So what? Vanessa shrugged. We have excellent relationships with law enforcement. That's good for business. Eleanor's hands stilled on the folder.
He specifically requested records of all internal communications involving police interactions with residents in gated communities. A cold finger of unease touched Vanessa's spine, but she pushed it away. That's oddly specific, but it's probably just due diligence. Rich investors always want to see everything before they make major decision. The boardroom door opened and Eleanor's assistant stepped inside.
Ma'am, your 4:00 appointment is here. Eleanor nodded stiffly. Send them in. Vanessa turned toward the door, expecting to see some hedge fund manager in an expensive suit. Instead, Marcus Ellison walked into the boardroom wearing a charcoal gray suit and carrying a leather briefcase.
Behind him followed a sharp-eyed woman with silver-streaked hair pulled back in a professional bun. The blood drained from Vanessa's face, her mouth opened and closed without sound. Marcus took the seat directly across from her with calm confidence. The woman sat beside him and opened her own briefcase with practiced efficiency. "Good afternoon," Marcus said in the same steady voice Vanessa remembered from the driveway.
"I'm Marcus Ellison, majority owner of Halbrook Dynamics. This is Nora Whitfield, my legal counsel and corporate adviser." Eleanor's composure finally cracked. Her face went pale beneath her perfectly applied makeup. Arthur gripped the back of his chair so hard his knuckles turned white.
"I've reviewed the preliminary financial statements," Marcus continued, his tone business-like and professional. "Now, I need access to complete records. Specifically, I want all documentation related to public safety technology contracts, police department partnerships, internal discrimination complaints, and any communications between company employees and law enforcement personnel. Patricia Drummond cleared her throat nervously. Mr.
Ellison, those are very comprehensive requests. Some of that information might be considered sensitive. Miss Drummond, Nora Whitfield interrupted smoothly. My client owns 51% of this company. There is no information too sensitive for the majority shareholder to review.
Arthur found his voice, though it shook with rage. You may have bought shares, but that doesn't mean you understand how this company operates. We have relationships, agreements, understandings that go back decades. Relationships that apparently include coordinating with local police to target minority residents in affluent neighborhoods," Marcus said quietly. The room fell silent, except for the hum of the air conditioning system.