“I didn’t get the information I asked to receive.”
“That’s another reason we’re going to Chicago. Marlin Butler held up the transfer of the files. He and I are going to talk.”
“You won’t be with me when I meet with my dad?”
Van reached for my hand. “Julia, I have faith in you. Remember the way you spoke to your parents and Skylar on Christmas day?” He didn’t let me answer. “You are a force. I see it. You need to believe it. Let your father and the entire executive board see you the way I do. Let them sense your confidence. I’ll tell you a secret I learned along the way.”
“I’m listening.”
“Most people are fucking scared.” He leaned forward. “People collectively and individually. The way humans are wired creates a psychological need to latch onto someone who isn’t frightened, someone who makes them feel the calm, not the storm. It’s not a conscious thought. It’s psychological and physiological. It’s survival of the fittest. When you address your dad, be that calm. When you speak with the board and hear their concerns, reassure them with your words as well as your demeanor.” A smile pulled at his full lips. “You, Miss McGrath, will blow them away.”
“I think I should write that quote in your memoir.”
“You’d have to credit Lennox. That man is self-assured and the definition of tranquil all rolled into one.”
“Where do you think he learned it?”
“If I’m to believe the relatively clear evidence, his family has criminal associations that probably helped create a believable façade.”
My eyes opened wide. “Oh, can I write about that?”
“No, beautiful. That would be redacted. I have enough enemies without adding a powerful crime family to the list.”
“It would sell books.”
Ruth came our way from the cockpit. “Excuse me. We’re about to begin our descent. Please be sure to have your seat belts buckled.”
“Thank you, Ruth,” Van replied.