‘All right, let’s get started.’ Kent took charge and stood at the head of the room as though chairing an official meeting. The only difference was he had no visuals to back up his presentation and Nicole was sitting five feet away from him. He started with a spiel about The Diamond Touch’s need to expand, the benefits of opening another premises, and for a while Braydon looked pretty smug, as though he knew exactly where this was heading.
‘It has come to my attention,’ said Kent, ‘that The Diamond Touch opening up in the intended premises could hurt the company rather than build it up.’
‘What?’ Braydon was out of his seat.
‘Sit, please.’ Kent’s voice didn’t invite argument. ‘I feel that in light of what I now know, we would be doing the city a great disservice by taking away a resource relied on by many. What I propose is—’
‘This is bullshit!’ A line of sweat streaked across Braydon’s top lip. ‘The public want the shelter shut down. There’s a petition to get rid of it!’
Kent ignored the protest. ‘I propose we back the shelter. I propose we lease the building with our company money—my company money,’ he directed at Braydon. ‘Plenty of major companies make similar moves. As yet, our business hasn’t done anything to fundraise for those in need, and it shames me to admit it. I’m a New Yorker, always have been, and perhaps it’s high time we gave something back.’ He looked to Jack, then Nicole. ‘Are we all on board?’
Nicole’s eyes filled with tears. ‘So we can operate as usual, for the foreseeable future?’
Kent nodded, surprised at the buzz he felt. ‘You can keep going as you are, yes. And you’ll have the financial backing from The Diamond Touch.’ He turned to Jack. ‘Son? Are you happy with all of this?’ He wasn’t sure. Had he done the wrong thing, again?
Jack shook his head and puffed out his cheeks before he spoke. ‘Dad … I am so on board with this.’ He stood up, came over to his father, shook his hand and with the other patted his shoulder. ‘This makes The Diamond Touch a company I’m proud to be a part of. And Mom would be proud too.’
Kent felt his eyes glisten with tears. ‘Thanks, son.’ He looked at Braydon now. ‘And I’m not saying no to expansion. All I’m suggesting is that we put a hold on the development. In the New Year, we’ll keep a look out for alternative premises.’
Braydon was leaning against the back of a chair, now unable to look at any of them. ‘This is fucking bullshit,’ he spat. ‘Of all the ludicrous, hare-brained, stupid schemes …’
‘I’m sorry you feel that way, Braydon.’ Kent pulled off the top of the tin of Fortnum’s biscuits and offered them around.
‘You’ve lost your edge!’ Braydon hollered. ‘You’re a fucking pushover.’
Kent bit into a cookie, enjoying taking a stand with his own business, something he should’ve done before today.
‘I expected more from you,’ Braydon hissed.
Kent looked at him, held his stare. ‘Watch it, okay. I’m still the boss.’
Braydon went to leave the room but stopped and turned back. ‘You’re a joke, Kent Churchill.’
‘Now hang on—’ Jack moved forward, but Kent stopped him.
Braydon pressed on and directed his ferocity at Kent. ‘And how can you even consider helping the homeless after what they did to your family?’ He pointed to Nicole. ‘She’s no better than that slut, Evie.’
‘Enough, Braydon.’ Kent rose to his feet. ‘I won’t tolerate you talking like that in my office.’
‘Your own wife died at the hands of a homeless person.’ Braydon’s voice silenced everyone in the room. ‘And here you are supporting them.’
‘Get out!’ Kent roared. ‘Get your things, and get out!’
‘Don’t worry, I’m gone. I’m tired of keeping your secret.’
Kent launched at him before he could get out of the door or utter another word. He punched him squarely in the jaw, sending him stumbling back. Jack pinned his father’s arms behind him, Nicole stood with her hand across her mouth.
Braydon spat in Nicole’s direction and Kent went for him again. This time Jack let him punch him twice, once in the stomach, another across the eye, before he held him back again.
Braydon scrambled to his feet and didn’t say another word. He’d already said enough and when Kent turned, Nicole and Jack were looking at him, searching for answers he knew he’d finally have to give.
