Chapter 4 - The Man Who Wanted the Throne
Arthur Voss had been waiting outside the conference room when Dominic finally joined the council that evening.
He rose with a warm smile.
“Dominic. I trust your medical appointment went well.”
“Better than expected.”
“I'm relieved.”
Arthur gestured toward the chair at the head of the table.
The council members were already seated. Six men, all wealthy, all accustomed to decisions being made before the meeting began.
A folder lay before each of them.
Dominic did not sit.
“What exactly are we voting on?”
Arthur folded his hands.
“Temporary executive authority. Your recovery has become unpredictable, and the organization needs continuity.”
“My doctors haven't declared me incapable.”
“No one is suggesting that.”
“You've circulated documents that say otherwise.”
Arthur's smile thinned.
“Those documents simply acknowledge practical concerns.”
Dominic picked up the folder closest to him.
The proposed agreement would give Arthur control over several companies, authorize him to sign certain financial transactions, and allow him to make operational decisions without Dominic's approval for ninety days.
Ninety days could change everything.
Dominic looked around the table.
“Who approved this wording?”
Nobody answered.
Arthur sighed.
“We are trying to protect what you've built.”
“By removing me from it?”
“Temporarily.”
Dominic placed the folder down.
“Then you'll have no objection to postponing the vote until my medical assessment is complete.”
Arthur's eyes flickered.
“Delay will create uncertainty.”
“Good. Then we can all learn to tolerate uncertainty.”
One council member cleared his throat.
“Dominic, we have to consider the financial implications.”
“I am.”
Arthur leaned forward.
“Your injury has affected your judgment. Everyone can see it.”
The room went still.
Dominic looked at him for a long moment.
“My judgment?”
“Your pain medication. Your reduced mobility. Your inability to attend certain meetings. These are facts, not insults.”
Dominic placed both hands on the table.
“You're right about one thing. They are facts.”
He let the silence stretch.
“But here's another fact. My orthopedic brace was altered without my surgeon's authorization. My medical records were changed. And someone has been asking my employee questions about her four-year-old daughter.”
Arthur's expression barely moved.
“That's a serious accusation.”
“I haven't accused anyone.”
“Then why bring it up here?”
“Because the man who altered my records may have been preparing the ground for this vote.”
Arthur sat back.
“Are you suggesting I tampered with your medical equipment?”
“I'm suggesting that an investigation is underway.”
“You've lost perspective.”
Dominic's eyes hardened.
“And you've lost your vote.”
He turned toward the council.
“No temporary transfer will be approved tonight. An independent auditor and an independent medical reviewer will examine the records. Until then, all proposed changes to my authority are suspended.”
Arthur rose abruptly.
“You cannot simply dismiss a decision supported by this council.”
“I can refuse to sign it.”
“Then perhaps the council should consider whether you remain fit to lead.”
Dominic picked up his cane.
“Perhaps it should.”
He walked out without looking back.
In the corridor, Vincent waited.
“Arthur has already contacted two council members privately,” Vincent said.
“About what?”
“An emergency vote tomorrow morning.”
Dominic stopped.
“Then we have less time than I thought.”
“Do you want me to confront him?”
“No.”
Dominic looked toward the staff corridor.
May you like
“People who believe they're about to win become careless. Let him believe he's still ahead.”
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