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“No. It’s not bragging, just a fact. My brother is the head of the family, and my father is very respected. Coming after me would be a declaration of war, one that wouldn’t be made lightly. So even if someone managed to find me here, they wouldn’t have handled it that way.”
“I guess I’ll have to take your word for it,” I said.
He looked at me, his expression quizzical. “You don’t believe me?”
“As I said, this is a little far afield of my areas of expertise. But it perfectly complements yours, so I’ll defer to you on that point,” I said.
“But you don’t buy it?”
I looked at him, considering how much to say but then telling myself screw it.
“Well, I just think it’s a little coincidental that I learned who you are, who you really are, and someone tries to take my head off.”
“Well, it’s not as though James Industries is completely innocent in this,” he said.
“No, it’s not. Because of you,” I countered.
“You surely don’t believe that,” he said.
I lowered my brows. “Of course, I do. Why wouldn’t I?”
“Well, for starters, no one knows who I am. Not really. And plus, you do shipping and contract with the government sometimes. That gains attention.”
“Are you freaking kidding me? We move around latrines, tents, and maybe, occasionally ship some ammo. We’re not handling high-level secrets,” I said.
“Still, it’s a competitive industry. You could make some dangerous enemies.”
“So why come after me?” I asked, certain he wouldn’t have an answer.
“Why come after the heir apparent?” he said, like the answer was clear.
I snorted. “I’m in charge of the shipping department. I’m about as far away from CEO as you could get. Carol will be CEO before I am.”
“Maybe. But people outside don’t necessarily know that. And it could be an attempt to destabilize the company. Make it weak so that a rival could take advantage.”
“Maybe, and I’m only saying maybe for the sake of this argument. Right after my grandfather’s death would have been the time to do that,” I said.
“Why?”
“Well, as far as I understand it, my mother was being groomed to take over. When she died, my grandfather started to groom my dad. But when my grandfather passed away, my father was untested. So any rival could have used that time to make their move. Not all these years later.”
He didn’t answer immediately, instead getting a far-off look, one that told me his wheels were spinning.
“You make a good point,” he finally said.
“But you’re not convinced?”
“No. But until we find out who was behind it, I have to assume you’re still in danger,” he said.
I had thought much the same thing, but it felt strange hearing it from his mouth.
“And that matters to you?” I didn’t necessarily want to ask the question, but I felt compelled.
“Of course,” he said without missing a beat.
He exhaled and then shook his head like I was silly.
“I’ve gone to great lengths to keep you alive. You know how much of a headache you dying would be? I’m not going to let anyone screw up this arrangement.”
