Richard slammed his hand against the table inside the marina office.
"There is nothing to review! I am the client!"
The executive paused.
"Mr. Whitmore, the vessel's safety certification cannot be overridden by a client's preference."
Richard ended the call.
He looked toward the yacht.
Marcus was standing beside the gangway, reviewing another document.
Richard approached again.
"I've spoken to the company."
Marcus looked up.
"All right, sir."
"They're reviewing your conduct."
"I understand."
"And I expect you to be removed."
Marcus nodded.
"You are entitled to raise a complaint."
Richard stared.
"Is that all you have to say?"
"Yes, sir."
Richard pointed toward the vessel.
"I want you to understand something. This yacht represents millions of dollars. People like you are paid to serve people like me."
Marcus answered:
"People who operate vessels are paid to protect everyone aboard."
Richard's face tightened.
"You're becoming very comfortable talking back."
Marcus remained calm.
"I'm simply explaining my professional responsibility."
Richard looked around.
He noticed several employees watching.
His pride would not allow him to retreat.
He stepped closer and pointed a finger toward Marcus's chest.
"Take that uniform off. You're finished."
Marcus glanced at the finger.
Then he looked back at Richard.
"Please don't touch me, sir."
Richard withdrew his hand.
For a moment, neither man spoke.
Then Richard laughed.
"You really believe you're untouchable."
Marcus replied:
"No. I believe the rules should apply to everyone."
CHAPTER 7: THE FIRST CRACK IN RICHARD'S EMPIRE
Richard returned to his private office later that afternoon.
His assistant, Lauren, was waiting.
She had worked for him for nearly twelve years.
She knew his moods.
She also knew that when Richard became angry, everyone around him was expected to agree.
"Mr. Whitmore, the board has requested an urgent meeting."
Richard removed his jacket.
"About what?"
"Several outstanding maintenance contracts."
Richard frowned.
"What about them?"
"They want an explanation regarding the recent audit."
He looked at her.
"What audit?"
Lauren hesitated.
"The independent review of the vessel maintenance division."
Richard's expression changed.
"Who authorized that?"
"The investment committee."
Richard walked toward his desk.
"Who is leading it?"
Lauren checked her tablet.
"An external review team appointed by the new controlling shareholder."
Richard stopped.
"What did you say?"
"The new controlling shareholder."
He stared at her.
For years, Richard had believed he could control every important decision within the company.
He knew there had been changes in the ownership structure, but he had paid little attention to them.
He assumed the new investors would remain passive.
After all, he had built the company's public reputation.
He believed nobody would challenge him.
"Who is this shareholder?" he demanded.
Lauren opened the report.
"The name is Marcus Reed."
Richard stared.
For a few seconds, he did not speak.
Then he laughed.
"Marcus Reed?"
"Yes, sir."
"The captain?"
Lauren looked confused.
"I'm not sure what you mean."
Richard walked toward the window.
He remembered the young captain standing on the dock.
The calm expression.
The refusal to obey.
The confidence.
Suddenly, the pieces began falling into place.
He turned toward Lauren.
"Find out everything about him."
CHAPTER 8: THE NAME THAT BROUGHT BACK THE PAST
Richard searched his memory.
Marcus Reed.
The name sounded familiar.
Then he remembered Thomas Reed.
The mechanic.
The employee who had challenged the company's maintenance records more than a decade earlier.
Richard's expression hardened.
Thomas had been a difficult employee.
He had questioned invoices.
He had refused to approve certain repair documents.
He had threatened to expose irregularities.
Richard had considered him disloyal.
Eventually, Thomas had been dismissed.
Richard had assumed the matter was finished.