Day of Reckoning
A novel by Tom Trench
“ . . . there is no stronger test of a man’s real character than power and authority, exciting as they do every passion, and discovering every latent vice.”
- Plutarch (46-120 AD) a Greek biographer
Day of Reckoning tells the story of a brilliant but flawed visionary, who, after reaching the pinnacle of success, must fight to retain his power, his reputation, and his lifestyle of decadence.
The story begins in 1978 shortly after MITCHELL SCOTT, gifted Chief Executive Officer of Novex Inc., is given a free hand by the Board of Directors to expand the company internationally. Mitchell travels the world in pursuit of business opportunities while enjoying the fringe benefits that accompany position and power.
LOU WHITNEY joins Novex’s communications department straight out of college and a few years later is promoted to executive assistant. In his new position, Lou often travels with top-level executives who occasionally pass the time discussing their CEO’s flamboyant escapades. Given this privileged perspective of Mitchell at work and play, Lou decides to write a novel featuring him as the thinly disguised lead character.
Three years later the manuscript is completed and inquiries sent to literary agents. A New York agency assures Lou that the book could become a best seller, fetching its author a six-figure advance. A slip of the tongue by Lou’s wife soon results in him being interrogated by his boss about “the book.” When Mitchell learns that such a manuscript exists, he assumes the worst and formulates a two-pronged strategy. After arranging for a wartime buddy to terrorize the young writer’s family, he hires a trusted lawyer to seek an injunction to prevent the book’s publication.
Stories of Mitchell’s extravagant lifestyle and questionable business dealings, coupled with the persistent rumors about the manuscript, persuade certain members on Novex’s board to force his resignation. Enlisting the president of Novex’s European subsidiary in the effort, battle lines are drawn to determine control of the company. Mitchell realizes that he could be forced out and agrees to provide a European firm confidential technology in return for twenty-five million dollars to be deposited into his Swiss bank account.
As Mitchell’s problems compound, he takes a radical course of action to spare himself and his family the oncoming tide of humiliation and devastating legal consequences. His decision will pull Lou Whitney into the middle of the corporate hornet’s nest. Publication of the book would bring Lou wealth, fame, and the career he has always wanted. Knowing that the novel is an almost-guaranteed best seller should be reason enough to accept the offer. But at what cost? Each man faces a day of reckoning that will forever change his life.
A powerful novel about standards of conduct and moral judgments and a must-read for those who love a great story about the frailties of human nature.
