Page 139 of Family Affair
Rick’s thick curved eyebrow rose and lowered. “Nothing, I imagine. It’s Ward, Frank, the crafty old fox. He’ll deal, and we’ll have been in the clear.”
Frank nodded, a decision made. “Ward isn’t a threat to us. Stop the interview, or all my money will be forever lost to you and your precious company.” He looked pointedly at his father.
Rick looked absolutely floored. “You can’t do that. You don’t even care about money!”
“I do today.”
“We’re entitled to it. You aren’t the only one who busts his ass to make a profit.”
“Relax, Father,” Cade said in his trademark self-assured tone. “Frank’s just mad. He needs time.”
Frank rounded on him. “You won’t see my money under any circumstances. That’s over with. And here’s the deal, Cade. Call off the interview, orIwill talk to Stevie.”
Cade’s face closed up. “You wouldn’t.”
“I swear to God, I’ll fucking drag you down with me. How does five years sound for money laundering and accessory to commit fraud?”
“Fuck you, brother. Over Ward?”
He didn’t respond.
Cade stared at Frank, as if seeing him for the first time. Next to them, their father had grown quiet.
“You wanna play hardball?” Frank didn’t break Cade’s stare. “Fine. We’re playing. Make that sucker Stark pull the piece.”
Cade looked fuming mad and a bit lost. “How am I supposed to do it?”
Frank smiled, knowing he’d won this round. “I’ll leave up to you to figure it out.” He gave them both a mocking salute on his way out. “If you need me, I’ll be at Ward’s place.”
