Page 11 of Trouble Me
“She had a list of references and clients as long as my arm. Jenn checked them. They all love her. Couldn’t say enough about her work ethic.”
Alan nodded. “Good. We’ll see how she does.” His eyes lit up and a smile touched his lips. “So, you went by and saw the property. Loved it, huh?”
Shane nodded and moved to the edge of his chair. Adrenaline rushed through his veins, and he was relieved to move on from the topic of Emma Reynolds. “Man, Dad. It was just as you said. Rolling hills, wide expanses of grass, a pond. Perfect for the horseback riding we talked about offering,” he said. “Well, at least what I could see of it. I didn’t exactly go walking the property. I was trespassing as it was.” Shane rubbed his hands together and grinned. “You said you had news.”
“Yeah. James, our broker, said the house is six thousand square feet and was once a bed and breakfast before the owner nearly lost it to gambling.”
Shane’s eyes widened. “No shit. So, it’s already set up for guests.” His pulse quickened. “It doesn’t get much more perfect.”
“It appears there are some unpaid mortgage payments and it will be going up for auction.” Alan grinned. “It sounds like we can get it for a phenomenal deal. We need to cash in on it.”
Shane’s muscles tensed and he frowned. Properties with ties to foreclosure could be a huge pain in the ass. “Tell me the price is right. Land like that can be wrapped up for a while trying to clear it all up. How much are we looking at?”
Alan winced. “I know. I remember what happened with the property in Sonoma.” He shifted in his chair. “James and his team need to get some more details. This is just prelim intel he picked up. But the fair market value isn’t outrageous.” Alan rattled off a number and Shane’s brows lifted.
“That’s reasonable. We may be able to come in a good bit lower. I’m sure it’s going to need work if it’s been sitting awhile.”
Alan frowned. “There’s a catch. Word on the street is the owner isn't interested in selling. The house is actually owned by a trust now since the owner passed away a year or so ago. So, we will have to sweeten the deal.”
“Meaning we will need to come in a bit higher. Hmm...” Shane pulled at his bottom lip. “I’ll call James and get the ball rolling this week.”
“Sooner than later, Shane.”
Shane nodded, but a small trickle of fear ran down his spine. Was there something his dad wasn't telling him about his condition? “I'll call him today.”
“There's one more thing,” Alan began.
Shit, here it was. The tension in his shoulders tightened further.
Alan closed his eyes and turned his head toward the window. The way the sunlight hit his face showcased the wrinkles that seemed to have appeared overnight. His eyelids were almost transparent and his face was more drawn than normal. Shane’s heart broke at the sight, and he looked away. He wasn’t sure he would ever get used to a fragile Alan Kavanaugh.
Shane feigned nonchalance and leaned back in the chair, crossing an ankle to his knee. “Okay, what's up?”
Alan opened his eyes and turned his head to face Shane. His stare was sharper than Shane had seen it in quite some time. “I received a call from the board of directors. It appears your ability to take over as CEO when the time comes is being questioned.”
Shane raised a brow and his fingers gripped the arms of the chair. “Really? Who has a problem with me?”
“Colin.”
Shane froze and his mind blanked. “Colin, as in my brother, Colin?”
Alan swallowed hard and nodded. Shane shoved up from his chair and paced the room. “What the fuck, Dad? What the hell is he doing?”
“Vying for the job it would seem.” Alan sighed and it was the sigh of a man resigned to his fate. “Shane, we have to play this close to the vest. Colin doesn't realize how much I know about what he wants to do.”
Shane stopped in front of Alan, hands on his hips. “What do you mean?”
“A source tells me that Colin is looking to take over as CEO and then sell off the company, piece by piece.”
“What the hell for? This is our legacy here.” He paused, staring at his father. “And why aren't you more upset about this? You've worked your ass off your whole life for the company. To give us what we need.”
“I've calmed down a bit since I first found out.”
“How long have you known? Have you talked to him? What did he say?” Shane swallowed hard. “And how the hell does he think anything he's done is any better for the company's interest?”
Alan held up a hand. “One thing at a time, son.” He settled back against his chair, looking more like the man in command that Shane was accustomed to seeing.
“The board called me two days ago. I'm calmer now, but...” He waved a hand away. “Anyway, I talked to him and he said he was worried you were still reeling from Marlene's death and it would be in the best interest of the company for the board to look at him since he's the next in line as heir.” He paused. “And no, he didn't mention anything about why. A trusted member of my team told me about it. They're looking into finding out why he wants to sell. Other than money. He has plenty. It has to be something else.” Alan sighed. “As far as what he's done being any better? He was questioned on that and explained his way out of it claiming paparazzi and things not being as they seemed.”
