Total pages in book: 49
Estimated words: 46967 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 235(@200wpm)___ 188(@250wpm)___ 157(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 46967 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 235(@200wpm)___ 188(@250wpm)___ 157(@300wpm)
I clench my hands. “I can’t keep collecting money and not doing anything.”
He clasps me on the shoulder. “Huddy, you obviously haven’t looked at an earnings report in a few years. Have you ever?”
I shake my head. Honestly, I haven’t even thought about the family business. I know I should have, but I’ve always been busy with my military career.
“Well, you get a non-working owner salary. Your percentage of the pie is quite a bit lower than those of us that work in the company.”
“Bullshit.” I know he’s lying because even though I haven’t looked at an earnings report, I do know how much is deposited into my account every month. There’s no way.
Ford laughs. “It’s true. We all make quite a bit higher than you. It’s been discussed, and it’s all in the open, but you never wanted to vote on anything since you weren’t actively involved. Blaze Whiskey is doing well. You decide to come to work in the company, your salary increases. If not, your salary stays the same.”
I nod. Shit, just knowing this makes me realize even more that I haven’t paid any attention to the family business. I really need to change that, but right now, I only have my mind on one thing… or should I say one person. “Okay, about Elle.”
Ford sighs. “Look, I don’t know much.”
I roll my eyes. “You just said that Lilian is close with her.”
“As close as she lets anyone, but that doesn’t mean we know anything. She’s Lucas’ assistant, and all I can tell you is what he’s told me. He hired her without doing a background check.”
“So…”
“So we do background checks on everyone. She didn’t want it done on her because she’s on the run or something. No one knows the details. I know that Lucas has her paperwork, and he’s talked about getting with Walker to see if he could get some details on her or something. Not because we think she’s not trustworthy or anything, but because Lucas wanted to see what we could do to help.”
Beau lifts his head from the table. “Why is everything spinning?”
I nod my head to him. “What’s up with Beau? Does he get like this a lot?”
Ford shakes his head but looks at him worriedly. “There’s something going on with him, but he won’t talk to anyone about it. But to answer your question, no, I’ve never seen him like this before now.”
“Should we get him home? Natalie’s probably worried about him. Where has she been, anyway? She’s the only one in the family I haven’t seen since I’ve been home.”
Ford sighs as he gets up and helps Beau to his feet. “I’m not sure.” He looks toward Austin and motions that we’re leaving, and Austin comes over.
“I’m going to hang for a while. You guys need help getting him out to the truck?”
All three of us are looking at Beau in confusion. This is so unlike him I’m not even sure what to make of it. “No, we’ve got him.”
I lean over and put my shoulder against his waist and lift him up. Beau is a big man, but I carry him easily. I bump fists with Austin. “You sure you don’t need a ride?”
“No, Ally’s coming by. She’ll take me home.”
I nod and follow Ford outside. I put Beau into the backseat and order him to not throw up in my truck. He groans, and I’m hoping he’s in agreement. Regardless, as soon as I’m in, I roll down his window.
We get to Beau’s place first, and Ford and I carry him into the dark house. Ford calls out, “Natalie! We’re just dropping off Beau.”
The house is silent, and Ford and I look at each other.
I put Beau on the couch, and he moans.
I give his cheek a slap. “Yo, you going to be okay?”
He nods and slurs his answer. “Yeah, I’m good.”
Ford and I stand over him, and I point at our brother sprawled out on the couch. “You think he’s okay to leave?”
Ford sighs and looks at his phone. He's been typing, and it dings with a message. He reads it and pockets his phone. “Natalie said she’s on her way home, so yeah, he’ll be fine. He’ll have a hell of a hangover tomorrow, though.”
I shove my hand through my hair. “Let’s roll. See you, little brother.”
I drive Ford to his house, and he jumps out before the truck even comes to a complete stop. I knew he was excited to get home to his family, so I’m not surprised.
I’m dreading going home to an empty house, especially knowing that sleep will probably allude me, but at least now I have something to occupy my mind. Elle. Now that I know more about her, I’m already working a plan out. I’m going to go see Walker tomorrow, and when I do, I’m going to talk to him about Elle. He’s discreet, and I know I can trust him.