Page 104 of Chandelier Sin
Roper’s demeanor was deceptively calm. “You can still reap financial rewards.”
“Go on.”
“Those who work for me in this capacity are given full access to Pendulum’s other areas.”
“I’ll consider it,” I lied, refusing to have him be my access.
“That near car accident might end up being a fruitful incident.” He smiled.
I gave him the look that quip deserved and held it for my own amusement.
Eve drew in a sharp breath of disapproval.
I shifted my focus. “If it wasn’t you, then who?”
“Best guess is another man who also wants to own Pendulum. I told him the same thing. It’s a hard no. Pendulum is not for sale. He’s a psychopath so didn’t take it well. But it was certainly entertaining to watch him melt down.”
A bitter realization came to me. “Lance Merrill is out to own Pendulum?”
He looked surprised at my guess—because he didn’t know the man like we did.
I gave a nod. “Give him power and he’ll use it against you.”
“That may be true.”
“What have you offered him?”
“A seat on the Board. Perhaps.”
A shiver went up my spine. “A seat only became available because you made one available.”
“Light housekeeping.”
“I hate that man,” mumbled Eve.
Aemon caught her reaction. “Lance is an acquired taste.”
She shuddered at hearing his name. Roper watched his wife carefully, as though gauging how much she disliked Merrill.
I stepped closer. “Are you suggesting Lance wants me dead?”
Roper dragged his eyes off Eve and zeroed in on me. “Well, they didn’t do a very good job, did they?”
He laughed.
I didn’t—and was grateful to notice that Eve didn’t either.
“I might have mentioned to him you’re his competition.” Roper gestured to his office. “I saw your potential. Knew I’d have to offer you something extraordinary to engage your skills and discretion.”
I was still caught off guard with the revelation it was Lance and not this wily bastard who had tried to kill me.
“Lance has offered to inject billions,” said Roper. “It’s an appealing offer.”
“Like having a psychopath wandering the hallways is a good idea.”
“He offers a certain flair in chambers.”
“You’re pitting us against each other?” I asked.
