Page 105 of Rich and Bossy

One of the asshole consultants steps forward. “Mr. Briggs, we’ve put together a list of steps we’ll implement to bring this to a quick conclusion. We’d be happy to go through it with you, if you want to know what we’re doing.”

Another one of them puts up a hand to get my attention. “Though if you would rather not know, that’s understandable. Some people in your position prefer to be hands off. If something comes back, it’s usually possible to sacrifice someone in middle management and handle that amicably.”

“Sacrifice someone? For approving something illegal? That what you’re saying?”

“We can’t really answer that question for you.” He stares back likecome on, man, you know what the fuck we’re about to do.

In other words, I can sit there and pretend to know fuck all about anything that happens. I can pay someone below me to take the fall if they get caught doing shit.

There must be something about the way my expression shifts that sets off an alarm in John’s head. “Give us a little time, we just got in. All this is a new development. Maybe we can circle back and talk strategy in a few hours?”

“Of course.” The three men go and start putting papers back into bags, folders and stuff.

We didn’t even give them a place to work yet, and they’re acting like they own my fucking business. Like they’re running shit now.

John is right, I need a minute to get my head on straight. And once I do, I’m sending these assholes packing. But first, I’d like to touch base with him to make sure we’re on the same page. I’ve already gone behind his back more than once. The least I can do now is explain what I’m thinking of doing and getting his input on it.

I turn for the door, ready to fly out of the room and maybe lock myself in my office and scream for a while, but Hank is waiting for me the second I walk out.

I thought these fat bastards left.

“Paxton, can I have a minute?” He starts walking toward a smaller room like I’m supposed to just fucking follow. Like it wasn’t a question at all.

Once inside, and the door is closed, I stare right at him.

He lowers his voice. “Let’s cut the fucking bullshit.”

Now I know I’m talking to the real Hank. He’s not the benevolent grandfatherly type he pretends to be. He’s always been a ruthless asshole.

“By all means.” I fold my arms and stare back at him.

He shakes his head. “I like you, son. You might not believe it, but I do. I don’t want to do this. I know you don’t believe a goddamn word of that, but it’s true.”

“You’re doing it. Not me. It’s on you, old man.” Fuck him, calling me son. He can get a taste too, since we’re being candid.

“This isn’t personal. I have nothing but respect for you and John. It’s business. This is how it has to be. That’s why this board exists. To hold you accountable.” He points a finger at his chest. “And it’s not my job to maintain a majority of votes on it. That lands on you.” He points at me. “And right now? With this shit storm? You ain’t got them, son. That’s just a hard fucking truth you need to accept, and you need to remedy. ASAP.”

I can’t stand this bullshit. Trying to act like my mentor. He didn’t do shit but come along after Rapid was already successful. Next thing I know, he’s going to call me son again, and I’m going to throw his ass out the fucking window.

“Appreciate the sage wisdom.” I couldn’t be more sarcastic if I tried. “I have work to do. Would you excuse me, please?” Otherwise, I don’t know if I can be held accountable for what I say. I’m already on the verge of getting in his face and really letting him have it, and he’s right, I don’t have the votes. Maybe that is on me, but shit happens. I never saw this coming, out of all the things I anticipated before to save this company.

One fuck-up is all it took.

“Before you go.” He angles himself in such a way that I can’t get past without running him over.

As much as I would love to form tackle this asshole, I know better.

“Any recommendations they make, need to be followed. It’s not optional. They know what they’re doing. They’ve been through this before, and they succeed with alarmingly high results.”

“That’s great to hear.” It’s amazing I can form words with my teeth gritted as tight as they are. “Thanks for running my company for me.”

He shakes his head. “You’re being emotional. We didn’t want to have to do this. We gave you a week. We’re trying to do what’s best for your company, not what’s best for you. That’s our job.” He lowers his voice further, leaning in. “You won’t get the votes. I have them all, and this place will be run at my discretion, whether you like it or not. So you get your ass on board, or I will strip this place from you, got it?”

With that, he steps out of my way to allow me to pass, like I couldn’t have gone right through him if I wanted. When I walk by, I pause right in front of him, and turn. “Since we’re being honest with each other right now, I’ll say this.” I look right at him. “You’re picking a fight with the wrong motherfucker.”

He smirks. “This ain’t a football field. I’ve handled a lot worse, and stolen companies from far smarter people. Have yourself a good day, Pax.”

I walk past before I punch this smug fuck in his voice box, just to watch him wheeze his way out of my building. At this point, I don’t even give a fuck. I just feel horrible. I told Hazel I’d do what I could to make it fair, and I did that. I’ll do it for as long as I can, but I don’t think it’s going to be as long as I’d hoped. I thought I could stall them longer.

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