Page 133 of Playing the Game
“I hope you told her to fuck off.”
The evilness of today slams against my heart.
I meet Jonah’s angered gaze. “I tried, but she’s set on taking him.”
He tips his chin my way. “Why your son?”
“She said since I gave up one kid, she knew I could do it again because I have it in me to be just like her. The thought repulses me.” I shudder and grow nauseous.
“That’s a vicious thing for her to say.”
I stare at the floor.
How did my life become such a train wreck?
I raise my head, defeat coming off me in droves. “That’s only the start of what she wants. I have to cut off all contact with Dorothy. If I don’t, she’ll kill her.”
“Why? What does Dori have to do with raising your son?”
“It’s not Dorothy she’s worried about. It’s her brother. You know he’s in the FBI, and our lunatic mother doesn’t want anyone with ties to the FBI in the company. Especially at Dorothy’s level.”
Jonah’s face pales. “Fuck, Hunter.”
“It gets worse than that. When you and I retire, my son is to be named the CEO, and he’ll pave the way for the mob to infiltrate the business.”
Jonah’s head lowers. “And if you don’t let that happen, then what?”
“The lives of everyone I love are on the chopping block. One by one, our mother will have them taken out.” I stand and trudge to the window.
Jonah joins me by my side. “What can you do to stop her? Because that’s the only solution I see.”
I face him. “I did the riskiest thing I could and called Jamison.”
Jonah’s brow creases together. “Jamison?”
“Yeah.”
“Why him?”
“Jamison and Aiden are best friends. I was hoping when Jamison discovered Dorothy’s life was on the line, he would help me get Aiden on board. Together, we could plan a way to trap our mother and get her locked up.”
I’ve never been in a mess like this. Unless Jamison can get Aiden to hear him out, I lose everything.
“What did Jamison say?” Jonah asks.
The air in my lungs gets sucked out. “He said that would be a problem because Aiden found out about Jamison’s relationship with Dorothy and is on the warpath.”
“You weren’t kidding when you said you’re in a terrible situation.” Jonah glances at the floor, shaking his head. “We have to find a solution. We can’t let the mob infiltrate the business.”
The heaviness of the day takes hold. I search the room for an answer to my problems.
I stalk to the beverage station in his office. “Do you want one?”
“You don’t need to ask. I’m right there with you.” Jonah rubs his face with his hands. “Fuck! This is so fucking bad.”
“I know.” I finish making us a heavy pour of whiskey. “Jamison knew Dorothy was reinstated today. Mateo told him. I made him swear not to tell her or else her life is at risk. He agreed.”
“It’s better for him, even if her life wasn’t on the line.” Jonah takes his drink from me.
