“Yes, I forgot to tell you about that wonderful encounter with that asshole. She had the nerve to say, I can’t believe they let the Sidney James go. I was five seconds from punching her in her throat,” I reply, tasting the bitter encounter as I speak the words.
“I can’t with her,” Chloe scoffs from the living area.
“Well, now I don’t have to. She just gets under my skin,” I hiss, feeling the tension coil within.
There’s a pause in the other room. Chloe doesn’t say anything for a few beats. I knit my brows, but then her words reach me.
“You see, that’s why I don’t bring up work stuff around you. You still sound so angry. Although, I can tell you this. Everyone at the office really misses you and it seems like you made some powerful friends.”
There’s regret and worry in her voice. Something about her words triggers my curiosity. I walk out of the bathroom, wondering what the heck she’s talking about.
During the trial, I had a few hedge fund firms who wanted me to come and join them as a consultant, but I turned them down. What powerful friends could Chloe be referring to?
“I know that look, Sid. Please don’t get in your head about this. It’s a good thing and it’s the reason we’re going out tonight. We’ve been invited to Club Dream. It’s an exclusive club that only the elites of the elites are invited to,” she beams, bouncing in place.
“What the hell did you get yourself into, Chloe?” I narrow my eyes at her, placing my hands on my hips.
“I didn’t do anything, you did it. During your trial, you had no idea that Burlington Roth Financial helped you get your not-guilty verdict. I didn’t want to bring any of this stuff up because I knew it was weighing so heavily on you.” Her eyes shift to true concern.
Chloe’s right. I couldn’t even think straight when I was in the middle of that mess. Right at this moment, I could be serving twenty-five years for something I didn’t even do. Yet, her words aren’t making any sense.
“Well, explain to me why Burlington Roth Financial was so concerned about me.” I tilt my head with the question.
“Sid, do you realize how much money you’ve helped them make in the last seven years? The man, the myth, and the legend, Clayton Hennessey, himself sent his assistant to get to you. I was shocked when he handed me this letter for you,” she replies, pulling a letter from her clutch and holding it out in my direction.
Chloe hands me a sleek black envelope with silver embossing on it. It’s beautiful, it looks so rich and elegant. The writing on the front says, To Sidney James from Clayton Hennessy.
I opened the letter with shaking hands. As of late, I’ve only found trouble in the financial district. I fear the price my freedom has incurred without my knowledge. Just when I thought it was over, my gut tells me this mess has only begun. Yet, I read the letter anyway.
Dear Sidney,
I wanted to first say that you are a very brave woman. I know it was hard having the feds breathing down your neck. I admired your strength during your time of uncertainty. I was personally shocked to hear the news about you. I have heard nothing but good things from my staff and even my own clients.
You may not realize it, but you have helped us make well over 700 million dollars during your time with Steinway & Schwartz. I couldn’t stand by and watch you get railroaded by your own firm. I made a few calls on your behalf to the judge who presided over your case. I want to personally thank you, as well as celebrate your victory.
I’m inviting you to my club, so we can finally get a chance to speak to each other. I would totally understand if you’re not up to it, but if you are, the instructions and directions are in the other envelope.
Sincerely Yours,
Clayton Hennessey
After reading the letter, I look at Chloe to see if this is some sort of sick joke. Her face is serious as she looks back at me. I can’t believe this.
“Chloe, is this real? You better stop playing with me.” I narrow my eyes at her.
“I couldn’t make this shit up. There was a letter for me as well. I didn’t read yours. My letter just stated that we were invited to Club Dream and I was your guest.”
“You said you had a surprise, but this…this is unreal. Clayton Hennessey is worth trillions of dollars.”
“I know, Sid, and from what I heard, the man is drop-dead gorgeous. One of my friends from school works at Burlington Roth now.” Chloe fans her face. “She said she saw him once and she couldn’t even talk because all she could do was stare at him.