Page 100 of Brutal Kingdom

“You’re right.” He pats her hand, then continues digging into his salad.

My dad dismisses their attempts to be humble. “Oh, we’ll get to the subject of grandkids. But I think you had a wonderful idea and you should be proud of it.” Dad chews a few times, then speaks again. “Bella’s plan is to set up a fund to help the families that were victimized by Penn Waldorf. I told her that’s just the kind of endeavor we like, which is why we’re happy to do a dollar for dollar match, isn’t that right, Logan?” He doesn’t wait for me to agree because he’s already signed off on this. “And I said why wait? This could double as the social-economic project the two of you have to do for graduation. It’s perfect.”

The shrimp lodges in my throat. I drink water, forcing it and my temper down. Looking at Bella over my glass, I school my face into one of mild curiosity. “Yes it is, and I look forward to hearing more about it.”

Inside, I’m seething. I know exactly what she did. Herideais a gentle nudge to remind my father that Penn Waldorf is a thief and, by extension, Jordanna can’t be trusted.

One point for her. But she’s also too stupid to know she just exposed her hand. This is the second time she’s mentioned Penn’s victims. If she really cared, her family would’ve already started the charity themselves for the tax write off, and dad would’ve been happy to donate. So why does she need us to go in on this with money from my trust?

My father’s phone rings. He apologizes before stepping away from the table.

Feigning excitement at the prospect of helping, I say, “This sounds like a wonderful cause. I’ll talk to my mother so she can start the paperwork for the disbursement. How much did you say you were putting in Bella?”

She shares a look with her dad, her voice shaky when she says, “You uh, you said, you need to talk to your mom?”

“That’s right.” I smile brightly. Happy to get in on this deal. “Didn’t dad mention it? She’s the one in control of my trust until I turn twenty-five.”

Mr. Lance says, “You know, Bella’s right. Let’s table this discussion and move on to heirs.”

Dad’s still on the phone by the door, but I notice the change in his body language. I’d like to say it’s the awkward silence that grabbed his attention, but it’s not. I asked a simple question about how much Bella’s initial contribution will be to this so-called charity she’s starting, and he’s waiting to hear her answer. The lack of dollar amounts is a red flag for him. Finally, something is going in my favor.

We finish dinner, and after the Lance’s leave, my father disappears for the night. He knows I’m struggling with the marriage contract and as a peace offering, he’s arranged for the littles to come home for the weekend, so I’m staying over. I finish my homework and shower, and climb into bed hoping to get some rest before the dynamos get here. They’re gonna wear me out with whatever plans they make on the drive from school. I toss and turn, finally giving up trying to sleep. I can’t turn my brain off. My mind is stuck on a loop with tonight’s negotiations.

Thankfully, we only got so far as haggling over the number of kids we’re expected to have. I said ten as a starting point. Bella could barely hide her disdain.

This is one thing she can’t pass off to someone else or manipulate. She looked miserable during the whole discussion. Kids are the cornerstone of a Kingsley Hollow marriage. Boys are coveted, and girls are adored. I chuckle to myself. This is the part of the negotiation she’s going to hate and the one I’ll enjoy most.

THIRTY-NINE

JORDANNA

Istep into the lawyer’s office, stopping short when I realize I’m not the only one here. Through the glass doors in front of me, I can see into the conference room. Looking to my right, I see Archie pacing inside his office with his phone to his ear. Who the hell is he talking to? His phone clearly works, so why didn’t he call me about this ambush? Did they get to him? Pepper might be paying his fees, but if these three men pooled their money together, they could’ve offered him enough to drop my case and disappear.

My hand grips the strap of my backpack. I’m fighting the urge to run. Logan told me that going down this road would land me on the radar of the Kingsley Hollow Elite. But I didn’t think they’d confront me themselves. This is bad. This isvery, verybad. My mind races for a plan. Shit, I can’t pull out my phone to call for backup because they’ll think I’m weak.

Squaring my shoulders, I put on my journalism face and walk further into the room. Ignoring them, I walk to the receptionist desk and announce my arrival, as if this is a normal appointment. The receptionist gives me a small smile and tells me, Mr. Kellett will be right with me and requests I wait for him in the conference room.

With them? Alone? My gaze slides over to the gentleman lying in wait. There are only three founding families left in this town, and two of them are in my lawyer’s office. Donald Ruttledge, Brian Hansen and Craig Thorne are standing in three corners of the room like imposing towers. Ooh and look, they’ve left one chair at the opposite side of the table. For me. It’s the hot seat. The one I’m supposed to sit in, and let them glare at me, pressuring me with their stoic eyes and fancy lawyers to do what they say. Because yup, they each brought a lawyer.

“Hello.” I greet, as I enter the room, looking each of them in the eye, trying to uncover their secrets. Mr. Hansen is the only one who offers me a smile. He’s the one who’s supposed to be friendly and put me at ease. It doesn’t work, because if we were truly friends, he’d be on this side of the table with me.

The elevator pings and I hear the receptionist telling someone they can’t do something. My body relaxes when I hear Kassidy’s voice.

“I told my best friend I’d meet her here. Her name is… Oh, nevermind. I see her.”

She enters the room with Rocco Fiore following close behind her. Ruttledge’s face turns red, Mr. Thorne’s turns white and Mr. Hansen looks like he wants to blend into the wall.

“I thought this was a meeting with your lawyer, Jordanna.” Kassidy says, looking around the room.

“So did I.” Pepper says, breezing into the room behind her. Rocco pulls out the chair at the head of the table and she gracefully lowers herself into it.

My attorney, finally enters the room, an apology spilling from his lips. “I’m so sorry to have kept everyone waiting. There was a time sensitive call I had to make.”

Looking around the room, I can guess who he called. Staring at Ruttledge, Pepper says, “Come, Jordanna. Sit.” Rocco pulls out the chair next to her and I walk over to take it. Kassidy sits next to me, while Rocco stands with his back against the wall, his arms folded across his chest. He looks every bit the son of a mob enforcer.

“Shall we get started?” Archie asks.

“I thought this was a private meeting.” Ruttledge says, cutting his eyes at Kassidy. He’s having trouble looking at Pepper and Rocco, so he goes for the person he thinks is the weakest link.

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