Page 39 of Hers to Hold
Wes couldn’t begin to imagine what Kat was going through running her business, filming a cooking show, and being Drew’s wife while pregnant. She was superwoman. All he ever heard from Caroline was how much her doctor appointments were and how his being in the military meant he was missing time with his daughter.
All true.
He wasn’t home during Caroline’s pregnancy nor was he present for Chastity’s birth. Although Kat had her husband, any unnecessary pressure placed on Drew would make their lives even more difficult. “I’m in the process of interviewing other company leads for our future projects,” Wes stated. “I’ll find someone more reliable.”
“Good. We need to phase them out as quickly as possible.”
“Phase who out?”
Wes and Drew’s gazes snapped to the half-open door. Wes stood. “Mr. Rankin. I was hoping I’d see you today.”
Carl Rankin smiled thinly. “I know I’m late, but I wanted to personally hand you our documentation. Should match the electronic records.” He slapped a stack of papers in his free hand. His narrowed gaze traveled from Wes to Drew and back again. “Am I understanding correctly? You’re trying to get rid of a subcontractor?”
Drew came forward with his hand outstretched. After Wes accepted the paperwork, Drew shook Mr. Rankin’s hand. “Carl. Thank you for coming in. Would you have a seat? Want any water?” Drew moved to the fridge, but Carl lifted a hand and shook his head. “No, thank you. I can’t stay very long.”
“Well, Wes and I are talking about skimming down our operations for a few of our future projects. Nothing for you to worry about.”
Carl grinned. “Good, because I’d hate to have to go to the news with my information.”
Wes exchanged a glance with Drew. “What information? What are you talking about?” Wes asked.
“Information about campaign financing. Or should I sayillegalcampaign financing.”
Wes scoffed. “How do you figure?”
Carl shrugged. “Who’s the company handling your finances?”
“None of your business,” Drew responded through gritted teeth.
“Actually, it is my business seeing how it’s run by my sister.”
Again, Drew and Wes exchanged a glance. More worried this time. “Your sister?” they asked in unison.
“She’ll testify some of those donations have been going to specific contractors.”
“Let me guess, companies in bed with you,” Wes said dryly. “All it’ll take is a good forensic accountant to prove her wrong. What kind of a threat is that?”
“Oh, but it’s the truth.”
“You’re willing to risk your sister’s reputation?” Drew breathed. He stepped closer. “You’re herbrother. What kind of a man are you?”
Carl sniffed and closed the distance. “You should really do an audit of your finances.You’rethe one who’s been awarding these contracts. It’ll look like she was directed to send the money wherever you wanted to go.”
“No one will buy that excuse,” Wes said.
Carl raised his brows at him. “You willing to risk it? Your reputation, the campaign? Your wife’s reputation and businesses? She was a low-wage bakeshop baker who suddenly found herself a rich husband now running for Congress. People will want to see every penny of your financials. Everything will be scrutinized right down to the gas she puts in that Bentley of hers—that was recently bought by you, right?” He grinned at Drew.
Wes saw the briefest tick in Drew’s jaw before his friend’s fist was slamming through Carl’s cheek. Carl went sailing and landed on the floor with a thud. Wes stepped in front of Drew, forcing him back with hands on his shoulders. “Enough, Drew!”
Carl cackled from the floor, and spit blood. “Oh, this is going to make a fine headline for sure. ‘Congressional Hopeful Drew Callaghan Punches President of Rankin Electrical Over a Dispute About Money.’”
“Carl, I suggest you leave,” Wes said in a low tone.
“Don’t you ever talk about my wife again,” Drew said, pointing a thick finger down at Rankin. “We did good by you.”
“Well…until you punched me in the nose, right?” Rankin teetered to his feet. “I’m leaving, but I’m warning you. You pay what you owe us”—he gestured to the papers Wes had put on the table—“and there won’t be a problem. You fire me or my sister’s firm, and you’ll find yourself in a world of hurt.” He spit onto the floor again and left the office.
Drew’s gaze went from dangerous to defeated in a matter of moments. “Wes…” He dropped into his chair and put his head in his hands.
