When She Comes

Chapter 48 - The Farewell Project

Each of the three gentleman arrived five minutes apart and were asked to use separate entrances off the loft complex in the Minneapolis warehouse district. They were escorted to different conference rooms and given a bottle of water, a legal pad and a pen.

All of this is how Valeria intended, and what Prince agreed upon. Her guidance was invaluable and he could see why the de Vries are a successful business family.

The final legalities with Phaedra, Kirk, Judith and Meron was up to the court system, and God. But these men...well...Prince was hopeful they would be the last necessary ingredients to formulate and execute Prince's exit strategy from Minneapolis, and in turn, public life.

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"And furthermore the fact that you neglected to contact me to keep us abreast of our project together and your sudden personal situation...well...it was beyond unprofessional."

Admonished for the way as handled her sudden leave of absence from her 3M project, Sabine was more than embarrassed. "Yes sir...I do understand. A family emergency like this was totally unforeseen. It was never..."

"Do you know how difficult it is to reach the level of a 3M preferred vendor? We do not hand that out willy nilly, yet I elevated you to that status within a few months of working with you."

"Which was totally appreciated Sir and I..."

Unbeknownst to Sabine, Prince had entered the studio overhearing her speakerphone conversation and was heartbroken to hear Sabine get chastised by her client, all because of him.

He was unclear as to why she was listening to this foolery when they were leaving for the island soon was beyond his comprehension, but that was Sabine...responsible.

"You gave me no choice Sabine, I contacted Lisa Asp." Mr. Ferguson sternly reprimanded.

As quick as he said it she groaned an "Ohhh..." and muted the phone exasperated by the stressful lashing. "Sweet Lord..." She whispered running her fingers through her hair and trying to relieve the tension by continuously brushing her forehead.

Lisa was the president of the Twin Cities Professional Photographers Association, and while the association was predominantly for educational purposes, it housed the most elite photographers in the Cities and those colleagues she most admired.

"Ms. de Vries are you still there?" He sniped at her lack of response.

Sniffing hard before unmuting the phone, she responded humbly. "Of course I am Mr. Ferguson. I so wish that I could change how this played out..."

"Tell me why you couldn't have called me. Not a heads up email, not a call in transit nor a voicemail to guide me as to your whereabouts or how long you might be gone."

In that moment, Prince understood how much allegiance Sabine had to him. Not one word did she utter blowing the whistle on who she was with, and even if she did it would sound almost...unbelievable.

"Mr. Ferguson...I do apologize. Sincerely I do. The circumstances surrounding my departure can be described as mysterious at best but I unfortunately cannot disclose the details...I..."

Prince couldn't let this go on any longer. Valeria's lessons were creeping up on him and couldn't allow his need for privacy to overshadow Sabine's pristine work reputation.

"It's Mr. Ferguson, did I hear your name correctly?" Prince questioned him authoritatively and his entrance to the studio and participation startled Sabine.

The extended pause clued Prince in that Mr. Ferguson was just as surprised at someone listening in on their call.

"Before you get anymore upset Mr. Ferguson I'd like to explain."