smart man.
If one were so inclined, one might think
that King was just a shrewd businessman, who had been clever and lucky and
amassed a fortune through a combination of skill, hard work and some ability to
charm the ‘Grande dames’ of charity with his wit and possibly a bit of discrete
bedroom proficiency.
If one were so inclined, one could
overlook the interesting and odd transaction history, and the fact that almost
every one of his investments had, over the years, gone bust.
Yet, King himself had continued to amass a
huge amount of personal wealth.
And, if one were so inclined, one could
even believe that all of this was completely above board, as all the failed
lawsuits and financial records showed no hint of collusion, or conspiracy to
commit fraud, or even the vaguest smell of the improper.
Of course, I knew better.
There was a very long list of all the dead
partners and associates of Mr. Robert King.
I had even seen one of these associates
murdered.
Robert King and George Tanner killed Sam
Parker.
And, I knew that my stepsister, Megan, was
King’s likely next victim.
Chapter 7
MEGAN
I managed to get to the office, and
plopped my nicely plump ass into a nice, expensive leather chair. Just as I was
getting ready to enjoy my first sip of coffee, the damned phone rang.
I didn’t recognize the number at first,
then I realized it looked familiar.
It was that ‘unknown’ number I’d been
getting sales calls from.
Well, enough being Ms. Nice Gal, I am
going to rip this asshole a new asshole!
“Hello,” I say.
“Megan Greene, Esquire,” I add, acidly.
That should shake this dumbass up!
“Ms. Greene, this is George Tanner. I am
an associate of Mr. Robert King. Mr. King and I would like to have the pleasure
of your company for dinner at The Clevelander , this evening, if you can
arrange it,” says the smooth voice on the other end of the phone.
I am suddenly speechless.
I wasn’t expecting this.
Is it some kind of trap?
“Mr. Tanner, I am sure you realize the
implicit impropriety and appearance of a conflict of interest, here?” I ask.
“Surely, whatever you and Mr. King would
like to convey is best managed through the court system?” I said.
My anger suddenly decides to kick in. I am
angry more at myself, for even entertaining the thought of meeting with these
scumbags.
“Ms. Greene,” he continues, smoothly. “We
all are professionals, here. We simply would like an opportunity to clear the
air, regarding a misconception you may have. I can assure you, this is a casual
dinner, among friends…”
I cut him off.
“Friends? Are you fucking kidding me,
pal?” I yell.
“Your ‘buddy’ is behind some of the most
questionable land dealings I have ever seen in this state, and that’s saying
something!” I exclaim.
I’m furious and trying to control my
temper.
Obviously, they’re trying to get my goat,
and boy are they getting it really well!
“Mr. King’s real estate dealings are all
public record and have been scrutinized thoroughly. In fact, many prominent
state representatives, and even the Governor himself have given Mr. King their
blessing. My friend would like…”
“You know, George ,” I say,
emphasizing his name, “I am highly doubtful that anything that you or Mr. King
would have to say would be of benefit to me.”
There is a pause and I can hear some
murmuring discussion in the background.
“Mr. King would like to discuss a Mr.
Derek White. You know him, of course?” he says.
The hairs on the back of my neck stand
straight up.
My heart falls straight into my stomach,
and my mouth goes dry.
“What about Derek? Is he all right? You
bastards, if you’ve done anything to him…” I whisper.
My shock and anger are all a big show.
Inside, I am terrified that they are going
to tell me that he’s dead.
“Mr. White is quite fine. Are you aware he
is working for a national security agency that has a vested interest in
assuring that
If one were so inclined, one might think
that King was just a shrewd businessman, who had been clever and lucky and
amassed a fortune through a combination of skill, hard work and some ability to
charm the ‘Grande dames’ of charity with his wit and possibly a bit of discrete
bedroom proficiency.
If one were so inclined, one could
overlook the interesting and odd transaction history, and the fact that almost
every one of his investments had, over the years, gone bust.
Yet, King himself had continued to amass a
huge amount of personal wealth.
And, if one were so inclined, one could
even believe that all of this was completely above board, as all the failed
lawsuits and financial records showed no hint of collusion, or conspiracy to
commit fraud, or even the vaguest smell of the improper.
Of course, I knew better.
There was a very long list of all the dead
partners and associates of Mr. Robert King.
I had even seen one of these associates
murdered.
Robert King and George Tanner killed Sam
Parker.
And, I knew that my stepsister, Megan, was
King’s likely next victim.
Chapter 7
MEGAN
I managed to get to the office, and
plopped my nicely plump ass into a nice, expensive leather chair. Just as I was
getting ready to enjoy my first sip of coffee, the damned phone rang.
I didn’t recognize the number at first,
then I realized it looked familiar.
It was that ‘unknown’ number I’d been
getting sales calls from.
Well, enough being Ms. Nice Gal, I am
going to rip this asshole a new asshole!
“Hello,” I say.
“Megan Greene, Esquire,” I add, acidly.
That should shake this dumbass up!
“Ms. Greene, this is George Tanner. I am
an associate of Mr. Robert King. Mr. King and I would like to have the pleasure
of your company for dinner at The Clevelander , this evening, if you can
arrange it,” says the smooth voice on the other end of the phone.
I am suddenly speechless.
I wasn’t expecting this.
Is it some kind of trap?
“Mr. Tanner, I am sure you realize the
implicit impropriety and appearance of a conflict of interest, here?” I ask.
“Surely, whatever you and Mr. King would
like to convey is best managed through the court system?” I said.
My anger suddenly decides to kick in. I am
angry more at myself, for even entertaining the thought of meeting with these
scumbags.
“Ms. Greene,” he continues, smoothly. “We
all are professionals, here. We simply would like an opportunity to clear the
air, regarding a misconception you may have. I can assure you, this is a casual
dinner, among friends…”
I cut him off.
“Friends? Are you fucking kidding me,
pal?” I yell.
“Your ‘buddy’ is behind some of the most
questionable land dealings I have ever seen in this state, and that’s saying
something!” I exclaim.
I’m furious and trying to control my
temper.
Obviously, they’re trying to get my goat,
and boy are they getting it really well!
“Mr. King’s real estate dealings are all
public record and have been scrutinized thoroughly. In fact, many prominent
state representatives, and even the Governor himself have given Mr. King their
blessing. My friend would like…”
“You know, George ,” I say,
emphasizing his name, “I am highly doubtful that anything that you or Mr. King
would have to say would be of benefit to me.”
There is a pause and I can hear some
murmuring discussion in the background.
“Mr. King would like to discuss a Mr.
Derek White. You know him, of course?” he says.
The hairs on the back of my neck stand
straight up.
My heart falls straight into my stomach,
and my mouth goes dry.
“What about Derek? Is he all right? You
bastards, if you’ve done anything to him…” I whisper.
My shock and anger are all a big show.
Inside, I am terrified that they are going
to tell me that he’s dead.
“Mr. White is quite fine. Are you aware he
is working for a national security agency that has a vested interest in
assuring that
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