Page 45 of Gator

“That’s correct. I was the major investor for Carswell, whom you took over and renamed. I was also on the board of directors.”

“I see,” said Doug. “And why didn’t you come forward sooner? I mean, it’s been decades since we took over. Why would you wait all this time?” There was a long pause of silence, and Doug waited patiently.

“I was busy raising my business partner’s daughter. It’s quite a tragic story. They were killed in a plane crash, and there was no one to take over. I gave her the very best of everything. Top boarding schools, universities, travel.”

“That’s admirable. Can I assume she’s grown now?” he asked.

“Oh, yes. She’s moved on,” he said with some disdain laced in his tone. “I’d almost given up hope that you would call and we could do this without legal interference.”

“Mr. Metzger, we may very well have to involve legal in this. We will not simply turn over part of G.R.I.P. because of a claim you’ve made. We will need to investigate everything, including the viability of your claim of part ownership.”

“I’d like to know what I’m getting into, Mr. Graham. I mean, after all, you’re so secretive I have no clue what I might be continuing to invest in.”

“It’s unlikely that you would understand any of our projects, Mr. Metzger. The things we develop are beyond high-tech as you know it today. They are cutting edge, next level, otherworldly technology.”

“You’re very full of yourself,” he laughed.

“No. I’m very confident in our team,” said Doug.

“We’re wasting time here, Mr. Graham. You obviously know that I may have a legal claim to some of this, and I’d like to get this handled. First, I want to visit the facility and see what my investment looks like.”

“That’s not possible,” said Doug. He waited, knowing that Hanz wouldn’t give up.

“Make it possible, Mr. Graham. Myself and a business associate. No one else.”

“Hold.” He placed the call on hold and then smiled at the men seated around him. “Damn, this is fun. He’s chomping at the bit to get out here and see everything.”

“Let him know that you’ll send a car to pick him up at the airport,” said Hex.

“New Orleans?”

“No. Tell him to fly into Baton Rouge. We’ll send the car to pick him up, drive him to St. Gabriel, where he’ll board a boat. We’ll run him through the smaller rivers and bayous.”

“That’s gonna take three hours,” smirked Doug.

“Yep,” nodded Luke. “And it’s mighty chilly out there.”

“I adore you, boys,” he laughed, shaking his head. Hitting the hold button again, he spoke. “Mr. Metzger? Sorry about the delay. If you can fly into Baton Rouge, we’ll send someone to pick you up.”

“Baton Rouge? I didn’t think you’d be there,” he murmured.

“What was that?” Doug asked, grinning.

“Nothing. That’s fine. We’ll be there at noon tomorrow.”

“We’ll be waiting.” Doug looked at the group of men and nodded. “Have someone pick them up and bring them to the boat. I’ll have Bodhi, Cade, and Noah waiting to escort them downriver.”

“Add Remy. He’ll know the rivers and bayous better,” said Cam. “Magnus, Robbie, Dom, Jax, and Hunter will be at the dock. Everyone else will be inside. Mr. Metzger is about to get the tour of a lifetime. The last one he’ll ever receive.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

Gator was somewhat surprised to find his new wife slightly tipsy with a chocolate mustache, her face flush from laughter and alcohol. She giggled, and the entire table laughed, nodding their heads.

“Damn, I hope they’re not talking about sex,” said Luke. Gator turned to his cousin and laughed.

“Why? I would think that would be a good thing for all of us,” he grinned.

“Sort of,” frowned Luke. “Last time this happened, they went through all of Charlie’s books and discussed what each of them had tried. Turns out my demure little native wife had only been through about half of them.”

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