Page 29 of Cameron's Contract
I was going to be dealing with the best minds in business—men and women who’d dedicated their lives to the study of capitalism.
On the flight over, I’d explained to Mia the kind of people we were up against. I’d been psyching myself up too, I realized that now, persuading myself I had what it took to face the cutthroats that surrounded our business like sharks circling their prey.
Sharks can’t swim backwards, I mused. There had to be some wisdom in there somewhere. Richard loved sharks. Always had.
I pulled out my phone and searched for his number.
The heat from the dryers held in here and kept the chill of winter at bay. This big old house never kept its warmth. Over in that very corner, I’d played with toy soldiers I’d borrowed from Henry. He’d already been shipped off to boarding school. I’d run from room to room and not see anyone for hours. A child left to his own devices, but reasonably safe, locked away in this bastion of Cole power.
How quickly melancholy crept up.
I pressed my phone against my ear.
“I heard you’re bailing on my party?” Richard said on the other end.
“I’m sorry.”
“I left you a message at your office to call me. Thought you’d lost your phone.”
“I’m in New York.”
“Manhattan?”
“Yes.”
“I wanted to give you the heads up about your Cole Teas shares. Though I’m assuming your dad might have mentioned it by now.”
“Richard.” His name came out in a rush.
“Hey, are you okay?”
“Hostile takeover. Hasn’t hit the press.”
“Fuck.”
Swallowing hard, I tried to find the words.
“Talk to me.”
“I’m here to salvage.”
“How’s your dad?”
“Not good.”
Silence lingered on the other end.
“You don’t have too much invested in Cole shares compared to the other stock, so you’re solid financially.”
“Why is that?”
“I manage your shares.”
The correct response was lost on me.
“Can I do anything?”
“You’ve always loved sharks, Richard. I never asked why?”
