Total pages in book: 106
Estimated words: 97951 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 490(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 327(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97951 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 490(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 327(@300wpm)
Lennox studied his cousin’s apartment in appreciation. Roman enjoyed the finer things in life. The man’s downtown Houston digs were high class and fit for the wealthy, with an edge. The modern loft boasted high ceilings, ribbed pillars, Greek replica statues and a kitchen fit for a chef. It was a huge brick-walled structure with multiple rooms, some of them behind lock and key. An open space with wall-to-ceiling windows showcased the city skyline.
Roman tapped his cigar into a large amethyst ashtray. Tilting his bare chin towards the rafters, he clicked his tongue. “It’s funny when they get mad at us for doin’ what we need to do, right?” His eyes narrowed, growing dark.
“Of course. Most women don’t understand Wilde men, and the women that do understand us, we don’t want ’em.”
Roman laughed at that, then pointed to his empty glass. “More whiskey?”
“Nah, I’m straight. I’ll be leavin’ soon anyway.”
“Well, I appreciate you stoppin’ by, even if it’s not for the best of reasons.”
Lennox set his glass down and nodded.
“Lennox, I wish when we were younger we’d spent more time together. I was usually with Phoenix and Ryder, and then I went into the Marines, and—”
“It’s okay, man. Our parents had alliances. Drawn lines in the sand. There was a hierarchy.” Lennox shrugged.
Roman nodded as he smoothed out an imaginary wrinkle in his pants. Taking a swig of his brandy, he set the empty glass down. He leaned forward, and there was that look again—an unspoken hatched-up, devious plan was on the horizon.
“Lennox, I know you’re worried about me. Want me to be proactive and take Gramps seriously… I am. I just refuse to let him see me sweat.”
Lennox was not certain how to respond. Roman often said things that weren’t true—he was a poker player, after all. A good one. No, great.
“I just want you to be careful and most of all, safe. Grandpa can’t entice you with money. You’ve already got it. He can’t cajole you wit’ a fancy gig or popularity. You’re an ex-Marine and now a successful investment banker. But, you have a past. As we all do.”
Roman offered a subtle bow, then grinned. “Yeah, I do. The Black Sheep is what grandpa named me, right? An embarrassment to the Wilde family name.” He cackled.
“Well, bein’ a successful and proud outlaw in his mind I guess can do that, but I think it’s remarkable how you thrive, in spite of it all. You keep your cool… I think that’s what Grandpa likes about you. He thinks he can use that part of your personality to his advantage.”
“Eh, it’s more than that… You know that. He wants me to make some illicit moves on his behalf. Jeopardize all I’ve worked for, now that I’m keepin’ my nose clean.”
“He wants access to the accounts in your care, and insider trade information.”
“And you know this!” Roman gestured as if his hand were a gun, and he was pulling the trigger. “The fucker is so greedy, his billions aren’t enough, Lennox.”
“It’s not the money. It’s not the dollar amount, Roman. It’s the control.”
They rested in a brief moment of silence.
“He won’t be happy until he destroys everything I worked so hard for. But,” Roman grimaced in a nonchalant sort of way, “I’d expect nothin’ less from him.”
“Just be ready. That’s all I’m saying.” Lennox grabbed his keys. “Well, I better get goin’. I gotta swing by my dad’s house, then go get cussed out by my lady.” They both got to their feet, laughing at the same time.
“She’s lucky you didn’t kill them. You went easy on ’em, far as I’m concerned,” he said in a somber tone.
“Exactly. This is the Kumbaya version of myself.” He pointed at his chest. “The elevated version. She thinks I just popped off, but she has no fuckin’ idea.”
“I remember the old you. You definitely weren’t shy around some revenge. Life did a number on you though. I get it.”
“Life did a number on both of us, Roman. But yeah… The old Lennox woulda had both of those motherfuckers six fuckin’ feet deep. This was a favor.”
“Pre-fuckin’-cicely. She should be happier than a pig in shit.”
They bumped fists. Roman walked him to the large industrial looking door equipped with about five locks and a security system mounted to the wall beside it. Lennox went to undo the first lock, and Roman reached for his wrist.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been in the Marines. Some believe, once a Marine, always a Marine, Lennox.” His throat constricted and a dire expression crossed his face. “If you need any help with finishing this shit off, if you need backup, you holler at me, you hear me? He’s closin’ in on you, and he’s gonna go after that girl.”
Lennox nodded in agreement. “Thanks. I will definitely call you if I need to.”