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Marrying her could ruin me but could be the best decision I’d ever made. There was no in between.
I was on a roll tonight. But it was vital I learned as much of the truth as possible.
“Our stocks are already down, son. That is in direct correlation to that horrible article.”
“That’s not all of it. Threats? Difficulties prior to the article?”
My gut was screaming that, especially given Jameson’s statement. Now two men had acted like they knew more about my father and our business than I did. I couldn’t have it. Or as my brother would say, it was time to get my head out of my ass.
His sigh was an indication there was something much darker going on. “Fine. Yes. I don’t know, son. I started receiving threats anonymously a couple months ago. At first, I blew them off, but they were alluding to things that happened when I was much younger.”
“You’re thinking Caldwell Michaels is behind this? You think this poisonous marriage will stop the man in his tracks.”
“I honestly don’t know for certain, but I’ve known the man a long time. And don’t underestimate the power of an arranged marriage or any marriage for that matter.”
“Even if the two required to get married want nothing to do with it?” I laughed, rubbing the scruff on my jaw. There wasn’t enough alcohol to deal with this shit.
“It’s called family loyalty.”
I’d wondered just how long it would take before he’d play that card. “I understand loyalty, Pops. Sometimes, I wonder if you do. You’re just telling me about these threats after two fucking months?”
“Do not agitate me, son. I’ve done everything in my life for you and your brothers. As I said, son. It’s not something new. But the accusations that I stole money years ago from a client have me on edge.”
He was rattled, much like the man I remembered but I’d be damned if there wasn’t a slight hint of trepidation or fear. “The reporter?”
“He got wind of something but was smart enough not to accuse me, putting himself in hot water.”
“Who the fuck accused you?”
“A stupid kid who must have heard it through the entertainment gossip,” he said, partially laughing. “Don’t worry. He’s gone. But I have a feeling he contacted the reporter.”
“Fuck. Did anything sordid like that happen then, Dad? I need to know.”
“It didn’t happen. I’m ruthless but not a stupid son of a bitch. It involved an actor not getting a part and he concocted a story. Hell, the guy is dead so I’m not sure why this came up out of the blue. I don’t know what this asshole is trying to prove. But since I tossed him, I have a feeling this isn’t over. With the shit from the article, and the concerns of hostile takeover since the firm has gotten not one but two overtures? Yes, I was determined to use any method that could stop the possible bloodshed.”
The tactic was odd. So out of the ordinary I needed to think about it. However, my father wasn’t a stupid man. The possibility of a takeover was strong, especially if members of the board were ready to sell their shares. I didn’t like this one bit.
However, he still wasn’t telling me everything that was going on. “Talk, Pops. You sound tired.”
“Yeah, I am, son. More than you know.”
“What’s going on with your health?”
“Nothing to worry about. I had an appointment last week. My heart has recovered well. I think I need a vacation. However, my health has nothing to do with the deal and you need to come across as being completely respectable. I need you to concentrate. I need you to have my back. It’s possible I’ll need you to stand up to the board with me.”
Ah, shit. Things had gotten more out of hand than I’d believed.
I had a bad feeling my father’s health had taken a turn for the worse. “I’ll be right there if the bastards on the board try and do anything. However, I’m still deciding on whether to make Selena part of the deal, which is why I’m here on the island. However, I want every threat you received in writing in my email tonight. Can you do that?”
I didn’t like his continued hesitation. “Yes, son, I will. I just want you happy and moving forward in your life.”
Why did I have the distinct feeling he was preparing me for his eventual death?
As I ended the call, shoving the phone into my pocket, I felt her presence. Ah, fuck me. How much had she overheard?
“I’m not certain which should be more disconcerting. The fact you and your family have been threatened, something you neglected or purposely didn’t tell me. Or that you’ve been thinking about making whatever deal your father concocted.”
“I already told you I wanted to discuss something with you.”
