“Positive press is easy. Dad did the right thing and paid the fines associated for his prior behavior,” replied Parker with some sarcasm. “However, the rest of the family is royally ticked off because Dad started the whole investigation by confessing his past misdeeds. That will go over well.”
“Maybe we can sell the truth somewhere in the middle,” hoped Gabe. “We got caught, we paid our dues, it was less because Dad got out early. We learned from our mistake years ago and it has no bearing on our business today as we continue to provide quality service to our patients, investors and communities. No one needs to know Dad confessed before the FBI even knew to investigate anything.”
“It works a lot better,” nodded Parker in agreement as he thought it over. “Everyone wins in that scenario. Plus, it is the truth. A little edited, but the truth.”
Gabe sighed, feeling the weight of the decision on him. He didn’t like lying, not even by omission, but the consequences would be severe if he didn’t. They would lose friends and family from James’ betrayal of family loyalty. As head of the family company, Gabe also had a business and investor interests to protect as well. It was a tough middle ground. Lying and keeping secrets had never set well with him.
However, what was one more to add to the ones he already kept?
Gabe made the decision. “We will go with the middle ground and hope no one finds out what Dad did.”
“Agreed,” concurred Parker. “How do you want to handle Gerrit?”
“Keep going with the investigation,” Gabe told him. “Let me know when you’ve compiled more information and when you want to confront Gerrit. If you need a second opinion, I’ll be here but otherwise the matter is yours to handle.”
Parker nodded as he checked his watch. “I should get going. I’m going to snag a coffee from the cart before I go into the meeting.”
“Doesn’t your secretary just grab you what you need?” questioned Gabe. Not that Gabe would have Jessica grab his items from the cart. Their relationship was based on certain rules which included Gabe having his own food items ordered or fetching them himself. In return, Jessica kept him informed of what was happening behind the scenes of other members of the board and in key positions of the hospitals he ran. His secretary had a network of other secretaries she tapped for the information which she provided to him. It was a mutually benefitting relationship.
Gabe was more than willing to get his own coffee in exchange to know who was actually loyal to him and the company versus just posturing to Gabe’s face while plotting behind his back. Jessica’s information was invaluable when it came to predicting how voting with the board would go and who might be swayed before a big decision.
“I like the exercise,” shrugged Parker as he rose from the chair. “Plus, it’s nice to have a small chat with Mario each day.”
“Mario?” frowned Gabe.
“The guy who runs the cart,” answered Parker with a small shake of his head. “You really need to start noticing the little people. They have interesting stories.”
“The little people?” Gabe raised an eyebrow.
“You know what I mean,” an annoyed Parker replied. “People who don’t have a direct influence on your life or aren’t of your status. The rest of the world, Gabe. Expand your universe, you might be surprised at what you find.”
“Go get your coffee,” urged Gabe. He didn’t need a lecture from his brother on how to be a better person. He glanced at his watch. Britney should have been here by now.
He had forgotten to clear her through security. Gabe grabbed the desk phone, dialing down to the security desk as Parker curiously watched him. “Yes, I need to clear someone to enter the building. In fact, if you could give them an escort to my office, it would be ideal. Her name is Britney Crawford.”
Parker sat back in the leather chair, all ears to Gabe’s conversation.
Gabe listened as the security person told him Britney was at the desk. “She is there? Great. Send her up.”
Hanging up the phone, Gabe faced his brother.
