Page 81 of Entice

“But you love your job,” Crystal said, staring at her friend.

“It’s a job. This is about family.”

Crystal’s heart stuttered. Family. She hadn’t been a part of a family who cared about each other in a long time, if ever. Sierra’s words filled her heart with joy.

“I’m fine with telling Brady’s family they can go fuck off,” Max said.

Jordan looked at Sage and Brady; both had been very quiet. “Sage? Brady?”

Brady lifted his chin. “I’m fucking done.” His words were quiet.

“Honey.” Sage covered Brady’s hand, where it sat on the table with hers.

“I’ve been quiet long enough. My parents and brothers are dead to me. They’ve been trying to cause trouble at the clinic as well.”

“What do you mean?” Jordan asked.

“They’re trying to do a hostile takeover of my clinic.”

Crystal’s eyes widened, and she began making notes. This was not good at all.

“Are they succeeding?” Max asked.

“Not yet. I’ve been countering everything I can, but they have resources I don’t.”

“Bull.” Damon slapped his hand on the table. “I refuse to give in to their blackmail.”

“Why don’t we call the police?” Sierra asked.

“No.” Brady’s voice was firm. “That is exactly what my father wants. Another court case where he can say, ‘woe is me’. I’m not giving in to him, not one inch.”

Crystal tapped her pen against her mouth. Her stomach was in knots. “What if we have a lawyer draw up a letter,” she started, and all eyes turned to her. “A letter states we are well aware of what they’re trying to do. Extortion is a felony in the state, and if he continues to go after Brady’s clinic and/or reveal this information on us and the club, all of them will be facing multiple counts and never see the light of day after they are prosecuted.”

“Will that work?” Max asked.

“It might.” Jordan jotted down some notes. “I mean, right now there are seven of us in the room. Not only is it a lot of court cases, but also if the maximum penalty is applied, it’s ten years for each count.”

“Not to mention damages, if we take the cases to civil court after the criminal trials are finished.” Crystal tapped her pen on the tabletop.

Damon whistled. “They could stand to lose big time.”

“I like that idea,” Sierra said.

“Let’s do it,” Brady said, and Sage agreed.

“All right. I’ll get on it,” Jordan said.

“Jordan, I think it would be better coming from another lawyer,” Crystal said.

“I agree,” Max said. “You’re involved. Is there someone you trust who could send this off?”

“You’re right. Yes, I know another lawyer I can trust.”

“Then do it, and we’ll go from there,” Max said, pushing back his chair.

They all said their good-byes, and Jordan ushered Crystal back to his office.

“I’m going to get the ball rolling on this. Are you okay?” Jordan asked her.

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