He meant CJ. Just the memory of receiving that news reminded Harley of how entitled she’d been and so unfair to Aunt MeggieandCJ.
“Notamember’s son,” Uncle Val said. “The president’s.”
Panic flared in Cox’s dark eyes. “Shit! I will be straight with you, Mr. Taylor,” he said, just loud enough for Harley to hear over the din of the constant background noise. “This is a very lucrative position with the kind of money I never thought I’d earn. I was grilled to the nth degree by Knox Harrington and Cameron Baptiste. Someone named Riley performed background checks. My father recommended me, but I no longer know who’s who.”
“Who’s your fucking father?” Uncle Val asked, a question Harley wanted answered.
“Derby. The gay son by the woman he threw over for Gypsy. I was angry with him for a long time, but when I cameout, Dad and Gypsy stood by me. Mom didn’t. I stayed in the club for a while, but I left about seven years ago.”
Uncle Val didn’t respond.
“After you left my office, I read up on my predecessor’s notes about the Harris girl. Johnnie renegotiated the contract about five weeks ago because of alleged abuse of power. He wanted it stopped.”
“Because Johnnie’s a motherfucker,” Uncle Val said darkly.
Cox leaned closer. “If I ignore the amendments, I will be fired. My husband and I adopted two little girls. Sisters. They’re three and four now, but I’m the breadwinner—”
“Don’t explain anymore,” Uncle Val interrupted. “I understand. Five million dollars…that number is both exorbitant and arbitrary. I’m not even worth that much.”
“That was Johnnie’s aim. He said very few members would be able to afford the fee. And if someone suddenly turned up, he doubted the only one who’d pay it would be willing to.”
Uncle Val stared at Cox, disbelief and hurt in his expression. “Johnnie really said that?”
“We recorded the meeting. He told me to in case I forgot everything, Mr. Taylor.”
“Call me Val.” Uncle Val heaved in a breath. “Johnnie is such a fuckhead. Me and my boy just getting close. Ryan just feeling accepted and like he don’t have to compete with…never mind. I got to tell him I can’t afford this and we got to let Outlaw pay.”
Harley cleared her throat. “Or I can call Daddy,” she said, drawing the two men’s attention.
They both frowned at her. Harley quickly dropped her gaze, afraid to antagonize them.
“Mort don’t have a dog in this race,” Uncle Val said.
“If I tell him, I’d do anything to make up how mean I was to Molly, he will,” Harley said quietly. “I’ll ask him to give it to you, so Ryan can think you paid.”
Flushing, Uncle Val glanced away. “Motherfucking Johnnie. I never did that fuckhead nothing.”
“Except sided with Uncle Christopher.”
“I can’t—”
“You wouldn’t, Uncle Val. We’re family. A-aren’t w-we?”
“Mort one of my best fucking friends. How that shit going to look to him?”
“You can always send him a bill for housing me,” Harley said timidly. Especially since she never wanted to go home in life. Mommie hated her. She’d make Harley miserable.
Uncle Val smiled. “A bill for five fucking million dollars? He’d ask me if I lost my fucking mind.”
“After he keeled over at the mere thought,” Harley said with a giggle.
“Yeah, Harley,” Uncle Val said, chuckling.
“However, you wouldn’t be asking. I like seeing Ryan the way he is now. Suppose he changes back to being so mean and resentful? If there’s a chance that Daddy will pay, let me ask him.”
“I fucking hate this so fucking much.”
“Why don’t you call Aunt Zoann and talk to her while I call Daddy?”
