I locked him out as soon as I could and started the engine.
Hours later, Beau and I sat on the edge of the mattress in our bedroom with the door shut and locked, the television on. The media frenzy outside Richmond Holdings’ Dallas headquarters had reached a fever pitch, blocking traffic for miles. Every local and national media outlet was present, based on the sheer volume of cameras waiting for my father’s arrival. Their calculated response included both old- and new-school tactics, mainstream media, as well as all social sites covering this breaking news story.
My leg bounced, the tension was unbearable.
Beau’s steely palm landed on my thigh. “It doesn’t matter what they say. You’ve proved your case. You’re in the right. We’ll get through it.”
I wished I believed him. If Richmond Holdings effectively turned the court of public opinion into believing this was a personal vendetta, the claimants would be branded liars and receive hell. It was coming for them anyway, but I hoped it would come after a substantial plea offer. They were behaving as if we were headed to court the next day.
“Maybe I should have just handed this off to another firm,” I said, allowing my other leg to bounce since Beau stopped the first.
“Shh, it’s startin’,” Beau said, his focus only on the screen.
I watched the show my father and brothers put on, their wives standing dutifully by their side. They were dressed in their finest. Their council led the charge. I hadn’t seen them this united since maybe when we were here in Sea Springs, opening the resort, when I was sixteen years old. My father had gained weight and appeared older than I remembered him.
He’d also won against this town, burying the livelihood of everyone here without a backward glance. He was ruthless to his core.
My thoughts shifted, realizing how I didn’t fit with them any longer, not in appearance or values. My hair was darker, my frame was taller, leaner, and overall in better shape. I was happy… At least until the last few months. Their stern features were set in place. The combative attitude was natural, not a performance, making it easier to play the lying victims.
“Stupid motherfucker,” Beau growled quietly. “I hate your old man. Try to come for us.”
Beau caused me to tune into the words being spoken. I’d have to double back to listen more closely when I had time. All I managed to hear was Collin, the brother closest to my age, coming to the microphone, introducing himself.
“We’re certain these false claims are nothing more than a shakedown. To prove to the world that Richmond Holdings has nothing to hide, I’m personally authorizing Stuart Intelligence, an independent investigation company, to conduct a thorough internal review of every allegation alleged against us. We will prevail.”
Stuart? Until right that moment, I believed Stuart Intelligence was an integrity-driven international investigation company. I didn’t believe they could be bought. Perhaps, I was wrong.
“Fuck, these people. Thank God, I never had to know them,” Beau barked at the screen. At the same time, the doorbell rang. We both glanced in that direction. Seconds later, Amelia was banging on our bedroom door.
“Dasham, the authorities are at our front door. They can see me right now through the windows. Do I answer?” she called, fearfully.
“You know, they’ve been fuckin’ waitin’ to show up,” Beau barked, pushing off the mattress and heading toward the door. “I assume they’ve been called by the man who still owns the biggest hotel in the area to question the safety of my children, due to my sexuality, and our livin’ conditions. Not any real harm happenin’ to them.”
Thanks to Beau’s insistence, all our ducks were in a row. We were a legal family, but my father was connected in Texas, boundaries could easily be blurred.
“I sent the children to your mom’s house,” Amelia said when Beau popped open the door. “They’re through the fence line.” Her voice was shaky, her face paling. I followed Beau out, seeing a police cruiser and sedan parked in front of the house.
“This is only for show, Amelia,” I said. “They’re trying to make me out to be the bad guy, so I’ll drop the case.”
“I want to drop your father,” Beau murmured, harshly.
“Go to Linda’s house,” I said to Amelia. “Take the dogs with you. Beau, let me handle it. Stay quiet. They don’t need to see your anger.”
Two armed police officers stood behind a lady in a suit. I recognized her from court, a child protection service agent.
“What could you possibly want?” Beau asked angrily, swinging the door open wide.
“Beau, let me handle it,” I said sternly, stepping in front of him, speaking to the woman. “I expected you. Perhaps not this soon, but I knew I’d be hearing from you. Would you like to come inside to talk?”
“Come in?” Beau hissed behind me. “Of course, they’re not comin’ in.”
“Beau,” I said, my chin tilting over my shoulder, talking firmly to him. “This is nothing more than a formality. I did make them aware of the class suit, and a possible retaliation call. Go calm down. No one is questioning our parenting. When you’re yourself, come back. Until then, I’ll handle this.”
I used my body to cut him off from the others, swinging an arm out to invite the three inside.
“Since we were first together, his father has done everything to destroy Dash…”
Omigod, he had to stop. I swung around, my palms landing on his chest, and pushed. My gaze pleaded with him. “Seriously, go to Scott’s. I’ll handle this. Keep your phone on.”
