Disclaimer: The original characters and original plot are the property of E.L. James. I'm just having a lil' fun. No copyright infringement is intended
Chapter 10 | Marching Orders
GREY
I grab my earbuds and make sure they're pared with my watch. Looking at my playlists, I keep in mind this trip is about doing things differently, so I choose Speed Run. I usually run for overall fitness, this time I wanna push myself. I wanna be as carefree as possible, without being reckless, of course.
This isn't my usual afternoon routine, and it damn sure ain't the treadmill. I don't think Jason knows how much I like city running, especially in the early morning. The sounds, the sights, even the pavement. Everything is different. Before there was a Jason Taylor in my life, I would roll outta bed into my gear and be gone. No one to notify. No one to monitor me. I was free. It used to drive Mom crazy, but it was fun. Then came the money and the status and the responsibilities, and there went my freedom. I understand better than Ana believes how intrusive my security measures are. What she forgets is how big I am versus how big she's not. Sawyer isn't around to cramp her style. He's there to protect her whenever she can't protect herself.
Jason, on the other hand, is here to protect the rest of the world from me. I'm a hothead, plain and simple. Mom always commented, I have the personality that goes with my hair color. I dunno how true that is, but I know Taylor does more stopping me than protecting me. I'm not complaining, even though it sounds like I am. These are observations and statements of fact. I flew the coop to go back to square one, to reset, and to do things differently this time. It still makes sense to me, even if I can't make anyone else understand. So, here I go, trying to relearn an old trick. My goal is somewhere between Taipei Train Station and Danshuei on the Taiwan Coast. The fifteen-mile run may take up to four hours, which I don't have to spare, so I'll only make seven and a half, today.
Taipei comes alive after dark, and not just on Fridays and Saturdays. So I had to work at mapping my run. Until I get my bearings, I'm going from the hotel to Zhongshan Park then circle Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Library and National Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall about three times before heading back.
The concierge is sure to find out my planned route and takes a picture of what I'm wearing. He said his wife makes him do the same thing every time he goes out in the morning. "I love her, so I play along, but occasionally, it makes me want to scream," he says. I laughed with him until he confessed, "Somewhere, in the back of my mind I know she's right. So, this is a little homegrown best practice. Smile Mr. Grey." The more he talked, the more I agreed. So, someone knows where I'm going, what I'm wearing and about how much time to give me before they become worried. Now, I'm off.
I feel like a kid at Christmas. Merely stepping out of the hotel, without my shadow, is fabulous. The city lights, the city sounds, the people all around isn't as daunting as I thought it would be. I make it to Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Library in record time. My third lap is interrupted by some anonymous fucker, trying to strike up a conversation. "Hey, how ya doin' man? It's good to see a fellow foreigner out here. Where ya from, dude?"
I'm not interested in small talk and I sure as fuck ain't looking for a friend. While I'm wearing earbuds, the volume isn't up high enough to drown out the city noise, or this clingy bastard. I look over at him, and point to my ear letting him know I can't hear him, then I speed up a bit. What does this asshole do? You guessed it, he picks up his pace and signals for me to take out one of my earbuds. In an effort to make this conversation short, sweet or not, I oblige him. "That's better. You know, it's dangerous to run outdoors wearing earbuds. You don't wanna compromise one of your senses. How long are ya here for?" He sounds like he's talking to his next door neighbor. I'm plenty of things, but approachable has never been one of them. I dunno who he is or what he wants, but I know what he's not gonna get.
I come to an abrupt stop. The dumb fucker is so self-absorbed, he actually keeps running and talking while I stand back and watch him. I have half a mind to turn around and go back to the hotel, but it's the principle of the matter. I was here first. After a few paces, he looks to his left and see's he's alone. Much to my chagrin, he turns around and comes straight back to me. "Dude, come on, just a couple more laps." He's actually whining!
"I'm not gonna be good company. This is basically my meditation time, so if you don't mind," and even if you do, fuck off.
He nods, "I understand. I was geeked to see another Westerner out this time of day, that's all. If you don't mind. I'd still like to tag along. You've got a serious pace going. It's an awesome workout."
I sigh, to myself, before allowing my new-found companion to tag along. "Sure. Have at it."
"I'm Dez, by the way." He holds out his hand for a shake, which I oblige. "And you are?" DAMN! Step the fuck back shithead.
"I'm Chris. It's been awhile since I've run this time of day, so I'm soaking up the sights." I figure, if I give him some kinda conversation, he'll leave me alone, which he does after about three more laps. It's more than I intended to run, but I wasn't about to lead this fucker back to my hotel.
Once I've had enough of being personable, I slow to a walk, then stop altogether and begin stretching. Of course, my friend does the same. "You're better company than you think, Chris. My wife says I talk too much, so I'm used to the silent treatment. Anywho, it was nice running into ya. Enjoy your day." He throws up a peace sign and continues on his way. I actually do another lap, in peace and quiet, before heading back to the hotel.
I thought I was late, but when I got to the hotel, I saw the concierge even stuck around after his shift to be certain I made it back. He looked at his watch and nodded, so I must've made good time, despite my companion. I waved to him as I stepped into the lift and made a mental note to leave him a handsome tip. The only drawback to my tranquil excursion was that nosey bastard. As much as I wanted to crank up the volume in my SkullCandy's, I didn't, and managed to exchange a few words with the guy. I guess I am doing things differently.
After breakfast and coffee, it's another day at the office. The ECO Blue deal wasn't supposed to be this complex. I was looking to purchase one industry, with a location in my new 'hometown', then move on. Now, due to one greedy fucker, I have my people working overtime to change my approach to this tragic comedy. Welch did his job when this bullshit all started, so I re-read his checks and found I wanted a few more stones turned over.
Big picture, Oliver Kelly, Chairman of the Board for ECO Blue Steel, is not only an asshole, he's a loose cannon. Narrowing the focus, Oliver Kelly, Chairman of the Board for ECO Blue Steel, is not only an asshole and a loose cannon, he's also a fool. I'm shocked the company CEO hasn't caught on to what this fucker is doing. Yet another reason for me never to go public. I am the board of GEH. I'm the prick who put in the time and created my empire, I'll be damned if I let someone tell me how to run it, or run it into the ground for me.
ime to touch base at home. Just for shits and giggles, I call from my iPhone. "Thank you for calling Grey Enterprises Holding, Incorporated, Andrea Petersen speaking, how may I help you?"
"Is that speech an edict from HR?" I know I caught her off guard. I get a visual of her looking at Olivia with a 'who the fuck is calling' look on her face.
She's stops for a moment, then continues, "Please state your name and your business, sir." Ever the professional.
My chuckle gives me away, "At ease Andrea, it's me." I hear her sigh of relief and chuckle a little more. "Please tell me, is that speech an edict from HR? Does everyone have to say that shit when they answer the phone?"
"Well, yes sir. It's protocol and, believe it or not, the simplest greeting option I've ever used. You'd be shocked what Customer Service Representatives have to say when they answer a call. Now, how may I help you, sir?" I wanna call HR and tell them to knock it off with the Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious greeting, but they're the professionals, so I'll let it be, for now.
I gently broach the topic of another assistant for Andrea, "Well, Ms. Petersen, tell me how you'd feel about having an assistant in this time zone, especially after dealing with Kelly and his infernal emails?"
Her response is immediate and catches me off guard, "Really Mr. Grey!? Yes, that'd be wonderful. I have Olivia here, but to have someone in your time zone would be ideal."
I breathe a silent sigh of relief. She shouldn't worry about her position because, like I always say, I'd be lost without Andrea. "Good. I'll leave the hiring to you and Human Resources. If I spot someone I think you should speak with, I'll let you know. Please transfer me to Ros."
"Thank you. I'll get started right away. Enjoy your day, sir."
"You do the same, Andrea." My call is transferred to Ros, so we can discuss her take on Oliver Kelly, ECO Blue Steel and my updated plans.
"Hey jet-setter. How's things on your side of the world? How are you functioning at this hour of the day?" Andrea shared the New Deal and documents from Kelly with Ros yesterday. After the shipyard signing and its festivities, I came back to my room and collapsed. Lei is a schmuck. He knows I don't do drinks and dinner. Ana would've been proud of me. I gritted my teeth and stayed the entire evening.
"All's well. It's an acquired skill. We can check the shipyard off. No more excuses or delays. What's your take on the ECO deal?"
"At first I thought it was a joke, then he sent more and more messages and finally that re-valuation. I couldn't figure out what the fuck was going on. Yesterday, Andrea brings me the 1987 white pages phone book full of more fairytales. I wasn't that bored studying for my Accounting final. Gwen's pissed at you, by the way"
"Why the fuck is Gwen pissed at me? I didn't create that shit."
"Yeah, but you gave it to me. It was basically assigned reading. She didn't appreciate how late I was up or how cranky I was the next day, after reading all that shit."
"Whatever, Ros. Anyway, what comments do you have about my counter deal? I know you have some, so let's get them out in the open." She always has some way of trying to make me back down. She always thinks my ideas are over the top. I use her as my ground zero. As long as my ideas are valid and can be done, I do them.
"We'll, it's a true opposite reaction. I dunno how equal it is." See what I mean. " I understand the why. I'm questioning the how. Seems high-handed."
"It's meant to be high-handed, Ros. The fucker jumped into the arena. He wants to act like a gladiator, then the fucker is gonna hafta fight like a gladiator. I don't bullshit when it comes to GEH and I don't lose when it comes to M&As. Dollar bet, this isn't the first time he's done this bullshit, but it'll be the last."
"I know. I watch you do this, remember. As long as you're confident, we'll make it happen."
"I'm confident."
"So, I imagine I'm off to do the usual and customary damage?"
"Nope." She's silent for practically a full minute.
*"Nope? Whadaya mean, nope? I read all that shit, now I don't get to have any fun? Wait till I tell Gwen."*
"This is gonna be a major mindfuck Ros. I mean truly over the top. The shit you read was the recipe, you're gonna sell the cake, and I'm gonna ice that fucker on signing day." I go on to explain my new intentions. I also provide her with contact information for everyone involved and instructions for her and Andrea to follow.
"You've already done all this?" I've been a busy little imp, I admit it.
"Yes ma'am I have. Hafta stir the batter." She's waiting for me to expound.
"Then what the fuck am I supposed to do? From the looks of this, you've already screwed the whole lot of em' in the ass. Am I supposed to pass out tissues." My, aren't we offended.
"Oh, ye of little imagination. Contact each of those fuckers however you like, just contact them. All. Andrea can set up a conference call at the most convenient time for them, not you. Tell them about everything you have there. Gauge their reactions. Note who's in, out or indifferent and let me know what happened."
"The ins and outs I understand. Who gives a fuck about the indifferents?" I sigh and shake my head.
"Dear Rosalind, have you learned nothing from me?" When she starts to growl, I decide to stop antagonizing her. "The indifferent motherfuckers are as bad as the outs. For all I know they're gaming on ECO right now or on me in the future. Make a list of who they are. When they come back later on claiming they didn't know what was going to happen, and now they want a piece of the pie, I wanna know who had a chance then said 'fuck you Grey'. They may be next on my kill list.
"Well, alrighty then." Somehow, she sounds surprised. If she's shocked now, just wait until I get to Townsville. "I'll get back to you by the end of business, Pacific Daytime zone, that is." She ends the call before I can comment.
Now, for the troupes.
Tuesday, November 08, 2011, 1:00 AM TST
To: Jason Taylor, Alexander Welch, Barney Mancini
Subject: Updates
From: Christian Grey
Gentleman
I'm quite certain you're aware of my current location. Thank you for your, continued concern.
Welch, I need another update on Christopher. Also, send me whatever background intel you have about his parents. I know you were having trouble getting his father's details, if that's still the case, send me whatever you have on file and continue your research.
Barney, what's the status on your diagnostic review of my phone? Add my laptop to your evaluation. This is highly unusual and extremely troubling. We don't want this to lead to a breach.
Taylor, cease and desist.
Thank you, gentlemen.
Sincerely,
Christian Trevelyn-Grey, CEO
Grey Enterprises Holdings, Incorporated
Taylor hasn't tried calling me, yet. I have a feeling Gail has something to do with his restricted communication. She's made no secret of the fact, she'll hide Taylor's 'offensive electronic device' when she sees fit.
I'll have to figure out how to misplace yours.
Shut up. You love traveling, shopping, eating and drinking, so don't gimme any shit. Take a nap, I've got some more raging asshole work to do, and I don't want any empathetic reaction interfering with my plans.
Whateva
Ring… Rin…
"Talk to me."
She pauses for a beat. But of a lax greeting for me. "Whelp, your spidey sense was on point." As usual. What people need to learn is if you're gonna fuck someone, use the right lube and protect yourself. Oliver is too eager to dip his dick, he's forgotten who's on top and who's on bottom. I, however, have lube on hand, and I always protect myself. Before, during and after a deal.
"How so?" I know I sound disinterested, but that's not the case. I'm pissed this shit is going on and hearing I should've snagged this fucker from the beginning is worsening it.
"This is his MO and the reason his name is mud on your side of the globe. The Number Twos confirmed dealings with ECO, specifically Oliver Kelly, started out amicably. Their proposals went to the ECO board and were approved, then Kelly showed his ass. When CEOs saw GEH step up, several companies were heartbroken. They thought Kelly would get the help his organization needed, which would be counter to all their efforts."
"I listened to their scenarios and explained how my boss doesn't lose, which piqued their interest. So, with that crazy fucking time warp you all live in, I scheduled a mass conference call to give a high-level perspective of our intentions. I wasn't spending the next two or three days fucking with my sleep pattern. You're the insomniac, not me." This is true as well. "Most of them are onboard, even some Australian organization acting as a proxy for another enterprise. You know there are always some skeptics."
"Kaur Capital's Number Two said his organization was harassed. After the new appraisal, Kaur told Kelly to fuck off. The ECO Board of Directors was pissed the deal fell through, so Kelly has been on tenterhooks trying to find, let alone keep, a new buyer."
Kaur is Zachary Kaur of Capital, Incorporated. He's got a nice little business. I say little in comparison to GEH. Kaur Cap has an impressive portfolio in tech and transportation industries. "When you answered ECO's distress call, Kelly was back in the saddle again. Kaur's definitely in. Neither Hàoyú Sūn nor Míngzé Lu give a fuck one way or another, they've each dealt with Kelly before he got to ECO. They didn't like him then and their positions haven't changed. I do suggest you include them on your call. Gauge for yourself. It sounds more like animosity than indifference."
"Hàoyú Sūn tangled with Kelly over a deal regarding Southern Oxford Steel. Kelly lied to whatever board he was on and put Sūn in a spot to either pay more for a fraudulent appraisal or be blackballed for unscrupulous business practices. A lawsuit ensued. Sūn won the industry he wanted plus damages and court costs, while Kelly got 'das boot'." I chuckle at her lousy attempt at a German accent.
"I like that sound." I chuckle again as she regales me about her findings. "Lu on the other hand, who is apparently friends with Sūn, dropped out of his negotiations with SOS altogether citing Sūn's court case, its outcome and Kelly's presence as his reasons. He dared them to take him to court."
While I know the response, I wanna see if they were honest, "Did SOS take him to court too?"
"Nope," she pops her 'p', "their organization was already struggling, and the court case basically drained them. Lu got his industry, after SOS went defunct, from a third-party arbitrator." Hmmm.
Hàoyú Sūn, Míngzé Lu and I went to Harvard together. I think Lu dropped out a semester after me. The two men were fast friends, joined at the hip and hell if you cross either one. A collaboration was in their stars. Their company, Baozhai, Incorporated, is truly a stockade of treasures in the tech, media, telecom, transportation and energy sectors.
I'm surprised Kelly can still talk. I admit, I fought, a lot, even in college, but Míngzé beat the fuck outta everyone. Bastards learned, the hard way, to stop fucking with the soccer nerd when Míngzé cleated them in the calf or shin or face, if he got you down on the ground. Lu was no different. The rowing crew was notorious for our tempers. Lu was Number Six, which is how we met. He and I fought side by side a few times, especially at that damn regatta. I know the kinda of damage Lu can cause. Kelly should count his blessings. "There's no doubt in my mind "Sūn and Lu are angry. They'll want a piece of this, at least Lu will. No worries, they're in."
"Your sure? Lu's…"
I cut her off, "Who was on the call and were you on conference or speaker?" I know she can tell the difference because I can tell the difference.
I hear papers shuffling around, then Ros says, "Bi Lu. It was just us girls, of that I'm sure."
"She's Lu's little sister. I can guaran-fucking-tee you, she either bolted from her desk or yelled from her office to tell Lu you called and what I'm doing." As I say the words, my phone buzzes.
MLu: GET THAT SON OF A BITCH, STROKE!
CTG: Done 6!
I chuckle at his timing. "What's so funny, Grey?"
"Nothing Bailey, go on."
Ros confirms what I already knew. The two who said they didn't care will be back, after it's too late. The ho-hum, you're wasting my time fucker is on my radar. I'm sure I can put a paper product factory to good use, if I don't break it down and hock the parts, just for shits and giggles.
"All parties confirmed their appointment with Andrea. So, what happens next? I'm pissed I can't be on the call, you know that right?" She sounds like a little kid talking about her bedtime before Santa gets here.
"Don't cha wish you could be here?" I tease her. This is gonna be an M&A rock concert. I'm on the edge of my seat thinking about it.
"I damn sure do. I wanna see this shit on YouTube. It's the hardest kick in the teeth you've ever executed. I'm proud to know you boy."
I take a virtual bow, before we continue. Anything else Ros?"
"Yep," she pops her 'p' again, "since this year's practically over, will you come back here during the First Quarter? If so, we should schedule the fourth quarter and End of the Year meetings. It's gonna look strange for our CEO not to be present."
I sigh and run my hands through my hair, stopping midway. I haven't done that shit since leaving Seattle. Despite my reticence, she's right. If I were knee-deep in a deal, it'd be different. I've been photographed taking in the sights and now, inadvertently, with another woman in my arms. "Yes, I'll be back. Taylor may try to lock me my room before and after the meeting." We both laugh, but I'm serious. His emails are getting pissier all the time.
"Should we fuck up everyone's weekend?" She loves quarterly meetings. She loves dropping bombs, or making you believe there's a hurricane coming, all week long. If there really is bad news, you have all weekend to fret over it.
"Yes Rosalind, let's fuck up everyone's weekend. Second Monday or second Friday in January?" Let's see if she knows.
"Hell yeah. Friday the thirteenth will scare the fuck outta everyone." Good grief, Charlie Brown.
"Fine. Anything else?"
"Yes." I groan. "Stop it Grey, you asked. What are we looking at for 2012? You haven't been over there very long, but I know you. What's cooking in that pretty little head of yours?"
She's right again. I pause to take a deep breath. This was on my mind before I left Seattle. I still haven't committed to anything, but it seems inevitable, "A second office, but somehow it seems thirsty. I do want to expand our reach in electronics, here in Asia. Also, my findings about Australia, environmentally, are concerning. I need a team to deep dive from the information I emailed you to see where GEH can begin to help and make the largest contribution."
"I'll be living near the Great Barrier Reef, and we know aquatic sustainability is of utmost importance to any seaside community, at least it should be. I've contacted a few nonprofit organizations, but I don't want our reach limited to Townsville. Be sure to research the entire continent." I do the same thing in the states. "Acquisition wise? I've been approached by several potentials."
"Over there?!" She's shocked? "How'd anyone find you there?"
"I haven't been hiding under a bushel Ros. I've been photographed all over Taipei City and each article begins with some version of 'CEO Christian Grey'. It's not bad for business to be a walking billboard, ya know."
"It's not good for your safety Christian! Where is Taylor anyway? Why isn't anyone with you? I've learned to look around the pictures to see a non-smiling face. I've seen some, but they're not ours, so they could be anyone. What the fuck are you doing?" She sounds like my mother.
"Gee Mom, I didn't know you were into M&As. The doctor business boring you now?" I'm sure to sound as sarcastic as I feel. I'm beginning to understand how Ana feels about being tracked. It's fun just being me.
"Stop fucking around Grey! Where's Taylor?!" Damn!
"He's on fucking vacation, ok! I wanted to be alone this trip, just a regular ole son of a bitch, wandering around Taipei before a signing day. Mission accomplished. Once we get this shit nailed down, I'm going to Townsville, and I'll be back for the End of the Year meeting we just scheduled. Other than that, I dunno what I'm gonna do. Ok. Is that enough detail for you?" Damn.
Ros is quiet for a while. She gets like this when she's overthinking a situation. I've got time, so I let her think. When she comes to her conclusion she says, "I don't like it. I understand the desire for normalcy because I see how Seattle behaves when it comes to you and Ana. That said, how do you run a US company from overseas?" At least she's thinking about this in a business sense.
"Ros, believe it or not, I can. I'm not starting a business from scratch, and I'm a citizen of the US. What I have to worry about is my Australian Visa, which I and Legal are researching. My passport is current, but I know that's not enough to afford residence for an extended period of time. I'm not trying to flee my country Ros, I just need time away. As long as I can do some good in Australia, then it's a win-win."
She's quiet again. This is really bothering her. I don't know why. We're colleagues and all, but that's it. Why would she give a fuck… Unless. "Ros?" I sound apprehensive, even to my ears.
"Yeah?" She sounds a bit off too.
I'll put it out there, "Do you think I'm selling GEH?"
After another, shorter, pause, she says "Considering this conversation, it's crossed my mind, yes. And no, unless you're selling, I'm not going anywhere." I unclinch my fist. It was my next question.
"We'll, I'm not, so you're not. Anything else?"
"Besides the nap I'm about to take, nope." Good girl.
"Enjoy your day Ros," then I end the call.
FOOTNOTES
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious (SOO-pər-KAL-i-FRA-ji-LIS-tik-EKS-pee-AL-i-DOH-shəs)
Song and single from the 1964 Disney musical film *Mary Poppins* written by the Sherman Brothers, and sung by Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke.
AN: Happy Halloween. Life's gotten in the way a bit. Someone mentioned not straying too far from the original story. i have a feeling I'm going to do just that. Old timers, if you're out there, know how the original story went. I've had A LOT of time to think and changes are in the air. I think you'll like them.