He took in Bartholomew’s attire once more. He supposed he’d have to update his own wardrobe, and he was going to make the same recommendation to Amber. She was next on his list of things to deal with at Coast Eagle.
“Can you set up a meeting with Max and the vice presidents for this afternoon?” Cole asked Bartholomew.
“Do you have a preferred time, sir?”
“Two o’clock.” Cole couldn’t have cared less about the time, but he needed to be the guy making the decisions.
“The east boardroom?”
“Sounds fine. Can you direct me to Amber Welsley’s office?”
“She’s in accounting. That’s on the seventh floor. Shall I show you the way?”
“Is it overly complicated?”
Bartholomew seemed to allow himself a small smile. “Left when you get off the elevator, first hallway on your right.”
“I think I can manage. No need for a tour guide.”
“Very good, sir.”
“Anything else I should know?” Cole asked, curious to know where Bartholomew’s loyalties would lie.
“What would you like to know?”
Cole paused to gauge the man’s expression. “What do you think is important?”
An intelligent light came into Bartholomew’s eyes. “Mr. Henderson had a lot of faith in Sidney. I believe that was appropriate. He also had a lot of faith in Roth. I believe that faith may have been misplaced. He also understood the need to deploy Julius in certain situations.”
“Such as?”
“Would you like me to be blunt?”
“Always.”
“Julius is a pit bull. But he’s Coast Eagle’s pit bull.”
“What about Max Cutter?”
“Max Cutter will be completely up front and honest with you. If I had to guess, I’d say he can’t wait to get out of the president’s role and back to the legal department.”
Cole agreed with that assessment. Max had said as much himself.
“And Amber Welsley?” Cole asked.
“I knew Mrs. Henderson a lot better than I knew Ms. Welsley.”
“Impressions?”
“She has always struck me as hardworking but below the radar. I’m not certain she thought very highly of Mr. Samuel Henderson.”
“He married her baby sister.”
“Indeed. Though I’m not certain she was a fan of Mrs. Henderson, either.”
“May I rely on your discretion, Bartholomew?”
“You may.”
“Good to know.” Cole was impressed with the man so far.