Page 65 of Unfettered

“Do you think you can let us in?” I ask.

“Of course. And don’t worry about any damages. I’ll make sure to prepare you some food while you take care of business.” He gestures for me to go ahead as he hurries toward the kitchen.

Leading on, I turn my head toward Tennant, who follows me silently, and apologize. “Sorry, I didn’t take the time to introduce you. I’m sure Aldo will insist on proper greetings afterward.”

“He seems rather taken with Sarah. How well do you know the manager?”

Shrugging, I reply, “I don’t really know Aldo that well. He took over for his father a while ago. I met with him at the time, and he still refused to change the name, or take full ownership. They insist that I’m family, so I try to stop by occasionally. And that's why we won’t be able to leave until we eat at least two plates of food.”

“It’s a good thing we didn’t eat dinner before we came.” Tennant’s amused smile barely lasts before his colder, harder expression takes over. Then again, we’re right in front of the private room.

I hesitate, unsure what to do. My hands shake; it’s been so long. The words are so quiet, I can barely make them out. If anything, it’s more the feel, the shape of the air displaced beside my head.

“You’ve got this.”

Breathing in the courage he gives me, I nod and then open the doors, not bothering to knock. I’ve been in this room countless times, and it’s still stunning. Of course, the people currently occupying the room ruin it completely.

There's dead silence when they notice I’m the one who has entered—not Robert, like they’re expecting. Eventually, someone finds the courage to speak.

“We weren’t expecting you,” Gerald manages, although it’s strained. As Head of the Board, I’m sure he’s aware of the maneuvering. I’d love to sink my knife into him.

I merely stare at him, refusing to show any emotions. “I’m here to tender Robert’s resignation. It appears he made a grave…error…and can no longer serve on the board.”

“I see,” Patricia, the only woman on the board, responds calmly, though the amusement on her face suggests otherwise. Personally, I’ve always enjoyed speaking with her, and it’s a relief knowing she may not have been involved in this fuckery.

Gerald scowls in her direction. “Where is Robert? You’ll have to excuse me if I don’t trust your report.”

I shrug a shoulder. “I’m not sure where he ended up exactly. He won’t be coming back, though. Extended vacation and all that.”

“I’m confused. I thought you were no longer in charge.” I don’t recognize the man speaking, although his smooth tones annoy me.

With a savage smile, I retort, “It appears several erroneous assumptions were made. About who I am, the power I wield, and what I’ll accept from people. Of course, making an enemy of me is your choice…”

I stride forward, moving closer to them, and making a point to look at each individual person. I flex the full power of who I used to be, the man who controlled the city and had people who accepted that my word was law. They don’t need to know that’s changed drastically. Not when this will protect Sarah.

“What do you want from us?” Gerald’s voice shakes, his hands fisting around the silverware he’s holding. Tennant comes closer, standing right behind me. If I intimidate them, they’re definitely not sure what to think about this man.

“The police have exonerated Dr. Ranlen.” I force myself to use a bored tone, but it’s hard with the anger twisting inside me. “And the board investigation is flawed. I expect, given the new information, you’ll drop this foolishness, and, if you want to continue operating, the Senator will be turned away. After all, from the reports I’ve received, Dr. Ranlen brings in four times what he’s offering, and nobody is demanding a wing be named after them. They wouldn’t be so egotistical.”

“You can’t expect us to rely on blood money when there’s someone who is perfectly respectful that is willing to back us!” Gerald shouts, slowly losing what little control he had. Nobody else says anything in support of him.

“Very well. If that’s what you think, I can make sure the rest of the money is pulled. Do you think you can survive off what the Senator alone gives you? Money that has already come with strings?”

I let the question hang, but Patricia quickly answers. “I don’t think we need to do anything rash. The investigation, on my end, showed Dr. Ranlen to be innocent. I haven’t seen the results from my colleagues. I’d certainly be interested if they’d like to provide any so-called evidence.”

The silence is thick. We all know they planned to just shove their recommendation through without truly investigating. It sickens me that they’d play games like this, but it's not surprising.

“Since no evidence has been found, I expect that you’ll be apologizing to Dr. Ranlen. It wouldn’t be remiss if Gerald stepped down—permanently. Considering Robert assumed he’d be taking the position, he must have been leaving anyway. In fact, I believe he’s no longer qualified to serve on the board in any capacity. Isn’t that right?”

While he sputters, unable to form a sentence, the rest of the board quickly chime in with their agreement. Patricia’s voice is the loudest, but the rest meekly give in. I breathe easier knowing Sarah’s job is safe, even though she’ll likely leave. At least there will be no black mark on her record, because Patricia’s shark-like expression makes it clear she’ll take care of this, personally.

She rises and approaches me with her hand outstretched. I tamper down my amusement and take her hand in mine, pleased with her firm handshake. The women I know are often formidable, and if anyone can kick this board in the ass, I believe she will.

“You have my word.” I tilt my head at her promise, accepting it for now. Time will tell if she’s actually an ally.

“Very well. I’ll leave you to wrap things up. As a reminder to you all, I’ll always be paying close attention, and I protect those who need it. And as for those who don’t… Well, I’d say ask Robert, but like I said, he’s currently not available for a discussion.”

Patricia’s lips twitch, and I look forward to finding out more about her. With a grace that reminds me of Sarah, she smoothly adds, "Thank you for bringing this to our attention. I’ll take it from here. And if you need anything, please make sure to contact me directly. Although I must say, this has been the best meeting I’ve attended in quite a while.”