Page 48 of Bed of Thorns

My throat was suddenly dry, my breath caught. I managed to control my usual anger, allowing my curiosity to consume the underlying fury. “The prosecutor was responsible.”

“Ordinarily, I would say that was the case, but I have a gut instinct there was more going on, several influences at work. Again, I’m only speculating, but the report was a fascinating read.”

“This is all interesting, but what does that have to do with today?”

“A man who hungers to get to the point. Another attribute I like about you.”

Why did I have a feeling this was more of an interview than providing the assistance Adam had insisted I accept? I remained quiet, studying him as he flipped through the file, noticing two very ugly color photographs of the bloody scene of the crime from where I was standing.

“As I mentioned, I run a powerful organization. Our work is vital to certain formidable men and women who require utmost secrecy with regard to their finances. The services we provide for them are exemplary, allowing their wealth to continue increasing at a substantial rate. Because of our successes, we are highly sought after and paid well for our work.”

“Who are these people? Mafia?”

His laugh was boisterous, his eyes lighting up as if I’d just done a stand-up routine. “Not mafia, although I’m fairly certain several of our special clients have ties to organized crime. They are much more powerful, influential in every aspect of commerce. Oil. Diamonds. Pharmaceuticals. Manufacturing. They are the men and women who remain in the darkness, enshrouded with the tightest security in an effort to maintain their anonymity. They are the people who rule the world, Edmond. They are also dangerous, people you do not cross. Ever. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

Not as much as he hoped I would, but I sensed he was finally getting to his point. “Understood. They make people disappear.”

“Very good. Yes. They control more than just industries. Law enforcement. Politics. Satellite communications. True world power.”

“You do that from here, Virginia Beach?”

“What could be better? An unassuming company in a beach resort setting. My family has enjoyed the atmosphere and amenities for years, as I’m certain yours will as well. And think about it, we’re in the middle of the Eastern Seaboard, capable of reaching any destination necessary within a day.”

“In other words, no one pays you any attention.”

“You areveryastute, Edmond. Now, I’ll get to the point. We need your services. Before you say anything, Adam didn’t lie to you. I’m prepared, at his direction, to offer you a gift, although I’m aware you consider it a loan. In addition to the money that’s already in an established bank account for you, I have a list of contacts that will help get your real estate development deal up and running. They are already prepared to get you started. However…” He tossed the file, the photographs spilling out, then moved to within a few feet of me, shoving his hands into his pockets. “I think you can do even more than stifling yourself with real estate.”

I was suddenly feeling uncomfortable as hell. I’d mentioned the concept of a development firm maybe once to Adam. What else did they know about me? “Working for you.”

“Yes, as a financial and investment advisor for some of my… special clients. You will need to take certain exams to obtain various licenses, but I don’t see a problem in that happening. Yes, I’ll need to use my influence to allow you to become credentialed since you have a record, but that isn’t out of the realm of possibility. You should know this isn’t a desk job. You’ll travel several weeks out of the year to meet with one or another client on their terms. Everything will be highly confidential, including your whereabouts. As an added benefit to your salary and perks, you’ll also have access to the kind of real estate that will ultimately make you a very wealthy man, Edmond. Does this hold any interest for you?”

I’d been far too impetuous in my youth, and it had cost me. That wasn’t going to happen again. Several aspects about his offer troubled me, including how he’d managed to obtain my records in the first place. The man exuded power itself, an unwavering sense of self-worth that should force me to deny I was interested. But he’d piqued my curiosity to the point I couldn’t walk away. “Let’s just say I am interested, but there is something you don’t know about me. My plans entail exposing my father for his unscrupulous business dealings.” I chose my words carefully on purpose.

He continued to study me, waiting until I’d given him as many truths as I was willing to provide.

“To be frank with you, Mr. Walters, I want to bury that man.”

A slight smile curled on his upper lip. “I understand that, Edmond, and certainly won’t stand in your way. As a matter of fact, I’m certain you can find assistance in your endeavors if so desired. I’ve researched your father and his businesses. He’d been very successful, some might even call him powerful, but he has two distinct weaknesses that will allow you to… bury him as you say.”

“And those are?”

“Truth and theft.”

I couldn’t help but smile. “Expound.”

“When someone is required to use not only their power but forced to call in favors to keep a secret hidden, they will always be faced with the possibility that once the truth is revealed, the knowledge will destroy them. Theft. The reason my clients are so powerful is that they stand by their honor. They’ve learned that achieving a goal should never entail stealing from others. Obtaining. Out-bidding. Corporate takeovers. All are acceptable, but theft is the evil that will always return with vengeance that won’t be denied. Your father stole from some very influential people. His days are numbered already. You may need to do nothing, simply learn that patience can be a valuable virtue. Or you may choose to bring those thefts to light. The choice is entirely up to you.”

He sounded like Adam, the words of wisdom ones that would remain in the back of my mind long after the meeting had concluded. “Why do I sense there is a ‘but’ to your statement?”

His smile was genuine, as if I’d just passed another test. “Because you would be right. Whichever path you choose, you need to do so wisely. Either one will provide the revenge you seek, but one of the two will rob you of your soul. That is something that will never return to you. Never.”

I hated that his words were haunting, a direct reflection of how I felt, the burning need that had gnawed at me for years. “Understood.”

“Take some time thinking about your decision. I understand there is someone important to you that you’ll need to consult with.”

There was nothing in my life that Mr. Walters hadn’t been made aware of. All my private thoughts. The rages that Adam had heard. The counsel he’d provided. This man knew everything. I wanted to be angry, so much so that my pulse quickened, but Adam had provided me with a challenge he knew was required. He’d been leading me to this very day wisely. “I don’t need to think about it, Mr. Walters. I’ll accept your generous offer.”

He nodded only once, his expression one of satisfaction. “I assure you that you will work for your success, but I’m never wrong about people. Within two years, you will become one of the wealthiest, most influential men in this country, eventually the world.”

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