Tag: Nicholas Davenport

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Kingsport #25

“Eli, I don’t want to do this.” Nicholas Davenport paced around the living room of his Manhattan co-op apartment as his heart raced a million miles a minute. “I don’t want to join the board of Davenport. I’m not qualified!”

“You don’t have to be qualified because you’re a Davenport. Dylan and I will help you.” Eli gently sipped the ice-cold martini in his left hand. “I know all of this may seem out of left field, but with you on the board, we’ll have intel and more leverage when we take the company private.”

Nicholas turned to face his brother with angst written all over his face. For all of his life, Nicholas had been an after-thought, especially in the light of his father’s disappearance thirty years ago. Nicholas’ childhood had been marred by sadness and grief; no one took an interest in him, so he took an interest in everyone else. After flitting from career to career and failed venture to failed venture, the last thing Nicholas wanted was the burden of sitting on the board of a publicly listed technology company. “You can take the company private without me. Our family owns a majority of the stock. Eli, please drop this plan. I don’t want to do it.”

Eli stared at his brother carefully. He knew Nicholas could be a little wimp, but this was entirely unbecoming. “Nick, you need to understand that I’ve always tried to help you.”

“When?” asked Nicholas, incredulously. “We’ve barely spoken in… What? Three years?”

“I’ve been busy.” Eli cleared his throat. “Regardless, I’ve always kept an eye on you. Always. Ever since you were a baby.”

“You were barely around! After Dad vanished, you went away to boarding school. So much for being a brother.”

“I was sent to boarding school,” corrected Eli. “Mom couldn’t stand to be around me and she still hates the sight of me. I’ve learned how to live with it. But you have to know, Nick, that I always tried to protect you when you were little. Always.”

Nicholas gave Eli a quizzical stare. This was the first time in their relationship that Eli had shown a modicum of love or concern for him, let alone said it out loud. “I appreciate that, Eli. However, I don’t want to sit on the board of Davenport.”

“You’ll do what’s good for you,” whispered Eli. “You need to put your family first.”

“Like you have?” countered Nicholas, hotly. “You live in San Francisco and do whatever you please. All I want is to be in control of my money without having to go to Mom whenever I want access to my trust fund. I want nothing to do with Davenport Technology.”

“You’re such an entitled brat,” bit Eli. “It’s time for you to step-up and be a man for your family. You’ve had everything handed to you your entire life, Nick. Everything. You can’t want the rewards without doing any of the work. Maybe that’s why all of your careers and ventures fail.” Eli walked over to Nicholas and stared at him in the eye. “I’m putting your name forward to take Patrick Petersen’s seat on the board. End of. This isn’t up for discussion. The family will vote you in and that will help us take back control of the company.” Eli patted Nicholas on the arm as he walked towards the entry of the living room. “I’ve done more for you than you’ll ever know, Nick. It’s time for you to do this for me.”

Nicholas thought about Eli’s words long after he left. He couldn’t understand or fathom what Eli meant, especially when Eli had been a non-factor for so many years in his life. Nicholas wanted to call Lisa or Dylan for more information, but when it came to Eli, everyone went silent. Hell, when it came to the disappearance of their father, Larry, everyone went mum. The only facts Nicholas knew about his father were culled from the press and the collective memories of his mother. Outside of that, Nicholas couldn’t remember the man who had once loved him. In that moment, Nicholas had a thought: Maybe if he sat on the board of Davenport, it might be a way to honor the father he couldn’t remember and never knew. That thought alone filled Nicholas with joy. Maybe, thought Nicholas, sitting on the board of Davenport Technology could be just the thing for the rest of the family to take him seriously…and for him to take control over all aspects of his life…

“I think all of this is a big pipe dream,” Lisa Davenport Collins whispered to her brother, Dylan, by his pool. “Where is Eli going to get four billion dollars to take Davenport Technology private?”

Dylan took a long sip of his Tom Collins. “First of all, Eli will have to pay a premium for Davenport. With fifty million shares outstanding and a twenty percent premium on the eighty dollar a share price, he’d have to pay $4.8 billion to feasibly take the company private without upsetting the other shareholders.” Dylan took a small bite of his club sandwich before adding, “Actually, I’d expect the board to force him to pay five or six billion dollars to take the company private. They may not go for it.”

Lisa laid back on the lounge chair as she let the hot July weather sweep over her. “We control the majority of the shares, Dylan. Isn’t this our decision?”

“In theory, but we can’t make a unilateral decision such as this without bringing it to the board and the shareholders.” Dylan finished his sandwich as he turned to Lisa. “I actually think it’s a smart idea.”

“You do?!?” Lisa gulped down the rest of her white wine. “I thought you were against it!”

Dylan shrugged. “I don’t want to run the company… I’ve given enough of my life to Davenport Technology, but having the family own the company again outright while ensuring its long-term future is exciting to me. The only downside is having to work so closely with Eli.”

Lisa sighed heavily. “He’s not that bad,” she said, firmly.

“He’s always up to something, Lisa. I bet he didn’t even ask Nick if he wanted to be nominated for the board. Eli works in an underhanded way to get what he wants. Nothing he does is out of the goodness of his heart.” Dylan exhaled sharply. “I think we should all be on our guard where Eli is concerned.”

“I think you’re holding onto the past, Dylan. I’m the only one who has even been in touch with Eli over the years and he’s changed. We all have,” Lisa added, quietly. “I’ve made mistakes. You’ve made mistakes. However, I don’t think it’s prudent or wise, for that matter, to judge someone by who they used to be rather than who they are now.”

Dylan stood up, walked to the outside bar, and poured himself a tumbler of water. “Believe what you like, Lisa.”

Lisa shook her head with annoyance. As much as she loved her big brother, she hated the way he held a grudge and refused to see the good in people. She knew that Dylan could be ridged, firm, and unmoving. She also knew that Dylan had a big heart and had been hurt time and again by the women in his life. The only thing Lisa wanted for Dylan was for him to learn how to love…how to forgive…and how to let go. “Dylan, if we do vote to take the company private, you’re going to have to find a way to repair your relationship with Eli…so will Mom.” Just then, Lisa’s smartphone began to ring. She looked at the screen to see it was Oliver’s nanny. “Tanya,” she said as she moved to the pool house, “is everything all right?”

Dylan watched his sister walk off as memories of the past flooded his mind. Along with Eli and Sheila, Dylan was the only other person who could possibly remember the events which transpired on the night that Larry disappeared from the face of the earth. He could vividly recall Eli shouting at Larry as Nick cried upstairs… Sheila and Eli got into a fight… Eli chased Larry out of the house… Dylan tried to stop him, but Sheila ordered him to stay in the house… After what seemed like days, Eli returned, wet, cold, and covered in mud. Larry was never seen again. The memories proved to be too potent. Dylan quickly grabbed a clean crystal tumbler and filled it with ten-year-old whisky. He downed the soothing liquid as he tried to erase those memories from his mind. However, the only thing that raced through Dylan’s mind were the words Eli said when he walked into the house, “I tried to stop him… I tried…” Dylan didn’t know what he meant. Eli never offered up any more than that. It had altered the course of their lives. Dylan knew Eli held the missing piece of Larry’s disappearance and until his brother spilled his guts, Dylan refused to trust him ever again.

In our next installment, Alison confronts Charles…

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Kingsport #24

Barbara Wilkes approached the door to Alison Farrell Montgomery’s bedroom suite with great trepidation. She had been warned by Mrs. Taplin to knock twice, count to five, enter the suite, turn right, walk to the last door at the end of the hall, knock twice, count to five, and enter the sitting room where she would find Mrs. Montgomery. After that, Barbara would be at the whim of the lady of the house before going down into the staff room where the staff answered calls, collected mail, and handled the day-to-day scheduling for members of the family. Barbara was assigned to Mrs. Montgomery for the duration of her trip to Kingsport. Every bone in Barbara’s body told her that she had to excel with Mrs. Montgomery while ensuring she never put a foot wrong. This was her moment.

When Barbara stepped into the bedroom suite, her mouth fell open. She stood into a corridor which seemed to go on forever with doors leading to one room or another. Had she not been told exactly what to do by Mrs. Taplin, Barbara would have been terrified about what to do next. She took a deep breath, screwed up all of the courage inside of her, and approached the door to the sitting room.

Barbara knocked twice on the door and waited for what seemed like hours. Finally, a firm voice said, “Come.” With that, Barbara deftly opened the door to the sitting room to find Alison Farrell Montgomery sitting on a love seat with a spread of newspapers in front of her. “Good morning, Mrs. Montgomery,” Barbara said, softly.

Alison extended a finger towards a table which had already been set for breakfast. Fresh flowers, silver salt and pepper shakers, and sterling silver cutlery sat on a linen tablecloth she had no doubt pressed weeks ago. “There will do,” said Alison, evenly.

Barbara took a quiet breath as she placed the tray on the perfectly laid table. “Enjoy your breakfast,” Barbara said, quietly.

“What is your name?” Alison snapped as she watched this unknown maid walk across the room like someone who’d just shoplifted.

“Oh, I’m Barbara.”

Alison eyed this young woman carefully. What she saw didn’t frighten her or intrigue her. Alison found her to be a perfectly unassuming woman who seemed to try too hard to be just right. “Barbara.” Alison let the name linger in the cherry blossom scented air. “I suppose Mr. Hurley has informed you that you’ll be assisting me as needed while I’m in town for my son’s wedding. Please call Mrs. Davenport’s office to arrange a cocktail hour with her at the estate or her mansion at six o’clock this evening. The location isn’t important to me. Also, call my house in Paris and tell Marianne to arrange with my dressmaker to be flown out by next week for the initial designs for my outfits for my son’s wedding. Tell Mr. Hurley to inform the family office that flights and accommodation will need to be made for this trip. I’d like my car brought around by ten o’clock; I will not need a driver. Lastly, I’ll need a copy of my schedule and my husband’s schedule emailed and printed out for me every morning. Oh, and Barbara, do bring a pen and notepad as I do not repeat myself.” Alison rose from the loveseat, a vision in an expertly tailored dress, and sat at the breakfast table. “You may go.”

Barbara nodded, walked quickly towards the door, and stepped into the corridor as she tried to fight back tears. While Alison hadn’t been horrible to her, she wasn’t prepared for the onslaught of demands from this intimidating woman. Barbara tried to recall everything Alison had told her. She had to remember it all because if she didn’t, she’d be back in the bowels of the mansion folding linen with Ada. The more Barbara thought about it, the more she swore something like that would never happen to her again. She made it upstairs. She wasn’t going anywhere.

“What is the point of this meeting?” asked Dylan Davenport to no one in particular. He crossed his legs while removing his sunglasses. Dylan had plans to leave for Greece this morning, but due to Eli calling an emergency meeting with the family, he was now seated in the conference room of the Davenport’s family office in Kingsport. “Eli, I do not appreciate being summoned.”

“Neither do I,” sniffed Lisa. “Mom, do you know anything about this?”

Sheila Davenport sat at the far end of the table, her gaze averted from Eli’s. “No,” she said, quietly.

Eli Davenport glanced at his family with mounting irritation. For all of their education, money, status, and power, they weren’t the brightest people. “I called this meeting because of Nick.”

Nicholas felt his stomach do a triple flip. “I didn’t ask for a family meeting,” he huffed. “I’m supposed to be in the Hamptons right now, Eli.”

“I’m aware everyone has plans, but this is important,” began Eli. He stood before his family, shoved his hands into his pockets, and stared at them. “Nick came to see me in San Francisco on Wednesday. He wanted me to buy his stock in Davenport Technology in order to free himself from the family.”

“How could you?!?” shrieked Sheila. She turned to her youngest child with fury in her eyes. “This is why you aren’t in control of your trust fund!” hissed Sheila.

“I’m not having this fight with you again, Mom!” Nicholas said, hotly. “It’s my stock!”

“I didn’t want that to start a fight,” said Eli, calmly. “Mom, you’re upset with Meredith about the way she’s running the company. I don’t blame you. Luckily for us, she didn’t go ahead with the stock buyback, but she still has the board’s approval to do so which gives her an immense amount of leverage. Ever since Dylan quit as the CEO of Davenport, we’ve all been a little anxious about the future of the company.”

Dylan shot Eli a terse look. “Thanks, bro.”

“He has a point,” added Lisa. “None of us have been overly thrilled with Meredith’s vision for the company. She seems to have big ideas without the team to execute them.”

Eli nodded in agreement. “Exactly. The dividend is what keeps us from making a ruckus, but I think it is time to make a lot of noise. Davenport Technology is our legacy. Jeremiah Davenport founded the company one hundred years ago with a hope and a dream. I think it’s time for the company to return to its roots.”

Sheila looked at Eli with a mixture of anger and intrigue. While she and her son had a rocky history, she didn’t trust him; however, she respected the fact that he was a brilliant businessman. “What are you suggesting, Elijah?”

“I think the first thing we need to do is nominate Nicholas to the Davenport Technology’s Board of Directors. Patrick Petersen is stepping down at the end of August. The search to replace him has yielded subpar results. Nick is a Davenport, he has some media cache, and it’ll get us press. ‘Davenport Scion Sits on the Board’! It’ll boost the stock price,” Eli said without missing a beat.

Nicholas shifted uncomfortably as all eyes turned to him. “I don’t want to sit on the board,” he whined, listlessly.

“You do need something to do,” reasoned Dylan. “It’s not like you have a real job or anything.”

“I think it’s a very good idea,” Sheila added. “Nicholas, it will be good for you. It will be good for the family.”

“I’ll mentor you as best as I can.” Eli took another deep breath. “Actually, having Nicholas on the board will give us an ‘in’ we haven’t had since Dylan quit the company.” Eli took in a sharp breath as he eyed his family carefully. In a low voice, Eli added, “I want to take the company private again. We can assume control, ditch our shareholders, and make Davenport a company of the future. We can invest in the future while doing what we do best. No more stock buybacks. We won’t have to fight with a CEO we hate. The Davenports will be in control of their company and future once again. Who’s with me?”

The Davenports looked at each other with masked faces. Each of them knew that Eli’s proposal was a risk, yet the reward it entailed could transform their lives. On the other hand, if Eli’s proposal failed, it could destroy the Davenport fortune along with the legacy of a great American family. No one knew what to say, yet everyone knew whatever was said next would change their lives forever.

 

In our next installment, Dylan remembers the past…

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Kingsport #23

Nicholas Davenport waited for his older brother, Eli, to finish a business call which had already run into their meeting. He glanced around Eli’s impressive office which offered a million-dollar view of San Francisco. It was hard for Nicholas to be impressed, but when he was around Eli, who he considered the most successful of his siblings, Nicholas was always in a state of awe.

“Sorry about that,” Eli muttered as he hung up the phone. “One of my analysts wants to get into crypto, but she’s a lone wolf on this one.”

“I want to get into it,” piped up Nicholas. “I actually wanted to sell my stake in Davenport Technology to put some of the money into new investments, but Mom pushed back at me.”

Eli listened carefully before saying, “I know. Lisa told me.”

Nicholas shifted uneasily in his seat. He should have known their mother would have told Lisa everything. Lisa and Eli had always been the closest set of siblings, which should have registered to Nicholas before this moment. “Oh. So much for privacy.” Nicholas took a deep breath before adding, “I want you to buy my shares in Davenport.”

“I can’t do that,” muttered Eli.

“Why not?!”

“Nick, I hate to this say, but I think Mom may have a point. Davenport is a safe company. Your stock in it is worth $80 million. That’s huge. Most people will never see that kind of money in six lifetimes.”

“Eli, it’s not fair,” pouted Nicholas. “I’m a man in his thirties who isn’t even in control of his finances. Mom is the trustee on my trust. I can’t sell a share of stock or cash out of my market funds without her say-so. It’s ridiculous!”

“I think… Nick, you may not like it, but I think it’s been done for your own good.” Eli watched as Nick folded his arms and averted his gaze. “You’ve had a bunch of careers and no successes. The money and assets in your trust have been a golden goose for you…for the whole family.” Eli gave his little brother a compassionate smile. “I understand your frustrations, but there’s nothing I can do about it.”

“Then this was a wasted trip,” snapped Nick, hotly. “All I want is to be in control of my finances. I’m sick of this family treating me like a child!”

“If you want to start a business or acquire one, you know the family office will give you the money. Do that instead of investing in something you don’t understand just because your friends showed you a meme on Reddit.”

Nick rolled his eyes. “That’s low, Eli.”

“Look, I’m glad you came to me, but I think you need to enjoy the fact that you’re fabulously wealthy without any work on your part. Nick, if you want my advice, talk to the investment manager and ask for a bigger payout from your various investments. Your money should be making at least eight to twelve percent. You have a lot of options, but I don’t think cashing out of Davenport is a prudent move.”

Feeling dejected and powerless, Nicholas thanked his brother for his time, gave him a hug, and left his office. On the way down to the street, Nicholas couldn’t help but feel useless. He called his driver to pick him up as he watched the hoi polloi of San Francisco rush past him on their way to lunch or a meeting. They had a purpose. Nicholas had yet to find his.

He got into the back of the black town car, turned on his Spotify EDM playlist, and closed his eyes as the driver whisked him to the airport hangar. Maybe my life isn’t so bad, thought Nicholas. After all, he had tons of money, could charter planes, and didn’t have to worry about a damn thing. However, in the depths of his mind, Nicholas knew life would get better, if only there were something to do…

“Miss Wilkes, a moment?” Dane Hurley, the Household Manager for the Montgomery Estate, approached Barbara on her stool in the kitchen.

Barbara straightened her back, plastered a smile on her face, and stood to meet Dane. She always put on her best face when he was around. It had taken her some time to work out the power structure among the staff of the Montgomery Estate, but she was now well aware that all of the power rested with Dane Hurley. Mrs. Taplin was a guard dog; Dane held the keys to the kingdom. “I always have a moment for you,” cooed Barbara.

“We’ve been pleased with your work so far. You were an asset during the Independence Day party. We would like to offer you a full-time position on the family’s payroll.”

Barbara’s eyes exploded with sheer excitement. “Oh, thank you!” She threw her arms around Dane’s neck, but quickly corrected herself after realizing her error. “I’ve tried to work so hard here, Dane.”

Dane fixed his collar, cleared his throat, and said, “We’d like for you to answer phones and be an unofficial Girl Friday of sorts to Mrs. Montgomery.”

“The mother or the daughter?” asked Barbara carefully.

“Mrs. Alison Farrell Montgomery. India is referred to as ‘Miss’ Montgomery due to her unmarried state,” Dane said with authoritarian gravitas. “Mrs. Montgomery’s assistant in Paris is unable to come to America for the duration of Mrs. Montgomery’s visit. You will bring her breakfast in the morning, answer her calls in the staff office, and assist her as needed in the house. I will not have to remind you how to act with members of the family. You are to be a professional at all times. If you don’t know the answer to a question, ask me or Mrs. Taplin.” Dane checked his watch. “I have to meet with the head gardener. We can discuss the rest of the details after lunch.”

Barbara didn’t see Dane walk away because she was stunned by this new wave of luck. She’d be in front of the family, not stuck folding linen and hauling beverage carts across the estate during the middle of summer. Barbara would finally be able to see how the other half really lived. What they were really like. She’d finally be able to enact the next portion of her plan. And that fact alone made a twisted smirk across her lips.

“You look like you’ve won the lottery,” said Ada as she walked by. “What’s news?”

“I’ll be assisting Mrs. Montgomery,” Barbara replied, coolly.

Ada’s face feel. “Oh, Barbara,” she said carefully, “that woman will run you out of this house.”

Barbara held her breath for a moment. She didn’t want to react to Ada, who she was now cross with for muddying her happiness. “I don’t think she will,” said Barbara, evenly. “Dane wouldn’t’ve given me the position if he didn’t think I was up for it. I’ll be upstairs, Ada! Upstairs!”

“How many times do I gotta warn you about going upstairs and bein’ around those people? Yeah, they’re rich and they pay well, but they’re not nice people. They’re mean and unkind and don’t care who they hurt in the process,” whispered Ada. “I wouldn’t trust them. Not an inch.”

“Well, that’s you,” sniffed Barbara.

“Girly, I’m looking out for you,” insisted Ada. “Going upstairs with those people… It won’t end well. Never does. The stories I could tell,” Ada said, her voice trailing off.

Barbara folded her arms with marked contempt. She tolerated Ada, but now she was growing annoyed with her instance that Barbara stay in her place and be invisible. Barbara had lived her whole life like that and she wasn’t going to do it anymore! The reason she came to Kingsport was to change her life for the better! No one, not even Ada, would stop her. “Ada, we’ll have to agree to disagree. I’m going upstairs to assist Mrs. Montgomery and there’s nothing you can say to stop me. I’m moving up, Ada. The last thing I want is to be trapped in the bowels of this house for the rest of my life!” spat Barbara.

A heavy feeling of dread filled Ada’s heart as she watched Barbara storm down the staff corridor. In all of her years at the Montgomery Estate, Ada had seen girls just like Barbara who thought rubbing shoulders with the family would be the answer to all of their prayers. More often than not, it was an opening to a portal to hell. Ada had seen it for herself; Barbara was too arrogant to listen. Ada sighed quietly because she knew what lay in wait for Barbara. For the first time in a long time, Ada was content to mind her own business and watch the destruction of Barbara Wilkes…

 

In our next installment, Eli makes a proposal to the Davenports…

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Kingsport #22

“I’m not upset, Billy, I’m miffed.” Alison Farrell Montgomery stirred a splash of cream into her ink black coffee. She sighed with mild irritation before adding, “I don’t understand why you wouldn’t tell me about your engagement before you alerted the press. It seems the only time any of you want to talk to me is when you’re having a crisis.” Alison took a long, protracted sip of her coffee. “I am your mother, Billy.”

Will Montgomery lowered his eyes to avoid his Alison’s contemptuous gaze. He looked at the patterned carpeting in the sitting room of her bedroom suite before saying, “I’m sorry. I was caught up in the moment.”

“That’s really no excuse,” sniffed Alison, haughtily.

“Mom, I’ve been apologizing all weekend. You barely talked to me at the Independence Day party. Do you have any intention of forgiving me?”

Alison’s face was a stony, unreadable mask. She wouldn’t ever let her children know when she had forgiven them because it always allowed her to have the upper hand in all of their interactions. She merely said, “Do you need help financing the wedding? I know the Windsors aren’t as financially abundant as we are, so it may be best if your father and I paid for the affair.”

Will could feel the heat rise in his cheeks. Ever since he was a little boy, he had been wholly aware of the enormous generational wealth his family had which never seemed to deplete. Rather, it grew and grew with very little work or effort. He was always wary about the subject of his family’s money, even though his parents both loved talking about it. “Actually, I was going to pay for it. I barely the income from my trust fund, so you and Dad are off the hook.”

“Well, that’s very mature of you, Billy.” Alison fiddled with the diamond watch on her wrist. “I think we should discuss another matter.” She cleared her throat before saying in a low, hushed voice, “I’m concerned about how your wedding to Connor will affect India.”

Will rolled his eyes with annoyance. “I wish everyone would stop wondering how India’s going to feel when Connor and I get married. She’s obsessed with him. He doesn’t even like her.”

“You needn’t be so flippant; she’s your sister.”

“She’s crazy.”

“Billy, you have to consider how India’s obsession with Connor will color your marriage. She’s not going anywhere. When she was with me in Paris, I thought she was getting better. However, she’s self-destructive. Any time she would meet a nice man from the right background, she would find a fault with him, create unnecessary drama, and cry about how nobody loves her.” Alison shook her head wearily. “I don’t know if there’s any hope for her, but I want to ensure that you and Connor are prepared for her presence in your life.”

Will pondered his mother’s words for a moment. His mother rarely spoke so candidly about anything, especially when it came to her children. Either she was worried about Will or she was concerned about India. He couldn’t tell. “Connor and I will be fine, Mom. I think moving off the estate will help a lot. Connor and I are talking about living in his house.”

“That little house at the back of the Windsor Mansion? Oh, Billy, you can do better than that! I’ll call my estate agent to see if we can find a suitable mansion for you and Connor. It’ll be my wedding present to you, held in trust, of course. We don’t need the local papers in our private affairs,” stressed Alison.

“Mom, you don’t have to buy me a house!”

“Billy, I want to do this for you. To be honest, there were times when I didn’t know if you’d ever find someone to make you happy. If Connor is that person, then I will be here to celebrate your love until the wedding.”

Will looked at Alison with a mix of shock and surprise. “You’re staying in Kingsport until the wedding?”

“I intend to. Have you set a date?”

“We’re thinking of September after the end of the Season.”

“That’ll be fine, Billy.”

Alison rose from her chair and walked over to the windows which overlooked the rose garden. Her mind raced with so many private worries which she couldn’t share with anyone. Being in Kingsport until her son’s wedding would be hard, but going back to Paris right now would be even harder. Whether she liked it or not, Kingsport was her home. The Montgomery Estate was her rightful residence. It was safe. As she tried to forget about the events of the recent past, all Alison could think about was the pain, hurt, and sorrow which had haunted her for her entire life…

Nicholas Davenport sat at his computer in his Manhattan co-op apartment with a sense of dread in his heart. He re-read the email which stated that his latest investment, a dating app which used astrology to match partners, was closing down. His entire investment of five hundred thousand dollars would be lost. Nicholas knew his accountant could write it off on his taxes, but that wasn’t the point. It was one more thing that proved his mother right about his lack of savvy business or financial acumen. A moment later, Nicholas logged into his bank account and let out a little sigh. He had two hundred and fifty thousand dollars in cash, ten million dollars spread across various savings accounts, thirty million dollars in money market funds, a twenty-million-dollar investment portfolio, one million shares of Davenport Technology stock worth eighty million dollars, and a recent dividend payment of five hundred and sixty thousand dollars. Nicholas Davenport, like his mother and siblings, was one of the richest, yet unknown black people in America. He knew he was a long way off being broke or poor, but because he had so little access to so much of his money, he felt trapped and yoked to his family.

He walked into his pristine kitchen, turned on the kettle, and waited.

Nothing in Nicholas’ life made him feel at ease. He always felt rudderless. He felt like a child even though he had lived quite a life. His encounter with his mother the other week was just another incident where he felt powerless and voiceless. For the first time in his life, Nicholas needed something to happen. His writing career had stalled, his investments outside of his trust fund were failing, and he was practically estranged from his family.

The sound of the wailing kettle brought Nicholas back to life.

Suddenly, something in his mind told him what to do next.

It could be risky. It could pay off. Or, it could explode in his face.

Despite the risk, Nicholas pulled his phone from his pocket and dialed a familiar number which was answered after one ring. “Hey, it’s me,” he said quickly. “I’d like to come visit you on Wednesday. It’s important.” Before receiving an answer, Nicholas ended the call and dialed another number. “Hi, this is Nicholas Davenport. I’d like to charter a plane for tomorrow night from New York City to San Francisco.”

 

In our next installment, Barbara receives life changing news…

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Kingsport #19

At thirty-five, Nicholas Davenport was the baby of his family as well as its black sheep. While Dylan had run the family company, Lisa had the auction house, and Eli had his own investment firm, Nicholas lived a slightly rudderless existence in Manhattan…or wherever the moment took him. He had had some success as a playwright, followed by two years writing for a procedural cop show, but he had yet to find his bliss. He drifted from relationship to relationship, party to party, dream to dream in such a way that his mother, Sheila, took umbrage with the way he lived his life. If it weren’t for the fact that his mother was still a trustee on his trust fund, Nicholas would have politely declined her request to meet in Kingsport today. As he sat in the Breakfast Room of the Kingsport Country Club, Nicholas felt instantly at home in a world he had cut himself off from years ago. It’s not that he didn’t take pride in his family, he did. The thing that always bothered him was the way they lived with such ostentatious disregard for those less fortunate.

“Nicky?” Lisa walked over to her baby brother and gave him a big hug. “I didn’t know Mom summoned you here as well!”

“Yeah, she’s full of surprises. How’ve you been?”

Lisa sat at the perfectly laid table with a muted sigh. “I’ve been fine. Mom and Dylan have been going at it over the company. To be honest, it’s starting to get on my nerves.”

“This is why I live in Manhattan,” laughed Nicholas.

“It would be nice if you moved back to Kingsport. Living in New York is fine in your twenties, but you should have a nice house, not that loft you call home.” Lisa let out a slight yelp. “Oh, no! I sound like Mom!”

“Just a little bit,” nodded Nicholas. “I’m happy in New York, Lisa. Trust me. I’d rather be there than under a microscope here.”

Lisa knew her brother was right. Although she loved Kingsport as well as the trappings that came from her social position, Lisa knew that Kingsport could be stifling, no matter how much money you had in your trust fund. “Mom wanted us here by ten. It’s not like her to be late.”

Nicholas looked up just as his oldest brother, Dylan Davenport, joined them at the table. “Hey, Dyl.”

“Nicholas! This is a surprise,” said Dylan, coolly. “I thought Mom was still voting your shares in Davenport.”

“Not as of last year. I’m finally free. She’s still the trustee on my trust, though. It’s so unfair,” sighed Nicholas.

“Wait,” said Lisa, suddenly. “This table is set for six people.”

“Sorry, I’m late.” Sheila Davenport approached the table with a heavy sigh. “My driver is out sick, so I had to have someone call the company to send another one. It’s as if people merely exist to inconvenience me.”

Nicholas shook his head with a sigh. “I doubt it.”

“Nicholas, you should have worn a tie,” tutted Sheila. “You look like you work in Idaho or something.”

“I look just fine,” he replied through gritted teeth.

“If you say so.” Sheila sat at the head of the table. “I’ve asked you all here because I’m worried about Davenport Technology. It’s our legacy. I fear that Meredith is trying to run it into the ground. You know I am against stock buybacks and she’s received board approval to do it. I want to stop her. If we…”

“You started without me. My plane was delayed. Fog and all.”

Sheila felt the color drain from her face. She slowly turned to see her son, Elijah Davenport, standing behind her dressed in a form fitting black suit with a perfectly matched tie. “How did you…”

“I called him,” Dylan chimed in. “I told you before, I’m not voting Eli’s proxy anymore. He has a right to be here.”

Eli smiled smugly as he sat at the end of the table next to Nicholas. “Mom, I wish you would have told me about this sooner, but Dylan filled me in.”

“I’m sure he did. Elijah, it would be…easier…if you simply gave Lisa or Nicholas the proxy to vote your shares. It’s not as if you’re even…interested in the company,” surmised Sheila.

Eli cleared his throat. “Please don’t speak for me. Actually, I agree with you, Mother. From what Dylan has told me, Meredith seems to be angling the company for a possible sale to bigger corporation. I still own stock in the company… Despite our feelings, I’d prefer if Davenport remained an independent company.” Eli looked at Sheila with a curious gaze. “I’d rather play nice. I want the company to succeed. However, if you’re intent on shutting me out, I’ll work around you. It’s up to you, Mommy.”

 

 

 

Barbara Wilkes re-read the Kingsport Post edition which revealed Will Montgomery’s engagement to Dr. Connor Windsor with unbridled glee. She felt as if she were a part of the story because she had served Connor an iced tea on the afternoon he proposed and she did work at the Montgomery Estate. As she soaked up the remaining details in the newspaper, Barbara wondered if she would be allowed to work the wedding and reception. Or, at the very least, maybe the staff would be invited as guests as they were in England. Barbara smiled broadly at the thought of being among the invited guests at a Montgomery wedding. She’d have to buy a new dress from the finest store in Kingsport called Abington’s or take the train to Manhattan in order to purchase a dress from a Madison Avenue department store. The thought filled her with so much joy she felt like she was doing to burst. For the first time in weeks, she felt alive again. If Dane or Mrs. Taplin put her upstairs again, she knew she could stay there. So far, that hadn’t happened. As Ada’s words rang through her head, Barbara decided to ignore them. What did Ada know? She was a servant who was content being a servant. Barbara wouldn’t be content until she reached her ultimate goal. She was close… She was so close… But little did she know that her past was catching up with her and it wouldn’t be long until her carefully constructed lie unraveled for all the world to see…

 

In our next installment, India asks Eli for a life changing favor…

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