Page 71 of Salvation

“Idon’t like it, Gabrial. After what happened with Renald, I think you need to let me dig further into this before you agree to a meeting.” Max slaps the table in ire and frustration. We’ve been going round and round about this for the past hour.

My palm flattens on the table as I stand quickly. “And I’m telling you to set up the meeting. I think you’re forgetting one thing, Max. This is my business. You work for me.”

I have a strange feeling today. I’m restless… on edge. Even though I woke up with Hope in my arms this morning, I’m on edge. Something feels off. I can’t shake the feeling that something is about to happen. I’m unsure of what’s going on, and as a man who likes to be in control, I’m spoiling for a fight. It looks like Max is going to give me one.

His head whips around and his light eyes, a stark contrast to his dark, olive skin, pierce me. His lips are so tightly clamped, they’re white. “Are you fucking serious, right now, Gabrial? Are you?”

I nod curtly. “I am very serious. I am in charge here. When I want your opinion, I will ask for it, but do not think that you have any say whatsoever in what I do, or who, I do business with.”

Standing so quickly that his chair topples over, he snarls, “I cannot believe that you are saying this to me right now, Gabrial. After everything that we’ve been through… all that I’ve done for you… for you to talk to me like this… it’s unacceptable.”

My rage ignites and I point at him. “Everything we’ve been through, we’ve been through because I pay you… everything you’ve done for me…

“I pay you handsomely for that, too.

“You are my employee, and I can talk to you however I damn well please, Max.

“You are overstepping your bounds. That is what is unacceptable!

“I make the decisions here. I’ve always made the decisions, and as long as this is my business, I will continue to make the fucking decisions. Now, set up the goddamned meeting.”

We’re glaring at each other across the width of the desk in my warehouse office.

How dare he question my authority? This is my warehouse. My business.

He works for me. His job is to protect me, stand beside me, and do what I say.

This is a major contract. The new Shreveport clan wants a meeting to discuss buying drugs to supply the entire Northern region of the state.

Max is telling me no because of the last meeting with this area, but that was Renald, and he’s now deceased after trying to double cross me.

I can understand that he wants to be certain, but again, it’s not his call.

It’s my call… my business…

He is very angry. Why is he angry?

It’s MY call.

Maybe he’s angry because you just called him an employee, Gabrial.

Though he IS an employee… my most trusted employee… he’s also my closest fucking friend.

Son of a bitch.

We continue to glare at each other. Both of us are stubborn men who are full of pride. My pride will not allow me to apologize to Max. He is my friend… okay, one of my only real friends; I trust him impeccably; but he is also my employee, and therefore, my subordinate. I cannot tolerate his questioning my authority.

I spit out, “Set up the meeting.”

He stares at me for a long time. Then, he sighs and says, “No. Something is not right with this, and I will not set up this meeting. It’s a bad idea.”

My eyes blacken as rage crosses my face. “You will set up the meeting… because that’s what I’m telling you to do.”

Shaking his head, he reaches into his pocket. “I will not. I’ve been with you for a long time, Gabrial. I’ve stood by you…

“I’ve been your second in command. I’ve protected you and even saved your life. I’ve cleaned up your messes. I’ve been there for you whenever you needed…

“I’ve neglected my own family to protect you…

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