Page 18 of Lethal Salvation

“Hmm, seems so.”

His father wandered around the office until he was standing in front of the window looking out over London. This had been his office once, his domain and seat of power but he’d handed it over and, as far as Gideon was concerned, he’d lost the right when he fucked it up so royally that they’d almost gone under. It had taken blood, sweat and tears from Gideon to save this company and turn it around, especially with a boot on his neck in the form of Carter and Marsha.

“Why are you here, Dad?”

His father put his hands in the pockets of his trousers and turned to him. “I need you to let Carter help with the Macey deal.”

Everything in Gideon revolted against the request. “No.”

“Son, please. Just let him be involved and help out.”

“No fucking way. You know the shit he’s involved with. Why do you insist on trying to drag this company, which you and mum built, into the gutter?”

“Don’t be dramatic. Carter is just more of a risk-taker than you. Perhaps you could learn something from him.”

Gideon closed his eyes, breathing through his nose to try and get a rein on his temper which was about to explode. “Are you fucking kidding me? I sweat blood getting this company back on its feet and not once did you thank me. Not once did you apologise for the shit you pulled. Damon was the only support I had as we turned this around and made it the highly successful enterprise it is, and now you want me to let Carter get his dirty paws on a deal that could take us to the next level?”

“Yes, you need to do this. I still have sway with the board, Gideon. Don’t make me use it.”

Gideon shook his head, his gut twisting in anger and betrayal. “Wow, after everything you know he’s involved with, you still choose him over me.”

“Grow up, Gideon this isn’t playschool. This is business.”

“Yes, a business that you wouldn’t have if it wasn’t for me.”

“I could say the same. I built this company.”

“No, you and mum built this company and now you’re going to let that piece of trash and her spawn ruin it.”

“Watch your mouth, Gideon.”

“Fuck that. You can speak to the board, sack me, whatever you need to do, but make no mistake, Carter isn’t getting near this deal. He is a criminal. He’s nothing but venom leaking into everything he touches and if you want to take his side, then have at it.”

“Son, I don’t want to threaten you, but you leave me no choice. I’m…” His father stopped and looked back to the window before speaking again. “I’m in trouble and I have fewer choices than you do.”

Gideon regarded his dad with caution, the trust between them long broken with lies and hidden truths. “What kind of trouble?”

“The kind that will end up with me in a box or at the bottom of a river.”

“What the hell? Talk to me, Dad.”

“I,…I can’t but I need your help. You don’t have to do anything else but let Carter take a seat at the table on this deal.”

“And if I do this, you’ll be safe?”

His father let out a shaky breath and Gideon wished he didn’t care.

“Yes.”

“Let me think about it.”

“I can give you until tomorrow morning, son.”

“Fine.”

The silence that shrouded the room was heavy and oppressive, and he felt like he was choking on it. A knock seemed to relieve the pressure and let him drag in some much-needed air. “Yes?”

Seeing Nadia was like a balm. He could feel the tension in his chest ease as she smiled at him.