work from the shadows."Dave came nearer to the screen. "Who is this guy?""My former partner." Robert said. “We worked together on the oil field project. Five years ago he vanished. I thought he died in an automobile crash.”Leonard went on with the video. “You left me with nothing, Robert. Upon the drying up of the oil wells you walked out. Started your new life. But what about me?""You took your share of the investment." Robert said to the screen."Did I?" Leonard