Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 88220 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88220 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
It seemed easy enough. I tilted my head at Stone as if asking what more I could say.
“What about traveling?” Stone asked, pen in hand.
“Where I go, you’ll go, and you’ll schedule it. Schedule time with Brianne. Again, you’ll be present for that meeting,” I said, rising to my feet.
“I guess that’s enough for now. Be available by phone for questions.” Stone finally rose from his seat. “Time frames?” he asked, his notebook still open as he jotted notes and went for the door.
“As soon as possible. Forward any findings to me in real time.” I opened the door, allowing Stone through first. I don’t know how he walked through the office, lost in thought, and never tripped over anything, including his own feet. Those were Jedi powers I’d never fully mastered.
“Hey,” I hollered over to Carter, waiting on the other side of the fence line. I took a quick pit stop to swap out of my professional wear into something more comfortable, athletic shorts and a T-shirt. I charged across the manicured lawn in a pair of slide-on sandals. The sun beat down relentlessly, but I convinced myself the warm ocean breeze made a difference.
“What’s happening?” Carter asked. Beau and I had an aluminum fence surrounding our property. It came to about five feet tall. A sliding gate was a new addition since Carter and Linda built their home behind us.
“So what’s the scoop on my father and brothers being sexual deviants?” I threw the question out, watching his face morph through a series of expressions as the gears in his mind churned.
“He’s had long-term mistresses. Those old-school guys tend to keep that tradition alive. Is that what you’re asking?” he asked, raising a single brow.
“No, I’ve had a couple of women who worked in the executive offices of Richmond Holdings approach me with accusations of some truly awful acts. There’s enough evidence that I believe I’ll begin to take a deeper look,” I explained, my arm coming to the top of the fence, helping to support me there. “How does this look for me to handle a case against my family? Am I coming off as vindictive or vengeful?”
Carter stayed silent for several long moments. “I can’t say. Can you keep your cool with all the baggage between you and them? The next question: do you have the resources to cover such an investigation? I envision he’ll bury you—”
I rarely cut him off, but did this time, lifting a hand between us. “When I dive in, I’ll handle the pre-suit. If we do have a class action, Lon’s agreed to partner. I spoke with him this morning. I’ve beat my father before over my Dallas home. He fought me for years. With him, I’ll have to cut through the emotional bullshit, and stay focused on the task. It’ll be hard.”
“I can ask around,” Carter offered. “Someone has to know something.”
I shook my head. “I don’t want this on anyone’s radar until I get through the investigation and build the case. I can’t imagine pulling it off, but I’d really enjoy throwing Richmond Holdings for a loop.”
“It’d be something if you surprised them. Keep your cool and remember you have a family who loves you,” Carter said, my support system through all of my adult life. “Have you told Beau?”
“We tossed it around last night. At first, Beau was a hard no, then I released more information than I normally would, and he changed his mind. I’ll have some rules to follow, but he’s good.”
“I’ll talk to Linda. She loves feeling useful to you all. Kailey was shocked and happy to have Livie doing her same homework,” Carter said. “That’s quite an achievement in a school known for their academic success.”
“Livie’s struggling with the friendship side of being so smart. We heard of a Mensa support group in Houston. It’ll be a lot for Beau to handle while I’m traveling. I need to hire someone to help him and Amelia. I wish Belle hadn’t gone on to bigger and better,” I said.
“Ask Linda for what you need. She’s already picking them up from school. I’ve never seen her so happy as being here with the grandbabies. She’s patient with West, Fisher and Hunter, and handles them very much like Beau does, kind yet firm. It’s remarkable to watch. I can see the teacher inside her. I’m certain she’ll make herself available for anything you need. Beau’s become chopped liver to her since the grandkids arrived.”
I couldn’t help but beam. I understood the sentiment. These bursts of joy that we called children taught me love was not singular—centered only on Beau, but infinite.
“I believe Lon’s your best choice. He has a whole department dedicated to employment law. They’re go-getters,” Carter said, giving my shoulder a friendly squeeze over the fence. “Keep me updated with whatever can be shared. I’ll pay closer attention in my circles.”