After hearing Marian's voicemail, Isla had called Gordon and asked him to meet her at the office. He was already there when she arrived, dressed casually in a sweater and khakis and looking rather tired. He may have actually gotten out of bed to come there.
"What's wrong?" he asked. The concern in his voice was touching. "It's not Joe again, is it?"
She shook her head. If only it were as simple as a marital dispute, or a lost contract. "Gordon," she said, not sure how to proceed, "I think we've got a real problem."
He sat on the edge of his desk with his arms folded. "Go on."
"Earlier today, I noticed that both the Midshipman and Wellman buildings are owned by numbered companies that, I'm told, are registered to Spinnaker & Co."
"Ok. And?"
"I think Robert has been receiving campaign donations from Spinnaker."
"What are you saying?"
"I think he cut corners in exchange for money."
He took a deep breath. "That's a hell of an accusation."
"Believe me, I know." She threw up her arms in frustration. "If it's true, we'll lose everything."
"You don't have proof?"
"No, but Marian seems to."
Gordon's face softened. He stood and led Isla to the sofa. "My dear," he said, taking her hand in his, "hasn't that woman caused you enough pain? She continues to put herself between you and your partners — first in your marriage, and now in your business."
Isla pulled her hand away. She couldn't be hearing this. Not again.
"I saw the story on the news tonight," he said. "We all did."
She could only imagine how it looked on camera. The questions about the firm had been expected, but those about her personal life had blindsided her completely. "What does that have to do with it?"
"We know how hard it must be for you. Donna is particularly worried — she's been trying to reach you."
He was being kind, she hoped, and not patronizing but either way, a little ball of anger started to swirl deep inside.
"The people in this firm have worked very hard to develop a reputation for excellence," she said in an effort to keep their conversation focussed. "Now suddenly, just when Robert decides he wants to be mayor, there are problems with two of his projects — projects owned by one of his campaign supporters. You don't find that odd?"
"Of course it's curious," he said. "That's why we've hired the PR firm and why we're working with the lawyers to sort through this. I don't want to go out of business any more than you do. But we need to keep things in perspective."
"Perspective?" Tension shot up her spine. "Three people are dead. Warren Best is back in hospital. We could lose our business, and my personal life is now the subject of a media story. How dare you suggest I lack perspective."
"This is Marian we're talking about. She hasn't exactly done you any favours." Gordon was truly unflappable. He remained calm if not entirely serene. As angry as she was, she had to admire that. "Who told the reporter about Joe? And who is it that held you up as the bastion of perfection in the first place? If she hadn't sung your praises following the Wellman accident, we would never have made you spokesperson."
"Are you saying that she's setting me up for something?"
"Not intentionally maybe." Gordon took her hand again. "All I know is where that woman goes, trouble follows — especially for you. And I don't want to see you hurt again."
"Robert needs to tell us everything. Now."
He sat back and straightened his trousers. "I'll invite him to the house for a drink and see what I can find out. He's more likely to talk to me alone, don't you think?"
She had to agree with him there. "Make sure you find out more about Spinnaker & Co."
Gordon looked thoughtful. "I'll ask, yes. Although what really matters is whether he's accepted bribes. Who the bribe is from may well be irrelevant."
"Still, I want to know."
"Fair enough." He patted her knee and smiled. "Take heart, my dear. This too shall pass."