ManBeast - Book 1: A Kingdom of Predators

Chapter 4

CHAPTER 4

Lunch was plagued by the same thoughts from earlier; the questioning and tirade by Theodore had reopened old wounds for Jules. Painful memories of a childhood rife with teasing and instances of loneliness filled his thoughts, so comparable to the day's earlier events. It was hard to work past such harm and pain; such memories aren't lost so easily.

Lost in the throes of days past, Jules failed to notice that Frankie approached him and sat next to him on the bench. Slowly, Frankie placed his enormously bushy but well-manicured hand on Jules' shoulder. Jules could feel that Frankie was once again, "uncomfortable".

"Uhm, how are you feeling, Julius?" Frankie asked quietly, Jules turned slowly to face Frankie, who felt the instant hostility emanating from him. "I apologize, truly. I suspected that someone in the meeting would try something, but I couldn't be sure as to who. Theodore Talassi is brilliant in financial analytics, security, and management, but poor in interpersonal communication and tact. Doesn't justify his actions, but it's true," said Frankie. Jules said nothing, continuing to stare at Frankie in a furious silence. Frankie removed his hand from Jules' shoulder and continued on: "The firm's general partners are an interesting bunch, distinct personalities that have their own way of conducting business. Theodore' s personality, or lack thereof, is evident. Raymond Grotto, the man who stood up at the end of Theodore's..." performance" ... is the most senior among us. Typically, he is level headed and pragmatic, but aloof and interested in only in the best outcome possible. Pauline Finch, the woman who was sitting to his right, is extremely market/public relations savvy and "in the know"; the only one of us who earned her way up the firm's ladder, all the way from an entry level secretary position. You're already familiar with Marjorie I assume; "the streets" view her as "friendly, but terrifying." Definitely a "fixer" type; gets the job done. I'd say the notion of her being terrifying is fairly accurate; I trained her as an HR manager back in the day."

Jules frowned and spoke aloud his thoughts: "The streets?" Frankie then adjusted his glasses slightly with his index finger and closed his eyes in a smug manner: "The grapevine of the office; employee talk and gossip." Jules gave a sigh and shook his head, half-heartedly amused at the nomenclature. Frankie continued on with a chuckle: "Diedre is probably only interested in the status of being a partner but..."

"What are you doing? I didn't ask you about any of this" Jules interrupted. Frankie's expression stated calm, despite the informality Jules displayed towards him for the first time. "I'm making you aware of this jungle's "top predators", Julius. They are the biggest obstacle you will have to overcome if you are to be successful here and elsewhere. The success of this park reconstruction will open doors for you," Frankie answered coolly. Before Frankie could continue, Jules interrupted again: "Why did you not stop Theodore before he decided to rail on me like that? I didn't know what to say! He obviously had an agenda, something I was not made fully privy to before stepping into that room. I was hired as a subcontractor to assist in this project, not be belittled by my employers. Is there something you're not telling me, Frankie? Is there a reason they all seem to want to tout my genetic makeup before giving deference to my work? Do you think I really want or need to put up with any of this??"

Frankie's calm expression changed to one of pain, but carried an air of apprehension to it. The sense of "uncomfortability" surrounding Frankie became almost palpable to Jules, which only served to further his self-righteous indignation. This was too much; after a moment, Jules stood up and dusted off his pants and shirt. "I'm going back to the office," said Jules. Without another word, Jules turned a left an unusually quiet Frankie sitting on the bench; "uncomfortable" now had its own persona.