Page 47 of Saved By the Pitcher

Mike was surprised by how thoroughly he was searched by the security team before being led to the senator’s palatial office. When the guard knocked on the closed door, the senator commanded they enter. Once they did, Charles Vicksburg shot Mike an unreadable stare, then signaled with the blink of his eyes that his security team member was to leave and close the door.

“Have a seat, Mr. Cooper. But don’t get comfortable. I have a full schedule.” Vicksburg waited for Mike to follow his orders, watching Mike as he sat on the chair on the opposite side of the desk. Mike projected a confident and fearless demeanor. From Charles’ expression it was obvious he didn’t like that.

“So, you got a hold of my Chief of Staff to let him know you had a business proposal that you were sure I’d be interested in, and that time is of the essence. Well, I have to say, you’ve piqued my interest—but keep in mind—my time is of the essence. Make it quick.”

Mike tried a cocky grin. “Gosh, not even a question as to how your almost-son-in-law is doing first?”

Charles’ face darkened with anger. “You were never close to being that, Mr. Cooper. It must be tough, getting so old that your team, your advertisers and even your lovers wish to retire you.” Mike raised his eyebrow. “Yes, James told me he split with you, and I saw the news that your underwear sponsor dropped you.”

“My lawyers think it’s because of my sexual orientation,” Mike mentioned without defensiveness.

“Perhaps. I guess you have nobody to blame but yourself. It’s like I’ve said to James, if you like women too, why are you choosing to disgust people? His dumping you was one of my proudest moments as a father.”

Mike refused the bait. “More than his recent Tony nomination?”

Charles barked a laugh. “People wasting their lives portraying fictitious characters, nominating other foolish people for doing the same? No. Of course, I hope he wins. If he chooses to continue his ridiculous career, he may as well get something that will help his earning power. But no, it doesn’t make me proud, Mr. Cooper—any more than you should be proud that you made your money playing a child’s game and displaying your body to sell…banana hammocks.”

“Interesting tidbit. I never posed in jock straps or thongs.” Mike grinned, trying to show the senator’s derisions weren’t affecting him. “Well, not for ads, anyway. Your son seemed to enjoy seeing my ass, though.”

The senator seemed to be finding it harder to keep his cool. “Apparently, not enough. Why don’t you tell me why you’re here? You claimed that I would not regret this meeting. So far, you’re wrong.”

Mike stopped smiling, ready to play ball. “You have forty-percent ownership of the Cherry Hill Marksmen. I’ve always wanted team ownership.”

Charles’ eyes bugged out for a moment, then he laughed. “And I wanted to be president, but fate didn’t bestow that on me either. If you’re looking to buy from me, you’ve wasted your time. I’ll have security escort you out.”

“I’ll have sixty-percent ownership of the team within a week,” Mike stated before Vicksburg could press the button to summon his guard.

“What are you talking about? Stan Lyons owns the remaining sixty percent, and last time I checked, he wasn’t selling. Believe me, I’ve tried enough times to get his shares.”

“He promised to sell to me,” Mike responded. “We sign the papers next week to make it official.”

“Bullshit! Why would he sell to you?”

Mike shrugged. “Maybe because I know baseball and he’d be putting it in good hands? Maybe because he hates you and knows how much you wanted it?” Mike enjoyed watching the senator’s face contort with fury. “Or, maybe because he doesn’t want me going to the feds with the photos that my private investigator took of him with underage girls.”

“Lyons? You’re lying,” Vicksburg spat, but his eyes revealed he wasn’t sure of his assertion.

“I’m not.” Mike smiled. “If you don’t believe me, you can call him. He’ll tell you that he’s selling to me. Oh, but don’t mention that you know why. He gets a little testy about that part.”

“You’re an idiot,” Charles shot. “You haven’t signed the papers yet. I could blackmail him with that information now.”

“I have proof. You don’t. And I’m pretty sure if you hire your own investigator to get evidence, it would be too late. Seems Stan decided to end his dirty ways after he and I spoke. I’m sure he’s deleted any incriminating evidence. I’m the only one with photos, and they’re in a very safe place.”

“What is this?” Vicksburg spat. “Are you coming here to shake me down now? I can assure you, Cooper, I’m not Stan Lyons. You threaten me for my shares of the team, and it won’t end well for you.”

Mike sat back in the chair and looked at his nails, showing he wasn’t afraid of the man across from him. “I’m well aware of your tactics, Senator. Your son was very clear about them. You want the truth? I wasn’t ever that interested in James. I used him so I could learn more about you. I may not have been with him long, but it was enough time for him to share all sorts of stories about Daddy.”

The senator fumed. “That’s all they are! Stories. James has mental health issues.”

“No, he doesn’t,” Mike countered. “I was around him enough to know that. But you made sure that the first time he said anything about your underhanded dealings he was labeled as having a neurosis. It takes a special kind of coldness to find an unethical doctor to institutionalize your son just to shut him up.”

“If James told you that, he’s lying.”

“Come on, Senator. Your security team did everything but a cavity search on me—not that I’m complaining. The dark-haired guy is cute.” Mike enjoyed watching Vicksburg squirm with revulsion. “Point being, I’m not wired. Anything I would say you can dismiss as third-party rants repeating the delusions of your mentally ill son.”

Charles sneered back. “So, what are you trying to accomplish? If you know that I’d do that to my son, you should understand that I can do much worse to you.”

“I have no doubt,” Mike answered. “Maybe have me assaulted like what you did to your other son? Why was that again? Oh, right. He bought an engagement ring for a black girl.”