AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“How can I help you?” I asked, dodging the question. The way Phillip’s lips quirked at the sides told me he didn’t miss my tactic and I had a sinking feeling in my stomach.
“I am looking into acquiring a piece of land that has been tied up into a trust. In fact, I am looking at purchasing many parcels of land around it and I want to make sure that I am not missing any fine print.” He said and I raised an eyebrow at him.
“Why would this be something that you need me to look over? Land isn’t my area of expertise.” I said and Phillip smiled, glancing at the older man who was still silent.
“Ah, but you do have other areas of expertise that make sense. You are discreet and understand how systems can be used to move products that are not necessarily above board.” He emphasized and I wondered just what the fuck Albert was trying to get me into.
“I see. Well, I can take a look at the paperwork and let you know if I spot any issues.” I said slowly when the older man stood and walked over.
“Hamish. I am going to be frank. Your great grandfather; God rest his soul, was a member of our association until the day he died but his son and then your father both turned us down. We would like to think that you are a smart man and would be willing to re-establish your family name with us.” He said and I raised an eyebrow at him.
“What is your association?” I asked cautiously.
“We are known as the Fellowship.” He said, and something about that rang a bell but I couldn’t quite remember why.
“Albert here has been a member for quite some time. We are looking to expand our members within the Sinclair Bay area.” He added as if that was the carrot that would have me jumping at the opportunity.
“What is it that your association does?” I asked and Phillip smiled as the older man puffed up his chest.
“The easier question to answer would be what don’t we do? We rule the world, boy. Think it over and then let Albert know. We don’t talk about business outside of the Fellowship.” He said with a nod.
“I’ll send the contracts to you presently,” Phillip said as Albert took my arm.
“Splendid. Now, Hamish, you need to get back out there and talk to Claudia. Set a date for the engagement announcement.” He said and I balked.
“Albert…” I started as he waved me off.
“I have some business to attend to myself. We will talk later,” he said, promptly closing the door in my face.
My fucking engagement date. I hadn’t even agreed to this arrangement, and they were already acting as if we were one big, happy family.
I needed to figure out how to get out of this before I became stuck and couldn’t escape the nest of vipers.
I just didn’t know how.
I hesitated before knocking on the newly repaired door, not sure why I was there and what I was doing but following my gut.
I learned the hard way not to trust my gut. The last time I didn’t, it cost my father his life and this time it was Katerina’s life on the line.
The door opened and I looked into the surprised face of Alexsei.
“What are you doing here?” He asked and I shrugged.
“I’m here to understand your connection to Katerina and why we should trust you,” I said and he smiled.
“Is that so, Hamish Proffitt? Why am I the one who can’t be trusted but you can be?” He said with a sly grin.
“What is that supposed to mean?” I snapped and he shook his head.
“Just a little piece of information I heard while looking into you.” He said cryptically and I narrowed my eyes.
“Care to elaborate on that?” I asked and he smiled.
“Aren’t you due to announce an engagement soon?” He crooned and I clenched my jaw.
“How the fuck did you hear about that? I only heard about this apparent engagement today.” I snarled and he chuckled.
“I have friends in many places. Come in. This isn’t a conversation I think you want to have for my neighbors to see.” He said, stepping aside smoothly.
