“And bringing in Stone was the only way you thought that could happen?” Seth asked.
“Let’s just say it’s not me or Stone they are going to care about. We will be approaching this as we represent the Henderson and Lawson families, which are willing to join forces if Sheen does not back down and back out. And before you ask, Stone has some men back in Sheen’s country, that will send a live feed of what can happen if Sheen doesn’t agree.”
Seth shook his head. “What was that line you were talking about earlier? Because I think you’re crossing it. Not that I mind, but damn Sal, I’m glad you’re on our side.”
“And I’m glad your cousins have your back as well,” Sal replied.
That was one thing he wished he could’ve changed. The last thing Seth wanted was to feel indebted to the Hendersons. Because he could only imagine what shit they’d be drawn into when it came to returning the favor.
“Yeah. Let’s deal with one problem at a time.” Seth stayed in the limo while Sal got out and hopped in a black SUV. He knew that had to be Stone that had been behind them. But when the SUV passed by, it wasn’t alone. It looked like a convoy. The final two stayed with the limo, one parked in front, and one behind. Really Sal, I don’t need protection.
He hated the fact there was nothing he could do but sit in the damn limo and wait, but that didn’t stay that way for long. The door opened up and in climbed a Henderson.
“What are you doing here?” he asked.
Dean answered, “I was with Bennett when he received the call from Sal. Figured if they were going to be slinging our names around, we might as well have a Henderson on hand if they need it.”
Seth heard that Dean had stepped in the line of fire in the past. Rumor had it he took three bullets for the woman he loved. It was hard to not respect a man who’d do that.
“Do you really think they’ll call us if they get in trouble?” Seth asked. He already knew Sal wouldn’t.
“No. But if something goes wrong I figured it’d be better for both of our families if we were together. You know, to answer the questions that surely will come.”
“I thought we’d decided our families should keep a low profile, not let anyone know we are related.” Of course it seemed like the more they tried, the closer they all got. He knew who to blame for that too. The women insisted they all get together for the holidays. First it was Thanksgiving, and then Christmas. How they made it through New Years without seeing any of them still surprised Seth. Of course, here was Dean now.
“I’m not touching that. My wife Tessa has already put me in my place more than once. I think the ladies are already planning a huge barbecue for this summer. Might as well throw in the towel. We’ve been overruled,” Dean stated.
“I don’t have a wife, so don’t include me in that category. I still make my own decisions.”
Dean laughed. “Watch it. That’s what we all say right before”
“If you say cupid, I think I’m going to hit you.”
Dean shook his head. “No. It feels more like a cast iron frying pan on the back of the head. But the results are the same.”
“Yeah. And I want that why?”
“Can’t explain it. But when it happens, you’ll know. Or she’ll tell you, because let’s be real…when it comes to that stuff, we suck. If it wasn’t for Tessa, hell, I’d still be running all over the world taking on one company after another.”
“I thought you still were?” Last Seth had heard, Dean was building his very own empire.
“Yes and no. Now I buy and rebuild. Before I crushed and took.”
“I see the difference.” Lawson Steel dealt with competitors who were much like that. There were a few times when they needed to take off the gloves too. “Business can get…messy at times.”
“Yes. Let’s just hope Sheen is in the mood for keeping this clean and simple. If not, I know the Hendersons are willing to do whatever it takes to bring him down.”
“I haven’t spoken to my brothers yet, but I would have to agree. Sheen needs to be stopped.”
Seth had a feeling they were going to be there a while. Although he’d rather be waiting alone, where he could think, he might as well take this time and get to know Dean better. He wasn’t sure he trusted his cousins, but until they gave him reason not to, he’d at least give them the benefit of doubt.
Fuck up and you’ll be in the same boat as Sheen.