Page 149

Family.

Close associates.

Me.

I can picture it already. It’ll be Christopher beside Alice. Bill and Trevor watching them like hawks, already imagining their business interests knitted together for generations to come.

“I’ll keep it free,” I say.

Bill gives me a smile, but it’s not an easy one. “I’d certainly hope so. I assumed you would.”

He glances towards the closed door before returning his attention to me.

“And how about your friend? Any news regarding him?”

My stomach tightens.

“Which friend?”

Bollocks. That answer was a poor move. We both know it.

Bill’s eyes narrow as he folds his arms.

“Jack Reid.”

My mouth dries in an instant.

“I haven’t discussed Christopher with Jack.”

“I wasn’t implying you had.”

The warmth drains from Bill’s smile. Palpably.

“No,” I say carefully. “Of course not. I mean, I wouldn’t, would I?”

I hate the way I’m blustering.

Bill’s eyes are digging so bad, it hurts.

“I trust your judgement on things, Bryce. I trust you.”

His words settle like a hand around my throat. I feel like Judas before the man who blessed me with career status.

I hope the colour isn’t draining from my face in front of him.

“I also trust that Mr Reid understands the boundaries of his position,” Bill says.

“His position? What position?”

“His position when it comes to us. With our family. I’m sure he has respect for such an establishment.”

An establishment. Right. Absolutely. An establishment of honour and prestige while he’s pimping out his daughter’s womb in the background.

As if Jack would ever accept being a square on Bill’s Monopoly board. He’d laugh in Bill’s face and cause carnage.

Even worse than he’s doing already.

“I’m not sure Jack is aware there are boundaries,” I say, attempting a small laugh.