I chuckled. “Do I need to remind you that they have every reason to despise us?”
“No, you don’t need to remind us. We know what we did to piss them off,” Hart voiced. “But you need to remind them we’ve been in the industry much longer. We have the upper hand.”
“I’d like to put them in goal without any equipment on and practice my slap shot.” Beck didn’t get angry often, but the Gordons tested his patience.
“The older brother, Larry—I’d like the puck to wipe that smug look off his goddamn face.” Walker’s anger matched Beck’s.
They would continue this for hours if I let them. So, I said, “You’ll hear from me soon,” and I ended the call.
I then mentioned to Paul, “I don’t know how long this’ll take.”
“I’ll be here.” He looked at me in the rearview mirror. “Or at the police station—wherever you end up after Operation Obliterate.”
The little I could see told me he was smiling.
“You’re a good wingman, Paul.”
I got out of the back seat and went inside the building, stopping at the receptionist’s desk.
“They’re waiting for you upstairs, Mr. Weston.” She stood and led me to an elevator that wasn’t within the main bank; this was private, solely for the executive-level floor. “Another receptionist will greet you at the top.”
I thanked her before the door closed, leaning against the wall as the lift climbed over twenty floors high, and once it came to a stop, another woman was waiting for me, just like the first one had mentioned.
“Mr. Weston, please come with me.” This receptionist turned after her greeting. She brought me through a locked door and down a hallway, halting near the end in front of an open entryway. “Can I get you anything?”
“I’m good. Thank you.”
“Let me know if that changes.”
As I entered the room, Jenner and Troy were sitting beside each other at the end of the table.
“Gentlemen.” When I approached, I reached my hand toward Troy since he was the farthest away, leaning a bit to reach him. “Nice to see you.”
“Good to see you.” Troy stood to shake my hand, looking extra sharp in his navy suit.
Jenner’s slicked, gelled locks didn’t move as he rose to greet me. “Are you ready for this, buddy?” He gripped me next.
“As ready as I can be.”
We took our seats.
Troy immediately said, “Before they get here, I want to give you a heads-up. I happen to know the Gordons’ attorney. We’re good friends—we actually grew up together in Fort Lauderdale—so there’s a small conflict of interest.” His blue stare was fixed on mine. “It’s never been an issue prior—we’ve kept business separate, you know I’m the epitome of professionalism—but now that we’re facing a possible lawsuit, that’s where things could get a little challenging. I’m not saying I’m stepping away or that I’d back down. I just want you to be aware of the circumstances.”
In all the years we’d been in business, aside from the obvious competitiveness between our family and the Gordons, there was one single occurrence where our brands had crossed. Horned, one of our newly acquired restaurants, was that catalyst and the reason the Gordons currently loathed us. Considering that was the only situation where Troy had to battle against the Gordons’ attorney, I believed the two could keep things separate.
But I still had to ask, “Their attorney has never pressed you for insider knowledge? Where we’re building? Or our upcoming plans?”
“It would be extremely unethical and against every attorney’s oath to do such a thing.” He crossed his hands on top of the table, his blue eyes never leaving mine. “Same is true on their side. You, as a brand and company, are never discussed—and neither are the Gordons.”
I nodded. “Good.” I glanced at Jenner. “If things get murky and Troy has to step away for a personal reason, do you have an issue handling this matter on your own?”
Jenner tilted his head. “Issues are my specialty.”
“Excellent.” I breathed a sigh of relief.
Jenner’s phone dinged, and he read the screen. “They’re here.”
I checked my watch. “They’re punctual.”
