“When founded, the original president made wonderful decisions. In the past five years, the reins have passed, and the decisions have been less fortuitous. The chairman is now seeking to sell the company, recognizing the economic climate. They need money to continue, banks are not lending money. If he doesn’t sell, the doors will probably close in the next two years.” Still lost, she maintained eye contact and nodded, he went on. “I am considering a very low-ball offer. The benefit to me is to reduce the competition. If my offer is accepted, the doors will close immediately. According to my accountants, the company in which I am already invested is projected to increase sales by over 18 percent immediately upon the close of this company. This means I reap benefits. They project my venture in this company will be recouped in profits in less than two years. The long-term benefits are increasingly fiscally rewarding. What do you think the employees of the Pennsylvania Company are hoping will happen?”
“They either want their company to go on as it is or to be sold to someone who’ll keep it running.”
Tony said, “Good, why?”
“So that they will keep their jobs.”
“The people on the manufacturing floor, custodians, and secretaries played no part in the decisions that will now have direct consequences on their lives.”
“Yes, but they have families, debts, and responsibilities.” Claire thought about Tony’s daily decisions and how far-reaching their impact. “And I’m sure they’re all worried.”
“Exactly, just as you are worried about this afternoon. What can the people in that plant do to help their situation?”
Claire thought about it. “Nothing. It isn’t in their hands.” The reality made her sad. Not for her, her situation suddenly seemed trivial, but for those forty-six people.
“Correct again. You have done all you can do.” He was now talking about this afternoon. “You have done much more than I ever imagined possible. Continue to behave as you have. If Emily or John do or say anything, it is their doing, not yours.” She thought about John’s words in the past and how she had experienced consequences, just like those people are about to.
Tony started to read again, but Claire had questions. “Tony?” He looked at her and raised his eyebrows. “Sorry, but I have some questions.”
“Go ahead.”
“So are you saying that the actions of the people who do not have control have no consequence?”
He closed the screen of his laptop. “Are we talking about Pennsylvania or here?”
“Let’s start with Pennsylvania.”
“No. Their actions may have great impact. A lot depends on the goal of the person who has control. Let’s say someone else with capital decides they’re interested in this company. More than likely they will either personally visit, or as I did, send an envoy to investigate the company. If those employees are hardworking, loyal, and if this investor is interested in keeping the doors open, their actions will be an important piece of the equation when those decisions are made. Their attitude could actually determine if their company will or will not remain open. On the contrary, if the employees are dissatisfied and disgruntled, investors interested in maintaining the company will shy away.” Momentarily loss in thought, Tony continued. “One of the issues that affect these situations is the knowledge of the employees, or the people seemingly out of control. It is interesting how many people live their lives completely unaware of decisions unfolding around them.” Claire listened as Tony went on. She worried about these forty-six people and their families. “Now if they’re aware and proactive they may try to recruit investment on their own. I have controlling interest in a few such companies, funded by Rawlings Industries yet run and invested in by the employees. They now benefit from not only paychecks but also dividends. It creates a wonderful incentive for hard work and dedication.”
Thinking out loud, she said, “So if I decided I was tired of shopping for clothes and wanted to shop for companies, I could go to Pennsylvania, offer them a little more than your low-ball bid, and keep the company going, assuming the employees are hardworking, loyal, and want to keep the doors open.” She smiled as she spoke.
Smiling in return, he said, “Well, yes, Mrs. Rawlings, I know you have the capital. However, if you use my bid as a baseline, you will end up arrested for insider trading. You cannot make an offer based on the offer of a competitor unless it has been made public. Mine has not.”
With nothing more than concern in her voice, she asked, “How can you make a deal without considering the people and lives it affects?”
“It is called business. It is how we have what we have and will have much more.” He wasn’t gloating or harsh, just stating facts. “Closing that business is my concern, the people are not. If my bid is accepted, their presence is no longer needed.”
“So there are times that innocent people reap the consequences of others due to no fault of their own.” Claire spoke from experience yet now seeing the principle from a different perspective.
“Yes. It happens all the time.”
“All right, tell me about our situation. You were comparing the two. You were saying my actions have no effect on the outcome of this afternoon so not to worry about it?”
“No. I said not to worry about it. Your actions have already had a great effect on this afternoon.”
Claire saw his eyes, brown and genuine. She wanted more information. “Please, Mr. Rawlings, tell me what I have done to affect this afternoon.”
He sighed. “Claire, why are we going to Newburgh?”
“To see Emily and John.”
“That isn’t the entire answer.” He waited.
“We are going because of me?”
“Of course, do you on any level believe this is my first choice of a Saturday afternoon activity?”
She knew it was not. “But it was your suggestion. We wouldn’t be going if you hadn’t allowed it.”
“You are right. But we are going because you want to. We are going because you have patiently accepted every challenge, every test, and every ordeal that has come your way. And for the record, not all have been my doing, merely a byproduct of being Mrs. Rawlings. Apparently, it can be a difficult role.” She knew that too and smiled. He continued, “You have not just accepted, you have conquered.”
She didn’t know what to say. He complimented her regularly but she never knew his sincerity. He reached out and squeezed her hand. “You have exceeded any and every preconceived idea I have ever had about you. The one limitation that has been placed on you that I recognize has caused you anguish is your sister. Truly I have no ill feelings toward Emily. She can be excessively inquisitive, but you two share a bond.” He watched her eyes. “I told you months ago I would try to be a better husband. I have spent most of my life only concerned about myself. I am truly trying, even if it does not always appear so.”
She prayed that her smile radiated into her eyes but she could feel the moisture too. “Tony, I love you. I know you are trying. I am contented with the strides you’ve made. That doesn’t mean I don’t hope for more. That may make me ungrateful, but I do. I think you’re amazing. That is why I want you, Emily, John, and I to be a family. I want them to know the remarkable man I married.” She kissed him and he kissed her too. She still wasn’t confident in the outcome of their family reunion but her expectations had improved, as did the feeling in her head, the ache subsided.
When they arrived, Emily and John were already seated at a private table with a wonderful view of the Hudson River. They greeted one another with hugs and handshakes. Tony watched as Claire’s eyes sparkled when she talked with her family. Tony was civil, refined, and mannerly. To the unknowing observer he may have even seemed cordial and friendly. Claire was glad John and Emily qualified as unknowing. He was a master at appearances and was even the first to extend his hand and congratulate John on his accomplishments.
“We are still sorry you didn’t decide to join us at Rawlings Industries. I believe that despite what your sister-in-law said, you would have been a real asset.”