The Committee by Terry E. Hill

father, a Mr. Cecil Vandercliff. The senior Vandercliff made his money in real estate and iron.” Brandon took a breath and continued reciting the exhaustively researched dossier on the eccentric Miss Vandercliff. “She is a huge baseball fan and particularly of the Los Angeles Dobermans. Camille’s people have already been in touch with her, and she’s willing to sell the property to the city for the astoundingly low amount of 120 mill—”
    â€œI know that already,” Sheridan said, interrupting Brandon. “I need to meet her before any deals are made with the city. Set it up,” he snapped.
    â€œIt won’t be easy. She never leaves the house and rarely has anyone in. She’s pretty batty from what I hear.”
    â€œI don’t give a fuck how crazy she is. I need you to get me a meeting with her.”
    â€œSheridan,” Brandon said cautiously, “are you sure you want to touch this one? The construction of Dober Stadium is going to be watched by everyone. It’s going to be one of the largest sports arenas in the world and one of the most expensive development projects the city has ever taken on. The media is going to scrutinize every aspect of this deal. If it ever comes out you owned the property and sold it to your wife, you also run the risk of it coming out you are Kenigrant and have made millions using information you’ve gathered from Camille. Not only could you lose everything, but you’d also probably face jail time for corruption. In addition, no one will believe your wife didn’t know you owned the land. Even if she’s able to talk her way out of it, her career would be left in tatters, and, of course, she could never run for governor.”
    â€œDon’t you think I’ve already considered all that,” Sheridan said angrily. “I stand to make at least 100 million on this deal, and there’s no way I’m going to pass it up. She’s in too deep now with the stadium plans. There’s no way the city can back out now. She’ll have no choice but to pay KeyCorp Development whatever price we name. Believe me, Camille’s a tough girl. She can take care of herself.”
    â€œI don’t doubt that,” Brandon said with a hint of sarcasm. “But remember, this all hinges on whether you’re able to convince Vandercliff to sell to you instead of the city.”
    â€œDon’t worry,” Sheridan said confidently. “I know these dizzy old money types. Stroke their egos, maybe do a little Stepin Fetchit. Let them think they’re superior to you. By then, they’re so drunk with power they’ll do anything you want them to.”
    There was silence on the line. Sheridan sensed the revulsion from Brandon oozing through the receiver but quickly dismissed it as the reaction of a weak inferior whose sole job was to do his bidding and implement his commands.
    â€œWhat name shall I make the appointment in?” Brandon asked, afraid of what the answer would be.
    There was a brief silence before Sheridan responded. “Sheridan Hardaway,” he finally answered.
    Brandon released an audible gasp before he spoke. “Why take the risk now?” was his immediate reply.
    â€œBecause the payoff is worth the risk. I don’t trust anyone—not even you—to handle this.”
    â€œSheridan, you’ve made millions on this setup with Camille. I don’t understand why you’re willing to risk it all for this one deal.”
    â€œI thought you knew me better than that, Brandon.” Sheridan stood from his desk and walked to the bank of windows. The city below seemed to bubble and pop at his feet. A jumble of high-rise towers dotted the horizon like buoys afloat at sea. “I’m a gambler,” he continued. “The greater the risk, the greater the return, and that fucking turns me on. I’ve got a hard-on just thinking about it.”
    â€œYour erection