Jim is waiting for us, and we order drinks just as Stephanie arrives with a flourish.
“Jim…“ She leans in and gives him an air kiss on his cheek.
Turning to me, she extends her hand. “I’m Stephanie Pierce.”
She looks Mason up and down. “Good to see you, Mase.”
“Stephanie.” He gives her a curt nod.
Based on the tension between them, I realize they’re former lovers. This is going to be interesting.
“Marriage agrees with you,” Stephanie assesses.
“Caroline and I will marry next spring,” he corrects her.
“How lucky for you,” she snarks. “So, what’s going on that’s so urgent?”
Jim gives me a nod to go ahead.
“It’s my understanding that you met with Jeremy Knowles regarding the funding of a solar film for windows last week.”
She looks at me. “Maybe.”
I pull Jeremy’s employment agreement from a file in front of me. “Jeremy has been an employee of Soleil Energy for over five years as our CFO. Not only has he stolen the information he presented to you, but he was arrested on Saturday for that theft.”
“Now that’s unfortunate. It’s a brilliant idea,” she murmurs.
“Thank you,” I say. That’s quite a compliment coming from a venture capitalist.
She eyes me carefully. “I don’t suppose you’re looking for funding?”
“No, we’ve already funded it,” Mason jumps in.
“No need to get bitchy,” she snaps. Turning to me she asks, “Are you willing to hear our offer?”
“Only in the context of understanding what he was peddling.”
“We offered twenty million for a forty-percent share of a solar film startup.”
That’s a shitty deal compared to what I got from Mason, but he knows I can deliver.
“There’s a good chance FBI will be reaching out to you regarding this,” Jim informs her.
“We have contact sheets. We’ve been down this road before with someone shopping technology that wasn’t theirs,” Stephanie says.
“Do you mind telling me who he was partnered with?” Jim asks.
“Two gentlemen from China.” Stephanie shrugs.
“I see.”
My gut clenches. I’ll need to act quickly with this, or I may lose my idea to some thief.
Lunch is served, and our conversation becomes more congenial.
“Will you all be attending Cecilia Lancaster’s funeral tomorrow?” Stephanie asks.
“Absolutely,” Mason says. “So tragic.”
I nod. “We were in Las Vegas when she disappeared.”
“I’ve heard about this mysterious card game,” Stephanie says. “Who gets to play?”
“Nate actually organized it,” Mason tells her. “We met in Vegas at the Shangri-la. One of the partners at my firm grew up with Jonathan Best, the owner.”
Looking at Jim she asks, “Do any women play?”
I snort. “Mia Couture and Viviana Prentis are regulars. I recently won a beach house on Maui from Viviana. I’m going to check it out next week.”
“Wow. You guys play for some serious dollars.” She looks at Jim. “Are you playing, too?”
He shakes his head. “I go with clients. We also help with security at the Shangri-la.”
“Well, if Mason can hang, I’m sure I can, so if you end up needing another player, I hope you’ll call.”
We finish our lunch, and as we walk out of the Waterfront Café, Stephanie pulls me aside. “I’ll beat whatever Mason has offered you.”
“That’s very generous of you, but we’ve already committed to the first round, with an option for round two.”
She shakes her head. “Damn. You’ve got a good idea. I was really excited about it.”
“I’m sorry. I worked with Mason to start Soleil, and we’ve stayed in touch.”
“Mason told you we have a history?”
“Just that you went to grad school together.” I don’t have the heart to tell her she gave away that they were former lovers. It doesn’t matter in business anyway.
She nods. “Before you go back to them with your next venture, please call me.”
I nod.
As she walks to her waiting car, she adds, “And make sure Nate knows I want to play poker. What’s the buy-in?”
“It’s steep at five million,” I warn.
“I can make that happen,” she says, but she’s visibly disappointed. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Thanks, Stephanie. See you tomorrow.”
Chapter 8
Corrine
Cecelia’s service is at ten in Sausalito, across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. On the ride over with Jackson, I look down at my black sheath dress. Gabby insisted I buy it a few years ago, and I wear it often. The hem is looking a bit ragged. I need to go shopping, but who has the time—much less the funds. I hope the dress is appropriate.
Jackson’s on the phone the entire drive, bouncing from call to call. He’s moved from his office in our building to his mobile office here in the car. I watch the emails come in on my cell phone and forward them to the appropriate people, but they’re slowing because most of Silicon Valley is going the same place we are.
Jackson has been trying to get a meeting with Hydro, and they’ve been less than responsive. I know that worries him. Jim and his team have been working on it, too. I’ve seen our financial statements, and I know we won’t close, but if Hydro hijacks his idea, I’m not sure anyone will be able to be around Jackson, he’ll be so angry and miserable to work for.
As we approach the Catholic church, I’m amazed at the people lining up along the streets. They have bouquets of flowers and signs.
Cecelia Lancaster You’re Missed
Find her killer
Nate, will you marry me?
People are crying. She was a beacon of light. A shroud of darkness covers us as we get closer.
“She’ll be missed by so many,” I murmur.
“That she will. She was such a force of nature.” Jackson stares out the window.
We patiently wait
