Chapter 40

Leon watched the new security people install the system. It was, indeed, the best that money could buy. He turned away to address the other pressing problem.

“Damn the media. Don’t those idiots have anything else to do but splash pictures over the internet?”

“It’s not the 1950s,” said Mark. “You’re single and can date whoever you want.”

“Tell that to the paparazzi. All of a sudden, I'm like a CEO banging a poor helpless secretary.”

“We’re not that big an outfit. There are no layers of policies and bureaucrats in New York sending auditors in.”

“The talking heads are crying about lawsuits.”

“But Sheila isn’t. I talked to her, and she’s as shocked as I am about the photos. We’re not going to break up, just cool it for a while. That’s how I know it wasn’t an internal leak. Whoever nicked us for the cash and jewels wants to gild the lily too.”

“Why? Do they really want to draw attention to their own robbery?”

“I don’t know. But they must know we didn’t report it to the police. That’s in their favor to get off scot free with our goods. The photo release is just a bonus.”

“If we ever find them, I’ll give them a real bonus to remember.”

“Yeah.”

“What about the employees? Do we issue a statement?”

“Yes. The usual message about how all members are treated fairly. Get Sheila to participate so she can slam the press for body shaming her in the photos. That will transfer some of the heat from me to the media jackals. Plus, the fact that she doesn’t attack me will be a big unspoken message to everyone.”

“Got it.”

“Since we have a large BLM contingent, see if they will show up too. They can do a ‘Black Bodies Matter’ segment and support Sheila.”

“I’ll approach them and see if they’ll go for it.”

“Good.”