Post by matt on Jan 23, 2023 13:23:07 GMT -6
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Charlotte, NC
Off Camera
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Beyond her professional wrestling woes, Glory Bradddock also is dealing with corporate woes in the form of a rumored hostile takeover within her company. Floyd Ryan is a member of the Board of Directors and has been a longtime ally of Glory Braddock. Even when The British Bombshell had power stripped from her the first time, Floyd remained loyal and had her back. This is why she believed him when he told her that a faction within the company, perhaps even within the Board itself, wants to oust Braddock again. Floyd even offered to assist Glory in protecting herself against this potential coup. The problem for Glory is that something just doesn’t feel right regarding Mr. Ryan. It could be the fact that he is also secretly jockeying to become the new chairman of the board? It could also be because of the fact that he has connections to organized crime?
Both of those tidbits of information came from minority shareholder Aurora Alan. Aurora Alan is the youngest sibling of Matthew Alan, founder of the company. Floyd is pointing the finger at Aurora as the one behind the potential coup and Aurora is pointing the finger at Floyd. Braddock’s paranoia immediately returned with a fervor. She wasn’t sure who she could trust. All she knew is that one of the two, possibly both, were out to get her; and Glory knows that she has to make a nearly perfect maneuver here in order to protect herself and her position within the company.
Her company is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. Braddock finds herself in her office at the corporate headquarters overlooking the Charlotte skyline. Glory is dressed nicely, dressed to impress in a pink two piece jacket and lace dress with matching pink high heeled leather pumps. She stares stoically outside at the setting and scenery. She doesn’t think about any of what she sees. She is lost in her own deep thoughts of the decisions she must make soon, very soon, in order to maintain her status.
Braddock last met with Floyd Ryan a couple of weeks ago and it was his suggestion at first that she retake full control of the company. Up until now she had been content to let corporate president Francis Taylor, general manager Tabitha Silverstone, and minority shareholder and current chief executive Aurora Alan run everything in her stead. The purpose was two-fold; it allows her to maintain an active wrestling schedule for Supreme Championship Wrestling where she looks to obtain Supreme Championship status and in MWE where she reigns as World Champion. Keeping herself separated from the active day to day operations of the company keeps her sane; at least Glory believes it does. She recalls the last time she had full control of the company. She did not like what it turned her into. She did not like the person she became when she had that much power.
Glory tried to explain all of this to Floyd and to decline his offer but he just pivoted and suggested that she run for Mayor of Charlotte instead. Floyd insisted that he could bend the rules to get her on the ballot and help her win. Then with him in charge of the company, she could use her political influence to help him and the company. This too rubbed Glory the wrong way. It struck her as a power play on his part. But Floyd insists that both would benefit. He would have full control of the company and Glory would have the city of Charlotte. She has to admit that his offer would benefit her. Both would increase in power and influence. Still, Glory is worried about how much the new power would influence her. Can she still be a powerful and influential business woman, or even a powerful political figure, and do good at the same time? She isn’t certain that she can.
The buzzing sound on her desk snaps The British Bombshell out of her reverie. She realizes that she cannot worry about any of that right now. She has work to do. She has to protect herself and her company. Braddock spins around in her chair and pushes the button signaling the secretary’s desk. “Yes, what is it?”
“Ms. Braddock, Mr. Floyd Ryan is here to see you.”
“Yes, send him in.” Braddock’s face remains stoic and cold as she looks forward, waiting on his arrival. The door then opens and Floyd Ryan walks into her office. He is wearing a navy blue suit and red power tie. He approaches Braddock’s desk. Glory stands up and the two greet with a handshake.
“Nice to see you in the office, Glory.” Floyd says with his voice oozing charm and charisma. “I am surprised you decided to meet me in Charlotte again. I thought…”
“I don’t particularly care for Charlotte, you’re right. I would rather meet in Miami, my turf. But this is MY office, MY building, and MY turf. Unlike the last time we met which was in your home on your turf. But I suppose if we are to be partners in the future then I should get used to working here in Charlotte.” She lets that last sentence come out slowly, so that Floyd can really take it in. As he hears it a grin forms on his face.
“So you’re considering my offer?”
“Please sit.” Glory motions to a chair in front of her desk. Floyd sits and Glory returns to her seat as well. “Floyd, you have been a supporter of mine on the Board of Directors for a long time. You fought against the board’s first move to strip my authority. You continued to fight to have me reinstated. I appreciate your loyalty.”
“Glory, anyone with common sense should realize that you are the rightful leader of this company. This company owes its very existence to you. You bought the rights and trademarks to this company back from GDW management when they were having financial difficulty. You brought GCW back in 2012 and two years later bought GDW out as well. You would go on to make a deal that would give every single employee at every level of this company a fully funded health insurance package. You expanded this company’s limits beyond a simple wrestling promotion to include modeling as well.”
“You’re right, I did all of that. Still, a faction ousted me from power once before. Now you are telling me that another faction is plotting to oust me again. I believe you only because of how loyal you have been. But tell me, Floyd, why would they want me gone so badly?”
“Do you want my honest opinion, Glory?”
“I value honesty.” Braddock says with a nod of her head.
“Some of them are nostalgic for the glory days of when Matthew Alan’s family ran this company. But his family’s mismanagement, corruption, and greed is what led to them being bought out in 2003. They think his sister Aurora will be different but they are wrong. She is just as corrupt as him. Others don’t like you because they feel you are too eccentric, too unstable to control the company. Some of them see you as corrupt as Matthew Alan.”
“What about you?” Glory asks. “What do you see when you look at me? I mean, you do know all about corruption, don’t you?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Mr. Ryan, if we are going to be partners then I need you to be honest with me. Remember, I value honesty. So be honest with me, how corrupt are you?”
“With all due respect, Glory, I…”
“Don’t give me any nonsense, Floyd.” Glory immediately cuts him off. “I have heard from some very reliable sources about your criminal connections.”
“I do not know who you spoke with but I am not connected to organized crime.”
“Oh come on, Floyd. You have been loyal to me and I will be loyal to you in return. I promise not to tell anyone.”
“There’s nothing to tell.”
“Very well.” Glory sighs deeply and shakes her head. “Then I guess we don’t have a deal.”
“What?” Floyd sounds shocked at the rejection. “But I thought….”
“We DID have a deal. But you heard me, I need to work with someone who I can trust, someone who is honest with me. You want me to take charge of the company again, to micromanage it. If not that, you want me to run for Mayor of Charlotte and do political favors for you with you in charge of this company. I admit, having that kind of power again sounds tempting and I am willing to consider it, but only if you are straightforward with me.” She leans forward and gazes deep into Floyd’s eyes. “One last time…do you have connections to organized crime? I want to know exactly what I am getting myself into here, Floyd.”
“And you don’t believe me when I say I don’t?”
“No, I don’t believe you.” She shakes her head. “I believe my sources.”
“And there’s nothing I can say to convince you otherwise?”
“Damn it, Floyd!” Glory voice grows louder with frustration. “I know you and Meagan Collins are best friends. You remember her, right? She damn near got me and this company in trouble when she was investigated and later convicted of crimes by the FBI. The feds found that Meagan had connections to organized crime. It isn’t hard to make the connection that her ‘friends’ might be your friends too.”
“Hell…” Floyd is now the one sounding frustrated and defeated “...Meagan…”
“So she is your friend?”
“Yes, a close personal friend.”
“So that means you do have connections to her…friends.”
“Yes, yes I admit it.” Floyd is a little agitated now. “I admit, I have worked with organized crime on occasion to assist in my business dealings. Meagan was the one responsible for hooking me up with them. Are you happy now, Glory?”
“Ecstatic.” Glory smirks knowingly. “All I wanted was a little honesty, that’s all.”
“I don’t know why you care so much about my business. It isn’t like your past is squeaky clean. I remember how you got your own sister locked up in a mental institution for two months. And as for Meagan, she worked for you. Some of the criminal acts connected to her was for your benefit.”
“My sister signed a contract giving me control over her status. It isn’t my fault she didn’t bother reading the fine print. And I was working with the FBI to get Meagan locked up. She never told me that she was working with criminals. I found out after the fact. Her dishonesty was her downfall.”
“But now you’re ok working with criminals?” Floyd asks curiously.
“I told you, Floyd, I just want to know in advance what I am getting myself into. Meagan didn’t tell me what she was involved with until we were already deep into it. So I turned her in. I will not make that mistake again. That’s why I wanted you to be up front with me about any criminal involvement you have.” She points towards the door. “Now leave.”
“Go? Already?” Floyd seems shocked. Glory nods her head.
“It isn’t like you have far to go. Besides, I don’t want to stay here any longer than I have to. Plus I have another appointment coming up. You aren’t my only business partner, you know?” She states. Floyd nods his head.
“Fair enough.” He rises up out of his chair. “Good day, Glory.” Floyd turns and makes his way towards the door. He opens the door and exits, shutting the door behind him. A wide grin forms on Glory’s face as she leans back in her chair. She stares down at the buzzer that signals to the secretary’s desk. A look of anticipation is on her face as she waits. It is almost as if she is expecting it to go off anytime now. And sure enough, within a few minutes of Floyd Ryan exiting, the buzzer sounds again. The British Bombshell pushes the button.
“Yes, what is it?”
“Uh, Ms. Braddock…” there is a distinct pause “...uh, were you expecting another appointment?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact I was.”
“Were they FBI agents?”
“That would be them.” Glory says happily. “Send them in.” Braddock watches as the door opens again. This time two men in black suits walk in. Glory stands up to greet them, shaking both of their hands.
“It’s nice to meet both of you finally. My name is Glory and you two would be…”
“Special Agent Kenda and Agent Rodriguez.” One of them, Kenda, states.
“How much of that conversation did you hear?”
“All of it. And we heard it loud and clear, Ms. Braddock. You were excellent.”
“I’m just doing my civic duty, Agent Kenda. I want to run a clean business. I had hoped that any and all criminal activity was gone from my company when your agency nabbed Meagan Collins. When I heard that a member of my own Board of Directors might have similar ties, well, I just had to act.”
“We had long suspected Mr. Ryan of involvement with organized crime but we had no proof. Meagan Collins kept her mouth shut and wouldn’t tell us anything while we had her in custody. Thanks to this, we can start building a case that will put Mr. Ryan behind bars.” Agent Rodriguez answers.
“If I may ask, when will you arrest Mr. Ryan?”
“That is not decided yet. Soon, hopefully.”
“Well if and when you do arrest him, and interrogate him, feel free to arrest anyone else on the board that may have criminal ties. I do not want my company’s good name connected to criminal activity in any way.”
“We will do what we can.” Agent Kenda and Agent Rodriguez again shake Glory’s hand. “Thank you again for your cooperation, Ms. Braddock.”
“No, thank you.” Braddock smirks knowingly as she watches the FBI agents turn and make their exit, with all of the information they need to make an arrest of Floyd Ryan and anyone else who may potentially pose a threat to Glory Braddock’s reign within this company. At the same time, Glory’s record looks spotless for she worked with the FBI to again bring down criminal elements within her company. Her position has been strengthened but she realizes that she is not completely safe. At least not yet. She still has one more thing to do in order to ensure her position within the company is protected.
The British Bombshell reaches for her desk phone and begins to dial a number. She waits for a moment until someone answers. “Yes, Robert? Robert Odom? It’s me, Glory. I have a sale I would like for you to help me negotiate.”
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Miami, Florida
Off Camera
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Just two days removed from her visit with Floyd Ryan, Glory Braddock now finds herself seated in her luxurious living room in her stately Miami, Florida home. Braddock is wearing an O-neck puff short sleeve pink mini dress that stops just above the knee. Her feet are encased in black patent leather high heeled pumps. Her long blonde hair hangs straight and unrestrained to past the shoulders. A confident grin is etched across her lovely features. And why shouldn’t she feel confident? She just got through eliminating one potential threat to her power.
It had become obvious to The British Bombshell that Floyd, a longtime ally and supporter of hers on the Board of Directors, had only dropped these rumors of a hostile takeover simply for his own personal gain and not out of the goodness of his heart to assist Glory Braddock. It was obvious to Braddock that Floyd had expected something in return for his assistance in toppling any potential hostile takeover, if one existed at all. Glory’s suspicions were confirmed when he had suggested that Glory run for Mayor of Charlotte, thus allowing him to take over the day to day activities of the company. That is what he wanted all along. He didn’t want to help Glory stay in power. He didn’t care about stopping a hostile takeover that was targeting Braddock. He wanted more power in the company, whether it was as CEO, Chairman of the Board, whatever. Floyd Ryan wanted to maximize power for himself.
Glory Braddock isn’t even certain a hostile takeover existed in the first place. For all she knows this was an invention from his manipulative mind. He knew Glory’s paranoia would react and force her to take action. He had hoped she would act rashly and without thinking put him in charge in order to protect her. But that was the old Glory Braddock. The new Glory Braddock took time to think everything through. She sought out advice from those closest to her; her friends, family, but most importantly her adoptive “mother”…Aphrodite Noel. Noel had warned her new “daughter” not to trust anyone when it came to corporate dealings, not even someone like Floyd Ryan who had supported her for a long time. Everyone in the business world has an agenda. It is a cutthroat and ruthless world and Glory must be equally cutthroat and ruthless in order to survive.
So when Glory learned that Floyd had connections to organized crime, she also learned that the FBI was investigating him as well, they just didn’t have any solid evidence to build a case against him and arrest him. Braddock agreed to allow the FBI to wire tap her room so that they could hear everything Floyd had to say. Glory tricked him into incriminating himself. Now Braddock herself, as well as her company, is safe from any potential fallout from a criminal investigation. She also eliminated a potential rival to her throne at the top of the company.
The British Bombshell hears footsteps approaching. She turns her head and sees a man dressed in a black and white suit approaching her from the left. This is her new butler, Jacob Samson; yes, the one and the same Jacob Samson who once dated her younger sister Julia Braddock. Jacob is the man primarily responsible for getting Julia hooked on drugs for a long time. The addiction was so bad that Julia prostituted herself in exchange for drugs for herself and Jacob. Julia eventually got clean but Jacob never did get out of trouble. Glory never forgot nor did she forgive him. This is her way of punishing Samson.
Jacob holds out a silver tray with a glass of wine on it. “Wine, Ms. Noel?”
“Thank you, Jacob.” Glory says with a grin as she takes the glass. She takes a sip. “Ah, delicious.”
“Is there anything else you need, Ms. Noel?”
“Yes. I am expecting a visitor soon. Her name is Aurora Alan. I imagine she suspects that Mother and I have reconciled, but she does not know yet that I have returned to my proper status as her daughter. She is not to know this. Understand?”
“As you wish…Ms. Braddock.”
“Good boy.” She winks. Just then the ringing of a bell is heard throughout the room. Glory arches her brow. “That must be her now. Go check the front door, Jacob.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Jacob turns to fetch the visitor, who Glory believes to be Aurora Alan. Yes, Glory Braddock has scheduled a meeting today with the minority shareholder of her company. Aurora Alan is the individual Floyd Ryan had accused of being involved with the coup to overthrow Braddock. Aurora is also the individual who found out that Floyd had connections to organized crime and let Glory know about it. Aurora Alan is as honest an individual you could ever meet and Glory knows this. She is nothing like her brother Matthew or even like Floyd Ryan, both of whom are in trouble with the federal government for white collar crimes. And Glory doubts someone as honest as Aurora Alan would be involved in a hostile takeover.
Still, Floyd has been loyal to Braddock. Just because he has criminal connections and was making a power play of his own does not mean he was lying about a hostile takeover. And Aurora does not have to be involved directly with it in order for the threat to be real. Floyd had warned Glory that a faction within the company wants Aurora in charge because of her familial relation to the founder of the company itself. She may not be actively pushing a coup but others could force her into power. Therefore Aurora Alan is still a threat and Glory must eliminate all of the threats to her power.
Braddock waits a few more moments. It isn’t long before Jacob returns to the living room. This time Aurora Alan is with him. She is dressed in a crimson red pencil skirt, black high heel pumps, and a black blouse. Aurora herself seems a little taken aback by everything while Jacob introduces her.
“Ms. Braddock, Aurora Alan has arrived.”
“Thank you, Jacob.” She nods her head. “You may go.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Jacob turns and makes his exit. Aurora still stands there looking somewhat stunned. Glory smirks as she motions to one of the chairs perpendicular to the sofa that she currently sits on.
“Don’t just stand there, Aurora. Have a seat.”
“Uh, yeah, sure…” Aurora hesitantly makes her way through the living room and towards one of the chairs. She sits down across from Glory, who still exudes confidence. “...you said this was very important and had to do with the company. I came as fast as I could…” Aurora suddenly stops and shakes her head “...sorry, I just can’t get this whole thing out of my head…”
“What’s bothering you, Aurora?” Glory asks curiously. “Should I call Jacob back in here and have him fetch you some wine?”
“That’s just it.” Aurora responds. “I just didn’t picture you as the type of person who would have a butler. How many do you have?”
“Just the one.” Glory answers. “His name is Jacob, Jacob Samson. I felt having a servant was necessary. I am a full time executive and a full time wrestler. I am on the road quite a bit and I do not get to spend nearly enough time with my children. It cost me a healthy relationship with my oldest, Melinda. I will not let my professional career disrupt my relationship with my youngest daughter, Dawn; nor will I let it keep me from my husband. Kurt should not have to stay behind and raise the children while I run from city to city, country to country, winning and defending championships.”
“I suppose it makes sense but it still doesn’t make sense.” Aurora shakes her head. “I have known you since you made your professional debut in 2008. You have always been so down to earth. No disrespect, but this just doesn’t seem like you.”
“You’re right.” Glory takes a sip of her wine. She sets the glass down and sighs. “At one point I would have hated all of this…the luxury, living like a queen…but I was a different person then. I was full of hope and joy. That person died the same day Maria Kurinsky died.”
“Your mother…”
“WAS my mother.” Glory states coldly. “She’s dead now. That old me died with her. The hope I used to have died with her. I now revel in my status as a wealthy, high class, person of power and influence. I am the owner of a large corporation. I am a successful seventeen time former world champion.” She holds up two fingers. “I am two championships away from being Supreme Champion in SCW. Why not enjoy the success that I have earned? And I refuse to let anything or anyone jeopardize that success or my position of power. Floyd Ryan found that out the hard way.”
“Floyd?” Aurora arches her brow out of curiosity. “Is that what you wanted to talk about?”
“Partially, yes.” Glory nods her head. “It turns out your information was spot on.”
“So he does have connections to organized crime?”
“Indeed he does. And the FBI was already onto him. They just didn’t have enough information to arrest him. They were very eager to talk to me about tricking him into self-incrimination.”
“I imagine they were. How did you pull it off?”
“I allowed them to tap my office. I arranged a meeting with Floyd. It took a bit of work but I managed to get him to admit to everything. The FBI will shortly prepare a case against him and have him arrested. With any luck, his niece Jamie will be arrested too. She was quite annoying.”
“What was he planning?”
“He wanted to use his criminal connections to get me elected to Mayor of Charlotte. In return, he would become Chairman of the Board and I would use my new political connections to help the company. So in essence, he wanted to bribe me into giving him control of the company.”
“Mayor of Charlotte, eh?” Aurora asks. Glory nods her head in confirmation as she sips on her wine again. “Honestly, with this new attitude you seem to be sporting, I am surprised you didn’t take him up on the offer.”
“Mayor? Please. I hate politics. Just look at the three ring circus that occurs every two years in this bloody hell hole of a country. I am a wrestler first and foremost and after that, I am a businesswoman. This is my company and it always will be. It will always be run the way I see fit. And I don’t need common criminals or thugs to get my way. I can throw my weight around and accomplish my desired goals through legal means…maybe not ethical, maybe not moral, but perfectly legal means.”
Aurora tilts her head to one side and stares skeptically at Glory Braddock. She hasn’t encountered this side of The British Bombshell before. She comes to the conclusion that something is wrong.
“What does this mean for me?”
“What do you mean, Aurora?”
“You said this company will be run the way you want it to be run. But I’m the Chief Executive. Your handpicked Chief Executive. Are you now going to force me out?”
“Don’t be so dramatic.” Glory shakes her head. “I am not going to force you out. I still need people like you, Silverstone, Francis Taylor, and others to manage the company in my stead, because as I said, I am first and foremost a wrestler. Once my active wrestling career is over then yes, I may come and force you and everyone else who doesn’t bend the knee to MY vision out of my way. Until then your job is safe and secure.”
“I am still Chief Executive.” Aurora stands up. “And I am an Alan. I didn’t want to pull that card but I run the company currently. If I don’t like your vision, I can use my influence over the board to change it.”
“Just as I figured.” Glory stands up, getting nose to nose with Aurora. “You were plotting against me.”
“I wasn’t plotting against you, Glory. I am on your side. But you are sounding more and more like a paranoid tyrant and if you start to abuse your power then I will not hesitate to abuse mine. I am well aware of the support my family has on the board of directors.”
“And you can be removed just like that.” Glory snaps her fingers. “Or instead I could put someone on the board to keep you in line.”
“You wouldn’t. Such a power play on your part would…”
“It would do nothing except keep you in line.” Glory smirks knowingly. “The move has already been made, Aurora. You are here because I wanted to tell you personally that you will fall in line and bend the knee or you will leave the company, selling you minority share back to me.”
“But you need me to keep the board in line, the board members who support my family.”
“Ideally having you to keep them appeased would be great.” She nods her head. “But I have other ways to control them. You are not as needed as you would like to think.” She points towards the door. “Our business is done, Aurora. Now please leave.”
“You…” Aurora shakes her head in disappointment “...you have changed.” Aurora turns and walks away. Glory watches with a look of satisfaction on her face. Floyd Ryan and Aurora Alan both pointed fingers at one another, accusing the other of plotting against Glory Braddock. Now Glory has successfully gotten rid of both of them. The threat is gone. Glory Braddock is back in complete control.
Charlotte, NC
Off Camera
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Beyond her professional wrestling woes, Glory Bradddock also is dealing with corporate woes in the form of a rumored hostile takeover within her company. Floyd Ryan is a member of the Board of Directors and has been a longtime ally of Glory Braddock. Even when The British Bombshell had power stripped from her the first time, Floyd remained loyal and had her back. This is why she believed him when he told her that a faction within the company, perhaps even within the Board itself, wants to oust Braddock again. Floyd even offered to assist Glory in protecting herself against this potential coup. The problem for Glory is that something just doesn’t feel right regarding Mr. Ryan. It could be the fact that he is also secretly jockeying to become the new chairman of the board? It could also be because of the fact that he has connections to organized crime?
Both of those tidbits of information came from minority shareholder Aurora Alan. Aurora Alan is the youngest sibling of Matthew Alan, founder of the company. Floyd is pointing the finger at Aurora as the one behind the potential coup and Aurora is pointing the finger at Floyd. Braddock’s paranoia immediately returned with a fervor. She wasn’t sure who she could trust. All she knew is that one of the two, possibly both, were out to get her; and Glory knows that she has to make a nearly perfect maneuver here in order to protect herself and her position within the company.
Her company is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. Braddock finds herself in her office at the corporate headquarters overlooking the Charlotte skyline. Glory is dressed nicely, dressed to impress in a pink two piece jacket and lace dress with matching pink high heeled leather pumps. She stares stoically outside at the setting and scenery. She doesn’t think about any of what she sees. She is lost in her own deep thoughts of the decisions she must make soon, very soon, in order to maintain her status.
Braddock last met with Floyd Ryan a couple of weeks ago and it was his suggestion at first that she retake full control of the company. Up until now she had been content to let corporate president Francis Taylor, general manager Tabitha Silverstone, and minority shareholder and current chief executive Aurora Alan run everything in her stead. The purpose was two-fold; it allows her to maintain an active wrestling schedule for Supreme Championship Wrestling where she looks to obtain Supreme Championship status and in MWE where she reigns as World Champion. Keeping herself separated from the active day to day operations of the company keeps her sane; at least Glory believes it does. She recalls the last time she had full control of the company. She did not like what it turned her into. She did not like the person she became when she had that much power.
Glory tried to explain all of this to Floyd and to decline his offer but he just pivoted and suggested that she run for Mayor of Charlotte instead. Floyd insisted that he could bend the rules to get her on the ballot and help her win. Then with him in charge of the company, she could use her political influence to help him and the company. This too rubbed Glory the wrong way. It struck her as a power play on his part. But Floyd insists that both would benefit. He would have full control of the company and Glory would have the city of Charlotte. She has to admit that his offer would benefit her. Both would increase in power and influence. Still, Glory is worried about how much the new power would influence her. Can she still be a powerful and influential business woman, or even a powerful political figure, and do good at the same time? She isn’t certain that she can.
The buzzing sound on her desk snaps The British Bombshell out of her reverie. She realizes that she cannot worry about any of that right now. She has work to do. She has to protect herself and her company. Braddock spins around in her chair and pushes the button signaling the secretary’s desk. “Yes, what is it?”
“Ms. Braddock, Mr. Floyd Ryan is here to see you.”
“Yes, send him in.” Braddock’s face remains stoic and cold as she looks forward, waiting on his arrival. The door then opens and Floyd Ryan walks into her office. He is wearing a navy blue suit and red power tie. He approaches Braddock’s desk. Glory stands up and the two greet with a handshake.
“Nice to see you in the office, Glory.” Floyd says with his voice oozing charm and charisma. “I am surprised you decided to meet me in Charlotte again. I thought…”
“I don’t particularly care for Charlotte, you’re right. I would rather meet in Miami, my turf. But this is MY office, MY building, and MY turf. Unlike the last time we met which was in your home on your turf. But I suppose if we are to be partners in the future then I should get used to working here in Charlotte.” She lets that last sentence come out slowly, so that Floyd can really take it in. As he hears it a grin forms on his face.
“So you’re considering my offer?”
“Please sit.” Glory motions to a chair in front of her desk. Floyd sits and Glory returns to her seat as well. “Floyd, you have been a supporter of mine on the Board of Directors for a long time. You fought against the board’s first move to strip my authority. You continued to fight to have me reinstated. I appreciate your loyalty.”
“Glory, anyone with common sense should realize that you are the rightful leader of this company. This company owes its very existence to you. You bought the rights and trademarks to this company back from GDW management when they were having financial difficulty. You brought GCW back in 2012 and two years later bought GDW out as well. You would go on to make a deal that would give every single employee at every level of this company a fully funded health insurance package. You expanded this company’s limits beyond a simple wrestling promotion to include modeling as well.”
“You’re right, I did all of that. Still, a faction ousted me from power once before. Now you are telling me that another faction is plotting to oust me again. I believe you only because of how loyal you have been. But tell me, Floyd, why would they want me gone so badly?”
“Do you want my honest opinion, Glory?”
“I value honesty.” Braddock says with a nod of her head.
“Some of them are nostalgic for the glory days of when Matthew Alan’s family ran this company. But his family’s mismanagement, corruption, and greed is what led to them being bought out in 2003. They think his sister Aurora will be different but they are wrong. She is just as corrupt as him. Others don’t like you because they feel you are too eccentric, too unstable to control the company. Some of them see you as corrupt as Matthew Alan.”
“What about you?” Glory asks. “What do you see when you look at me? I mean, you do know all about corruption, don’t you?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Mr. Ryan, if we are going to be partners then I need you to be honest with me. Remember, I value honesty. So be honest with me, how corrupt are you?”
“With all due respect, Glory, I…”
“Don’t give me any nonsense, Floyd.” Glory immediately cuts him off. “I have heard from some very reliable sources about your criminal connections.”
“I do not know who you spoke with but I am not connected to organized crime.”
“Oh come on, Floyd. You have been loyal to me and I will be loyal to you in return. I promise not to tell anyone.”
“There’s nothing to tell.”
“Very well.” Glory sighs deeply and shakes her head. “Then I guess we don’t have a deal.”
“What?” Floyd sounds shocked at the rejection. “But I thought….”
“We DID have a deal. But you heard me, I need to work with someone who I can trust, someone who is honest with me. You want me to take charge of the company again, to micromanage it. If not that, you want me to run for Mayor of Charlotte and do political favors for you with you in charge of this company. I admit, having that kind of power again sounds tempting and I am willing to consider it, but only if you are straightforward with me.” She leans forward and gazes deep into Floyd’s eyes. “One last time…do you have connections to organized crime? I want to know exactly what I am getting myself into here, Floyd.”
“And you don’t believe me when I say I don’t?”
“No, I don’t believe you.” She shakes her head. “I believe my sources.”
“And there’s nothing I can say to convince you otherwise?”
“Damn it, Floyd!” Glory voice grows louder with frustration. “I know you and Meagan Collins are best friends. You remember her, right? She damn near got me and this company in trouble when she was investigated and later convicted of crimes by the FBI. The feds found that Meagan had connections to organized crime. It isn’t hard to make the connection that her ‘friends’ might be your friends too.”
“Hell…” Floyd is now the one sounding frustrated and defeated “...Meagan…”
“So she is your friend?”
“Yes, a close personal friend.”
“So that means you do have connections to her…friends.”
“Yes, yes I admit it.” Floyd is a little agitated now. “I admit, I have worked with organized crime on occasion to assist in my business dealings. Meagan was the one responsible for hooking me up with them. Are you happy now, Glory?”
“Ecstatic.” Glory smirks knowingly. “All I wanted was a little honesty, that’s all.”
“I don’t know why you care so much about my business. It isn’t like your past is squeaky clean. I remember how you got your own sister locked up in a mental institution for two months. And as for Meagan, she worked for you. Some of the criminal acts connected to her was for your benefit.”
“My sister signed a contract giving me control over her status. It isn’t my fault she didn’t bother reading the fine print. And I was working with the FBI to get Meagan locked up. She never told me that she was working with criminals. I found out after the fact. Her dishonesty was her downfall.”
“But now you’re ok working with criminals?” Floyd asks curiously.
“I told you, Floyd, I just want to know in advance what I am getting myself into. Meagan didn’t tell me what she was involved with until we were already deep into it. So I turned her in. I will not make that mistake again. That’s why I wanted you to be up front with me about any criminal involvement you have.” She points towards the door. “Now leave.”
“Go? Already?” Floyd seems shocked. Glory nods her head.
“It isn’t like you have far to go. Besides, I don’t want to stay here any longer than I have to. Plus I have another appointment coming up. You aren’t my only business partner, you know?” She states. Floyd nods his head.
“Fair enough.” He rises up out of his chair. “Good day, Glory.” Floyd turns and makes his way towards the door. He opens the door and exits, shutting the door behind him. A wide grin forms on Glory’s face as she leans back in her chair. She stares down at the buzzer that signals to the secretary’s desk. A look of anticipation is on her face as she waits. It is almost as if she is expecting it to go off anytime now. And sure enough, within a few minutes of Floyd Ryan exiting, the buzzer sounds again. The British Bombshell pushes the button.
“Yes, what is it?”
“Uh, Ms. Braddock…” there is a distinct pause “...uh, were you expecting another appointment?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact I was.”
“Were they FBI agents?”
“That would be them.” Glory says happily. “Send them in.” Braddock watches as the door opens again. This time two men in black suits walk in. Glory stands up to greet them, shaking both of their hands.
“It’s nice to meet both of you finally. My name is Glory and you two would be…”
“Special Agent Kenda and Agent Rodriguez.” One of them, Kenda, states.
“How much of that conversation did you hear?”
“All of it. And we heard it loud and clear, Ms. Braddock. You were excellent.”
“I’m just doing my civic duty, Agent Kenda. I want to run a clean business. I had hoped that any and all criminal activity was gone from my company when your agency nabbed Meagan Collins. When I heard that a member of my own Board of Directors might have similar ties, well, I just had to act.”
“We had long suspected Mr. Ryan of involvement with organized crime but we had no proof. Meagan Collins kept her mouth shut and wouldn’t tell us anything while we had her in custody. Thanks to this, we can start building a case that will put Mr. Ryan behind bars.” Agent Rodriguez answers.
“If I may ask, when will you arrest Mr. Ryan?”
“That is not decided yet. Soon, hopefully.”
“Well if and when you do arrest him, and interrogate him, feel free to arrest anyone else on the board that may have criminal ties. I do not want my company’s good name connected to criminal activity in any way.”
“We will do what we can.” Agent Kenda and Agent Rodriguez again shake Glory’s hand. “Thank you again for your cooperation, Ms. Braddock.”
“No, thank you.” Braddock smirks knowingly as she watches the FBI agents turn and make their exit, with all of the information they need to make an arrest of Floyd Ryan and anyone else who may potentially pose a threat to Glory Braddock’s reign within this company. At the same time, Glory’s record looks spotless for she worked with the FBI to again bring down criminal elements within her company. Her position has been strengthened but she realizes that she is not completely safe. At least not yet. She still has one more thing to do in order to ensure her position within the company is protected.
The British Bombshell reaches for her desk phone and begins to dial a number. She waits for a moment until someone answers. “Yes, Robert? Robert Odom? It’s me, Glory. I have a sale I would like for you to help me negotiate.”
==========
Miami, Florida
Off Camera
==========
Just two days removed from her visit with Floyd Ryan, Glory Braddock now finds herself seated in her luxurious living room in her stately Miami, Florida home. Braddock is wearing an O-neck puff short sleeve pink mini dress that stops just above the knee. Her feet are encased in black patent leather high heeled pumps. Her long blonde hair hangs straight and unrestrained to past the shoulders. A confident grin is etched across her lovely features. And why shouldn’t she feel confident? She just got through eliminating one potential threat to her power.
It had become obvious to The British Bombshell that Floyd, a longtime ally and supporter of hers on the Board of Directors, had only dropped these rumors of a hostile takeover simply for his own personal gain and not out of the goodness of his heart to assist Glory Braddock. It was obvious to Braddock that Floyd had expected something in return for his assistance in toppling any potential hostile takeover, if one existed at all. Glory’s suspicions were confirmed when he had suggested that Glory run for Mayor of Charlotte, thus allowing him to take over the day to day activities of the company. That is what he wanted all along. He didn’t want to help Glory stay in power. He didn’t care about stopping a hostile takeover that was targeting Braddock. He wanted more power in the company, whether it was as CEO, Chairman of the Board, whatever. Floyd Ryan wanted to maximize power for himself.
Glory Braddock isn’t even certain a hostile takeover existed in the first place. For all she knows this was an invention from his manipulative mind. He knew Glory’s paranoia would react and force her to take action. He had hoped she would act rashly and without thinking put him in charge in order to protect her. But that was the old Glory Braddock. The new Glory Braddock took time to think everything through. She sought out advice from those closest to her; her friends, family, but most importantly her adoptive “mother”…Aphrodite Noel. Noel had warned her new “daughter” not to trust anyone when it came to corporate dealings, not even someone like Floyd Ryan who had supported her for a long time. Everyone in the business world has an agenda. It is a cutthroat and ruthless world and Glory must be equally cutthroat and ruthless in order to survive.
So when Glory learned that Floyd had connections to organized crime, she also learned that the FBI was investigating him as well, they just didn’t have any solid evidence to build a case against him and arrest him. Braddock agreed to allow the FBI to wire tap her room so that they could hear everything Floyd had to say. Glory tricked him into incriminating himself. Now Braddock herself, as well as her company, is safe from any potential fallout from a criminal investigation. She also eliminated a potential rival to her throne at the top of the company.
The British Bombshell hears footsteps approaching. She turns her head and sees a man dressed in a black and white suit approaching her from the left. This is her new butler, Jacob Samson; yes, the one and the same Jacob Samson who once dated her younger sister Julia Braddock. Jacob is the man primarily responsible for getting Julia hooked on drugs for a long time. The addiction was so bad that Julia prostituted herself in exchange for drugs for herself and Jacob. Julia eventually got clean but Jacob never did get out of trouble. Glory never forgot nor did she forgive him. This is her way of punishing Samson.
Jacob holds out a silver tray with a glass of wine on it. “Wine, Ms. Noel?”
“Thank you, Jacob.” Glory says with a grin as she takes the glass. She takes a sip. “Ah, delicious.”
“Is there anything else you need, Ms. Noel?”
“Yes. I am expecting a visitor soon. Her name is Aurora Alan. I imagine she suspects that Mother and I have reconciled, but she does not know yet that I have returned to my proper status as her daughter. She is not to know this. Understand?”
“As you wish…Ms. Braddock.”
“Good boy.” She winks. Just then the ringing of a bell is heard throughout the room. Glory arches her brow. “That must be her now. Go check the front door, Jacob.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Jacob turns to fetch the visitor, who Glory believes to be Aurora Alan. Yes, Glory Braddock has scheduled a meeting today with the minority shareholder of her company. Aurora Alan is the individual Floyd Ryan had accused of being involved with the coup to overthrow Braddock. Aurora is also the individual who found out that Floyd had connections to organized crime and let Glory know about it. Aurora Alan is as honest an individual you could ever meet and Glory knows this. She is nothing like her brother Matthew or even like Floyd Ryan, both of whom are in trouble with the federal government for white collar crimes. And Glory doubts someone as honest as Aurora Alan would be involved in a hostile takeover.
Still, Floyd has been loyal to Braddock. Just because he has criminal connections and was making a power play of his own does not mean he was lying about a hostile takeover. And Aurora does not have to be involved directly with it in order for the threat to be real. Floyd had warned Glory that a faction within the company wants Aurora in charge because of her familial relation to the founder of the company itself. She may not be actively pushing a coup but others could force her into power. Therefore Aurora Alan is still a threat and Glory must eliminate all of the threats to her power.
Braddock waits a few more moments. It isn’t long before Jacob returns to the living room. This time Aurora Alan is with him. She is dressed in a crimson red pencil skirt, black high heel pumps, and a black blouse. Aurora herself seems a little taken aback by everything while Jacob introduces her.
“Ms. Braddock, Aurora Alan has arrived.”
“Thank you, Jacob.” She nods her head. “You may go.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Jacob turns and makes his exit. Aurora still stands there looking somewhat stunned. Glory smirks as she motions to one of the chairs perpendicular to the sofa that she currently sits on.
“Don’t just stand there, Aurora. Have a seat.”
“Uh, yeah, sure…” Aurora hesitantly makes her way through the living room and towards one of the chairs. She sits down across from Glory, who still exudes confidence. “...you said this was very important and had to do with the company. I came as fast as I could…” Aurora suddenly stops and shakes her head “...sorry, I just can’t get this whole thing out of my head…”
“What’s bothering you, Aurora?” Glory asks curiously. “Should I call Jacob back in here and have him fetch you some wine?”
“That’s just it.” Aurora responds. “I just didn’t picture you as the type of person who would have a butler. How many do you have?”
“Just the one.” Glory answers. “His name is Jacob, Jacob Samson. I felt having a servant was necessary. I am a full time executive and a full time wrestler. I am on the road quite a bit and I do not get to spend nearly enough time with my children. It cost me a healthy relationship with my oldest, Melinda. I will not let my professional career disrupt my relationship with my youngest daughter, Dawn; nor will I let it keep me from my husband. Kurt should not have to stay behind and raise the children while I run from city to city, country to country, winning and defending championships.”
“I suppose it makes sense but it still doesn’t make sense.” Aurora shakes her head. “I have known you since you made your professional debut in 2008. You have always been so down to earth. No disrespect, but this just doesn’t seem like you.”
“You’re right.” Glory takes a sip of her wine. She sets the glass down and sighs. “At one point I would have hated all of this…the luxury, living like a queen…but I was a different person then. I was full of hope and joy. That person died the same day Maria Kurinsky died.”
“Your mother…”
“WAS my mother.” Glory states coldly. “She’s dead now. That old me died with her. The hope I used to have died with her. I now revel in my status as a wealthy, high class, person of power and influence. I am the owner of a large corporation. I am a successful seventeen time former world champion.” She holds up two fingers. “I am two championships away from being Supreme Champion in SCW. Why not enjoy the success that I have earned? And I refuse to let anything or anyone jeopardize that success or my position of power. Floyd Ryan found that out the hard way.”
“Floyd?” Aurora arches her brow out of curiosity. “Is that what you wanted to talk about?”
“Partially, yes.” Glory nods her head. “It turns out your information was spot on.”
“So he does have connections to organized crime?”
“Indeed he does. And the FBI was already onto him. They just didn’t have enough information to arrest him. They were very eager to talk to me about tricking him into self-incrimination.”
“I imagine they were. How did you pull it off?”
“I allowed them to tap my office. I arranged a meeting with Floyd. It took a bit of work but I managed to get him to admit to everything. The FBI will shortly prepare a case against him and have him arrested. With any luck, his niece Jamie will be arrested too. She was quite annoying.”
“What was he planning?”
“He wanted to use his criminal connections to get me elected to Mayor of Charlotte. In return, he would become Chairman of the Board and I would use my new political connections to help the company. So in essence, he wanted to bribe me into giving him control of the company.”
“Mayor of Charlotte, eh?” Aurora asks. Glory nods her head in confirmation as she sips on her wine again. “Honestly, with this new attitude you seem to be sporting, I am surprised you didn’t take him up on the offer.”
“Mayor? Please. I hate politics. Just look at the three ring circus that occurs every two years in this bloody hell hole of a country. I am a wrestler first and foremost and after that, I am a businesswoman. This is my company and it always will be. It will always be run the way I see fit. And I don’t need common criminals or thugs to get my way. I can throw my weight around and accomplish my desired goals through legal means…maybe not ethical, maybe not moral, but perfectly legal means.”
Aurora tilts her head to one side and stares skeptically at Glory Braddock. She hasn’t encountered this side of The British Bombshell before. She comes to the conclusion that something is wrong.
“What does this mean for me?”
“What do you mean, Aurora?”
“You said this company will be run the way you want it to be run. But I’m the Chief Executive. Your handpicked Chief Executive. Are you now going to force me out?”
“Don’t be so dramatic.” Glory shakes her head. “I am not going to force you out. I still need people like you, Silverstone, Francis Taylor, and others to manage the company in my stead, because as I said, I am first and foremost a wrestler. Once my active wrestling career is over then yes, I may come and force you and everyone else who doesn’t bend the knee to MY vision out of my way. Until then your job is safe and secure.”
“I am still Chief Executive.” Aurora stands up. “And I am an Alan. I didn’t want to pull that card but I run the company currently. If I don’t like your vision, I can use my influence over the board to change it.”
“Just as I figured.” Glory stands up, getting nose to nose with Aurora. “You were plotting against me.”
“I wasn’t plotting against you, Glory. I am on your side. But you are sounding more and more like a paranoid tyrant and if you start to abuse your power then I will not hesitate to abuse mine. I am well aware of the support my family has on the board of directors.”
“And you can be removed just like that.” Glory snaps her fingers. “Or instead I could put someone on the board to keep you in line.”
“You wouldn’t. Such a power play on your part would…”
“It would do nothing except keep you in line.” Glory smirks knowingly. “The move has already been made, Aurora. You are here because I wanted to tell you personally that you will fall in line and bend the knee or you will leave the company, selling you minority share back to me.”
“But you need me to keep the board in line, the board members who support my family.”
“Ideally having you to keep them appeased would be great.” She nods her head. “But I have other ways to control them. You are not as needed as you would like to think.” She points towards the door. “Our business is done, Aurora. Now please leave.”
“You…” Aurora shakes her head in disappointment “...you have changed.” Aurora turns and walks away. Glory watches with a look of satisfaction on her face. Floyd Ryan and Aurora Alan both pointed fingers at one another, accusing the other of plotting against Glory Braddock. Now Glory has successfully gotten rid of both of them. The threat is gone. Glory Braddock is back in complete control.