“We can always set up a meeting with Stefan. Your boys are his age.” Sven suggests.
My father looks to me, not Chase, me. As the oldest, it’s myhonorand obligation to take care of this. I nod. “We can meet him at a place he’d like and have a conversation that’s not likely to be recorded based on venue.”
“The more drinks he has, the more talkative he is, and with flashy distractions, he’ll spill plenty.” Chase agrees.
“We don’t need intel; we need an agreement,” Father thunders.
I glance to my brother and he shakes his head slightly. Valerie isn’t an option. We agree on that. Of course, Stefan would love her. She’s sassy and smart, she’s clearly someone we’re interested in so having any of her attention would make him feel more powerful.
It’s an option, but I don’t fucking want to take it.
“What?” Father demands. “That look. What is it?”
“Nothing.” I wave away. “We can start with a common meeting, showing we are willing to talk, that we see him on equal footing – at least so he believes that, and ask him to do a favor.”
“What?”
I studied some basic psychology hacks after meeting Valerie, wondering if she’s immune to them and wanting to spot if she tries to use something I can find on Google. “It’s something I’ve seen done in conventional business. Let the person talk about themselves, ask them to do you a favor, certain things will encourage a person to like and trust you more. Once we have his trust, an agreement is easy.”
“A true agreement. An understanding that will last longer than his miserable life.” Father growls. “Because if Stefan doesn’t understand the luxury he has and the power, he will abuse it and get us all in trouble.”
“Understood,” I say simply.
“One chance. Set it up, see it through, and make it happen. If it doesn’t work, whatever you and your brother are hiding will be explored.” Father growls, getting closer to me. “Do not disappoint me, Hunter.”
He says a few other things, the normal: threats, warnings, orders, then dismisses Sven and the other man. He shuts the door and looks us over. Sitting down, he carefully spreads his hands over the fine wooden desk.
Father believes in appearances, another reason he doesn’t want to look at Chase. The rebellious hair, the fact he refuses to wear contacts, he won’t blend in or conform. Which is as good as a slap in the face.
“Hunter, I want to be clear.”
“You are inescapably clear,” I assure, pushing down my urge to include Chase in this.
A big brother protects his sibling. I’d rather take the verbal beating, the physical beating, any and all of it to spare Chase. He can prove himself when it comes to work and I know that, but I have my own duties.
“If this plan of yours doesn’t work, I will be … displeased.”
Code for pissed; code for violence.
“And whatever the two of you are hiding, if it can help the family …” His eyes go to Chase and I can see him sneer. “No matter the state of the family, I need to be sure you understand that it is more important than anyfeelingyou have.”
“Understood,” I say.
Chase stays silent, just staring at the old man like he’s naming each of his wrinkles and scars. When he continues to say nothing, my father hits the table again. “Answer boy. Fall in line.”
“What are you going to do? Cut my tongue out?”
I turn on my brother. “You know how important this is. If Stefan doesn’t fall in line, the police could get involved, the FBI. Or worse, all out war here in D.C. Is that what you want?”
Chase leans his head to the side.
“There are innocent lives that could get caught in the crossfire. So we will make this option work.” I somehow manage to talk through gritted teeth. “You understandthatdon’t you?”
“Yes.” He whispers, obviously pissed.
I’m going to get an earful later, but that’s better than him spilling blood now. Father’s meaty hand comes down on my shoulder. “A good son, proving his ability. That is progress, Hunter.”
“Chase, get to work checking into the records. We need to know who’s reporting our dealings to the locals.”