Page 29 of Hearts of Wealth

Timothy

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MY BLOOD BOILED WITH anger as I pulled up outside of Henry’s house. Luke parked behind me. He was going to handle the subcontractors while I talked to Henry. Talk wasn’t exactly the goal I had in mind. I had been beyond pissed when Luke told me the specifics of what Henry said. I knew I had to confront Henry about his treatment of Catherine, about the way he had spoken to her. It was unacceptable, and I was determined to make him understand that.

As we approached the front door, my heart pounded in my chest, adrenaline coursing through my veins. This confrontation was a long time coming. Henry thought he could take what he wanted and talk to people the way he wanted. I was going to let him know Catherine was off limits. If I had my way, she would never step foot on this property again. But after the last time I tried to tell her to stay away, it hadn’t ended well.

Luke pushed open the door. “Are you sure?” I asked. “I don’t want him getting us for trespassing.”

“I work here,” he muttered. “Any of us can walk in and out of here.”

As we walked through the house, I felt the tension. There was little work being done. I could hear the whispers.

“Where is he?” Luke asked.

“Back there,” one of the guys answered. “He’s been on the phone bitching someone out.”

“Thanks,” I said.

Luke led the way. Sure enough, we found Henry in the backyard pacing back and forth with his phone pressed to his ear.

“Henry!” I said loud enough for the whole block to hear.

He spun around and glared at me. “I’ll call you back,” he said to whoever was on the phone.

He put his phone in his pocket and stalked toward me. He looked at Luke and laughed. “You called your big brother to be your back up?”

“Trust me, buddy, I don’t need backup,” Luke snarled. “I just felt like the honor of kicking your ass belonged to the man you were insulting. And the boyfriend of the woman you were treating like shit. I thought he might have a little something to say about it.”

“What the hell do you want?” Henry snapped, looking at me.

I stepped forward, my gaze locked with his, my voice firm with resolve. “We need to talk,” I replied, my tone leaving no room for argument.

Henry’s eyes narrowed at my words, his lips curling into a sneer. “I have nothing to say to you,” he retorted, his voice dripping with disdain. “This is none of your business.”

“It is my business,” Luke chimed in. “I’m done listening to your bullshit. Every man on this job is ready to walk.”

But I refused to back down. “You need to apologize to Catherine,” I insisted, my voice rising with anger. “The way you spoke to her was completely out of line.”

Henry scoffed. “That so? Not like I can’t replace you.”

“You can try,” Luke shot back. “Good luck finding anyone willing to work with a chauvinistic jackass like you. Everyone here is putting your name on a list. We share lists. You’re not getting anyone local to finish this.”

Henry pushed Luke. Even I knew that was a mistake. Luke pushed him back. I could see what was coming.

“Go,” I told Luke, stepping in front of Henry.

“That’s it then,” Luke announced, turning on his heel. “I’ve heard enough bullshit from you, and I’m done. You won’t get another ounce of my energy, but you will get my bill or I’ll be putting a lien on this house.”

“Good. Get the hell out of here before I kick your ass.” Henry’s threat was pretty ridiculous. Luke could take him in a heartbeat.

“You heard him, boys!” Luke shouted. “He doesn’t want our talents. Let’s go!”

Henry scoffed, his expression filled with contempt. “Whatever. A bunch of low-rent, shitty contractors that do subpar work. Good. Go! All of you, get the hell out of here! You and that shitty boss you’ve been listening to aren’t worth ten dollars let alone the thousands that bitch is trying to charge me.”

I got in his face. “You’re going to fucking apologize.”

“I’ll apologize when hell freezes over,” he replied, his tone defiant.