Chapter 10: The Photograph

Roland Haldeman held the board meeting at eight the next morning with the photograph already on the screen.

It was a good shot.

My head was tipped back against a steel shelf, my sweater was pushed up, and Nolan's mouth was on my neck.

The room was very quiet.

Five chairs, four people, and the picture twelve feet wide.

"I'm sorry to do this," Roland said, with his hand over his heart.

"But the Dray seat has a fiduciary duty.

Ms. Dray has been seen in a compromising situation with the CEO, who is a party to her pending divorce."

Colm sat beside him, wearing a small, contented smile.

"The board cannot be seen to allow a conflicted vote," Roland said.

"I move that the Dray seat be suspended until the divorce is finalized."

Nolan stood.

"Roland, that's me in the photograph.

Leave her out of it."

"Sit down, Nolan," Colm said.

"You're not on the board."

My face was hot, and I was glad it was only my face.

I stood up, and I took my time.

"I'd like to see the picture again," I said.

Roland blinked.

"Excuse me?"

"Put it back on the screen.

I want everyone to look at it carefully."

He hesitated, then clicked.

I walked to the screen and stood beside it in my father's blazer.

"This is a photograph of two adults," I said.

"One of them is married to the other, and has been for two years.

We were in a cold room at ten at night.

We kissed.

I started it."

Somebody coughed.

"Roland, my father's papers say the Dray seat can't be suspended, assigned, or pledged.

I read you that clause last Monday.

Are you telling me that a kiss in a freezer is grounds to break my father's founding charter?"

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