Page 10 of Two for the Guard
"We're really moving in with you, Bram?" Kyle sounded incredulous.
"You're my beloveds, and your place is with me." He said it so confidently, then reached over to grab the juice and refill their glasses. "Drink, it will help get that poison out of your system.”
“Yes, sir.” They both said in unison and drank their juice. The moment was perfect, and Casey prayed that it was all real.
"It's real, baby, it's all real," Bram said and leaned over and kissed him sweetly on the lips. He had read his mind.
Brad heard a knock at the door, and he called out for them to enter. Truce, looking his usual tall and handsome in his dark suit and gold accessories, entered and leaned
against the cupboard. Bram introduced his beloveds, and although they were gracious and well-mannered, they paid Truce little notice, keeping their eyes and hands on Bram. It was a definite ego boost.
"I wanted to meet you, beloveds." He admitted and then added. "But I also have information on Bradley, Hank, and yourmother, Margret." He turned to regard the twins. This got their attention, but they simply moved closer to Bram, an instinct that came with their growing bond.
"What is it? What did you find out?" Kyle spoke nervously. His hand found Bram's and held on tight, waiting for whatever Truce had to share.
“The dealerships are underwater, losing money, and Brad and Hank are on the verge of bankruptcy. Your mother has blown through most of the money left to her by your father. All she has left is the house and the vacation home. She has the vacation home on the market, but that won't net enough to solve their problems.” He paused and took in the shocked look on their faces.
“He acts like he has money to burn," Casey spoke up. "Always puts on airs."
"The well is running dry, apparently. He’s already closed two locations, but if he can come up with a large cash infusion, he believes he can save himself."
"He wants to borrow money from us?" Kyle asked, his brows drawing together tightly. "We don't have that kind of money."
“When’s your birthday?"
“Next month, we’ll be twenty-one.”
“Your father left a trust for you both that you can tap into at the age of twenty-one.”
“I never heard anything about it.” Kyle was looking at Casey, who was simply shaking his head.
"They never told you about it, obviously." Truce poured himself a cup of coffee and took a sip before continuing. "This is the rough part, so prepare yourselves." Both Kyle and Caseyleaned closer to Bram, who wrapped them in his arms. “They discovered that if you die before accessing the trust, it can revert to your mother, Margret.”
They sat there, stunned, no sound and barely breathing. "They tried to kill us for a trust that our father left us?" Casey was asking for clarity, but he already knew the answer.
“Yes, that was their plan. The trust is substantial and has grown considerably over the years.”
“How much, how much are we worth to them?” Casey’s tone was harsh.
“It’s at a little over eleven million right now." Their eyes popped, and they stared at each other. "Your mother received fifteen million but has managed to blow through it with the help of Brad.”
"This whole hunting trip was a setup to have us die in the woods so they could make it look like an unfortunate accident, and mother could collect on the trust." Kyle again pushed for clarification. It was too awful, and they were having trouble processing the betrayal, the coldness, the inhumanity. Bram hadn't said anything; he just held them and let them pull calm and peace from him through their bond.
“I'm going to take them to the Chateau," Bram announced. "Can I take your vehicle? I came on the ATV, not enough room for all of us."
“Let me drive.” Truce offered. “They need you close right now.”
“Can we stop at the Lodge? Is it very far from here?” Casey asked. “I want to get out of that place. I want to get my things and get away from them.”
"Yeah, me too," Kyle spoke up.
“It’s not too far.” Truce told them. “We’ll stop there and then onto the Chateau. I’m sorry if I upset you.” He apologized.
"We had to know," Casey spoke up.
"I wish we'd known sooner. I wonder if there were any other attempts on our lives?” Kyle wondered.
“Their mounting financial problems took shape about six months ago. Brad and Hank made some very bad investments. Before that, they had plenty of money, and your mother still had some of her inheritance. I think they were trying for an easy way out and discovered the clause in the trust.” Truce tried to soften the blow.
