Page 74 of Winning Bid

“You've been a busy, busy boy. I think you work too hard. A vacation would be good for the soul, presuming you have one.”

He sits back. But his body is just as stiff as if he had been sitting straight up. It's an oddity. Is he unwell? Andre says, “Are you implying I'm soulless? I'm flattered.”

“You know, I remember when you were still friends with my parents. Back before you had your falling out together. You weren't always like this.”

“People change. Given your circumstances, you should know that better than most. Tell me, Anderson. How is June?”

I'm tempted to yell at him to keep my woman's name out of his mouth. But I don’t give him the satisfaction. “Delightful as always.”

“So get on with whatever this is about.”

“No appreciation for flair? I suppose I shouldn't be too surprised by that. June said when you kidnapped her, all of the flair belonged to your goons.”

His smile shifts. He's almost eager to say what's on his mind. “You should know something, Anderson. I have technology in this room that interferes with microphones. So, if you aim to get a confession recorded, you will be sorely disappointed.”

“Neat trick. But I'm not looking for a confession. I know what you've done, and I don’t need you to confess to them. I'm looking to work out a deal.”

“I imagine you are. Breaking and entering is quite the crime.”

“So is kidnapping.”

“True.” He smiles, pointing at me for a moment. His voice and finger drop. “But considering June’s less-than-stellar reputation, I don’t think anyone will take her word over mine. The goons, as you called them, will be impossible to locate. When people are buried under another country's soil in unmarked graves, it isn’t easy to find them. So you see, my dear boy, you have no evidence against me.”

Considering he just roundaboutly confessed to killing the people who kidnapped June, I'm not exactly loving my chances. But this is our only chance, and I'm taking it. “He said/she said cases are notoriously difficult to prosecute. You have a good point.”

He gives a slight nod. “So then, what is this deal you're interested in?”

“Well, you see, kidnapping is not the only crime I'm aware of. That's on your rap sheet.”

“Do tell. I'm all ears.” His smirk makes me want to punch him in the teeth.

“Well, like I said, kidnapping is a good one.” I hold up the folder that I brought in with me. “So is illegal gambling.”

Andre laughs. “Who doesn't bet on the ponies?”

Time to use Dana’s material. Reading her killfile on Andre Moeller was like taking a nightmare trip through a sociopath’s wet dreams. I needed a shower afterward and still didn’t feel clean. I won’t until I leave his office and this is finished.

“Ponies? Is that what you call the people pumped so full of fentanyl they can't feel when you and your friends whip them into running through your hedge maze for your amusement?”

The fucker doesn't even flinch. “That's an interesting allegation. You have a colorful imagination. I should hire you for my entertainment division.”

“Thanks, but I'm very happy at West Media.” I pull out three affidavits and set them on his desk in front of him. “It has come to my attention that you intend to use this as some leverage to buy out my father’s holdings and positions. Is that true?”

“Elliott West has been involved in several high-profile problems in Boston. The only thing that keeps him safe is his name and his money. It's not my fault if he's decided to fuck things up for himself.”

“While that is true, the problem here is that none of these affidavits are real. The signatures on these affidavits have been falsified. Each person whose name was falsified here is interested in ensuring that these are not used against Elliott West.” When his smile starts to crack, mine widens. “See, Andre, the smart thing would have been to use dead people. You know, the person who can't take back an affidavit or say their signature was falsified.”

“What is this?” At least he sounds annoyed.

“See, the thing about taking over other companies or buying them out or any of those things you're interested in is that it can't be predicated on fraud. If it is. Then not only are you liable for those purchases and having fucked up with the boards, but also The Federal Trade Commission will get involved. The IRS would get involved. All kinds of people would be interested in finding out what you've been up to. I could be wrong, but I don't think you'd like that.”

Andre's jaw sets. I believe I've made him angry. It almost makes me laugh. In the time that he's silent, I'm nearly convinced that he's doing the math on whether or not he would get away with murdering me now. He snaps, “And this deal you were looking for, what is it?”

“You will not press charges against June or me for the break-in. That is water under the bridge. Furthermore, you will not touch any company my father has his fingers on—not ever.”

“And if I were to give you what you wanted … ?”

“The evidence that I have against you will be locked away. You'll get your key card back. Of course, I'll keep a copy because you never know when that might come in handy, but you can have the original.”

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