Page 122 of Ruthless Beast

“Nonsense. You’ve always been ready. You’ve controlled your ambition because you’re a decent human being. If you weren't, you would have pipped me at the post a long time ago.”

“Bloody hell, Lucas. Thanks for dropping the bombshell on me so early in the day.”

“I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t so important to me, Andreas.”

“What will you do?”

“Whatever it takes to make Emily and my child happy.”

Andreas is more than a little thrown by my announcement. I cannot say that I blame him. It’s almost unheard of for a boss to leave behind everything he’s worked so hard to achieve. Unheard of, but not impossible.

“Okay,” he says after a long silence. “How do you propose to do this?”

“I have enough money stashed away. I’ve been saving for a long time. For a rainy day, you know.”

“Well, it’s pouring now, buddy.”

“Torrential shit, man.”

“If we’re going to do this, we’d better make it believable. I’m thinking a car bomb or something like that. It must be big or no one will believe it.”

“Agreed.”

“I’ll see what I can come up with with regards to a body. This has to be believable and a wreck without a body is usually a dead giveaway.”

“Better get a few. It’s not like I travel alone.”

“I’m on it.”

“Thank you, Andreas. You’re a good friend.”

“Of course, Lucas. Not sure if I’m ready for this.”

“Can one ever be? I have faith in you. I can’t think of a better successor than you.”

“I’m sure Peter will disagree with you. He’s not too charmed about my career choice either. But, at least there aren’t any children to gum up the works,” he winks.

“Yeah, kids are the next level when it comes to complicated things, bud.”

“Sounds to me like a you-problem, Mr. Heterosexual.”

“You missed your calling, my friend. I’m thinking standup comedian.”

* * *

“You’re going to what?”

Emily’s face tells me she isn’t exactly thrilled with my plan.

“I have to, my love. This is the only way out of this.”

“But, it sounds incredibly dangerous.”

“It’s risky, I’ll give you that.”

“I suppose Andreas knows what he’s doing. Right?”

“Absolutely. I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my life.”

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