Page 88 of Rogue Royal
“Hang on! You said nothing about passing tests!” Douglas complained as he followed Mav down the hallway, getting a glance at a younger version of Mav in several photographs lining the walls.
They entered the kitchen, and Mav dropped into a chair at the table, indicating for Douglas to sit next to him. “This is where we do our chats,” Mav whispered.
“You have a lovely home, Mr Houghton.”
“Thank you. I try to keep up with the maintenance of it because it’s what Essie would have wanted. She loved this place.”
Douglas realised Mav hadn’t spoken of his mother, and he felt bad for not asking before. Mav gave him a small smile.
“Mum died from cancer nine years ago. It’s been just us ever since.”
Douglas rested his hand on Mav’s knee and squeezed.
“Here you go. Tea of champions.” Ronald placed a mug in front of each of them on the weathered table that had no doubt seen so much love and sat opposite them. “I’m assuming you got your head out of your ass and sorted things with him.” He pointed at Douglas with a tip of his mug.
“Dad!” Mav rubbed his head and sighed. “Yes. We sorted things out. We’re official now.”
“Ooh, official.” Ronald’s eyes twinkled. “I know. I saw the papers, and you all decked out fancy-schmancy.” He glanced at Douglas. “You look good together. Happy.” He sipped his tea.
Mav smiled. “I am, Dad.”
Ronald turned his gaze to Douglas. “You’re going to take care of my son, aren’t you, Your Highness.”
A statement, not a question, though Douglas answered anyway, “Yes, with everything I am. He’ll want for nothing. No one will hurt him. You have my word. And please, call me Douglas.”
Ronald narrowed his eyes and stared at him for a few seconds, nodding once. “Good. Now, what’s this I hear about you not working for Bert any longer?”
A quick change of subject, but Douglas knew they had his blessing, and it eased his tension. He’d wanted Ronald to like him, and it seemed like he did. At least until Mav explained his role in Mav losing his job if he was going to tell his dad about that.
“You know I wanted to start my own business. I thought it was time to try.” Mav sipped his tea, and Douglas could see he was trying not to fidget, but Ronald’s eyes narrowed again.
“Bullshit. You seemed happy there, Mav. Why the change of heart?” Ronald squinted at Douglas. “Does this have something to do with your new relationship?”
Mav grimaced, which gave away the fact he was hiding something, and Ronald must’ve seen it because he pounced, aiming his question to Douglas, “Why does he need to not work for Bert if he’s in a relationship with you?”
Douglas wanted to tell Ronald everything, but he knew Mav didn’t want him to think badly about his best friend. “I support—”
“Okay!” Mav rubbed his forehead and pushed his mug away, crossing his arms on the table. Douglas knew how hard this was going to be for Mav and wrapped his arm around his shoulders. “Bert has been blackmailing me into staying working for him. Douglas sorted the situation out. Hence, I’m now working for myself.”
Ronald slammed his cup down on the table, spilling the contents. “He’s been blackmailing you? Why? With what?”
Mav exhaled. “A couple of years ago, I went to an event with him, and he believed I showed him up and made him look a fool. He sent me to work for Douglas as penance, and when I tried to hand my notice in,” Mav glanced at Douglas and winced in what he knew was an apology, “Bert threatened your job unless I stayed working for him.”
Ronald was quiet for several minutes, but his jaw was working beneath the white and brown beard. Mav opened his mouth to say something, but Douglas stayed him. Ronald needed to gather his thoughts. When the older man stood and shuffled across to the counter, Mav half-stood, but again Douglas kept him from going. Ronald picked up his phone, dialling, and Mav dropped into his seat, leaning his head in his hands as if he knew what was going to happen.
“Hey, Jeffrey. I won’t be coming back to work.” Ronald was silent as he listened and stared out of the back window. “No. I don’t appreciate my son being blackmailed by your brother so I could keep my job. As of this moment, I no longer work for you. If you have a problem with it, take it up with your brother. I certainly won’t be talking with him again.” Silence again. “I don’t believe you didn’t know, Jeffrey, and I refuse to work for someone who could do that. I’ll send someone for my things in the morning.” He hung up.
“Dad, you didn’t have to—”
“Yes, I did. No one, and I repeat, no one does that to my son and gets away with it. I’ve put up with many things from those two men over the years, ignored a lot of unacceptable behaviour I shouldn’t have, but no longer. You’re my son. I take care of you as much as you take care of me. It’s the way it is.” Ronald retook his seat, bringing a cloth with him and wiping up the mess before gulping his brew.
“What are you going to do?”
“I’ll find plenty of things to do. I’ll just retire early; it’s only two years, after all.” Ronald chuckled, though his face belied his anger. No doubt at the men, not the situation.
“I’m sorry, Dad.”
“Don’t you dare be sorry. I’ll say this once and only once. You are not to blame for their behaviour. Get it out of your head now. Got it?” Mav nodded, and Ronald sighed, then changed the subject. “So, you’re creating your own business. How is it going to work?”
