during tough times, too.”
“Thank you, Captain Obvious.”
“You don’t want to set off the fire alarms.”
“Fuck it.”
I stormed off to find someone who was more agreeable, stopping in my tracks when I saw people walking out of my father’s office. Amongst them, strolling confidently in four inch high heels and a pencil skirt was Helen King. I didn’t need to see her face to recognize the fifty-something brunette who’d made my life hell.
Three weeks ago, her lawyers had called mine and made me an offer for the land where my affordable housing was going to be built.
Interesting timing.
Peering through the open doorway into my father’s office, I saw him sitting behind his desk surrounded by staff, no doubt discussing the meeting he had just had with her.
“Godman, no!” Theo warned.
Heading on in, I said, “Dad, got a minute?”
He looked hassled. “Not a good time.”
I forced a polite smile. “Everyone out, please.” All it took was a wave of my hand and the men left the room.
The last man closed the door on his way out.
“Why do I feel like you’re avoiding me?” I didn’t care to sit.
“You know what it’s like being out on the trail. I’m here for a few days to regroup before heading out again.”
“Did you hear what happened?”
“Fairfield?” He leaned back in his chair and clasped his hands behind his head. “I know it meant a lot to you.”
Shouldn’t he be more pissed off? More reactive instead of sitting back and looking like I was wasting his time?
“Did you shut it down?” I stepped forward and leaned on his desk, knuckles white as my fingers curled.
“After this election we’ll explore the possibility of proceeding with your efforts again.”
“I’m not stepping away. Not after all this work.”
He pushed to his feet and rounded the desk. “We’ve worked too hard for too long to let a small detail like this trip us up.”
“People are depending on that housing.”
“You can’t fight every battle. We have to choose carefully—”
“What is more important than this? We’re talking about kids, here.”
“You need to take a couple of days off.”
I threw my hands up in frustration. “The work on the foundations has begun.”
“This is hard on you. I get that.”
I fought the old urge to let Dad convince me defeat was the only way.
“Sorry, son. Look, I have another meeting. You know how grueling my schedule is.”
I headed to the door, turning back to look at him before opening it. “Was it Helen King who shut me down? I just saw her leaving your office.”
“She’s one of our biggest donors.”
“No! Dad…”
He wouldn’t do this to me. Not to his son. I’d dedicated my life to his ambitions.
A knock at the door distracted him. “Come in,” he shouted.
Theo peered in. “Sir, your 11:00 A.M. is here.”
Dad looked vaguely apologetic. “We’re out of time, son. Let’s pick this up next week.”
My back stiffened. “Next week will be too late.”
I was being unceremoniously ushered out. With my pride decimated I gave a respectful nod and walked through the door Theo was holding open.
Once the door had closed behind us, I glared at my friend. “How can this not be a priority for him? How could he not fight for me?”
“He’s got a lot to deal with, Damien.” He clutched my shoulder. “I’m assuming he told you to take a few days off. I think that’s a good idea.”
“What will I say to the construction crew? What will it make me look like?”
“Cathy’s on this,” he said. “Your dad’s executive director has everything covered.”
“No. This is my mess. I’ll clean it up. I’ll reach out to everyone.”
Theo gave a shrug. “Your dad needs you at one hundred percent. No distractions.”
This wasn’t about money. It was about political leverage. My father had sold me out for influence. If Helen King was involved, a deal had been brokered in private. She was a brilliant strategist, but her price was always way too high.
Adrenaline surged through my blood. This betrayal would never go away.
Theo was watching me carefully. “Need a minute?”
I straightened, making a mental vow to put this right. “Stall for me. That place is getting built or there’ll be blood spilt.”
Theo went to speak but thought better of it. Instead, he motioned for us to head toward a quiet corner. “How are things with Pandora?”
“If you’re going to change the subject at least be less obvious.”
He smirked.
I zeroed in on what he was insinuating. “Things are fine. Why?”
“Did you talk to her about the key pendant?”
That’s right. Theo had