I snort into my cocktail. “It doesn’t matter how many shell corporations you hide behind. When it comes to murder, they’re determined to follow the trail.”
“The murder wasn’t me.” His voice rises to a shout. “That was Bettencourt’s idea. He said it was the only way.”
I drop my voice to a deadly soft volume. “The only way?”
“He said it was the only way we’d make it out unscathed. I had you to think about. Your mother—”
“My boyfriend didn’t matter much to you. Understandable.”
“The Hills mattered.”
“Mmm. Did Bettencourt consult you about his latest project?”
His eyes narrow. “What project?”
“The assassination attempt, naturally. You must have heard that Gabriel survived. He was badly injured in the fall, but between the two of us, I think that what you cowardly motherfuckers put them through to get your insurance money hurt him quite a bit more.”
A blink. He’s trying to decide if he should be offended that I called him a motherfucker. “If this is about—if you have some romantic attachment, then we can—”
“What? We can go back in time andnotkill his parents? You could grow a set of balls andnotdestroy a family? I don’t have to be in love with Gabriel to be disgusted by what you did. I don’t have to be in love with him to do what I can to get justice for his family.”
“Jacob. Listen to me.”
“So sorry, Dad. I don’t have time. I promised Catherine I’d show her what a thigh-shaking orgasm is like.”
“Wait.” He almost reaches for me, but holds up a hand instead. “We need to strategize. Bring me in on your plan. If we distract enough of the—”
I purse my lips sympathetically. “There is noweanymore, Dad.”
“You were initiated.”
“Yes, about that. A group of highly competent lawyers found that portion of the agreement null on account of coercion. I’m not in your little club anymore.”
I swear, it’s as if I’m a stranger. A modicum of control over his expression would do wonders. “You’re still my son. And you work for me.”
“Actually, I don’t. Thought I’d mentioned it. I found the duties you wanted me to perform to be…how should I put it? Outside the scope of my official work responsibilities. Consider this my formal resignation.”
“Irefuseyour fucking resignation.”
“It’s just a nicety, Father. I’ve already arranged things with HR.”
“To do what, exactly?”
“Come to find out, my skills and experience are an excellent fit for a company in London.” I wink at him. “The Chambers sister company, of course. They’re ready to welcome me back with open arms.”
My father glowers. Oh, my. Perhaps he does have a violent streak after all. “That’smycompany.”
“You are still technically a shareholder, but I wouldn’t count on keeping your seat on the board. They have a stricter ethics code over there, and when the news jumps across the pond…” I tilt my head in a way that’s guaranteed to infuriate him. “I’m sure I don’t have to elaborate.”
“I founded that business. They wouldn’t dare.”
“On the contrary. They would totally dare, and have. I’ve been an invaluable presence.” I flash him a smile. “We’re ironing out the final details, and then I’ll be going to London. I expect you’ll stay here in New York and handle the proceedings with decorum. You are still a Chambers.”
“London,” he repeats.
“Jacob?” Catherine’s pure, lovely voice comes from the stairs.
“In the living room, kitten.”