Julia
Athreat.
My appetite disappeared not only with Van’s words but the seriousness in his expression. “Van, I’ll use Michael for the drives and” —I shook my head— “if you want one of those other men to follow me, at least now I know who they are, and they won’t creep me out.”
“I should have explained earlier. That’s on me.”
I set my plate back on the table as Van resumed his seat at the other end of the sofa, his wine glass in hand. “Tell me why I would be threatened.”
“Me.” When I remained quiet, he went on, “I’ve said it before. My involvement with you and with Wade Pharmaceutical has drawn attention. Right now, there’s a well-funded SPAC trying to purchase Wade shares. I’ve had my people digging. My people are damn good, and we’re still coming up blank on who exactly is involved in the SPAC. Just yesterday they acquired the shares recently purchased by Wolfe Acquisitions.”
“I saw the memo,” I said, thankful I was receiving real-time information. “GreenSphere still has only five percent of shares, the same as Aphrodite Corporation. I don’t know if we know who Aphrodite is either.”
“Five percent seems inconsequential,” Van said. “Why obtain them?”
“I don’t know. So, you think GreenSphere consists of people who would threaten me?”
“I’m concerned that whoever has invested in GreenSphere is keeping their connection hidden. There are other factors at play. I’ve been upfront with you about my feelings regarding the Butler family. While we’re playing relatively nice concerning Wade, I’m working behind the scenes. My people have gotten information regarding a few of Marlin Butler’s other investments. An anonymous tip was made last Friday morning to the SEC. From what I’ve been told, they’ve taken notice.”
My eyes opened wide. “The Security and Exchange Commission. You turned in Marlin?”
“The tip was anonymous.”
I took a deep breath. “If Marlin is involved in something illegal, won’t that bring undue scrutiny on Wade?”
“I’ve looked through the information you have with one goal in mind, to find something illegal at Wade. It doesn’t exist. There are some interesting and maybe questionable practices from a shareholder’s point of view. Yet nothing illegal. If Marlin finds himself in the hot seat with the SEC, his best move is to sell.”
“And you want to buy.” It wasn’t a question.
“I do.” Van’s eyebrows quirked. “Speaking of Butlers, why didn’t you tell me that Logan Butler spoke with you at the party?”
“Uncle Logan.” I shook my head. “I didn’t say anything because there was nothing to say other than he gave me an odd feeling.” I reached for a water bottle and twisted the cap. “It’s weird. I’ve known him my whole life but there was something about his comments the other night that gave me the creeps.”
Van didn’t speak.
“It was probably more me than him. I have this preconceived notion that all the Butlers hate me, and he was too nice. Does that make sense?”
“Logan Butler isn’t nice. I’m sorry he had the chance to get to you. I wanted to give you and Vicki some time alone.”
“And I appreciated that. That’s why I’d like to see her again before we leave.”
“I don’t like you out of my sight.” He inhaled. “I’m not keeping you hostage, Julia. I want you safe. I’ve made enemies and letting Logan close to you was already a fuck-up.”
“Uncle Logan is Uncle Logan. Maybe he’s turning into a creepy old man, but he’s harmless.”
Van’s jaw tightened as muscles protruded on the sides of his handsome face. Before speaking, his nostrils flared and his chest expanded, putting strain on the tiny buttons. “He isn’t harmless.”
Before I could counter, Van went on, “I’ve mentioned that Logan Butler and I go way back, back to before my name was Sherman and even before Sherman and Madison Corporation. We didn’t get along back then, and then life moved on. Finding you has rekindled our animosity.”
“Did you talk to him on New Year’s Eve?”
“No. I saw him when we came down from your bedroom. I spoke to Marlin.” Van took another drink of his wine. “When it comes to Logan, Marlin has a justified big-brother complex. He is actually Logan’s older brother; he’s also bailed Logan out of shit too many times to count. I’m confident that Logan is the key to taking down Marlin.”
I was thinking about Van’s comment about Marlin helping Logan. “I don’t have a sibling, but I’d assume that’s what brothers and sisters do for one another.”
Van shook his head.
It was then I recalled the picture of the little girl with brown hair, the one Van said was his niece, Brooklyn. “You don’t have that kind of relationship with your brother.” It wasn’t really a question; however, since Van was in a sharing mood, I’d do my best to learn.