Page 8 of Tangled Trust

I’m annoyed. This was supposed to be my weekend with Jagger. How do I explain to my six-year-old that his and my fishing weekend has to take a back seat because some greedy asshole is stealing from me?

My plan was to fly out, collect the award for Realtor of the Year, and be back by Friday so that Jagger and I could have some much-needed fun time together. Now that idea’s all shot to hell.

I’d better call Amanda. I hope she’s not going to give me lip about changing plans. I’m not in the mood. My ex-wife has a short fuse, and these days, it doesn’t take much to set her off. Granted, she and I have been mostly civil with one another since the divorce, if only for Jagger’s sake, but it’s a tenuous stalemate.

"Hello, Carter."

Oof, did the temperature in the room just plummet?

"Hi, Amanda. I need a favor, please."

"I’m listening."

"Something’s come up, so I’ll be out of town this weekend. Would you be okay to take Jagger?"

"Damn it, Carter."

"I know. I’m sorry, Amanda. This is a rare occasion."

"Fine."

"Thank you. Is he around? Can I talk to him?"

Amanda puts her hand over the receiver and calls our son’s name. It isn’t long before his sweet little voice beams through.

"Hi, Daddy."

"Hey. How’s my big guy?"

"Where are you, Daddy? When are you fetching me?"

My heart aches as I explain to Jagger that I won’t see him until next week. I hate this. I keep the conversation short. No sense in hanging around the lion’s enclosure for too long.

* * *

"How’s Amanda?"

I’m having drinks with Charlie. He and I have been friends since college. He’s a good guy—one of the few who haven’t sought me out because of my billionaire status. Friends like Charlie are a rarity in my world. I’m grateful for him.

"As well as can be expected, I suppose. You know Amanda. She’s not the easiest woman."

"I still don’t get why she asked for the divorce. I thought she was so in love with you."

"Yeah. It’s a mystery. I think she’s just too used to having everything her way. Her parents didn’t do her any favors by spoiling her rotten."

"I’m sorry things didn’t work out for you guys, Carter. How’s Jagger taking it?"

"He’s only five. I suppose he’ll get used to his new life. I’m not going to lie. It’s hard. He and I were supposed to go fishing this weekend. Instead, I have to deal with a thieving employee. I tell you, Charlie, sometimes I wonder if this job is worth my sanity."

"Come on. That’s the frustration talking. You’re a brilliant entrepreneur, pal. You’re good at what you do. Don’t allow one asshole to spoil your success."

"You’re right. Thanks, Charlie. I miss you. Why did you move across the country again?"

"Because there’s no saying no when your wife wants to be close to her family," he chuckles.

"How is Claire?"

"Perfect. I still can’t believe she said yes. Imagine choosing someone like me to marry. If I didn’t know better, I’d say she was nuts."

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