you figure all this out again?”
“I got lost,” Julian answered, and they both laughed, because they loved the story. He’d gotten lost in Mantoloking, New Jersey, and seen for himself the devastation and chaos after Sandy. He’d jumped on the opportunity, started building and flipping, making a killing. He’d bought a second home and didn’t come to Bakerton unless he was seeing his mother. He’d gotten out from under his father’s thumb, literally and figuratively, by running Julian Browne Land Management, even though it was technically owned by Browne. Hurricane Sandy was the best thing that ever happened to him.
“So you have a plan.”
“Yes, for world domination.” Julian smiled, thinking of Sasha. He couldn’t wait to get home. She would be waiting for him. It was a dream come true.
“Better cut me in, Julian. I knew you when.”
No, you didn’t, Julian thought. “How so?”
“We could go into mold removal together, as partners. I have the capital, and we could get into water damage and fire damage. We could package disaster relief.”
“Maybe.” Julian felt his father’s shadow slip over him, but he didn’t want to deal now. Sasha was waiting. “Let’s talk about it another time. I have to go.”
“Sure, no rush.” His father started scrolling through his boner phone.
“Hey, Dad, let me ask you a question. I’m having a problem with theft on one of the sites. You know anybody I could use down there, with a carry permit?”
“You mean, like, security?”
“Yes,” Julian answered, since it was code for dirty work.
“I’ll ask Mac. He’ll know somebody. Remember him? The PM on Brandywine Hunt? He did Phase IV by the turnpike.”
“Oh, right.” Julian remembered. Mac was the project manager he’d gotten the bullets from twenty years ago, so they’d come full circle.
“Julian.” His father set his phone aside, and a new grin spread like melting butter. “I’m wondering if you really think you sold me that bullshit.”
“What?” Julian asked, his mouth going dry.
“Do you really expect me to believe that you’re sucking up to these contractors because they’re so good? I know why you’re doing it.”
“Dad, I don’t know what you mean.”
“Don’t kid a kidder. You know exactly what I mean. You’re cultivating your go-to guys who’ll cut the corners you want. Their work isn’t so shitty it can’t pass inspection, and if it is, the inspector takes a boat ride, too. Nobody’s the wiser, not before the mold starts, and the homeowners can’t afford to sue you.” His father spread his big palms open. “Maybe your guys skirt the OSHA regs on mold. Or ignore the code when you want, and you’ll reward them. Not just a blonde on a boat, but cash. Kickbacks. Am I right?”
“You’re right,” Julian admitted nervously.
“I knew it!” His father burst into laughter. “I’m proud of you. You need your own guys. I have my own guys. What do you think Mac is?” He leaned over again. “Come on, tell me, what do you really need Mac for? It’s not theft from a job site. You could handle that yourself, easy. It’s bigger, isn’t it?”
“Yes.” Julian had to admit that, too. He’d been worrying about Allie. If she told Kyle’s mother and it got to the cops, Julian would be ruined. The publicity alone would kill his business. He wasn’t about to take any chances.
“Okay.” His father nodded. “I was thinking of going down the shore tonight anyway. How about I meet you at Mac’s, at seven o’clock?”
“Sure, thanks.” Julian hadn’t planned on his father being there, but no matter. His father would want to keep a lid on things, too. He wouldn’t want the Browne brand damaged, either. Julian rose to go, and his father started texting.
“Women,” he said to himself, chuckling.
CHAPTER 54
Larry Rucci
Larry let himself into the house, having missed the flight. He was in no shape to hold the client’s hand, anyway. He felt too down after his call with Allie. He slid out of his damp suit jacket and dumped it on the chair. He dropped his messenger bag by the door and tossed his keys onto the console table, where they landed with a clatter. He had to move out. He’d told Allie he was leaving, though it was killing him. The marriage counselor had said, stand in your own truth. Larry’s truth was he loved her, but she couldn’t love him back the way he needed her to.
Larry looked around the family room, trying to remember when they’d been happy here. Early on, picking out the furniture, with Allie