“I can’t believe I got myself into this mess.”
“Lots of smart, trusting, honest people make bad decisions when they deal with the wrong people. I’ve got another meeting now Sarah. Are you well enough to go, or should I have someone stay with you in our lounge?”
“I think I’m okay. Thank you for everything, including this.” I smiled and held up her business card.
My flight home touched down in the late evening. I had to decide where to go. Arnold’s home made the most sense. He was right about everything and he had tried to protect me even after he knew about my evil behavior.
I couldn’t go there.
I gave the Firsten’s address to the taxi driver and tried to sneak quietly into my suite but Albert came right into my bedroom. I took a couple of steps back. He looked at my face, gently squeezed my hand and asked “that bad?”
“Much worse. A person who should know says First Pharmaceuticals is going to crash and burn.” I made air quotes for emphasis. “All my investments will be worthless. If it’s as bad as she predicts, I will soon be out of a job. No assets, no money, and worst of all, no family. I pray to god that Greenrock’s analysts are wrong.”
“I know they’re not.”
The color drained from my face. “You knew? You knew that this IPO was a scam, bound for failure? You knew that it was going to destroy your livelihood and mine? That my family was being destroyed for nothing?”
“Sit down, Sarah. I don’t want you to faint.” He gently pushed me down on my bed. “I didn’t know any of the details. I don’t claim to understand business. But I know my father, I know his schemes. The only one that I ever appreciated is the one that brought you into my arms, though look at what it has cost you.” He sat beside me.
“I’m lost.”
“No, not as long as you’re with me.”
“Albert, I’m going to have a baby. I’m going to need a place to live, I’m going to have to pay for food, diapers, school…”