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“Because no one else wants to buy it, Rylee. I told you that. It’s not profitable and hasn’t been for years. I took out another loan that…”
When he stopped talking, hissing instead, I had another moment of feeling heartbroken. “You took out another loan?”
“Yeah. I did.”
“How did you get it? With what collateral?”
“It doesn’t matter. But we need cash. That contract was a godsend. I don’t know or care why Madden Byrne wants it. He’s willing to pay top dollar and that will change our lives.”
I heard my sister saying the same thing. Everything about this was disturbing. I sat down on the couch, planting my head into my hands. “How much is the new loan for?”
He didn’t say anything. My father just dropped a goddamn bombshell and he was suddenly quiet?
“How much?”
“One million dollars.”
How was that possible given what the bank had told me? I squeezed my fists against my temples, hating the fact I couldn’t think this through to come up with a solution.
“Oh, my God.” At first, I wanted to scream at him for doing something so stupid. Then I felt guilty, as if I’d been the one to make the decision. “How could that happen? I called the bank. They said the rig was worth pennies in comparison to the contract.”
“I have other methods that I used.”
Which meant he wasn’t going to tell me. The silence and tension were as horrible as it had been with Foxx.
“Why did you invite Foxx and the other men here? Why? It doesn’t make any sense if you had every intention of selling the rig.”
“I didn’t get the offer from Madden until they were on their way.”
“Another lie, Daddy?”
His eyes opened wide and he pointed his finger at me, his body shaking from anger. But he softened seconds later. “No, that’s the truth.”
I lifted my head, studying his face. Something was still off. “What are you hiding, Daddy? What is really happening here? Foxx, Jack, Hudson, and the other men need to know. Are we going on the other rig or is there just no sense in bothering?”
“We need that money too. Plus, it’ll help out my buddy in the States.”
“Meaning what?”
I could tell by his clenched jaw he wasn’t going to tell me whatever dirty little secrets he had with Foxx’s father.
“That’s his life. Not mine.”
“Fine, Daddy. Why does it matter if our rig is okay? It would seem Madden wants it no matter what.”
“Because I don’t want Madden using the excuse the equipment is bad to fight the contract.”
“I told Madden no, and I meant it. We can’t sell to that monster. For all we know, he’ll want more.” Madden’s words about bedding me floated into my mind.
“A deal is a deal, Rylee. I don’t know if I can save the contract, but it is something I’m going to try and do.”
“He’s dangerous, Daddy. Do you understand that? There’s some other reason he wants that rig.”
“I don’t give a shit if he wants to parade around naked woman on the rig, Rylee. The money is exactly what this family needs and you know it.”
His voice had gotten louder, which made me feel even worse inside. “Do me a favor while I’m gone. Go stay with Erin and Aiden at her house.”
“That’s not going to happen. There’s no need. The health care worker comes here and is used to the schedule. Plus, Madden wants to make the deal. He’s not going to hurt me, Rylee.”
