The Daily Novel

| CHAPTER EIGHTEEN |

At the McCarey ranch, Jessie and Stephen huddled together in the living room, intently studying documents. Jessie quizzed: “Is there anything I can do, legally?”

“Well, Jess, the actions of the board will be based on their belief of what’s in the company’s best interests … financially. If the board chooses Buchannan over you for the chairman’s position, you might possibly file something like a discrimination suit. It’s a new concept, and I’ll have to research to see if it’s appropriate.”

“Really? That seems a bit over the top. I don’t know …” Jessie hesitated, listening to sounds emanating from the kitchen area.     ”Hey, I believe I hear the rest of our army back from town. Let’s get Bo in on this; sounds like he’s gabbing with Jason in the kitchen.”

“Bo??! Great! Didn’t know he was back yet – when did he get home?”

“Jason drove up from his Tulsa office and picked Bo up at the airport last night. He came as soon as he could. Let’s go see what that crazy pair is up to.”

Jessie hurried into the kitchen, followed by Stephen, where she, then Stephen soundly embraced their nephew.

“Bo! So good to see you, kiddo! And what has my orneriest…er, most industrious… nephew been up to?”

“Keeping busy with the law firm. Just in case you haven’t heard, Uncle Steve, D.C. is a slightly hectic place!”  He laughed.

“Well, good you could be here to help us decide what Jessie’s best action plan should be. Jess, I’ll always support whatever you do. We may not be able to legally force the board to put you in the chair position, but we can make their lives miserable.”

Jason cut in: “You’ve got my support, Sis. And hey, if all this crap doesn’t go well, I’ll appoint you C.O.O. of my company, whadda-ya-think of that?”

They all laughed, and Jessie said, “Well, that’s mighty generous of you, brother, but I’ll have to decline. I think I’d like to give the board and Mr. Buchannan, in particular, a bad time.”

Bo looked at Jessie: “Aunt Jess, I’ll help with the legal research.…”

Jessie reached over and grasped Bo’s hand. “I have a special request of you, sweetheart.”

Two days later, in the McCarey Oil Company conference room, several men were standing around, talking quietly. Bradford Buchannan moved about from member to member, stumping like a politician with an oversized smile, shaking hands.

To one: “Hello, John, I need to discuss those operations details we spoke about.” Then, turning to another: “Bill, I think you understand how instrumental I was in that refinery coup.”

“Kendall, I hope I can count on you today…?”

Kendall Brackman, the Senior Vice President of Operations, replied: “I’m hesitantly backing you as Chairman, Bradford. If things were different, I might approve Jessica Trenton for that job. She’s extremely knowledgeable about the oil business and is tough. She performs well in negotiations. I just don’t think it’s the time….”

Norman Whitfield, another vice-president added, “That’s right, Bradford. As for myself, I know I need a couple more years’ offshore operations experience, or I’d be stomping for CEO. If Jessica does somehow get majority board approval, I’ll support her. I value her expertise and can learn a lot working with her.”

Buchannan puffed up. “Well, I see she’s seduced the two of you with her polished appearance. But that’s simply not enough to run this company.”

Kendall appeared irritated. “That’s pretty mean-spirited. You surely know Jessica Trenton is a capable woman.”

“Well, if it weren’t for her brother’s influence, she wouldn’t even be a member of the board.”

“I think you’ve got that backward. We weren’t here at the start of this company. There is a lot more to Jessica and Ben’s working ‘arrangement’ than meets the eye.”

“What are you talking about?”

Norman replied: “Well, just a theory of mine, but I believe Jessica was the real initiator of this company. I’ve never known Ben to make a major decision without a closed-door meeting with his sister.”

Buchannan seemed ready to speak again when he heard murmuring. The cause: Jessie was striding confidently into the boardroom. Dressed in an attractive, expensive-looking dark suit and flanked on each side by Stephen and Bo, she seemed contented and relaxed. The members politely nodded toward Jessie, then began to find seats at the conference table. The low talk died down as Jessie motioned to Kendall Brackman for his attention.

Mr. Brackman asked, “Yes, Mrs. Trenton?”

“Gentlemen, before we begin, I’d like to ask that we allow a couple of ‘outside’ people in the meeting today. I’m sure you probably recognize these members of my family — the Honorable Stephen McCarey, Chief Justice of the Missouri Board of Appeals, and Robert (Bo) McCarey, a prominent attorney in Washington, D.C. I’ll defer to Mr. Brackman’s handling of procedure at this time, if there are no objections to my family continuing in this meeting?”

Mr. Brackman smiled and replied: “These gentlemen have both worked for and been an influential part of McCarey Oil. I have no objection; how about any of the rest of you?”

A few murmurs stirred. Glancing around at each other uncomfortably, they talked quietly, but no one said anything formally. Buchannan whispered to the gentleman on his right: “Well, I see she’s armed with enough legal counsel.”

After a couple of minutes, Philip Davis motioned to Kendall. When Kendall acknowledged him, Mr. Davis said: “I don’t think we should have a problem with McCarey family members attending, even though it is out of the norm for our board’s procedures. Let’s consider Mrs. Trenton’s position in this company, and… respect to the McCarey family at her brother’s passing. Wouldn’t you all agree?”

All look around at each other. Eventually, each nodded affirmatively.

“Thank you.” Jessie smiled warmly and indicated to Bo and Stephen to take the seats next to her.

Mr. Brackman began the meeting: “All right, let’s get to the business at hand. As you are aware, we are here today to select a new CEO for McCarey Oil Company. Though it must be affirmed by a majority of stockholders, our recommendations are generally approved. Bradford Buchannan has graciously filled in in Ben’s stead since his death last month. However, because of our stock position and the influence on our corporation’s credibility, we should appoint a permanent Chief Executive Officer right away. I will accept nominations at this time, but would first like to indicate my personal preference for Mr. Buchannan’s continuance as Chairman and CEO.”

When there were a few surprised murmurs he added: “I intend to retire soon, so I am not in the running. Do I hear other suggestions?”

Norman Whitfield spoke: “I would like to nominate Jessica Trenton.”

Several members began to whisper nervously to each other, but no one else spoke. Kendall Brackman then asked: “Are there no other nominations?”

Another pause. When no other suggestions were made: “Okay; let’s take a preliminary vote.…”

Jessie stood and nodded to Mr. Brackman. “Mr. Vice Chairman, since I have been nominated, would you please allow me to again, briefly address the group?”

“I believe that would be in order. I defer to Mrs. Trenton, after which, we’ll hear equally from Mr. Buchannan.”

Jessie advanced to the head of the table. “First, and foremost, I’d like to say it has been a real pleasure working with you. And watching McCarey Oil Company grow to its success has been the most rewarding experience I could ever have imagined. I was but a headstrong teenager when our family started this company in 1914. We had whimsical dreams but never could have predicted the global destiny of this company. We’ve survived two world wars, and I’m proud of our contributions to the defense of our great country. We survived a terrible depression, one that left many out of work and emotionally bruised. But while other companies had massive layoffs, we took care of our employees.”  She paused.

“People have asked me how I could put my life ‘on hold’ and devote myself to this company. McCarey Oil and its employees have been my extended family, my life, for all these years. The job hasn’t been a chore for me; it’s been thrilling! Why, developing processes and equipment like magnetometers, heat-sensitive photography, our special-technique rotary drilling … I never tire of learning about this business! Frankly, I wouldn’t have missed this for anything!”

Bradford Buchannan pretended to read over some notes in front of him. Jessie’s eyes began to fill with tears, and several members nervously looked around. She steadied herself and continued.

“I hope that because of the diligent way I have labored with Ben for this company, you will lend some credence to what I am about to suggest.”

The room became uncomfortably silent, and she paused, dramatically, for a long few moments.

“I would like for you to seriously entertain the idea of a McCarey family member remaining at the helm of McCarey Oil. Because this company has historically been associated with Ben McCarey, keeping a McCarey as Chairman should retain the stockholder and marketer confidence we’ve developed over the years. Our stock price dropped several points this week, and we must carefully consider the effect our decision today will make on our company’s future.”

Murmurs began around the room. Buchannan whispered under his breath: Well, here it comes! Several members looked uncomfortable.

Jessie picked up a glass of water from the credenza and took a sip before continuing: “I would like to strongly suggest that you consider … that my nephew, Robert, be elected as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. The most effective person to replace Ben McCarey is Ben’s son!”

Several members murmured as she paused again. Bradford Buchannan appeared completely stunned.

“As Mr. Brackman mentioned, Bo worked for our corporation several years ago and has a good feel for the operations. That, coupled with his political clout and legal experience, should wield a great influence for McCarey Oil. I have convinced him to consider leaving his extremely lucrative law office in D.C. and accept our President and CEO position. That is … if he is offered the job.”

As everyone appeared stunned, she returned to her chair. Kendall Brackman moved to the head of the table.

“Bradford, we’ll hear from you now, after which, we’ll put the nominations to a vote.”