Rumors and Reactions
Dan and David sat by Dan's pool—Dan's cell phone placed between them—with Marcus speaking enthusiastically.
"… I mean she didn't believe a word I said, but when she looked into the two companies, she was truly excited. She has even authorized payment for the transport." He paused. "Did you know the financing for the boutique hotel construction was delayed? I asked around, it has something to do with risk."
"Risk? That makes no sense." David looked up at Dan as he spoke. "Jessica is out, and now Amber Ann is a risk?"
Dan nodded in agreement, but he didn't comment.
"Yes, some of her employees are furious. You know how everyone wants to protect Amber Ann. Will either of you want to be on site anytime soon?"
Dan shook his head—even though Marcus couldn't see him. "For now, no. I want to look into other things first. Keep us informed, though. Do you know if she needs anything—other than for the hotel?"
"No. Amber Ann is efficient, as always; there are currently no hiccups." Marcus paused again—this time longer. David frowned.
"What is it, Marcus? Speak up."
"Calm down, David." Dan smiled reassuringly to his best friend. He knew that David cared for Amber Ann as well—probably more than he himself. "Is there something, Marcus?"
"I am not sure, to be honest. It is just a rumor, but they are saying that Amber Ann has used up all of her money, and now she has dipped into her 401k so the hotel construction was not delayed. Some are a bit worried."
"Why would they be worried?" David scoffed. "Damon Lance Sr. is not going to let her fail."
Dan pursed his lips, deep in thought, and shook his head. "But you know Amber Ann—she does not typically ask for help."
"This is true."
"Marcus, keep us in the loop with this. Anything you hear, tell us, and if anything else crops up, I want to know about it as well."
"Of course, Dan. I am making crazy money off this deal, but I care about Amber Ann, too." There was a brief pause, and then Marcus spoke with more anger in his voice than either of the others had ever heard from him before. "She is too good to be treated like this."
"Then we are agreed that this is sabotage and not happenstance?"
"Damn right!"
Dan nodded at his friends' responses. He agreed as well, and he was going to do something about it.
"I will see what I can do to help her. Marcus, remember to keep us in the loop. I have to go and work on some things."
"I will, and I am ready to help—just call me."
They disconnected the call, and Dan watched his best friend pick up the phone and make another call. He knew exactly what his friend was doing. He smiled as he sipped his drink and waited to hear the next steps in Dan chasing his wife.
"Marsha. I need you to work on a new investment portfolio. I want to invest in the project at Blue Serene Lake."
"Okay, Mr. Trace. Just investments? There are still some properties available for sale there."
"You've been watching the development?"
"Of course. It is a sound, innovative business plan. It is going to make a lot of money."
"Good. See how much we can invest over the next five years and find us a good residential property there."
"Oh, I was hoping you would want residential. They are offering investment in, or purchase of, a six-villa property on the west side of the lake. It will have access to two lake docks, and they already have three construction plans to choose from."
Dan and David smiled to each other knowingly.
Dan disconnected the call and looked to his friend. David sipped his drink with a smile. "Your wife is an incredible woman."
"She is, and I need to make sure she stays my wife."
As Dan and David reacted to the news of Amber Ann's predicament, Amber Ann herself was feeling a bit of stress. She sat in her new house, the sunlight sparkling off the lake, looking over documents. Julia had sent over all her figures for the boutique hotel construction. She hadn't seen a problem, and Amber Ann couldn't see anything either.
The likelihood of Marcus releasing the money was looking pretty slim. She had taken a chance in using him, but she thought he would be professional about things.
The thought gave her pause. She looked up and closed her eyes. Fatigue streamed through her body like thick, smothering smoke.
"Jessica. I have given him up, and still you are bullying me."
She picked up her phone and moved to call Cristina, but changed her mind and called Virginia.
"Hi, Am! How are you? Come to dinner tonight—I can tell Dad misses you." Amber Ann sat quietly, unable to speak to her younger sister. "Amber? What's wrong?"
Tears trickled down Amber Ann's cheeks as she tried to regain her control.
"Amber?!"
"Virginia, Jessica will not leave things alone."
"What things? What has she done?"
"She is blocking financing for the resort project."
There was silence, and Amber Ann could feel her younger sister's anger.
"That bitch! I should have known. If you need money, Am, I…"
"No. I will fix my own financial issues. Help me with Jessica."
"Oh, Am. I have been waiting my entire life for you to say that."