Page 277 of Redeemed

“Oh, I’ll be plenty effective.”

“Discrediting your father doesn’t guarantee you a win. Lane has been vying for Mark’s position for years. He’ll probably contest the bylaws, say they’re too outdated.”

“Then I’ll kill him, too.”

“Don’t, Colton. Don’t go down that path. It’s his, not yours.”

I knew what she was going to say before the words were even out of her mouth, and goddammit, I knew she’d be right, too. Forcing loyalty and obedience with the threat of death is how my father has led the organization since I was a teenager. It’s only ever caused problems.

“It’s one thing to kill Mark,” Charlotte says. “He’s a dictator. Getting rid of him is a heroic act. But Lane? He hasn’t done enough to warrant murdering him. That wouldn’t go over well in the court of public opinion. You need to gain people’s trust, not shatter it.”

“I know.” Running my hand through my hair, I sigh. “I just can’t stand the fucker.”

Charlotte chuckles. “That’s the type of thing you’ll have to set aside as a leader.”

“Yeah,” I mutter.

“But back to Lane. You need a plan to handle him.”

“I have something I can use against him,” I say. “Wasn’t sure if I should use it, but I think I have to.”

“All right. And what about Wesley Carver?”

I narrow my eyes at her. “What about him?”

Charlotte purses her lips, a telltale sign that she’s irritated. “Don’t play stupid with me, boy. All you have to do is tell him the truth about his father’s death, and he’ll do anything to help you dethrone Mark.”

“I don’t need his help.”

She gives me a scolding look. “Don’t let your childish dislike of him get in your way. He’s quite skilled, and just as ruthless. So are Cal and Kellan.”

I frown. “I’ll think about it.”

“No, you won’t.”

Nowthattakes me by surprise. Never in my life have I taken an order from Charlotte. It’s always been the other way around.

“Excuse me?”

“I’ve watched you grow up under the thumb of a cruel, greedy man. Despite his best efforts, you turned into someone worth pledging loyalty to.”

Something twinges in my chest, and I rub at it without thinking.

“I’m not the only one in this organization who’s been rooting for you, and I’m not going to watch you fail,” Charlotte continues. “If you’re going to take down your father, you need as many people behind you as possible. That includes Wesley and his friends. Youwillbring them in on this.”

However much I want to protest, I know Charlotte is right, so I nod. “All right. I’ll let them in.”

“Good.”

I glance around, half expecting to see another car pulling up by now. “I should go.”

“One more thing, Colton.”

“Yes?”

“Mark may be contained for the moment, but Lane isn’t. It’s possible they’re working together, which means Lane could attempt to finish what Mark started.”

It takes me a moment to realize what Charlotte is talking about because I didn’t tell her that Mark tried to kill Haven.

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