The Insiders Read Online Free Page A

Wilson’s eyes had narrowed to slits.
    “That’s one of reasons we needed to meet. Your father took great precautions to keep the merger talks out of the press, but I thought maybe you knew.”
    Wilson shook his head but remained silent.
    “He struck a final deal to merge Fielder & Company with KaneWeller last week. KaneWeller wants to close by the end of this week. There are papers you’ll need to sign.”
    “Why do I need to sign? It should be my mother’s decision.”
    “There was a change in your father’s will, specifying that you become Chairman of the Board of Fielder & Company and assume full control of his shares, in the event of his death or incapacitation.”
    Wilson closed his eyes, suddenly feeling more burdened. “When did all of this happen?” he asked, beginning to pace.
    “A few weeks ago. You and your sister each own fifty percent of his eighty-two percent ownership of Fielder & Company; however, Rachel’s shares are non-voting shares. Your father wanted to respect your sister’s disinterest in the company. The remaining eighteen percent is owned by a handful of investors, mostly Fielder & Company executives. He also gave you control of the rest of his investments. Your mother was removed from all rights to ownership. Of course, the will provides for a generous monthly stipend for as long as she lives.”
    “Does my mother know about all of this?”
    “Yes,” Daniel said as he set his briefcase on the breakfast table and retrieved an envelope. He handed it to Wilson. “Your father’s instructions were very precise. He wanted you to read this if anything happened to him.”
    Without responding, Wilson looked at the large tan envelope in his hands. Feeling exposed, he muttered, “Give me a few minutes,” and walked toward the den off the foyer. Opening the metal clasp on the unsealed envelope and pulling out the hand-written letter, he stepped inside the den, closed the double doors behind him and sat down in his father’s favorite overstuffed chair near the fireplace.
Dear Wilson,
    If you’re reading this without me, it means you’re in serious danger. There are people who may try to kill you, especially if they think you know about the full extent of my activities at Fielder & Company. Trust me when I tell you that you’re safer not knowing the details. You must convince the people who will be watching that you’re not involved and have no desire to be involved. Complete the merger with KaneWeller and then liquidate all my other business assets as quickly as possible. Daniel Redd will help you. If you need additional help, go to Carter Emerson. Trust no one else.
    The only explanation I dare give you is that several years ago I embarked upon a path that I believed would make the world a better place. Remember our conversations about humanizing capitalism? Now I’m not so sure that what I did was right. Only time will tell. Sadly, my mistakes have now become your burden and enemy. I know this seems cryptic and enigmatic, but giving you more information will only make you a bigger threat to the people responsible for my demise. That’s why you must distance yourself from my business interests as soon as possible. I removed your mother and sister from participation in the business to protect them, but that makes you even more vulnerable.
    Eventually, you’ll put the pieces of the puzzle together. When you do, I hope you’ll understand why I did it and why I didn’t tell you everything beforehand. You’ve been placed in control of the estate because I trust you’ll know what to do with its resources, especially if things become more difficult and dangerous than I have anticipated. Trust your intuition and judgment. You’re better than I ever dreamed of being. Forgive me, if you can.
    All my love,
    Dad
    Wilson read and reread the letter, his disbelief and anguish growing more acute with each pass. At one point he found himself speaking his father’s words out loud in an effort to