“So what’s the vote on?” I asked.
Nikki’s delicate fingers worked on the tie at my throat. “I do not know.” Frustration entered her voice, and probably not because of the tie. “One of the measures passed in recent months was that senior members could ask for a vote on a proposition without prior information on the matter. Nor may the vote be postponed to give full consideration.”
“That sounds dumb.”
“Quite. Consequently, some matters have been passed where members have not been able to attend or even arrange for proxies because the votes came up so suddenly. Another is that votes must be made in-person, without the use of any technological aid.”
“Really consolidating power, aren’t they? But what’s the big payoff? You must have an idea otherwise you wouldn’t want me.”
“Since its inception, the Fairhaven Club has operated as a retreat and place of business for those of means. It was only through considerable persuasion that I gained the lone exception of female membership.”
“Uh huh, persuasion.”
“I do have my ways.” No smile, and completely flat delivery.
“So it’s the rich and powerful wheeling and dealing, as usual. So what?”
“But these were solitary men of business, who interacted with one another. I believe, Matthew, that some on the board intend to consolidate it into a concern in and of itself. The Fairhaven Club will become some kind of corporate entity that not only facilitates business and men of power, but actively operate as a single entity to pursue an agenda decided on by the board.”
“Yeah, like that’s never happened before.”