At precisely noon, the press conference started. John looked over at his family before the lights shone on him. He had asked that we not talk to him before he began, though he wanted to meet with us all afterward.
I had a feeling if he’d spoken to any one of us, his emotions would have gotten the better of him, rendering him unable to speak.
John gave us all a nod and then turned toward the hungry press. They had each received a press kit as they’d walked in today, and they were salivating to get at John. John had known this would be the case and had dispensed with having anyone give an introduction as to why the press conference was called and who would be addressing them.
“Thank you for coming today,” he started. His voice, though regal, shook a bit. “I will make this brief. As you can see in your press kit, there is a joint statement from Holland Industries and Mattson Oil and Gas about the details of the sale and ownership,” he said, referencing the company out of Texas where Brant had been spending so much time working out this deal.
“Today, I would like to make a personal statement. First of all, I would like to thank the employees of Holland Industries, both past and present. Each of their roles, whether great or small, made Holland Industries a leader in the oil and gas industry. And I know they will continue that legacy of greatness at Mattson. For that, you have my deepest appreciation.”
Brant had told me that Holland Industries would no longer exist under the merger and takeover. The conglomerate would fall under the Mattson Oil and Gas name. It was for the best, for the company and its employees. Apparently, one of John’s biggest concerns during the sale had been the future of his employees. He had even made a provision to give each current Holland employee a nice bonus from the money John was personally receiving from the sale. The man was a walking dichotomy, so generous, but he had the power to be lethal.
“On a more personal note, I would like to honor my family. To express gratitude for the generations of men and women who came before me, who paved the way and left me great shoes to fill. And most importantly, I want to thank those who,” his voice hitched, “stand with me this day: my beautiful wife, children, and grandchildren. They have taught me more about what integrity and loyalty mean than all my years at school, as a business leader, and as a senator. It was just last year that my son stood here and renounced his candidacy for the US Senate. He quoted Thucydides: ‘The secret to happiness is freedom. And the secret to freedom is courage.’ I would like to add that the secret to courage is love.”
With misty eyes, John turned toward his family. “Thank you for giving me the courage to take this step. I love you.” He turned back to the eager reporters.
They barraged him with question after question. What prompted the sale? How did he benefit from it all? What did he think of the recent election? Was he thinking of running again? He answered each question deftly.
As we waited for him, I watched Sheridan, Brock, and Brant stand a little taller as they caught glimpses of the man they knew and loved. Even Dani looked mildly impressed, though John Holland had a long way to go before his daughter-in-law would sing his praises. But even she was conflicted about the man. Like Brant had said, love wasn’t black and white. It was complicated and layered, like people themselves.
I leaned into Brant to let him know I was there for him. He wrapped an arm around me and kissed my head. He said nothing, but I felt the love. Glancing over, I could see Dani giving the same support to her husband. Brock placed his hand on her abdomen as if reminding himself there were good things to look forward to, even amid the chaos coming our way.
When the press conference was over, we were ushered into John’s private office. And, oh, what an office it was. The only time I had ever been inside Holland Industries was years ago for some corporate party Dani had begged me to attend with her. That had taken place in the courtyard. I’d thought that was nice. It had nothing on John’s office, which had more square footage than my grandparents’ entire house. It was decked out with a bar, seating area, and flat screen that took up an entire wall. There was a masculine vibe with leather and fine dark wood furniture. And yes, there were pictures of John on the wall as well as pictures of his predecessors. I still found it weird.