Hostile Takeover (2)

It is a cold and unfeeling room.  The walls have a very light brownish tint to them and the floor is carpeted with royal blue carpeting.  One singular large window takes up nearly the entire wall, showing the skyline of Palm Beach County, Florida where Dean and Ginger Collins, parents of Michael Collins and Summer Collins, called home.  In the center of the room is a large oval table.  At one end one can find Summer Collins with her husband Neil Newman.  Complete silence dominates the atmosphere right now.  It’s an unfortunate but necessary reason that Summer has to be here; the reading of the will.  Just one question remains; where is Michael?

“Where the hell are you, Michael?” Summer asks with a frustrated tone.  “Not that it matters.  The attorney isn’t even here yet.”

Neil grabs and squeezes Summer’s hand “He’ll be here, don’t worry.” 

“Oh I know,” Summer sighs “he’s always late.”

“Could be traffic related, possibly?” Neil says. 

“Or schmoozing with big wigs.” Summer chuckles. “The lifestyle of the rich and famous has always been for Michael; not me.  No doubt he and the attorney are probably downstairs in the lobby somewhere making small talk.”

“Wouldn’t shock me.” Neil shrugs. “I can go downstairs, hurry things along if those two are busy talking about their stock options.”

Summer shakes her head. “No, it’s ok.  I’m just being impatient.  I should be used to it by now, though.  It’s who he is, it’s the lifestyle he lives.  It’s my brother.”

Neil leans over and kisses Summer on the cheek. “I have no idea what is in store for you. Could be huge. Could be nothing. No matter what comes of this, brother or not, you two will need each other now more than ever.” 

It is at that moment that the door to the conference room starts to open.  A few moments later Summer’s brother, Michael Collins, emerges.  He is flanked by none other than the attorney.  Both men are wearing nice, slick suits.  The first thing Michael does is approach his sister.  Summer stands up and the two embrace in a tight hug.

“What the hell kept you, Michael?!”

“Nice seeing you too, Summer.” He chuckles.

“Does it have anything to do with Meagan?” Summer asks.  “I notice she’s not with you today.”

Meagan is Michael’s wife, Summer’s sister-in-law.  Michael shakes his head. “Meaganr’s fine, just still recovering from the injuries sustained in GCW.  Traffic was what made me late.  Lucky, I arrived just about the same time Mr. Morton the attorney arrived.”

Summer shakes the attorney’s hand.  She knows him well; this has been the Collins family attorney for as long as she can recall. “Nice seeing you again, Josh.”

“Nice seeing you, Summer.  Of course I recognize Michael.  But who is this?” He asks, motioning to Neil.

“This is my husband, Neil.  Neil, this is Josh Morton, our family attorney.”

Neil stands up. He offers Josh Morton his hand. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Morton.”

Josh, being polite, shakes Neil’s hand. “Nice to meet you too. Wish it was under better circumstances.”

Neil nods. “I agree.”

Josh sighs. “Well, if everyone will be seated we can begin.”

Michael, Neil, and Summer find seats at the table.  Josh is the last to sit.  Before sitting down, the attorney produces a large envelope from his coat and places it upon the table. 

“This envelope contains the last will and testament of Dean Collins, father of Michael and Summer.  I was instructed to keep its contents an absolute secret until the children could meet and hear it at the same time.” He takes the envelope and opens it.  He produces a document from inside. “As everyone in this room knows, what started out as a small business for Dean Collins eventually grew to become a powerhouse corporation.  Collins Incorporated now branches out to cover multiple industries, including but not limited to modeling and many other chains of stores, restaurants, and so many popular brands that fall under its umbrella.  This powerful business empire started out as a small business and that illustrates something special about the man known as Dean Collins who we knew and loved.  That business made him a great deal of cash and that, along with the business itself, must be handled appropriately as per the terms of the will.  But first, I have been instructed to read this hand written letter by Dean Collins himself.”

The attorney produces another document from the envelope. “Mr. Collins wrote this the day he and I finalized the will.  He asked that I read this, and so I shall.”

He clears his throat. “My children, Michael and Summer, you no doubt are hearing this at a time of grief.  If you are hearing this, then no doubt your mother and I have passed.  In my lifetime I have created many businesses under the Collins Incorporated umbrella, starting with my very first convenience store and now including so many other chains of stores and eateries across the nation.  Am I proud of what I have accomplished?  Yes.  But my greatest achievement and greatest accomplishment is the two of you.  A man must always remember priorities in life and no amount of money or trophies can take the place of one’s family.  This said, I will let you know now that all of the total accumulated wealth in mine and Ginger’s bank accounts, down to the last penny, is to be split evenly between the both of you.  As for my business, your birthright, Collins Incorporated will go in its entirety to Summer.  I hope you continue to remain loving of one another, supportive of one another, and I hope you always remember that your mother and I loved you.  Always.”

The attorney places the note down.  He sighs. “I can confirm that the will does indeed say precisely that.  But if anyone in the room wishes to read it themselves, I will allow it.”

Neil motions for the attorney to slide the document over to him. Josh does so. Neil goes reads through the document to make sure everything Josh said was as he presented. He then slides the document over to Michael so he can read it. Neil leans into Summer’s ear. “I’m not an expert on these things... looks legit to me.”

Summer’s eyes grow wide with shock. “What…?”

“Well,” Michael stands up as he passes the will back to the attorney “I have dabbled in some law and I can say that it does appear accurate.”

 Michael approaches Summer and smiles. “I guess congratulations are in order.”

“I had no idea, Michael.” She shakes her head. “Why would he give it to me?  You’re the businessman.  Not me!”

“I don’t know what is logic was.  It doesn’t matter.  The company is yours now.” Michael nods. “And I couldn’t be happier for you.”

Neil looks at Michael. “Summer may be in control, legally. Collins Incorporated is a family business. Your father would love nothing more then his children standing side by side, keeping the family business alive so the next generation will takeover.”

“Of course.  And Summer,” he looks again Summer “I am always here for you.  You need anything, anything at all to assist you in running the business, just let me know.  You are not alone.”

“I know.” Summer nods her head. “Thanks, Michael.”

“A lot of the business jargon confuses me--” Neil lightly chuckles. “-- anything I can do to help, let me know. Don’t know what I can do, I’m here to support you anyway I can..”

“Thanks guys.” Summer says, forcing an uneasy smile on her face. “I appreciate the support, I definitely need it.”