11
Slade dropped Mandisa off at the house and told her to go on up and get ready for bed. Cooling Queen-Sorrell was going to take a few moments—after their romp by the stream, he wasn’t sure Mandisa could stand on her own two feet for muchlonger.
He walked his horse back to the stables and began their practiced cooldown. He stroked and brushed her, talking her down into a relaxed state. When he’d checked her hooves and was satisfied his girl was comfortable in her stall, he put away her tack and made his way toward the doors of thestables.
His phone vibrating in his back pocket stopped his forward motion. He pulled the phone free of his denims and was surprised to see Aaron’s name flashing across his screen. “Hey, Aaron, is everything allright?”
Aaron wasn’t much of a talker. He texted Slade more than anything, but calling during the evening hours was reserved for emergencies. “We’ve got a problem. I’m pulling up in front of the housenow.”
“Drive to the stables. I’ll come meet you outfront.”
Slade walked out of the stables just as Aaron was bringing his truck to a full stop. Slade opened the passenger door and hoppedinside.
“What isit?”
“I know why Bull is so eager to get this deal in place. It’s the last chess piece he needs to steal your company fromyou.”
Aaron’s words felt like a punch to Slade’s gut. Slade watched his friend carefully, assessing Aaron, looking for anything that told Slade he’d possibly misheard his foreman. Aaron’s steady, brooding gaze told Slade there was no mistaking what he’dheard.
Aaron wasn’t just Slade’s friend and foreman. He wasn’t just the man Slade trusted with his life. Aaron was a brilliant corporate attorney who would serve at Slade’s side once Slade took over Logan Industries. Research, and finding things out that most people didn’t want you to know, was his specialty. If he was bringing this news to Slade, it wastrue.
“How?” Slade’s question sliced into the air. Fortunately, Aaron had been around Slade long enough that he was more than prepared for Slade’s pending meltdown, if it came tothat.
“He can’t sell or buy your company outright—his contract precludes that. But there’s nothing to stop him from selling individual sections of the company if he can make the company profit fromit.
“C.E. Stuart, Inc. is Logan Industries’ biggest competitor in several markets. We’re mostly neck and neck in all categories across the board. However, there are two categories where we best them by a wide margin. Finance, which was your division before Bull sent you to Venus, andcosmetology.”
“The picture is beginning to form, but I need details, Aaron. How does this tie in toMandisa?”
“Apparently, Stuart has been after Mandisa, her formula, and her stores for the last year. She’s turned them down everytime.”
Slade groaned loudly. His son-of-a-bitch father was a slick bastard. This plan was ingenious. He could sell off blocks of Slade’s company and not worry about theconsequences.
“All right, he sells significant pieces of the company. Even if we end up going under because of his sneaky dealings, how does that benefit Bull? He doesn’t own stock in the company. He earns a salary. He can’t touch Logan’s profits. As nasty as Bull is, you know he’s not doing this simply to fuck with me. He’s gotta get something out of ittoo.”
Aaron nodded and handed Slade a slip of paper. He reached up and turned the dome light of the car on for Slade to readit.
“He has to bring Mandisa, her work, and her stores along for the ride as part of Venus. Once he does that, Stuart’ll make him president over several divisions in their company. The deal could net him millions and allow him to fuck you over all atonce.”
Slade read as Aaron spoke, fire burning in his veins as each word verified everything Aaron said. If he were sitting in the driver’s seat instead of Aaron, he’d have slapped the steering wheel to let out some of hisfrustration.
Again, his father was attempting to steal from him. God, Slade was so tired of fighting this man. If it were solely about him, Slade would be tempted to give it all up to cut all ties with Bull. But the thought of leaving Mandisa in his grip made his skin tight and his ears throb with the heavy thud of his racingheartbeat.
“Aaron, you’re the one with the brilliant legal mind. How can I stop him? I can’t let him manipulate Mandisa into something she’s already decided against. The trust doesn’t allow me to take control for five moreyears.”
“I don’t have an answer for you yet. I hadn’t gone to law school yet when Bull took over. I’ve never actually seen the trust. Do you have acopy?”
Slade shook his head. “The house attorney took care of it. I can call him tomorrow and ask him forit.”
Aaron shook his head. “No, he works inside the company. You must assume everyone that works there is either in bed with Bull willingly or by force. I have some friends down at the courthouse. If I can find the judge who presided over the estate case, then I might be able to get what we need without tipping our hand toBull.”
Aaron placed a firm hand on Slade’s shoulder, giving it a hard but reassuring squeeze. “I’ll find a way to protect you, Slade. You’re my brother. No one gets to torment you butme.”
Slade nodded. The notion that Aaron had his back brought a mild sense of relief. Aaron was a miracle worker. If there was the slightest bit of wiggle room in all this legalese, Aaron would findit.
“All right, I’m going to the house,” Slade announced. “Mandisa is waiting for me. I’ll see you in themorning.”
Aaron shook his head. “No, you won’t. I’m on my way to NewYork.”
