On the run

Chapter 27

Pete was pacing his office, knowing something was about to happen so when his office phone rang, he knew the time had come. Ian had been voted to break the news.

"Pete, we need to see you in the boardroom right away."

"You said there was no board meeting Ian, so why am I being called there?" Pete asked angrily.

So the board had turned?

"Sorry Pete, it wasn't my idea, Yvonne was most insistent you were not invited."

"So, she made her move then made you call me to tell me?"

"If you come and meet with us, you'll have a chance to speak for yourself, we have some questions for you."

"So, she got her way? Have I been voted out?"

"In theory but you have the right to defend yourself. We got a majority vote but since one member abstained, the others decided it made sense to hear your side."

"I'll be with you shortly then but I insist Yvonne is barred from the meeting."

"Sorry, that's not possible, it was all I could do to let you have your say, they took some persuading."

Ian went back into the boardroom. "He's on his way."

"I don't know why you want to hear his side," Yvonne complained.

"Actually Yvonne," Julian informed her, "there is precedence for a director who has been voted out to make a plea."

"I must have missed that then," Yvonne replied sarcastically.

Pete just had time for a quick call to Jake.

"Jake, our worst fears are about to be realised. I'm on my way to the boardroom."

"Understood Pete, I'll tell Mickey and we'll put our emergency plan into play."

Back in the boardroom, Yvonne was making it clear that the job of director should automatically go to her.

"Yes, we know that Yvonne," Simon told her. "We should hear what Pete has to say and if we're not completely satisfied, then the vote has been taken and will be implemented. Then the board will appoint you as director."

"Such formalities Simon," Yvonne sneered. "Do what's best for the organization, relieve Pete of the role of director because he can't be trusted."

"You may have presented your case for his removal thoroughly Yvonne but some of it may be explained," Lee told her.

"What's to explain?" Yvonne huffed.

"There may be a reason, if indeed that was Rose at his house that night, I'd like to hear his side."

"I thought you voted him out? Having second thoughts?" Yvonne laughed.

"No but he was the one who got Torchwood started again, we should hear him out."

Yvonne thought she should have known most of the board members were spineless. Everyone looked up when the door opened and Pete stood there.

"So, it's come to this has it?" Pete asked defiantly.

He knew if it wasn't for the fact both Rose and Jackie were in danger of being exposed, he'd just give up and let then get on with it.

"Sit down Pete," Ian invited him. "Yvonne has made a good case for you being removed so I need to ask you some questions."

"Well, go ahead, I've nothing to hide, unlike Yvonne."

"What are you talking about?" Yvonne asked indignantly.