Uncontrolled Spin: The Power and Danger of Spin ("Un"missable Series Book 1) (25 page)

Jessica nods and closes the door gently. She stands there for a moment, her hand still on the doorknob, thinking,
oh my God, that man is fine, even when he’s pissed.
In that moment, she realizes just how much trouble she is in as far as Sean Green is concerned.

The next morning, the four of them sit down to compare observations of their interviews. Bonnie, Jessica, and Wendy want to know what happened in Sean’s interview, since his reaction was extreme compared to the others.

Sean explains, “Agent Bill Parks made several accusations about Mark’s and my business relationship, suggested that I could potentially have killed Mark for money, and then proceeded to tell me that if I didn’t do it, whoever killed Mark may want to come after me next.”

All the women are shocked. Recognizing his comments are disturbing to the others, he adds, “It just shows that they have no idea who killed Mark.” Attempting to change the subject, he asks Wendy, “How was your interview here?”

Wendy shrugs. “I met with David Hill, who was absolutely charming. He asked about Mark growing up, our relationship as kids, and then about our adult relationship. When I told him Mark and I really didn’t have much of a relationship as adults, he asked me to explain why.” She glances over at Sean momentarily, and he knows Wendy disclosed everything that caused the rift between the two of them.

Bonnie fingers her coffee mug. “You know, you never have discussed the reasons you two never spoke as adults. What did happen?”

Wendy touches Bonnie’s hand gently and says, “It’s a long story, dear. But the short version is that Mark was into making money and I just wanted to help people. Perhaps that’s why he took over Dad’s company and I became a counselor specializing in treatment for domestic abuse victims. We simply saw the world too differently. Did I ever tell you, I found out years after Mark and I stopped talking that he was the person who anonymously paid off all my student loans, all the way through my PhD?”

Bonnie smiles as a tear rolls down her cheek. “No, you didn’t. That was just like Mark.”

Wendy swallows and replies, “Yes, it was, dear.”

Sean sits there, unable to fathom Wendy’s strength.
What a kind gesture that was, for Wendy to turn a horrible circumstance into a loving memory for Bonnie,
he thinks. He wonders if he would have been able to be so kind had he gone through all that Wendy had endured.

The conversation is abruptly interrupted by a telephone call from Nate and Evelyn. Jessica puts them on speakerphone so they don’t have to repeat everything separately. They explain that all the plans for Mark’s memorial have been made. They reserved Grace Cathedral for the service and emailed the program to Jessica for Bonnie’s approval.

“Sean,” Evelyn asks, “will you be up to delivering the eulogy?”

Sean nods. “It would be my honor.” He looks to Bonnie. “Unless you have someone else in mind?”

Bonnie shakes her head. “I would love it if you delivered the eulogy.”

Nate chimes in, “Our intent was to keep the service under two hours, but several people have contacted us wanting to speak on Mark’s behalf. A senator, some business associates, and a few friends have come forward so far.”

Bonnie asks, “Can we please keep it under two hours? I don’t think I can endure much more while still maintaining my composure.”

Nate and Evelyn agree that they will make sure that change occurs, then request approval on the program as soon as possible.

Bonnie says, “Hold on, I’ll have Jessica pull it up right now.”

After reviewing the program, Bonnie approves it and thanks them for all their hard work in preparing everything.

Sean asks, “Did you allow time for the press to ask questions?”

Evelyn replies, “After the service, we have reserved time for a brief press conference with questions and answers for them. We were hoping you would handle that immediately after Bonnie leaves the church.”

Sean sighs and says, “I knew it was coming. It might as well be then, so I can just be done with it.”

Nate says, “There is one other thing everyone should be aware of. The FBI will be at the service, but they have promised to keep an extremely low profile, so if you recognize one of the agents, just ignore them and they will do the same for you. From our best estimate, we are expecting around twenty-five hundred people to be in attendance. We’ve already informed everyone there will be no reception following the service, because the next of kin has requested privacy. Bonnie, we’ve also set up a charity foundation in Mark’s name for any donations, specifically to help with environmental problems, and you are the chairperson of the foundation. We named it the Stevens Environmental Relief Fund.”

Bonnie starts to cry and says through her sniffles, “Thank you. I’ll make sure Mark is honored through this foundation.”

With all the plans for Mark’s memorial in place, Wendy, Bonnie, and Sean schedule appointments with Todd Stoddard to complete all the necessary transfer documents. Wendy informs Mr. Stoddard that she will find other legal representation in San Diego and will not be in need of any further services from him or his office.

“Pardon me, Ms. Stevens, but why?” Todd inquires.

Wendy is very blunt as she states, “Because, Mr. Stoddard, I hold both you and Mark responsible for my father’s death.” Todd is surprised and says so, so Wendy explains, “You’re the asshole who assisted Mark in the hostile takeover of Metal Refining, which caused my father to lose his company, become despondent, and commit suicide.”

When Todd attempts to protest, Wendy interrupts, saying, “I don’t want to hear your excuses. I’ll simply take my six billion dollars and find other counsel. Have a nice life.” With that, Wendy terminates the conversation. Both Bonnie and Sean, however, decide to remain clients of Mr. Stoddard.

CHAPTER 17

A DAY AT A TIME

G
race Memorial is a beautiful, iconic chapel in San Francisco. Today, it is filled with flowers and wonderful, happy images of Mark Stevens’ life. When Bonnie, Jessica, Wendy, and Sean arrive, they are not surprised to see the place is packed. The pastor begins the service by reminding everyone present that God is still in control of all that happens.

“While we don’t understand why such tragedy could befall anyone in this life,” he says, “there is always a higher purpose being achieved. There is shelter and hope to be found in the Lord during trials and difficulties. Let us pray.”

There’s a rustle while everyone bows their heads. Then the pastor prays for the peace found only in God to transcend their hearts, minds, and emotions in Christ Jesus. After the prayer, the service is turned over to Sean, who delivers a brief but powerful eulogy, in which he outlines Mark’s many accomplishments, successes, goals, and dreams.

Sean concludes with touching words to Bonnie. “I was a close friend and confident for Mark through both of his failed marriages. While I am sure Mark loved his previous wives, I had never seen Mark as happy as he was with you, Bonnie. Mark cherished you and would have done anything to make you as happy and fulfilled as you made him. One day, while trying to explain your relationship to me, and also convince me why I should find someone and settle down, Mark told me you completed him and his life, and there would never be another woman for him. It was that simple! I remember thinking, at the time, that Mark was becoming a sentimental old fool,” Sean pauses, a sad smile on his face. “But now, looking back, I recognize what the two of you had. I pray someday I’ll find someone to complete my life like you did for Mark.”

After finishing this statement, Sean turns the service back over to the pastor, who allows many other friends to share special moments and memories. Other than the grateful tears shed during Sean’s eulogy, Bonnie sits stoically throughout the service, although she is extremely gracious to well-wishers at its conclusion. She maintains her poise as she, Wendy, and Jessica exit the church and drive away. It is only in the car that Bonnie allows herself to feel the totality and searing pain surrounding Mark’s murder. In that moment, she feels completely lost, alone, abandoned, crushed, and broken. She weeps uncontrollably, surrounded by the arms of the two people who love her most in the world.

While Jessica and Wendy are comforting Bonnie, Sean is heading to the press conference. He grabs SAC David Hill and asks the agent to accompany him, to prevent him from saying more than is permissible at this point in the investigation.

Hill agrees and says, “Of course I’ll help monitor you. Thank you for asking.” They walk into the press room together.

Sean takes the podium with his opening statement. “Thank you all for honoring the family’s request for privacy during these difficult days. In the next few weeks, I am sure Mrs. Stevens will feel up to handling requests for interview, but again, I ask for your patience. In the event you wish to request an interview with Mrs. Stevens, please contact Nate Styles, at Beauty Boutique Clothing, or my executive secretary, Evelyn Brooks at Sean Green Marketing. These two extremely competent individuals will coordinate with each other, so please don’t try and play them against each other to get your request expedited. We will know, and we will not be amused.” He pauses, considering what to say next.

A camera flashes in the background as he continues. “As you can all imagine, this has been a difficult time for everyone involved, from Mark’s loved ones, to his employees, to friends and acquaintances. It has, personally, been the most difficult time in my life. Mark was my mentor, friend, and first big client at SGM. Without him, I sincerely doubt I would have realized the success I have with SGM. A week ago, Mark and I scheduled a mini-vacation and strategy session regarding many of the difficulties surrounding Global Metal Refining’s association with Diablo Mining, in Brazil. As many of you already know, Global Metal Refining was evaluating its relationship with Diablo Mining. We were in the process of ensuring Global Metal Refining’s desires to comply with best practices, environmentally, and taking Diablo Mining along with us. Mr. Hugo Montes, the CEO of Diablo Mining, explained to us he hadn’t violated any laws in his mining practices, which Mark acknowledged, but Mark wanted Mr. Montes to adhere to stricter industry practices. The two were in the process of reevaluating their positions and desire to work together when Mark was killed. This mini-vacation and strategy session was going to take place at my vacation home in McCall, Idaho. Mark arrived Friday night. I had prior business commitments, so I was scheduled to arrive around eleven the morning after Mark arrived. When I got to my home, I found Mark’s body on the deck.” Sean proceeds to explain the way the scene was handled. “At this point,” he continues, “I’ll open this conference to any questions you may have, with the understanding that elements of the FBI investigation will not be discussed.”

Next come the barrage of reporters’ questions. “Mr. Green! Can you describe what you saw when you discovered Mr. Stevens’ body?”

Sean represses a shudder. “It was the most horrendous thing I have ever seen in my life. It made me sick.”

“But can you describe Mr. Stevens’ body position and surroundings?”

At this point, SAC Hill steps up to the podium and introduces himself, saying, “I apologize. Sean will not be able to answer these types of questions, as they may compromise our investigation.”

A collective sigh moves through the media, and the next reporter asks, “What happens to Global Metal Refining and Diablo Mining now?”

Sean suggests, “That question could be better addressed by Ms. Charlotte Evans, the interim CEO of Global Metal Refining.”

“How will the death of Mr. Stevens affect your company?” comes the next question from the crowd.

“Mark’s death will have an immense impact on SGM in several ways. First, I have lost a mentor and close personal friend—in fact, I would say my best friend. Second, I would hope the services SGM performed to date have been profitable to Global Metal Refining, and that long-term business can continue. However, I’m fully aware each CEO has their own relationships that they like to maintain. Should Global Metal Refining choose to go a different direction that doesn’t include SGM, while I would certainly be disappointed, SGM is still and would remain a leading marketing firm internationally, thanks to Mark’s mentorship. We will continue to move forward and grow with all of our clients.”

The next reporter asks, “Can you tell us who has been interview by the FBI so far?”

Sean looks to Agent Hill for approval and when he nods, Sean says, “As far as I know, the immediate family, myself, and Ms. Jessica Silva.”

“Do they have any suspects? Are
you
a suspect?” comes the follow-up question.

Once again, Agent Hill steps up to the podium and says, “At this point in the investigation, no suspects have been identified. The interviews conducted to date are routine and should not cast suspicion on any of those spoken to. Interviewing family and close friends of the family is standard protocol.”

Sean nods to Agent Hill as he steps away from the podium. “Last question, please,” he announces.

“How is Mrs. Stevens really doing?”