But then his words hit me. “As a partner” means Max must’ve said something to allude to our relationship, even if we haven’t discussed it.
“It would be best—for both of you—if you step back before this becomes more difficult than it needs to be.”
“Obviously you’re worried about me if you have to call this early in the morning to warn me.” I let the words hang there, punctuated by the silence that follows.
“I am all about control, Ms. Parker. I know when to push buttons and when to move the pieces so I win.”
“And what about Max?” I ask.
“I don’t understand the question.”
“You move him like a chess piece? Tell me, then, is he the king?”
There’s a small chuckle, and Mr. Bauer continues. “Max is a knight. Powerful, yes. But only when moved correctly.”
A shiver runs down my spine. How can a father talk about his son that way?
“What do you gain by controlling him?” I start pacing in the kitchen, trying to rid myself of the anxiety pulling at my chest.
“Power. Stability. Knowing that the future of the company will continue to run well. As I said,” Wolfgang continues evenly, “this is not personal. It is structural.”
My brows pull together. “You’re talking about your son like he’s a?—”
“—a responsibility,” he finishes for me without hesitation. “One I take seriously.”
Another pause follows, lighter this time, like the conversation has already been completed in his mind.
He says a number that would clear every debt the Parker sisters have and then some.
“I trust you understand what I’m asking, Ms. Parker.”
It isn’t a question.
“No.” The word comes out shaky, not because I’m scared, but because I’m furious that he’s trying to blackmail me into staying away from his son.
“Then you didn’t think about it long enough.”
“Time won’t change anything. I won’t be bought.”
I open my mouth to say more, but there’s nothing left to push against—only silence.
The line goes dead.
“What was that?” Cora asks.
I close my eyes and try to calm the flood of panic running through me. “A bribe.”
37
MAX
Iopen my phone, hoping to hear something from Avery. I sent her two messages once I got back to the apartment yesterday afternoon, but it still looks like she hasn’t read them.
Avery, I’m sorry about this afternoon. I know a lot happened, and I need to apologize for what my father said. Call, text, or come by when you can—I’d rather you hear it from me than sit with it alone.
All of it. Any question you ask, you’ll get an answer.
I thought about going to the coffee shop, but I don’t want to make her workplace uncomfortable.
