Chapter 10: Bullseye on my back

Motto: There is a very thin line between love and hate. When we are raised on the side of hate, we never want to open up for love; as hate walks with hurt. But if we let love in we would notice that the love and happiness we are looking for has always been in front of us. But we couldn't see it.

I then arrived at the newly completed Anderson Plaza Complex. Cristina and Jasmine were present at the launch party, for Anderson Enterprise Caribbean limited & Anderson Enterprise Jamaica Limited HQ, in their matching Cocktail dresses and stiletto heels.

The ceremony was been held in the lobby of the Citrus. I went up and was to come down for the ceremony, in the lobby. It was time and I went into the elevator.

The building voice-over then said, "Ladies and Gentleman, Welcome to the Citrus. This Dynamic building was built by Technology and Engineering Mogul, Nicholas Anderson. It stands at 220.

It is among the tallest in the world and currently the tallest in the Caribbean. The name Citrus was in tribute to Mrs. Anita McPherson - Anderson. She loved Citrus and taught Nicholas everything about Architecture and Construction.

This building was designed and builds by her and Weller. With this, she is honored by choosing her name, over Anderson Towers. This building with being the Headquarters of Anderson Enterprises Caribbean Inc. plus the Jam Plaza will be home to Anderson Enterprise Jamaica Limited.

Now Anderson Enterprise Inc. is still homeless. We probably will be in Colombia at our new 500 Floor tower. Anderson Enterprise Inc. is the parent organization for all of Nicholas Anderson's global business holdings.

It will be run out if Anderson Towers top floor until he decides on a home for his conglomerate. Here to open the Anderson Plaza Complex is the founder/ Owner/Executive Chairman of Anderson Enterprise Inc., Nicholas Anderson!"

With that, the doors opened and a marching band started to play. I emerged and everyone cheered as I share a dance. After a while, I hugged Garret Shakes, the Group Chief Executive. Then I went on stage. I grabbed the microphone and everyone sat down.

I exhaled and said, "Wow! Remind me never to do that again."

Everyone then laughed and I continued saying, "OK, so I am here today without a speech. You and I know I am not a talker. I am a creative person. So I had a short film. But, my second in command and brother, adopted."

Everyone laughed and I took off my jacket.

With that, I said, "He might be an award-winning writer, Journalist, and corporate lawyer. But he is dumber than a doorknob."

Everyone then laughed and I quickly said, "Oh! I am just playing with him. With him and his dedication to me since day one, 19 years ago, I couldn't build all this. So everyone please put your hands together for my brother from another mother, Mr. Garret Shakes."

He pointed to me as everyone applauded. I smiled and put my fist on my heart. He applauded and with that the video was read. It showed that the lobby screens shift and paused on the video.

I then said, "OK. So the video is now up. So on the behalf of me, Garret, Cristina Andrews, my dedicated team of executives, friends, and most of my entire mom up in heaven. I declare this building and complex opened. And the start of Anderson Enterprises Inc."

With that, the curtains dropped from the giant Citrus logo in the lobby. The screens then showed all the executives and their place. Everyone applauded and I came down. I shared a photo with Cristina and Jasmine.

Garret left and I whispered in Cristina's ear, "I am going upstairs to meet with Garret. You are in charge of this."

She smiled and I kissed her. Then I went up. As I walked into the Armored Penthouse office Garret was seated in my chair. And he opens up the curtains to light through the window wall.

I laughed and he asked, "What do you think about my decorating skills?"

I then looked around. The office was a double layer, within a large loft. Up top was the glass room and the spiral Mahogany staircase came down behind the minibar. It was stocked with various liquor and by adding a bulb the liquor gave the space a disco bulb effect.

Beside the door were a mini Zen den Japanese garden and the walk in the middle. The wall to the left was a digital TV Screen. It showed stock reports, outdoor cameras, and the lobby. In the corner across were a large starship sofa and a glass technology coffee table.

The walls were covered with Leonardo DiCaprio paints and the ceiling was decorated with various lighting fixtures.

I then exhaled and said, "I like it. What am I looking at?"

Garret then said, "You have a bedroom upstairs. It has a king-size bed and the room is full of glass. The glace is Tech Glass, so it can be a television. Your closet has 7 suits, 8 pairs of shoes, underpants, and accessories.

You have a shower upstairs. It is like a mini apartment. Down here you have a bathroom to yourself. The digital wall has, internet TV, Cable and is a direct link to the company network. The server is located in the next room, behind a vault door.

Armored glass and can withstand a missile. And the coolest part is your desk."

He then tapped it and the desktop came up from the corner. Then the Special keyboard popped up with it.

I then said, "Me like it."

"I knew you would like it," replied Garret as I smiled.

"Yea! But who are you choosing to replace you," I asked him.

He then quickly said, "Weller today is my birthday. You can't fire me."

"Well, I am going back to Colombia. That's my home now. And I need a partner in crime," I replied as I sat down.

He exhaled and asked, "Wait you want me in Colombia?"

"Well I am a born criminal and Colombia is the only place I can't get hurt. So I am moving back there. And I will need a new Group Chief Executive. And the position comes with a mansion and two cars of your choice.

Plus bodyguards etc.," I quickly told him.

He then said, "I am on board. But Cristina loves it here."

With that my phone rang. The number told me it was the Colombian Plastic Surgery clinic, La Refresheró Medico that I owned.

I answered by saying, "Hello Good Morning Nicholas Anderson speaking."

My mom, with her face and hands, bandaged, and then said, "It’s me."

I exhaled and said, "Thank you for your surprise."

She then said, "Well I wanted to give you something to smile about on your big day. Plus I didn't have time to shop for my granddaughter's birthday."

"A simple I love you would have sufficed," I replied as I sat on the desk.

She then said, "You know me. Big as always."

I smiled and said, "I love you and I always will. I came back to save you. I am sorry that this is how I have to do it."

She smiled and said, "I am grateful to be free. Look I am drinking Margarita's in Colombia and getting massages from cute men. And I have you to thank for it."

I then said, "I will always owe you a debt that I can't repay you. But, you need to rest."

She then said, "I am proud of you and I always will. So, I guessed I won't see you again until your wedding."

I smiled and said, "I haven't asked yet. But I will save you a seat. Later."

She then laughed and said, "By baby."

As she hangs up I exhaled heavily.

Garrett then said, "Nick. She is not gone, only to the world. And she will be back in a few months. It is better this way and you know what you have to do."

"I got it. I have to put on a big performance at the funeral Sunday," I told him as I put down my phone.

He then asked, "So soon? How did you get her body released so fast?"

"Well, the cops closed the case two hours ago. And the autopsy report, emailed to me, says she suffered injuries from a fall. So the body was transferred to Gateway Funeral Directors, a division of my mom's Funeral holdings. They cremated it an hour ago.

Now they are burying her on Sunday. The ceremony is 3 pm at Darlington Apostolic Church. Then interment is set for Chestnut," I quickly told him.

He then said, "OK. So you go?”

"Right now I have meetings, a birthday party and later I start my plans to destroy my father. So if I go depends on how Last Night went," I replied to him.

"We scored 70 sports cars and 2100 pounds of pure a grade Cocaine. Not to mention we destroyed his largest Heroin and Cocaine plant. In addition, Philip visited Duncan and we now have all 7 ports out west.

Your father no longer has shipping Licenses and we get a cut out of everything that moves on the Jamaican sea," answered Garret as he sat down.

I smiled and said, "That's good. But we are not shutting down Anderson Motors Group. It is a lot more valuable to me now."

Garret then asked, "Why? That was the plan. That was the original plan. What changed?"

"Yes! But plans change. Especially after my mom's will gives us 60% controlling interest and my 20% puts us at 80% controlling interest in Anderson Motor Group," I quickly told him.

Garret stood up and quickly said, "Wow-Wow! Your mom had a Will?"

I exhaled and said, "Well, she had one drafted up at General Law."

He then said, "I honestly don't see that happening, especially with them under your father's rule."

I then quickly said, "Well General Law is owned by Joseph Matron. It seems he is no longer in New York. We know his reputation and now he is here to liberate the people. My mother trusted him and with that drafted a Will.

According to it the 40% of Anderson Motors, which was acquired last year, is owned by a Vancouver Trust. It will legally belong to Jasmine Anderson at age 18. Therefore she inherits it tomorrow morning. And is to be managed by Cristina Sundrew.

The last 20% I inherited."

He then said, "That's good."

I then said, "I have better. Here it is. McPherson International Inc. will belong to her future daughter In-law, Cristina Sundrew, on the day she marries me. Provide she dies before, Jasmine inherits. She dies it goes to charity."

Garret chuckled and said, "I see she knows you love Cristina."

I then said, "That part is the least of my worries."

Garret then said, "Yea! You should be worried about how to get your father out of Chestnut. So you can see your mother's burial."

I exhaled and said, "My mother hired a South African Mercenary Company, Black Suits. They eradicated his men and are now protecting the property. In addition, I own it. I have a meeting with that Property manager in two hours."

Garret then sat back and asked, "What is your problem then?"

I then said, "Anderson Motors called a board meeting. It is set for 5 pm and the shareholders are all here. I know this is my father. His motives are my concern."

Garret whistled and said, "Off the top of my head. I would say he is aiming at stopping Anderson Motors from becoming a subsidiary of Anderson Enterprises Inc."

I then exhaled and said, "You are my corporate lawyer. Advise me."

Garret then sat up and said, "Well Jasmine is 19 tonight and that means that ownership has to go to her. She can't do that until she proves she is eighteen."

I then said, "She is nineteen. She, birth certificate and passport back that."

"In the business world, it is different. You have to have documents and an ID. I am talking about the kind of ID that will take six months. Plus Anderson Motors incorporation laws say you have to have a business degree to have a board seat.

Again that's six months away for Jasmine. She is over 18 so it will take two weeks before she can legally appoint Cristina as a Trustee. Until that is done, the shares by the trust are null and void in board meetings," He answered saying.

I then asked, "How will the voting process go?"

"OK, you already own. 20%. Jasmine's 40% and the 20% your mom gave you are out. So you and your father together, that 40% with decide company affairs," he quickly replied to me.

I then said, "I don't follow. My mom legally gave those shares to me."

"Your father's company is legally incorporated in the Cayman Islands and it is publicly traded. So according to the laws of Cayman if a shareholder dies the shares are either transferred to a blood relative of choice or it is legally sold.

For it to be transferred to you it has to undergo a Share transferal Agreement. To get that you would have to prove your mother is dead legally."

"But my mother is dead," I quickly told him.

"The process requires a death certificate and it is illegal to possess one before your mother's ashes or remains are in the ground. So you aren’t getting one before Monday. And the entire process takes 3 days, our way, 5-10 days normally.

So your mother's 20% and Jasmine's shares are out. So the company would have an executive board vote. In otherworld, the board of directors and the 40%, controlled by your father and you, will decide the fate of the company.

The Chairman would lead the voting and both of you control one side of the board. So you will be summoned as a shareholder and the others will be represented by a legal advisor appointed by the previous owner of the shares. So more than like it is Matron," he replied to me.

"My father speaks for 5%. He sold off much of the company to presume his criminal activities. Goblin speaks for 5% and the next 5% is owned by 7 others," I quickly interrupted saying.

Garret then asked, "And the last 5%?"

I then said, "Currently Unknown. As far as I know, he sold it to Karloff's. After their arrest, the New York Federal Emergency Management sold it to a private buyer. Their identity has remained anonymous.

But since day one a lawyer from Conquest Law always represents him/her. But voting has never been there for them"

Garret then said, "Ok so your father has the ball in his court."

I then asked, "How? I have a 20% majority."

He then said, "Yes! But 15% is an uneven playing field. So the Chairman will have to split it. And this means a win for your father, as Marcus will never go against him.

"My suggestion is to reach out to Goblin and get him on our side. The others will follow him. They follow him to us and all your father has is a seat at the table," replied Garret to me.

I then said, "Goblin and I haven't been friends in years. After Budapest and before Santiago's job offer, I was in Switzerland. We started a restaurant and wine bar. As money started to come, he changed. We have not spoken since I took the company with a hostile takeover.

He acquired the shares with the money he got. We haven't spoken since. I doubt he would start now. Look in 6 months to a year Jasmine would have Anderson Motors where we want it. Then we can take the board."

Garret then said, "Two things wrong with that picture. One, you and I have seen what your father can do with two hours of planning. Point in case Chicago 23 years ago. With 6 months to a year of planning, there is no telling what he can achieve.

Cristina can't run it as she lives with you and shares a child. If Anderson Motors is not a subsidiary, after tonight, then you are a rival. Conflict of interest will end Cristina's reign before it leaves the starting blocks."

I then said, "So in other words we need them to vote in our favor. The question is how?"

Garret then said, "If only you have married Cristina."

I then quickly said, "If only you hadn't smacked her ass. We would have made a great couple."

Garret leaned back and we both were puzzled. In the meantime, a blonde Goblin was having breakfast, at the Dragonhead Lounge. Joseph then sat down.

Goblin looked at him and asked, "Can I help you?"

Joseph pulled his Grey tuxedo Jacket and said, "You are here to vote in the Anderson Shareholders meeting."

Goblin then said, "I see Nicholas sent you. You don't look like any of his usual people."

"Anita McPherson's Estate sent me. And with that I say you will vote in Nicholas's favor," replied Joseph to me

Goblin got up and said, "You and Nicholas can go to hell."

As he walked off Joseph then said, "Information is power and I have a lot of info. I wonder what the CIA would say if they know that you got Nevis out of Iraq."

Goblin came back and asked, "You blackmailing me now?"

Joseph then said, "The days of Earl at the top are ending. I am Joseph Matron and I will change the power tables in Jamaica. So give me what I want or Intel goes to the CIA. You will not be missed.

Vote for Nick or go to prison. The choice is yours."

Joseph got up and put down a red 8 GB thumb drive.

He then said, "The drive is what I know and can prove. Out vote Earl and this stays between us. Or play for him and never see the light of day again. See you around Goblin."

Joseph then left. Goblin took up the drive. I was there when Samantha knocked.

As I looked at her she said, "Sir I have a Mr. Bores here to see you."

I looked at Garret and said, "Tell him to come in."

Samuel Bores, Chestnut's property manager, and my childhood friend walked in. I laughed and went to hug him.

I then said, "Samuel, what are you here? It’s been a while I haven't seen you."

"Well, you have not been to Chestnut in 32 years. And so I decided to come to visit the big CEO," he replied as I laughed.

"I will leave you to catch up with your friend," replied Garret as he walked away.

After he left Samuel sat down and I got him a drink.

I sat down on the sofa and said, "You are the last person I taught I would see today. I taught you were in France doing literature or Architecture."

He chuckled and said, "Well I was. I gained a PhD. in Civil Engineering four years after you left. Then I got a job offer with Alec Construction Group in London. While there I took short courses in Landscaping, Woodwork, Plumbing, Electrical and Concrete Art.

I spent 10 years at Alec Construction. I was a top engineer. And I traveled a lot."

I then asked, "How did you here?"

"Well about 18 years ago I was overlooked for a promotion. So I decided not to take orders from an idiot. So I quiet. I then started Bores Architectural Consulting Co. Limited. Then about 16 years ago the old man got sick.

I was going through some business problems. So I came home. And your mother decided to invest in exchange I took over for my father. Then he passed and I officially became the property manager 14 years today," I replied to him.

"Wow! Firstly I am sorry about your father. I wish I could have been there for his funeral but 14 years ago I was building my empire and working in Colombia," I quickly told him.

He exhaled and said, "I did get the orchids you sent. They are planted on his grave in the family plot. Your mom was adamant he must be buried there."

I nodded and said, "Yea! And now she is gone. I felt like I failed her. My goal of coming back here was so I could rescue her. But I failed."

"She was proud of you. Every time you popped up in the paper she framed it. She had a building dedicated to you. Her greatest wish was that you to find a wife and be happy in life," he replied to me.

I then exhaled and said, "Well I have the girl and daughter."

"So why haven't you married or knocked up another girl," he asked me and I said, "Well it is a complicated relationship. And my mom just complicated it. Then there is me moving back to Colombia."

"Why," a curious Sam asked me.

I then said, "Colombia is my home. It is the only place I was safe. And 19 years ago I found a father that gave me everything. I built a 15, 000-acre Avocado, Sugar cane, and Banana Plantation.

And a massive 7-floor presidential mansion. My plantation is 30 miles from Bogotá and brings me peace."

"Chestnut stands on 35 000 acres of land. It grows: Coconuts, Coffee, Sugar Cane, Yam, Tomatoes, Scotch barnet Peppers, Melon, Onions, and Mangoes. Not to mention your mom acquired the Franklin Vineyard next door.

It stands on 5 000 acres and grows grapes and strawberries. Not to mention it has a fully equipped winery. Plus we have a trucking company and your mother commissioned a Resort, on the old Standford Warehouse complex. So Chestnut is a large holding," replied Sam.

I then exhaled and said, "Which is why I had a new idea, Chestnut International Holdings PLC."

"I don't follow. What would that be," he quickly asked me.

I exhaled and said, "It would be a parent company of all the businesses. I glanced at the file on Chestnut. So far I have come up with the subsidiaries: Chestnut Estate Limited (for the land & farming), Chestnut Restaurant & Bar, Chestnut Winery Limited, Chestnut Trucking Company, Chestnut Bakery & Grill, Chestnut Foods limited, Chestnut Furniture, and Chestnut Hotel & Spa.

Those are the ones I came up with. Now I have e-mailed a proposal to Chestnut's email. Now I need you to put together a list of subsidiaries from the rest of the proposal. I want it on Sunday when I came down."

He nodded and said, "OK. I will have a business proposal when you come down. Your mother had a 10-floor building built on the property before she died. So I guessed it will be the Global HQ.

So it is safe to say I will see you on Sunday?"

"Yea! I will be down on Friday," I replied as I hugged him

He then left and I exhaled. Cristina walked in. She was in a tight red cocktail dress and carrying takeout bags.

I then asked, "What are you doing here?"

She then said, "Well my boyfriend is the boss. So I decided to come to see him."

I smiled and we shared a kiss. After I spanked her and she put down the takeout.

She then asked, "Did you just spank me?"

I then smiled and said, "Yes I did."

She then came in front of me. Then she pulled up her dress and bend over showing me her panties.

I stepped away and asked her, "What's up with you?"

She pulled down her dress and said, "I love you. And, I met your wedding planner."

My phone dropped out of my hand and I swallowed.