Page 143 of The Protection Agreement

Declan: I’ll let Anne know to plan something for Lexi

Me: Thanks, got to go, Lexi is done.

Adam: Bye, tell her congrats from me.

Daniel: Bye, let us know when you guys return.

Me: Will do

I shut the phone off and turn to face the room where everyone applauds my wife, who is graciously smiling at them. Ice is on his feet.

“Looks like it went well,” he says.

“Did you have doubt?”

“No, she’s tough even when she’s laughing or crying,” he says.

I nod and look as she waves me in. I step inside to each person wanting to shake my hand. I look to her for guidance and she just smiles.

When they leave, Jonah signals to his PA. who leaves and returns with a box. Soon as Jola sees the box, she gets teary and rushes to hug Jonah.

“Thank you,” she mumbles. The PA hands the box to her. She holds it close before opening it. She Turns to me, “It’s my mom’s jewelry box. Dad told me I would get it one day.” She cries.

“He gave it to me before he died and told me to keep for you, and give it to you once you’re officially A J Lloyd,” Jonah says.

“Thank you,” she says to him.

As she looks through the box of jewelry, Jonah and I step a few feet away to talk.

“What happens now?” I ask.

“I’m still in control; she votes on major decision with other board member. She’s also the new face of the company. If she wants to work, we can get her an office in Chicago. She will have protection, but I’ll defer to you and the company will make payment,” he says.

“You want to pay me to protect my wife?” I ask, flabbergasted by his statement.

“Your wife, as you know. is A J Lloyd. She owns the largest share in this company; her protection comes with the power, and the name she carries. She will be the face of the company at major event. Why do you think dad made it important that I approve of her husband? My sister is a powerful woman. The calls to do business and meet with her are going to start coming in once the press release goes out. I can’t wait for them to find out she’s not just a pretty face but brains too.” He smiles as I sigh at the amount of weight this is going to be for her. I look at her and she’s still admiring her mom’s jewelry.

“Fine. I’ll discuss it with her,” I say.

“I’ll suggest you bill for it and keep it church and state kind of thing. Bill for her official capacity movement and leave the rest to you. I have permanent security as the second largest shareholder. So, yes, my sister certainly gets the full ride.” I nod.

“Keep her office in Chicago, it will make it easier for us.”

“Done.” He puts his hand out for a handshake. “Thank you, I couldn’t have chosen a better man for her.”

I nod, just as Jola comes over to us, with a diamond ring in hand.

“I think you should have this.” She hands the ring to Jonah.

“It’s your mom’s ring,” he says.

“Well, the Powells’ have given me one that I love.” She displays her hand. “I think it’s best you have this, because I believe it was our great-grandmother’s ring. Dad told me she was A J Lloyd as well. And I believe it should be on the finger of the woman that births the next A J Lloyd. Since we all know my children will be Powell.” She grins. He pulls her into a hug. When he pulls back from the hug he lifts her chin up.

“Why don’t you keep it for me? I’ll come for it when I meet said woman,” Jonah says.

“I need nieces and nephews. Don’t make me wait too long,” she chides.

“I won’t.” They hug again and pull back when Jonah’s PA comes in and turns to Jonah.