BEFORE THE BOARD.

CHAPTER 32: BEFORE THE BOARD.

Justin and Mr Bishop were up bright and morning the next as they had a busy day ahead of them. 

Justin followed Mr Bishop out of the house, and they got into their car. Justin noticed that only their car moved, and they headed not to the gate, but behind the mansion. Justin was confused as to where they were headed, but held his peace.

Soon after, they alighted from their vehicle, and Justin's mouth was gaped as he was in awe at what he saw. 

They had parked at a private airstrip he didn't know was there, with all his supposed exploration of the Estate. 

The pilot started the chopper when he sighted them. They bent their heads, as Gomez took the lead walking them to the chopper. They got in and got strapped, and the pilot took off, taking them to the office.

Justin was seated by the window and looked through, seeing the city below him. He looked so excited, flying in the chopper. 

"First time flying in one of these?" Mr Bishop asked Justin, through the headphones. 

"Yeah," Justin nodded. "The view from this height is amazing!" 

Mr Bishop smiled, happy to see his son happy. 

Not long after, the pilot landed the helicopter on the rooftop helipad and they got off the chopper. Some of the guards awaited them at the rooftop. They greeted them as they approached the them. 

Mr Bishop nodded in acknowledgement, not stopping in his movement. Justin looked at the men, and noticed how that Mr Bishop had a lot men at his disposal. He wondered if they were all hired. 

He shrugged the thought off, assuming the latter. The used the private elevator and got to Mr Bishop's office.

"Good morning sir," Agnes greeted when she saw them coming. She made it to work early as usual.

"Good morning Agnes," Mr Bishop greeted.

"Hello, sir," Agnes greeted Justin, thirsting after him from the way she looked at him.

"Hey," Justin responded, feeling irked at the way she looked at him. Justin wore a will fitted black suit, but had not got a fresh hair cut in nearly two weeks. So he wondered what made Agnes look at him in such a way. He felt he wasn't looking his best. 

The moment the door unlocked, Justin rushed in, using the opportunity to get away from the lust filled looks of Agnes. 

"Can I get you your coffee sir?" Agnes graciously asked Mr Bishop.

"No, thank you. I'm okay," he replied. She nodded in acknowledgement, and walked, exiting the office. 

Gomez handed Mr Bishop his bag and he opened it, bringing out all the documents he came with, necessary for the transition of leadership.

"When will Salazar get here?" Mr Bishop asked Gomez. 

"He should be here soon, sir. He is aware of the urgency," Gomez replied. 

"Good!" Mr Bishop remarked as he went through the documents. 

Justin observed to see how meticulous Mr Bishop was. He saw how he coordinated himself. He was once again reminded of why he admired Mr Bishop, even from afar. But this time, it was up close.

After a while, Mr Bishop checked his watch, then his telephone rang. 

"Agnes," he answered.

"The board members have all arrived," she revealed. 

"Excellent!" he said, ending the call, sighing.

"It's time," Mr Bishop sighed, getting up. Justin and Gomez stood up as well and followed after him.

As they got close to the board room, he halted, stopping at the entrance.

"Remember what I said in the office right?" Mr Bishop asked Justin.

"Sure, I do," Justin affirmed. Mr Bishop nodded his head and walked in.

All the board members were seated. He got to his seat at the head of the table and sat down. 

"Good morning everyone," he greeted. "Well, all know why we're here, so I'll cut to the chase." 

All the board members braced themselves, waiting to see who the new person, more competent than Mr Bishop, was.

"Let me present to you, the new CEO of Cap Industries, my son, Justin," Mr Bishop said, making a hand gesture towards the door, as Justin confidently walked in, and headed to where Mr Bishop stood. He turned and faced the board members, putting on a confident front.

The board members gasped, seeing how young and good looking he was. Mr Blake started clapping, and they all joined in, clapping as they stood up. Mr Bishop also joined in, clapping for his son.

Justin smiled at them in appreciation. 

"So, he shall be the new CEO. So, begin getting familiar with this handsome face, as you'll be a whole lot of it henceforth," Mr Bishop said, cracking them up with a little bit of laughter.

"Congratulations Justin," Mr Bishop shook his hands. 

"Thank you," Justin replied, smiling. All the board members walked up to Justin, shaking him as they congratulated him. 

___________

Duke was seated alone in a restaurant, flipping through his phone. A waitress who had noticed that he had been there for nearly thirty minutes without ordering anything, walked up to him.

"Sir, is anything the matter? Can I get you something?" 

"Um, no, not yet. I can't have anything until the person whom I'm waiting for arrives."

"Okay. How about you-"

"It's okay Heidi," Alex interrupted. "I'm the one he's been waiting for."

"Oh. It's alright then," replied, as she knew Alex. 

Duke pursed his lips, almost glaring at Alex. Alex just laughed softly as he sat opposite Duke.

"So, what can I get you both?" she asked, getting out her pen and notepad.

"Just a taco would do. No, make it two. I've worked up quite some appetite," Alex said, winking at Heidi. She blushed at what he did. 

Duke just shook his head, still pursing his lips, witnessing that.

"How about you?" she asked Duke.

"French fries and chicken." 

"Okay. Coming right up," she said walking away. 

"Hey man. What's up?" Alex greeted casually.

"Don't ever keep me waiting like this again," Duke said angrily. 

"Sorry man, I couldn't help it. I was caught up with a lot of work you know."

"Hmm. Alex of all people has been converted to a working class man. I never thought live to see the day," Duke said sarcastically.

"Dude, you literally knew about everything," Alex said defensively.

"Well, I didn't think you'd last this long. How long has it been? Four months?"

"Haha. Real funny," Alex rolled his eyes.

"I wasn't cut out for that shit like you know, running daddy's store," Alex added.

Duke chuckled softly. 

"So, we still can't see Justin yet huh?" Alex asked.

"Yeah, for now, I hope."

"I just hope he's doing okay," Alex said.

Just then Heidi returned with their order. They received it appreciatively, and began eating. Alex ate voraciously, while Duke ate more calmly.

"What do you think is going on with him?" Alex asked. 

Duke paused, looking blankly at nothing in particular. "I don't know man. I don't know."