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Chapter Ten
Andrew
It was shocking that in such a small town, no one wanted the job as a bouncer at the club. Maybe it’s because I was the one doing the hiring. But there was no way in hell Anne could work there alone again. Hell, even Trixi wasn’t any protection. If she insisted on keeping that place, she’d have to make certain changes that Carl just hadn’t needed.
I knew she was already at the club, but it had just opened, so I wasn’t too worried. It gave me enough time to change into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. I conducted all business in a suit, but the last time I showed up in one, I was sent packing. Besides, if trouble did break out, I hated getting blood on my Ermenegildo Zegna suit.
As I approached the club, I received a call from my brother Phillip. “Hello, what’s up?”
“I thought you were going to be back by now. Is everything okay?” he asked.
“Yes. Just working,” I replied.
“And I assume things are not going as you planned?” Phillip asked.
Hell no they’re not.“As you are aware, negotiations take time. Do you want something?”
“Yes. I heard a rumor - one I hope is wrong,” he said.
“You should know better than believe gossip.”
“This came from a very reliable source. I hear you’re in New Hampshire, close to the Canadian border. What the hell type of business are you doing up there?”
“Investment, if you need to know.”
“Andrew, I’m willing to give you advice if you’re willing to hear it,” Phillip said.
“I’m not. I know what I’m doing. All I ask is you keep this quiet. I have a lot riding on it right now. The last thing I need is”
“Father calling?” Phillip suggested.
“No. I’m more concerned that someone might decide to step in and purchase the last piece of property that I need. I’m not going to be happy if some asshole tries to hold me by the balls for twice the place is worth.” It was bad enough Anne was proving to be difficult, but I highly doubted she’d sell to anyone else, either. I had to buckle down and get this done - losing to Anne wasn’t an option.
“Andrew, if you tell me you’re quitting your job and becoming a farmer, I’ll have no choice but to call a family meeting, because I’ll know you’ve lost your fucking mind.”
“Phillip, I assure you, I am in complete possession of all my faculties. I’m just making a move that you…” I wanted to say “don’t have the balls for,” but I was trying to avoid an argument, not instigate one, “haven’t considered before. I’ll be here for another week. That’s all.”
“And you still refuse to tell me anything about it?” he asked.
“You already know more than I wanted. But don’t worry. When this is finalized, I promise to give you first dibs on getting in on it.” That should be enough to get him thinking, which Phillip liked to do alone. Just like me.
“One week?” he asked.
“Yes. And then you’ll know all the details. Under one condition, that is,” I added.
“Let me guess. I leave you the fuck alone until then.”
“One week, Phillip.” I ended the call before he pushed it any further. I also didn’t want him looking into what I was doing here. I’d been distracted these last few days, and I needed to find out who leaked information. And when I do, they won’t have a job any longer.
I parked the car and entered the club. As I expected, Anne was working the door. I liked it better when she spent her time in the office behind closed doors. It wasn’t ideal, but it sure as hell was safer.
“What are you doing here?” she asked.
“Working,” I replied.
“Unless your memory is slipping, I haven’t sold it to you,” Anne stated.
“I’m not letting you work here without anyone backing you in case there’s trouble again.”
