Page 14 of The Bargain
“You can save the company’s involvement, but your brother is in this. He’s going to need help to get out.”
“Can you handle it?”
“Of course. We enjoy getting rid of scavengers, but it would be easier with his cooperation.”
“Assume it won’t be easy and do it anyway, even against his will. I don’t care what it costs me.”
Adam inclines his chin. “Consider it done.”
We pull up to the restaurant, a Fifth Street spot my father favors for its high-profile clientele that allows him to rub elbows with the who’s who of the city. “Send me your contact information,” I say, opening the door.
“Already in your email, as is proof of everything I just told you,” he replies, “but I’ll shoot you a text now as well.” He pulls his phone from his pocket and a moment later, my phone pings. “If you need me,” he adds, “text. Any time of the day or night.”
There’s something about Adam; a calm quietness, that is somehow as brutal as it is lethal. He’s a decent man, but not so decent that he won’t kill you if you force his hand. I wouldn’t want to cross him and I like that about him.
“You want us to hang out and give you a lift out of here?” he asks.
“I’ll hire a service. Thanks, man.” I incline my chin and exit to the street, stopping at the doorman’s post. “I need a car in fifteen minutes.” I palm him a large bill, and I’m already entering the building.
During the ride up the elevator to the top floor, I scan the proof Adam has emailed me and it’s solid. My brother is in trouble and he wants to drag us all along for the ride.
That ends now.
Chapter Nine
Ethan
OnceI’montherestaurant floor, in the foyer, the hostess stand is to my right. “Mr. Dalton,” is my familiar greeting by the mid-forties brunette who is often here. “I didn’t know you were joining your father and brother today. I can take you to the table.”
“I’m fine. His normal spot?”
“You know it. Enjoy lunch.”
I cut through the clusters of round tables surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows and spy my destination almost immediately. Anger tics in my jaw. What the hell is wrong with Grant? And why does he think the stupid stuff is the good stuff? It’s like he’s not even a Dalton. I arrive at the table, pull back a chair and sit down.
“Ethan,” my father greets, a light in his eyes, that says he’s still oblivious to how unlikely I’d freely sit with Grant. Or him for that matter, as of late. “Good to have you join us,” he adds.
“I doubt my brother is going to agree. Aoes. That’s the name of the company Grant wants us to invest in.”
Grant sits up straighter. “That’s right. They’re solid.”
“Are they now?” I almost laugh. “I hired Walker Security to look into them. If you don’t know Walker—”
“I do,” my father surprises me by saying. “They own a private airline I’ve chartered in the past. I know someone who used them for personal protection. They’re highly thought of and respected. What did they find out?”
“The people involved in Aoes are scam artists. And Grant here isn’t just trying to get us all to buy into them. He already did, but they sheltered the purchase, so the board won’t know he’s double dipping. This is the kiss of death for anyone involved.”
“All lies, Dad,” Grant says, the heat of his temper biting into his words. “There’s another Aoes. It’s not them.”
“It’s them,” I say, meeting my father’s stare. “I have the paperwork. I’ll send it to you.”
My father’s attention shifts to Grant. “If this is true, we’re out. And you need to figure out how to end your relationship with them.”
“I’m working on that,” I say. “It won’t be easy.” I glance at Grant. “But as usual, I’m taking care of you. I’ll let you know your next best move.”
“I don’t need, or want, your help. I’m in this to win this.”
“This isn’t a reflection on you, Grant. Walker is the best of the best. They find what the naked eye cannot. You shouldn’t have double dipped, but right now, what matters is you get out. I’ll send you the paperwork and let you make your own decision.”
