Page 25 of The Rules Of Attraction
All I could do was stare. Not only was he throwing another case on me but he was making me represent the devil himself.
I called myself the devil in a playful, sexual manner, but Devon Langdon really was the damn devil. He also happened to be my father’s best friend. I hated that guy and thought he was dirty, although I’d never had any proof of it.
It was just the things I’d heard happen over the years that gave me a bad feeling about him. Mom didn’t like him either, and always found some excuse to be away whenever he and his family arranged get-togethers.
“No,” I answered flat out.
I didn’t want to represent him. I couldn’t imagine anything worse.
Dad frowned. “It’s non-negotiable Alex. Of everyone here you have the skills to deal with these sorts of investment disputes. This is a chance to show me that you can contribute to the team.”
“Dad, do you hear yourself. You just said of everyone here I have the skills. That alone should qualify me. I’ve never expected to get by just because I’m your son. In fact I’ve worked hard to prove myself, and that I was deserving on my position. I’m not going to represent someone I think is dirty.”
“Devon is fine. I know him, and he’s clean. Alex I’m on the board of directors for Langdon Inc. I wouldn’t take on anyone I thought would cause trouble.”
Deluded.
That was what my father was. He had that wool over his eyes that made him blind to see what his friend could be.
Something to do with Devon or a member of his family was always popping up.
Early last year the man laid off twenty people from his company in one week. Then he replaced them the following week with cheaper, agency, staff. By the end of the year his wife was rumored to have had an affair with the states attorney. Then the son began the year with a driving under the influence charge. I couldn’t even get started on the daughter, Celeste, the bitch hell spawn.
“He’s guilty as fuck dad.”
Dad’s face turned red. “Alex, you haven’t even seen the paperwork yet. This is what I’m talking about. You can’t go around saying things like that.”
“Have I ever been wrong?” I snapped back and that stopped his next words.
Sure, I knew I could cut people with my abrasive manner sometimes because I said what was on my mind but when I said things like that I was never wrong.
“Alex, you’re doing this or…” his voice trailed off and he shook his head.
“Or, what?”
“I’ll have to make a business decision and choose Johnson to join the senior partnership.”
I felt the blood drain from my body. I narrowed my eyes at him unable to really believe what he was telling me.
“Johnson?” I asked in disbelief. There was a distinct quiver in my voice I was unable to hide.
“He works really hard, he’s been here for eleven years, and is exactly the kind of person I want to lead this firm. I’m planning to retire next year. I want to appoint someone to the senior partnership in the next six months. I hope that will be you. Of course you’ll get the opportunity when I go, but it will be down to Preston and Johnson to make that choice.”
It sounded to me like he’d already made up his mind.
I wouldn’t have cared normally, but this was something I’d spent my whole life working for.
“You’d pick Johnson over me?” I had to ask because I couldn’t believe that was even an option.
“It wouldn’t be about that Alex.” He rested his hands on the table and leaned forward. “I need you to be a certain way, and this is me giving you a chance. Take the case if you want the chance and show me that you can be the man I need you to be.”
I closed my eyes for a few brief seconds to absorb this.
What were my choices?
This was part of my birthright, my heritage and legacy.
I’d always, always seen myself being a senior partner here.
