COMING TO GRIPS

CHAPTER EIGHT

COMING TO GRIPS 

Jace sat in his study at home, staring blankly at his computer screen. The room was silent except for the gentle hum of the air conditioning. He had been trying to reach Frank for days, but all of his calls and emails had gone unanswered.

He couldn’t believe what was happening to his company. The leak, the suspicion surrounding Frank, and now the investors pulling out. He felt like he was in free fall, with no idea how to regain control.

Rain, his usually bubbly wife, had been acting testy for a few days now. He knew she was just as worried as he was, but he wished she would at least pretend to be optimistic.

Suddenly, his phone rang, interrupting his thoughts. It was Michael, his old college buddy and business partner.

“Hey man, I heard about the leak. I’m so sorry, is there anything I can do to help?” Michael said, his voice filled with concern.

Jace sighed heavily, grateful for the offer of help. “Thanks, Mike. I appreciate it. Honestly, I don’t know what to do right now. The investors are pulling out left and right. I’m not sure we can survive this.”

Michael’s voice took on a determined tone. “Don’t worry about the investors. We’ll find a way to make it work. Remember, we’ve been through worse before.”

Jace couldn’t help but feel a little comforted by Michael’s words. He had known him since college and they had started their first business together. They had faced many challenges before, and they had always come out on top.

But just as he was starting to feel a glimmer of hope, his phone buzzed again with a series of emails from potential investors. He clicked through them quickly, but his heart sank as he read each one.

“They’re all saying the same thing,” he muttered to himself. “They can’t invest right now.”

Suddenly, Jace sat bolt upright. “You know what? Let’s go to Frank’s house. Confront him about what he did.”

Michael hesitated. “I don’t know, Jace. Frank is a pretty powerful guy. Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

Jace clenched his fists. “I’m sick of being pushed around. We need to take a stand. Are you with me or not?”

Michael sighed. “I’m with you, man. But let’s be careful, okay?”

Jace grinned. “Don’t worry, I’ve got a plan.”

Later that evening, Jace and Michael arrived at Frank’s mansion. The gatekeeper eyed them suspiciously as they approached. “Can I help you gentlemen?” he asked gruffly.

Jace flashed a confident smile. “Yes, we’re here to see Frank Grant. We have some business to discuss with him.”

The gatekeeper narrowed his eyes. “Mr. Grant doesn’t see just anyone,” he warned.

Jace leaned in close. “Tell him it’s about the leaked products. He’ll want to hear what we have to say.”

The gatekeeper hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. “Wait here,” he said before disappearing inside.

Jace and Michael exchanged a nervous glance. “Do you really have a plan?” Michael whispered.

Jace grinned. “Not really, but it sounded good, didn’t it?”

After what felt like an eternity, the gatekeeper reappeared. “Mr. Grant will see you now,” he said, stepping aside to let them through.

Jace and Michael followed him through the sprawling mansion, their footsteps echoing on the marble floors. Finally, they arrived at Frank’s study. The man himself was sitting behind a massive oak desk, puffing on a cigar.

“Well, well, well,” he drawled as they entered. “What brings you two here?”

Jace straightened his back, and looked frank in the eye. “You think you can just steal my plans and get away with it, Frank?” he exclaimed. “I worked hard on those! And now our competitors are using them against us!”

Frank chuckled, unfazed by Jace’s posturing. “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” he said coolly. “But even if I did, what makes you think you can do anything about it?”

Jace gritted his teeth. “Because we have evidence that points directly to you,” he replied, pulling out a folder from his briefcase. “We found your IP address in our network logs. You were the only one with clearance to access those files.”

Frank’s expression faltered for a split second, but he quickly regained his composure. “Well, that doesn’t prove anything,” he said, waving a hand dismissively. “I have plenty of enemies who would love to see me take the fall for their mistakes.

Jace slammed the folder onto Frank’s desk, causing a pen holder to topple over. “Stop playing games, Frank,” he growled. “We know it was you, and we want our plans back. Now.”

Frank leaned back in his chair, a smug grin spreading across his face. “And what are you going to do if I don’t comply?” he taunted.

Jace hesitated for a moment, then glared at Frank with renewed determination. “We’ll take legal action,” he said firmly. “We’ll make sure you pay for what you’ve done.”

Frank’s grin faltered, and he looked genuinely taken aback. “Legal action?” he repeated incredulously. “You really think that’s going to scare me?”

Jace stood his ground, refusing to be intimidated. “It’s the only option we have left,” he said, his voice firm. “Unless, of course, you’re willing to make things right and return our plans to us.”

Frank leaned forward, his eyes glinting with amusement. “And what’s in it for me?” he asked, stroking his chin thoughtfully. “What do I get out of helping you?”

Jace hesitated, unsure of what to offer. Then, a glimmer of inspiration struck him. “We’ll make you a partner in our company,” he said, his eyes shining with sincerity. “You’ll have a stake in our success.”

Frank leaned back in his chair, considering Jace’s offer. After a few moments, he nodded slowly. “Alright,” he said finally. “You’ve got a deal.”