Page 63 of Park Avenue Princess

Quick as a snake, mom strikes out, slapping Lynne across the face. A surprised cry escapes Lynne as I jerk forward to pull her away just as my father does the same to my mother.

“Rachel! What in God’s name was that all about?”

Seething, she struggles against my father’s hold without success. “You little bitch. You think you’re so smart and you’ve got it all figured out, don’t you? You think you have my son on your side? Are you trying to sink your little claws into him just like you tried with my husband?”

“I did no such thing!” Lynne counters. “Your pervert of a husband was the one pursuing me. He made his intentions clear when he tried to employ me, spouting off the perks of being favored by the boss. Of how well he’d treat me. And then more recently he threatened to hurt my mother if I didn’t comply. Yeah, no thanks. You can have him.” She turns to my father. “You really are a bastard. And thank God your son didn’t want to emulate you.”

“Why you little sniveling bitch!” Dad says between clenched teeth.

Now it’s my turn to lash out, punching my father in the jaw. “You shut the hell up! Don’t you ever say another word to her!”

Lynne gasps as my mom reaches for her husband, palming his reddening face. “Michael,” she whines then turns to me. “She’s already turning you against your family.” Turning back to Lynne, she shouts. “You can’t have him! He’s too good for the likes of you!”

“Mom! What the fuck?”

Her gaze snaps to me. “Don’t you dare speak to me like that!”

“What the hell has gotten into you? I can’t believe how delusional you are or what you’re doing.”

“What I’m doing is being the mother who’ll give her son everything he could ever want. You didn’t want to follow your father’s path yet, fine. I allowed you to do what made you happy.”

“Youallowed?”

“Yes. Allowed. You wanted to join the Marines; fine. You chose your college; also fine. You wanted a job with city government and I did my part in making that happen.”

“What are you talking about? I was plenty qualified for my position and—”

“Of course you were.” She tips her head and smiles as if she’s talking to a child. “You were always so smart and I am so proud of you. And when you decide you’re finally ready to join your father, taking your rightful place within the company, you’ll carry on the legacy we built. You’ll have wealth and power no one could touch.”

“I… I just can’t fathom what you’re saying or how you’re acting. What was all that about dad actingoff? You’ve been part of this from the beginning, haven’t you?”

“No, not from the beginning,” Mom says. “But when I learned about it, of course I was going to do whatever it took to aid my husband, and ultimately, my son. What I said earlier was my attempt to play on your soft side and ensure you’d come out to the Hamptons this weekend. I wanted the three of us to have a final, memorable time together.”

“It’s as if I don’t even know who you are,” I say with bewilderment.

“She’s your mother, as I am your father,” Dad says, finding his voice. “And all we ever wanted was for you to carry on the Hamilton legacy.”

“Bull shit!” I shake my head. “Allyouever wanted was to shape the Hamilton legacy with your own wealth and power. I had no interest in it. And you wouldn’t dream of relinquishing control ofyourcompany; even to your own son.” I stare at my mom. “And I thought you had all you ever wanted? You were happy with your life working a job you loved. You said you didn’t want the glitz and glamor, that you wouldn’t live beyond your means.”

Mom scoffs. “What woman wouldn’t want more? Want better? I grew up with very little; my family barely scraping by week to week. I may not live garishly, but I do appreciate the finer things in life. It’s been a long time since I’ve had to worry that there may not be enough food for the week or that I’d need to make my coat last several seasons despite outgrowing the garment. Or that the streets looked like salvage yards because neighbors were pack rats and too lazy to clean up their trash. I wanted out of Queens and away from the constant reminders of that life.”

“But you work in Queens! If you didn’t want to be there, why did you remain at that position?”

“I remained until I’d worked my way up to where I belong.” She lifts her chin proudly. “Now I oversee several branches, spending the majority of my time right here in Manhattan.”

“Why didn’t you tell me? Why keep it a secret? If you’re happy, that’s all that matters.”

Mom gives me a sad smile. “Of course it is, dear. I had planned on telling you this weekend, but I guess now it doesn’t matter.”

“Guess not since you won’t be heading to your home in the Hamptons. You may never see it again.”

Mom makes a strangled noise just as we hear voices from the entryway as an officer announces himself and his partner. Dad pulls moms close but she protests, raging about how their lawyer will keep them from stepping foot in any sort of jail.

With my arms still around Lynne, I guide her to the edge of the room away from my parents as the officers enter the office. Behind them is a man I recognize, Larry Stringer,theComptroller. He’s the man responsible for initiating and conducting financial audits of any and all city agencies.

“I texted him,” Lynne whispers. “I was supposed to give my report to him Friday, but with everything we’ve uncovered, I thought it prudent he be present.”

All I can do is nod while mom continues her ludicrous rant about their actions being justified. About how much business Hamilton Resources has brought not only to the city, but to the entire state of New York. “We should be rewarded for our work!”

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