Weeks ago when I came to Middleton I was focussed on furthering my career at Great North Corp. I had no ambitions beyond that.
I had no idea I had already been chosen to be spokesperson for the firm, a decision based more on appearance than talent. To be blunt, Bane wanted me to market the firm and be its face simply because in the opinion of the other execs I looked like I had been sent from central casting to be their fair-haired boy and project a wholesome image.
Bane did his best to suppress the darker and more troubling aspects of his real corporate plan which involved compromising powerful government officials and pressuring insiders in the firm to comply or face devastating consequences, some of which involved using demonic tactics to oppress and coerce reluctant execs.
Simply reflecting on Bane’s devilish schemes made the events of the past month seem surreal.
“We should talk about next steps,Sugar,” Andie said over breakfast, “what’s the plan?”
“I really don’t think we should stay here or be in any way associated with Great North Corp. Are you still okay with moving to Toronto, this time as Mrs. Rowan? Father Breton said he’d be honoured to conduct the marriage ceremony.”
“Of course I haven’t changed my mind, Darling—Andie Rowan…the name has a nice ring to it.”
As we were talking, I gazed dreamily into space trying to picture my future.
“I’m going to talk to some contacts I have in the investment industry, In the past, people have offered me positions in firms—I don’t think the value of Rowan Enteprises has declined in the past few months.”
“I’d think, if anything, it’s increased in value,” she smiled.
“We’ll soon find out,” I replied, and at that moment the phone rang and I saw it was Noah.
It was telling that after Maggie’s indiscreet kiss, she backed off the case and let Noah handle things. I wondered if that were her choice.
I put my cell on speakerphone so Andie could also listen.
“Good morning,” Noah sang cheerily into the phone, “I wanted to let you both know that Bane has been arrested. We decided to act before the Empowerment session scheduled for tonight since we already had enough on Bane. Right now the firm’s board is in damage control trying to decide on his replacement.I’m sure you’ll be advised on their decisions.”
“Actually, I’m handing in my resignation, so I don’t really care what the directors decide. Am I free to return to Canada?”
“You are. We don’t actually need any of your testimony—we have enough material from other eye witnesses and at this moment, we’re executing search warrants of Bane’s home and the firm’s offices.”
When I put down the cell, Andie was ecstatic.
“I feel like shouting Free at Last!” she laughed, “I feel like we’ve been emancipated.”
“Believe me, serving darkness and being oppressed by a tyrant like Bane is akin to slavery.”
“I say, Amen to that, Sugar—it seems all that’s holding us back is selling this house and me wrapping up the few remaining house deals I have left.”
“Well, the end is in sight—that’s for sure.”
I then kissed her deep and long and whispered, “Actually, I think our lives have only just begun.”
