15.

Show Down

The extra large conference room on the sixteenth floor was huge, and very light. The long pale wood table gleamed as the sun reflected through the long windows and off the highly polished surface. The view across to the south side of the river was marvellous, with St. Paul's Cathedral at the edge of the picture.

There was room for forty people around the table, and seating for twice that number at the sides of the room. Twenty had congregated so far. The board members took their places at the table, and the voting shareholders sat at the sides.

Anyone with more than four percent of the vote was permitted to take a seat at the table. He did not expect that many to appear, as a full mail drop had taken place with the take-over offer clearly explained. The board was recommending to shareholders to accept the offer, and so proxy votes would be sent in by those bothered to reply. As the deal meant a large cash incentive for all share holders, Mike was confident that it would be a resounding yes vote.

Mike Hatton was slightly agitated. Ryan had disappeared off the face of the map. Young Peter Marriott was not contactable, although he had reportedly called in sick, with some tale of being assaulted by a car thief.

The bank had apologised over the frozen account, it had been a computer glitch after all, but he was still uneasy.

Downstairs, in the reception area, Robert Tremaine and his party appeared at the desk.

The receptionist, Sonia Johnson, looked up.

“Good morning, sir, may I help you?”

“Yes, we're here for the shareholders' meeting.”

“If you could sign in, please,” she said, passing the visitors' book across.

They all signed in.

“It's on the sixteenth floor, please take the elevator on the right.”

He thanked her and they moved off in the direction of the elevator. There was a slim, fair-haired young man in the group. He smiled at her and she smiled back. He was a very good-looking guy, and his suit looked like a very expensive Italian one. He wasn't that tall, but he had bags of charm.

As the lift door closed, she looked at the visitors' book.

Robert Tremaine

Prudence Tremaine

Robin Tremaine

Sir Anthony Fanshaw

Graham Goodyer QC

Ch. Supt P Gration. MPS.

She blinked a couple of times.

Robin Tremaine, that was the nice young man.

Tremaine, that was the name of the company, she wondered whether there was a connection.

There was a junior clerk taking names and checking share holdings at the door. When the Tremaine party appeared, and he saw the amount of holdings they had, he became slightly nervous. However, he had no choice, but entered the details, and allowed them to enter the antechamber to the boardroom. Refreshments were laid out on a table by the window, and they each collected a cup of something warm and a biscuit.

Then they entered the boardroom itself.

Mike Hatton was staring out the window, and was alerted to their arrival by a gasp from one of the board members. David Achieson had known Robert Tremaine well, and had been surprised and disbelieving when it was alleged he had swindled the company of such a trifling figure. However, he'd stayed on out of loyalty to both Robert and his father.

As time had passed, the eighty year old was resigned to the fact that as he'd fled the country, Robert must have been guilty, but still was uncomfortable with the whole concept. Therefore, when Robert walked into the boardroom as bold as brass, he'd gasped in surprise.

Mike turned round at for a moment the two men locked eyes.

“You!”

“Indeed cousin, it is I.”

“You are not welcome here. I shall have the authorities informed, you are a wanted man.”

“That won't be necessary, sir,” said the Superintendent, who then identified himself.

“Mr Tremaine is assisting us with certain enquiries and has invited us to this meeting. And, for your information, he is no longer wanted by the police, having satisfied us concerning his innocence of all allegations that were made.”

Mike stood and stared; there was absolute silence in the room. Old David Achieson broke the silence.

“Well I'll be buggered, I knew you couldn't have done it, Robbie boy. Welcome back.”

“Thank you David. It's so good to see you too.”

Mike was still standing, his mind working overtime.

“Who are these people?” he demanded.

“How remiss of me, may I present my son, Robin, my daughter Prudence and her fiancé Sir Anthony Fanshaw, and these two gentlemen are, ah, here as my, ah, legal advisors.”

Pru turned to Tony.

“Sir Anthony?” she asked, sotto voce.

“Long story. I'll tell you later.”

“You certainly will. Does this mean I'll be Lady Fanshaw?”

“Never a lady, only a wench,” said her brother with a grin.

“May I call the meeting to order?” asked Mike.

Everyone took their seats, and much to mike's distress, the three Tremaines sat at the table, signifying they had at least twelve percent of the voting stock.

“The point of this meeting is to discuss and vote on the offer of Tech-American to purchase Tremaine Industries. You have all been sent the board's recommendation, so may I call upon you to vote as required?”

“Point of order, Mr Chairman.”

“Mr Tremaine?”

“Is there to be no discussion on the offer?”

Mike stared at his cousin, and if looks could kill, Robert would have died a thousand deaths.

“Is there any point? Most of this has been discussed at length by the board.”

“I just thought it would be wise for the minutes to show that opportunity was given to discuss the disposal of my father's company by profiteering bastards, who have no thought for the loyal and hard working workforce. Some of these people have given decades in the service of this company, and for what? For a few greedy men to line their pockets at their expense.”

“You are out of order, sir!”

“Probably, but I have made my point.”

“Are there any more discussion points?”

No one raised their hands.

“In your folders are voting slips. Please enter your proportion of shares and your vote. The board recommends accepting the offer, so a yes vote would follow the board's recommendation. A no vote would leave the company as it is.”

There was a time of silence, with papers being completed. One of the executives collected the voting papers, and retired to a desk at the side of the room. It didn't take him long. With an ashen expression, he returned to Mike and handed him a single piece of paper.

Mike knew before he read it.

“Fifty eight against, and forty two in favour. The recommendation is not carried, and the offer is hereby refused.”

He sat down, defeated.

Robert looked at David Achieson, his seven percent had come at an opportune moment. Robert stood up.

“Mr Chairman, I propose a vote of no confidence in the board and with the senior management of this company.”

“Seconded!” said David.

“It is therefore placed before the shareholders present to vote, that the incumbent board and senior management team be stripped of their positions and required to resign. Effective immediately.”

The clerk hurriedly started to get the papers together.

“That will not be necessary, a show of hands will suffice.”

Four hands raised, Robert's, David's, Pru's and Robin's. Representing the same fifty eight percent.

“Damn you!” said Mike, looking grey and quite ill.

Robert ignored him completely.

“As the chairman has just stood down, I'd like to propose a new chairman and chief executive of Tremaine Industries. My son Robin Tremaine.”

Robin looked aghast at his father.

The votes were cast, and Robin found himself the new chairman.

“May I respectfully suggest to the chairman, that he should appoint the new senior management team and new board. I've taken the liberty in completing a list for you.”

Robert was enjoying himself immensely. He passed a list to the dazed young man, who looked at it and passed it to David.

“Please sort this out. I need to speak to my father.”

“That, ladies and gentlemen, is the end of the meeting, if there is no other business, then I declare the meeting closed. Tremaine Industries has a Tremaine at the helm once more.”

Graham and the Superintendent shook Robert's hand before closing in on the pale Michael Hatton.

“Michael Hatton, I'm arresting you for deception, theft, conspiracy to kidnap, to murder and several cases of false accounting, you do not have to say anything, but……”

Several of the shareholders approached Robert and shook his hand. Robert was pleasant with all, and as the sacked executives slunk out of the room, he looked out across the Thames.

“A good day's work,” he announced.

“Dad, what's this about being chief executive?”

“I can't give it to Pru, she's going to be a farmer's wife and have loads of squealing brats.”

Pru giggled and hugged her husband to be.

“But, it's your company,” said Robin.

“No, it's a Tremaine company. It was passed to me for safe-keeping and I lost it. I am not worthy to hold it; besides, I'm too old and tired. I've made recovering it my life's work, and now that is accomplished, I can pass it on as my father did to me.”

“I'm not ready, I'm too young.”

“I agree. The men and women on that board, and the management team I suggest will do the job while you become older and wiser. Just don't take too long about it!”

“But Dad, what about you?”

“I will caretaker it for five years, and then I am retiring completely. Is that fair?”

Robin grinned.

“Fair.”

“Now, isn't there a man you have to see about a letter?”

Sir Charles Greyson was concerned. Firstly, over an alleged letter that that cad Markham alluded to, and yet never surfaced when the police searched his home and car. He knew of the letter, and was, as Robert surmised, embarrassed but not desperately afraid of any serious consequences should it surface in the public arena.

He was more concerned about his daughter. Ever since that blasted fancy dress ball, she'd been in a dizzy state over a boy. He knew his daughter and had seen what she'd been like with a series of young men, Markham amongst them, but never had she been quite so potty.

She was not doing any work at college, except dreaming about her young man. Whenever he challenged her about him she just smiled and said, “I don't know,” to every question.

It was therefore some surprise to him when James announced that a Robin Tremaine was in the drawing room, and had called to see him about a confidential matter.

“Tremaine? Is this another one of Robert Tremaine's offspring?”

“I'm sure I don't know sir, but if I should hazard a guess, then I should say that is a likely conclusion.”

He made for the drawing room, aware that Letty was not yet home from college, though why she bothered going was beyond him. He entered the room to see a slight but fit looking young man standing looking at the portrait of his late wife.

He was very smartly dressed in a dark suit, had short fair hair and had an easy manner. He turned as he entered.

“Sir Charles, it's good of you to see me. I'm Robin Tremaine, you've met my father and sister, I believe?”

“Yes, how do you do? Is your father well?”

They shook hands.

“Very well. And my sister sends her regards. She has just become engaged to Sir Anthony Fanshaw, with whom I believe you are also acquainted?”

“Indeed, I am. Tony's a cousin of mine. My congratulations to them both.”

“Thank you sir. However, I am here today on a double mission. My first is to return something to you which I believe you should take care to dispose of properly.” With that he took out the letter and passed it over.

Sir Charles read the letter and frowned.

“How came you by this?”

“Sir, that day when Letty was kidnapped, it was I who followed and effected her release. It was I who traced the letter, and it was I who saw to the arrest of the man responsible.”

“You? But Letty described someone completely different.”

“That was my fault. I was at the time also engaged in a covert operation against a fraudster, and could not afford to have my identity generally known or my appearance disclosed. It would have compromised my operation.”

“You are a policeman?”

“No. I am, as from this morning, the chief executive and chairman of Tremaine Industries. I'm sorry it is not such a glamorous occupation.”

Sir Charles was reeling. He walked over to the coal fire, and threw the letter onto it, watching the paper darken, crumple and then ignite.

“You said a double mission?”

“Yes sir. You may be aware that your daughter has been distracted of late over a young man for whom she declares undying love?”

Sir Charles smiled.

“Yes, but this is hardly unusual.”

“I'm sorry for that, sir, for I am here to inform you that that man is me, and I seek permission to ask for her hand in marriage.”

Sir Charles sat down.

He fully expected this sophisticated and educated young man to tell him that he knew whom the man was, but never did he expect that it was to be someone as eligible as he.

“You?” he repeated, unnecessarily.

“I, sir.”

“In this day and age, it isn't really necessary to ask my permission.”

“Sir, my father has taught me many things. Most of which are completely useless, but he has taught me some old values, which have a sound basis in common sense and good manners. So with your permission, may I address Letty?”

“Robin, is it?”

“I prefer Rob, sir.”

“Then Rob it is. Please don't keep calling me sir; it makes me feel older than I am. My name is Charles, and if you are to be my son-in-law, then I would prefer you use my name.”

“I hesitate to do so, for she may yet refuse me.”

Sir Charles started to laugh.

“My Boy, how well do you know my daughter?”

“I like to think, very well.”

“Then how do you think she'll react?”

Rob smiled.

“I'd like to think she'll accept.”

“So do I, now all you have to do is ask. She's due back any minute. I have to thank you for the letter. I am indebted to you and your family.

“It's a pleasure, sir, sorry, Charles.”

The banging of the front door alerted them to the arrival of the girl in question.

“Daddy, who's car is that….?” She started saying as she walked into the drawing room. She stared at the smart young man with her father.

“Ah, Letty, this is young Robin Tremaine. His father has helped me out of a business pickle. I have to make a phone call, see if he'd like a drink or something.”

Sir Charles winked at Rob and left them alone, closing the door as he left.

Letty stood staring at the man. There was something achingly familiar about him.

“Hello Letty, remember me?” he asked, with a smile.

It was his voice. Her heart skipped a beat, and she felt the warmth rise in her whole being.

“You!”

He nodded, opening his shirt to show her the dragon.

“You've come for me?”

He nodded again.

“Where will you take me?”

He laughed.

“You would go with me, just like that? Knowing nothing about me?”

“I love you, I'll go wherever you want me to, what more is there?”

“Oh Letty, you really are potty!”

He walked towards her, and taking her hands in his, he kissed her.

The kiss went on and on. Two souls met and mingled, and a deep certainty settled on Rob. For the first time in his mixed up life he now knew what he wanted.

He broke off from the kiss.

“Letty, I came to ask you to marry me, but first I have to ask you to forgive me.”

“What for?”

“I have not been entirely honest with you.”

She frowned.

“How?”

“Look at me, Letty, see if you can guess.”

She stared at him frowning.

“What?” she asked.

“When I said I know you, why do you think that was?”

She shook her head; her dark curls bouncing as she did so.

“You know me, Letty, you know me well.”

“You could be another brother of Katie and Peter Marriott.”

“Very close, but wrong. Look again.”

She looked, and the frown became deeper. She started to shake her head.

“No, you can't be. It's not possible!”

“What's not possible?”

“You can't be her, she's a woman!”

“Tell me, what do you see?”

“There's no way you could be Katie, no way at all.”

He simply stood and smiled. She saw that it was true. He had the same eyes, the same smile.

“But Katie is a woman.”

“Is she, Letty?”

“How, why?” she said.

“It's a long story; it started before I was born……”

When he'd finished, he took her hand.

“You see, I don't deserve you, I have lived a lie and deceived you.”

“Oh my God! The things I must have said to you, and the changing booths out shopping!” Her hand went to her mouth as she remembered stripping down to her knickers whilst shopping with Katie.

“I swear to you, you said nothing to me that was out of place, and as for the shopping, maybe that's why I came to love you.”

“You love me?”

“I do. I want you for my wife, please?”

She smiled and nodded.

“On one condition?”

“What?”

“Katie was my best friend, can Katie come shopping with me sometimes?”

Rob grinned and kissed her.

“I'll have to ask her, but I'm sure she'd be delighted.”