Consequences(155)

“Anton and I will be upstairs.”

Their son, home from boarding school, watched his parents. “I’ll be up in a minute, Mother, I need to do something.” Amanda smiled at her husband and son. Anton had grown so much during the past semester. Only fifteen, he stood half a foot taller than her and was still growing. His eyes could shine, but on occasion they also showed his grandfather’s darkness. His parents wanted more than anything to keep that blackness away.

Amanda nodded. “All right, maybe we can watch a movie when we all get to our suites? I have some new videos.” She began the ascent up the grand stairs. Samuel straightened his neck and walked down the corridor toward his father’s office. The double doors stood as a barrier to the inflexible man within. Inhaling deeply, he formed a fist. Respectfully, he knocked on the grand double doors and listened for the words from within. “Come in.”

Samuel knew this wasn’t going to go well. His father knew his displeasure with the recent direction of Rawls Corp. Now the recent positive slant and the unexpected shareholder acceptance were too much. These ideas from Jared Clawson had to stop.

One idea reaped Rawls millions. The next cost them millions. Currently, the balance sheet was in their favor, but the risks and the possible legal repercussions weren’t worth the benefits. Stepping into the large office, Samuel silently prayed he would be able to make his father see his point of view.

The man behind the desk sat bold and defiant. “I wondered how long it would take you to confront me.”

“I didn’t think we needed an audience.” Samuel closed the double doors, unaware they were slightly ajar.

“Always worried about others’ opinions”—Nathaniel grinned—“Obviously, a trait you received from your mother. I don’t give a damn what others think.”

“Perhaps you should.” Samuel offered.

“Speak your mind.”

“You know my thoughts. You need to get rid of Jared Clawson. You need to stop these alternative means of financial gain.”

Nathaniel’s laugh rumbled through the office. “I need?”

“Father—I’m sorry—maybe need isn’t the best word. You should.”

“You’re sorry? You’re a weak piece of shit!” Nathaniel stood and walked around his grand desk, facing his son. “Haven’t you learned anything? Don’t apologize! Apologies are for cowards, they make you appear weak.”

Standing tall, Samuel continued his mission. “This situation is getting out of hand.”

Nathaniel laughed again. “Out of hand—like we’re making millions upon millions, and that’s bad?”

“We were doing well before, and it was legal.”

“So what part of these profits don’t you like? Your wife’s enjoying the money and your son’s enjoying the best education. You, your wife, your son will never know what it’s like to be without. Tell me again what you don’t like.”

“I believe they would’ve been happy with our earnings before. Amanda and Anton don’t need excess—neither do I”—Samuel watched his father turn back toward his plush leather chair—“And neither does Mother.”

Changing directions, Nathaniel abruptly turned and struck his son’s left cheek. “Don’t you ever tell me what your mother needs. You have no idea what she’s been through. You’ve never lived as we did. Money is good for one thing—it buys what you need—what you want, and because of my decisions, you and Anton will never worry about money. Do not ever tell me what to do with my business and don’t apologize. I raised you better than that!”