The First Call
Chapter 06 - The First Call
Victoria called Martin Shaw, Hale Dynamics’ independent general counsel.
He answered on the first ring.
“Victoria?”
“Are you alone?”
A pause.
“Yes.”
“Open the emergency governance packet uploaded last night.”
Martin’s breathing changed as he read.
Ryan stood.
Victoria raised one finger, warning him not to approach.
Martin returned to the call.
“I did not approve this.”
“Chloe certified it under outside counsel authority.”
Chloe whispered, “Hang up.”
Victoria ignored her.
“Martin, freeze the board vote. Suspend Ryan’s administrative credentials. Preserve every access log connected to the packet and the sale.”
Ryan stepped forward.
“You cannot suspend the chief operating officer without notice.”
Martin heard him.
“Ryan,” he said through the speaker, “you are not the chief operating officer. You are acting president under authority delegated by Victoria. That delegation can be revoked immediately.”
Ryan stopped.
Martin continued.
“I need written confirmation.”
Victoria opened the secure director portal and pressed confirm.
The phone displayed a simple completion signal.
May you like
Martin said, “His authority is revoked.”
At thirty thousand feet, before the jet crossed the next state line, Ryan lost control of Hale Dynamics.
