The Time Stone, Third Edition (Extended Version)

“It’s how the other half lives.” Broad Staffnight speaks so eloquently that his echo could be heard down the dim corridors of the typically bright office building, belonging to Temporo, Inc. The arched portals mimicked ancient Greek architecture and the attitude of the principal officers are akin to that of the Gods. “Just imagine my friend, with the right timing and patience; we will be like Gods ourselves.”

“I like your style, Broad. You have a bright future with this company.” The older man pats his subordinate on the back, as he walks out of the younger man’s office.

“I’ll see you at the country club, Mr. Barry,” says Broad as he waves goodbye to his older contemporary - Mr. Marion Barry, chairman of Temporo’s board of directors.

Broad then looks at his subordinate Daniel Raymore, in-house accountant and chief bookkeeper. He yells out into the hallways, “Mildred, come in here please.” Broad beckons hoarsely at his assistant - a fair-haired young woman in a plaid dress and small glasses. Daniel takes this as his usual cue to leave. He slowly heads out the door as Mildred enters the room. Broad admires her tall voluptuous frame as she approaches. He reaches out, as if to grab her rear end, but smirks as he pinches the air behind her.“Nice caboose mamasita.”

“You wanted to see me, Mr. Staffnight?” Mildred looks at him with her usual tone that indicates respect but also that she’s not at all amused by his behavior.

“Talking about fortunes and empires, making money, and distress….” Broad utters his famous diatribe that everyone who knows him has grown accustomed to.

“Yeah, nice staff you got here, Broad” utters Denis Thoroughgood, who passes by the office glancing through the open door.

Broad gives him a coy glance, signaling that he doesn’t want to be interrupted.

“We will discuss more about the project soon Denis,” he responds with a hint of annoyance.

“No problem,” Denis responds with a smile, as he pops his head into the office. He nods quickly, and then just as quickly, he takes his leave from the large corner office closing the door behind him.

Broad then takes his seat at his desk as Mildred sits in the chair before him with a pad and pen resting in her lap. Broad is what most would consider a ladies’ man and has his way with anyone he pleases. He stands six foot five inches tall, square shouldered, tight round jaw, with a jet black buzz cut and wearing an Armani suit, gilded cuff links, and a bright orange power tie that epitomizes the perfection and massive wealth that he seeks and claims he deserves. When he sits he exhibits the persona of the all-American boy, a football quarterback and champion star athlete in high school, who dated and married the homecoming queen, studied law, politics, and high finance at the finest European schools, served in the Marine Corps, and now is head of one of the top Fortune 100 companies in the world, but there is something else about the way he carries himself that makes him seem far more ominous as his long arms curve in front of him like tendrils plotting and waiting deviously for the kill. “We need to talk more about your future.”

Mildred reluctantly smiles and sits uneasy in her seat before her boss’ massive marble-topped oak desk.

Broad lights and begins smoking one of his famous Cuban cigars taken from his secret spot underneath a hardcover copy of Machiavelli’s “Prince” in the middle right hand draw of his desk. He looks at Mildred as he puffs his cigar. “Do you know why I called you in here?”

“No, Mr. Staffnight. I am here…”she begins.

“Honey, will you please do a favor for me?” Broad interrupts her. “Will you call me Senor (accent) Staffnight? That Latin side of you makes me all fired up.” Broad mimics a jungle cat’s roar jokingly as he displays his hand out like a claw. “I feel feisty too.”

Mildred begins to rise to her feet. “I don’t feel comfortable.”

“Sit down,” Broad commands. “We are here today to start talking about fortunes and empires, the true realities of making money, a midst the boldest corporations of high finance in our market.”

Mildred rolls her eyes with a nonchalant attitude displaying sarcasm, but having a hidden fear of Broad. Mildred has heard Broad’s typical diatribe before, but was never alone with him. Mildred has heard that Broad made sexual advances to the female staff during time alone with them.

“Mildred,” Broad continues. “Some say that there are some things in this world that are too powerful to fully be understood by the human mind … but given the right market anything is possible, even amid the chaos and distress of innocence lost, madness revered, challenges conquered, things lost, more gained.” His thoughts slipped away from him as he gazes into empty space.

“Sir” Mildred interrupts.

“Mildred,” Broad screams out. “I want you to prepare a letter to Mr. Lorn Kilner of Chronos Enterprises and inform him that we are ready to participate in the project that we discussed last week and that preparations are being made to engage the relevant third party collectors who will bring forth the necessary equipment.” He smirks as he watches Mildred, carefully taking notes and he admires her slim physique in the short plaid dress, her sleeves pushed up to her elbows and her long legs crossed in front of her with her legal pad on her lap where she furiously takes copious notes. “Further inform him that we have devoted our full attention to this matter and the success it will bring to both our firms.”

“Yes sir. Is there anything else?” asks Mildred.

“Yes, get up and shake that money maker for daddy,” Broad puffs his cigar arrogantly as Mildred rises to her feet grumbling, hands placed on her hips, giving him a deathly glare, but then turns to leave without another word. Broad looks at Mildred as she disdainfully walks away, disgusted by his ego.