Mayor Cunningham was just as Fox had expected: a big boned, soft-faced, blond relic of the Good Old Boy network, with a booming, deeply-accented voice, and fat fingers, upon which he wore several rings, including a monster of an old alma mater signet. He looked like he’d played football in his teenager years, but all the muscle in his wide shoulders had run to fat and melted down his bones to rest solidly in his midsection. His suit and shoes were impeccable, and he smelled strongly of expensive cologne.
“Mr. Shaman,” he greeted Ian heartily, shaking his slender hand with his own bearlike paw, gripping hard enough that Fox saw a muscle twitch in Ian’s cheek as he fought not to wince. Ian had been a good choice for this, not only because he had the money, connections, and sophistication for a meeting like this, but because he was the sort of refined and elegant man that someone like Cunningham would see and immediately want to dominate in all aspects.
Fox was already schooled and deeply rooted in his Knoxville act when the mayor turned to him and offered a shake – it did hurt; he felt bones crushing.
“I’ve not had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Shaman yet, but I have heard of him. I’m afraid I’m not familiar with you.” The way his brows tucked said he wasn’t afraid of that at all; always looking for someone new to intimidate.
“Colton Ledford,” Fox drawled, and offered his own hand for a mauling – he felt bones grinding together. “And my brother, Dalton.”
In the moment before Cunningham turned to him, Tenny’s eyes flashed: really? Colton and Dalton?
Fox sent his brother a wink and enjoyed the way his face paled when he shook Cunningham’s hand.
“We’re recently back from Texas,” Fox continued as Cunningham took his seat and accepted a menu from the hostess. “We’ve got investments in Orwell & Sons down there, and now we’re looking to invest here in Knoxville.”
“Nothing like getting established in your home city,” Tenny chimed in, and his face was composed again, the perfect mask of a spoiled Southern rich kid.
“No, there’s really not,” Cunningham agreed, distracted, gaze on the menu.
“I’m trying to convince them not merely to invest, but to establish their own firm,” Ian said. “I’ve had wonderful entrepreneurial luck here in Knoxville.”
“Yes, you have.” Cunningham glanced up slowly, his gaze narrowing a fraction. “I hear you own more small businesses in the city than anyone these days.” Not an accusation – but close. “Is that true?”
Ian smiled. “Surely you would know better than me, Mr. Mayor, what with your access to all the city’s records.”
“Hm. I confess I stay too busy to keep up with all the little details.”
“Little details, yes.” Ian stroked the rim of his water glass with one fingertip, producing a low chime. “Seeing that I do own a sizable amount of property, it seems only natural the Ledford brothers have come to me for advice – they expressed interest in investing in my business.” He invited Fox to add to that with a gesture.
Fox chuckled and laid on the Tennessee charm. “Well, no offense to anybody else, but we didn’t get to where we are by betting on slow ponies. If you’re going to invest, you need to invest in something already successful. I’m not much of a gambling man.”
Cunningham’s expression went thoughtful. “No reason to be these days. It’s easy to see who’s sinking and who’s swimming. No sense climbing in a boat with a hole in the bottom.”
“My, we seem to be mixing metaphors,” Ian said, the gleam in his eyes subtly mocking. “I’ve told the Ledfords there’s plenty of opportunity to be had here. I thought speaking with you would help allay the last of their misgivings.”
“Misgivings?” Their server arrived, and Cunningham said, “Bring me a Scotch, honey,” and waved her off. “What’s there to worry about?”
“Well, there’s taxes, and interest rates,” Fox said. “And we’d of course have to tailor our business to suit the sort of clientele we have here. And…then there’s the competition.”
Cunningham snorted and motioned toward Ian with his water glass. “You’re sitting right next to him. If he likes you, I say you’re golden.”
“I’m flattered by your confidence in my economic domination,” Ian said.
The mayor snorted again, chuckling afterward – but his expression bordered on angry. He didn’t like Ian, and Fox was beginning to think it wasn’t solely about Ian’s manners and dress.
“No, I’m talking about a different sort of competition,”