A Perfect Strategy. Anna Sugden

Чтение книги онлайн.

СКАЧАТЬ wonder why he’s flying to New Jersey when he was in New York a week ago.”

      “I guess all will be revealed shortly.” Sally smiled. “I got some of your favorite pastries, so don’t let the vultures in the boardroom grab them all.”

      “Thank you.” Sapphie waggled her fingers. “I’ll catch up with you later.”

      Entering the packed boardroom, she noted that all the department directors were seated alongside the legal team. There was definitely about to be a major announcement. Excitement bubbled through her.

      Marty bounded over, his dark eyes alight with excitement. “Ah, good, you’re here, Bella Sapphire. Before I forget, Gloria said to tell you that you’re to come to dinner tonight. No excuses or I’ll be in big trouble.”

      Sapphie smiled. He might act as if Gloria was a scary harridan, but Sapphie knew better. His sweet, diminutive wife adored him. And while he might be a ruthless Rottweiler in business, Marty was like a spaniel puppy when it came to Gloria. “I wouldn’t want you to get into trouble. Besides, it’ll be lovely to see her again and catch up.”

      “Excellent. I’ll let her know. Now, grab a coffee and we can get started.”

      She’d barely settled in her chair, midway down the long mahogany table, when Marty took center stage in front of the enormous plasma screen showing his corporate logo. The room quieted instantly.

      Rocking on his feet, he brought up his first slide. “We’ve had a successful year. Our current portfolio is strong, profitable and growing ahead of market projections. It would have been nice to have done better in the NBA play-offs, but we made it to the party for the first time in five years.”

      Around the table, everyone smiled and nodded. As Marty went on to praise the management team, highlighting the roles key departments had played—which included a generous acknowledgment of Sapphie’s work—a sense of anticipation built.

      He didn’t keep them in suspense too long. “I’m not one to rest on my laurels and I’m always seeking new opportunities. I like to acquire businesses where I see great synergy, as well as potential for growth and improved profitability. I also kinda like sports.”

      Everyone laughed on cue; Marty’s desire to own a full complement of sports franchises—major and minor—was well-known.

      “So, I’m pleased to tell you that on Friday we will be in New Jersey announcing to the media that I have bought the Ice Cats. Ladies and gentlemen, we have ourselves a hockey team. And not just any team, but the current Stanley Cup champions.” Marty rubbed his hands together. “This is going to be fun.”

      There was a moment of shocked silence as the news sank in. Then the room erupted with applause and chatter.

      Sapphie was stunned. Although he’d asked her to assess the viability of owning one of the NHL’s expansion teams versus acquiring an existing franchise, the Ice Cats hadn’t been mentioned—other than as a pipe dream. Marty had grown up supporting the Ice Cats, but as far as she’d known, they weren’t for sale.

      Sure, there had been rumors of the Scartelli brothers’ financial trouble following some unwise investments, but they’d always managed to brush the speculation aside. Obviously, their most recent highly publicized refinancing deal wasn’t as sound as they’d led everyone to believe.

      Marty waved his hands, silencing the room. “I’m glad you’re as enthusiastic about this new venture as I am, but we have a lot to do before we leave on Thursday. So let’s get down to the nuts and bolts.”

      For the next couple hours, he and his vice president of business development took them through the acquisition. What soon became clear was that although the franchise was highly successful on the ice, it wasn’t making nearly enough money. Its profitability had declined considerably during the Scartellis’ ownership, driven largely by the brothers’ whims. Splashy promotional initiatives with poor returns, which at the time Sapphie, as a fan, had thought were unwise, had left the business in a weak financial condition.

      The Scartelli brothers, realizing they were in trouble and unwilling to let the National Hockey League take over the team, had approached Marty, who’d been only too willing to buy his favorite team—for a knockdown price, naturally.

      When they finally broke for lunch, Sapphie approached Marty. “Congratulations. That’s one heck of a move.”

      “I told you this would be worth rearranging your schedule.” Marty grinned. “I want you to be my right-hand woman with the Ice Cats. Given what you’ve helped me achieve with my basketball team, I know you can do the same with this team. And you’ll be happier advising me on a sport you like, yes?”

      “Of course. But I warn you, I’ll be adding a pair of season tickets to the terms and conditions of the new contract, and they won’t be in the nosebleeds.”

      He laughed. “Taken as read. Now eat. We have a long afternoon ahead of us. I want as much out of you as I can get before you have to head to Chicago.”

      “Yes, boss.” She gave him a smart salute, then headed over to the trays of food on the mahogany credenzas.

      As she filled her plate, Sapphie’s mind whirred with all that she’d have to do. Not least, alert her team, in the Chicago office, that they were about to get doubly busy. In fact, she should look into hiring more staff. She could afford the added expense because this new contract would cement her business’s success.

      Looked like she’d be spending more time in New Jersey after all. That would be great for seeing Issy and Sophia. And, of course, watching games.

      She’d just bitten into a sandwich when it occurred to her that it also increased the possibility of seeing Scotty again. Sapphie chewed determinedly, even though she might have been eating one of the handouts for all that she could taste the food. She swallowed hard, then drained a small bottle of water.

      What was she worried about? Scotty wasn’t with the team any longer. Not that she’d deal with the players on a daily basis anyway, but she always believed in talking to the whole organization as part of her evaluation process. Besides, although it was inevitable that she’d run into him, it wouldn’t be on this initial trip or even for a while.

      She’d cross that bridge when she came to it.

      * * *

      “DRUMMER FOR A BAND?” Scott stopped lacing his skate and took his cell from where he’d lodged it between his ear and his shoulder. “Maybe I should come and check this new boyfriend out.”

      He was only half teasing. He didn’t like the thought of some long-haired, drugged-out musician putting his hands on Angela.

      “Da-ad.” His daughter gave a loud, put-upon sigh. “I’m twenty-one and can take care of myself. I don’t need you vetting my dates anymore.”

      “Maybe not, but it wouldn’t hurt for Sean to know what will happen to him if he doesn’t treat you right.”

      “I’ll give him a taste of the business end of your hockey stick, like you showed me.”

      Scott grinned. “That’s my girl.”

      “Got to go, or I’ll be late for class. Love you.”

      “Love СКАЧАТЬ