Cass shook his head. “Only if you intend to name me your successor as head of the board.”
He hadn’t returned to assume his father’s mantle of authority, but if he was being ordered to do so, he’d do it on his own terms.
His father’s brow creased in an angry frown.You haven’t prepared for that role.
“I’m good with numbers and I know how to stand my ground. I’m only going to carry out your wishes if I can lead the company in a way that aligns with my beliefs.”
His father’s hand moved so furiously the slate squeaked from the pressure.
You’re not going to use the company I’ve built to support the cause of those Irish laborers who don’t know their place.
“The workers I think we should be listening to aren’t just Irish. They’re from everywhere in the world. And we’re the ones who send them into mines and factories as if they’re replaceable.”
They are replaceable. They should be grateful for the work.
“No one - man, woman or child- should have to work more than eight hours a day.”
I’ve worked twelve hours a day my entire life.
Cass crossed his arms. “It’s not the same. Your labor has never been the kind that endangers your life or gives you black lung.”
You were always a radical. I blame it on the girl.
“She’s not a girl, she’s a woman. And I’ve always thought we should share our prosperity with those who’ve toiled to create it.”
I still blame it on her. She reaches above herself.
Cass’s laugh was bitter. “I’ve always been the one who was reaching. You’ll never understand that the world is changing, Father. And we must change with it or become extinct.”
It’s called survival of the fittest - and the Trentons have always met the challenge.
“By stepping on the backs of those less fortunate. I won’t be that kind of leader.”
I told your mother talking to you was useless.
“You should give everything to your son-in-law and leave me out of it.”
He said he prefers to remain the town’s prosecutor.
Of course he did. Because like Cass, Dio knew what taking up his father’s mantle would entail. And like Cass, he knew it was a trap.
“Well, Father, I’m all you’ve got then. Archie is somewhere in the wilderness and you’d never consider asking Perry because of her gender. She’d probably make the same demands I’m making.”
I won’t leave you a single penny.
“I’ve been making my own way for the last seven years - I don’t need your money or your blessing.”
He heard the sound of the slate cracking against the wall as he left the room. When his mother knocked on his door, he’d just hefted his satchel over his shoulder.
“Where are you going?”
“I can’t stay here, Mother.”
“You know how your father is - he’s a hard man, but he loves you.”
Cass shook his head in disagreement. “He’s never shown it. I’m not leaving Willow Creek, but I can’t sleep under the same roof.”
His mother leaned against the doorframe and crossed her arms. “Are you going to her boarding house?”
