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Lincoln
“I’ve buriedthis as deep as I can, but it isn’t going away.”
My father paced in my home office space. I wanted him gone. Out of my sanctuary.
What would it be like to have the kind of relationship where I welcomed his presence? One where we had dinner and chatted about . . . whatever it was most relatives discussed.
At least have the courtesy to be gone before Beau returns.
For once, I was grateful for the late hours she’d been keeping.
Who is Mrs. Johnson?
I didn’t know any of the neighbors in my building because I had the luxury of avoiding them. My private elevator went to my private garage and my three levels at the top. Today was the rare occasion where I used the front entrance because I’d walked from the underground subway station. Beau had insisted we use that mode of transportation to get a better feel for the area around the property I wished to purchase. Despite she hadn't been with me when I left Daniel’s, I’d taken the subway home anyway.
Thick fingers snapped in front of my face.
“Are you listening to me?”
No. No, I was not. But it would be better to remain silent than admit that. And who the hell snaps their fingers at a forty-one-year-old man?
“I’ll see to the matter.” Although I’d put it off as if that were my profession. I rescheduled two meetings with attorneys and refused to let the events of a couple of days ago enter my mind. Except my sister, Daniel, and my father were determined to keep it front and center.
“If it weren’t for me, you’d be in a cell at the moment.”
It’s a wonder I’m not in one because of you.
I spun in my chair and looked out at the park view. The days were getting longer. People milled about, enjoying the slightly warmer air. I’d taken for granted the ability to move about as I pleased.
Freedom.
“You’re behaving as if Teague’s nuptials mean nothing to you.”
I wheeled back around. “His wedding has nothing to do with this.”
“I’m certain he’d be devastated not to have his brother stand up for him because he’s in prison.”
I mashed my lips together, hating that he always knew the exact thing to say to get what he wanted.
I’d never forgive myself if I missed Teague and Pepper’s wedding. Never.
“I’ll be there,” I grated out.
“Not if you don’t take your defense more seriously.”
“Did it ever occur to you that I’m innocent?”
He waved his hand in front of him. “Your guilt or innocence matters not to me. But I’ll be damned if you soil this family’s name. If you did what you’re accused of, you should’ve at least had the decency not to get caught.”
Bastard.
I balled my fist to keep from throwing all the contents of my desk at him. He’d take too much pleasure in an emotional display.
“You have an appointment first thing in the morning with Kane Zegas and Patrick Whitley. Do not miss another.”
The teenage boy in me who never acted out wanted to ask, Or what? Instead, I kept my mouth shut. My silence was more effective than an outburst.
“I expect you won’t neglect your responsibilities to the company in spite of the distraction.” He moved toward the door. “I’ll fix this, but you will cooperate.”
