What the fuck? The deal had been locked in, a transaction that only needed signatures.
Jacques Cornwell’s statement certainly caught my attention. “What the hell are you talking about? This isn’t a bidding war. The price was agreed to and I’m here to finalize the deal.” Jacques had been the family attorney and Consigliere for years. He’d also been my father’s best friend, mourning the loss as much as we had.
Greg had purposely kept the information to the last moment. Fucking asshole. He knew how I’d react and if I’d had the time, I’d be here ready to rip the man to shreds. After promising to bury him.
Jacques worked with Alexander as the new Don after our father’s murder, his expertise in legalese exactly the guidance we’d needed over the years. While there were always other deals, this one had taken months of cultivating, and I didn’t like to lose. Ever.
He moved into step with me as we headed into the building where the meeting had been scheduled. He was sharp, which was needed, but that didn’t mean the man couldn’t irritate the hell out of me.
“Evidently, the family company was offered a better price. They’re considering it.”
“They can’t do that.” Now I was angry, furious that we hadn’t been given notice. I had no doubt Greg had orchestrated the new bid, recommending it highly to his clients and why? Greed? I could only imagine the cut he’d get.
“There was no contract, just intent. Yes, I could try and fight in the court of law, but the cost would be prohibitive.”
“Fuck. Who the hell are these people intent on buying?”
“Jefferson Industries.”
I stopped short just before reaching the elevator. “Marcus Jeffries.” The entire deal had a smell to it, one that had already turned rancid. Why did it feel as if we were being played? Marcus was also a powerful businessman. His ancestry, much like my family’s, was considered prominent in almost every circle. Not just in the city, but in at least half the country. For the most part, we’d stayed in different playing fields. There was always a first time.
Jacques nodded, looking at me as if I was ready to throw a punch. No, I wasn’t my brother, which was why I handled business negotiations. People remained alive when I did. Now I understood why the offer had come out of the blue.
Senator Marcus Jeffries had made it his mission through the years to bring down our family. When he was a detective, he’d tried. As a police chief, he’d tried.
As a state legislature, he’d introduced several legislative bills against organized crime. He’d failed. Then as a senator, he’d pushed for more, almost succeeding. However, since retirement, he’d retreated to his commercial real estate company that I would give him credit for growing exponentially over the last few years.
However, most of his projects were out of state.
“Where the fuck did he get the capital?”
“That I don’t know, but I will find out.”
“You better believe you will. Greg has something to do with this. I need that connection made. In the meantime, we are not losingthis deal. The sellers will be told.” The more I thought about the last two days, the hotter I became.
“You can’t strong-arm everyone.”
“Like fucking hell I can’t.” By the time we made it to the attorney’s office, I was livid.
“Just remember something,” Jacques said, moving to where I’d be forced to look at him. “Greg Franklin is a snake. You should know that better than anyone. Now, I suggest you do nothing more than listen to what he has to say.” He held up his hand before I could interject. “For now. That will buy you time to adjust and determine how to move forward.”
“Greg Franklin is a corrupt piece of shit.”
Jacques offered a slight smile. “You do remember how long I’ve worked for your family.”
“You made your point.” Yes, he’d provided vital legal advice over the years, not only regarding legal business deals, but also with keeping my father from going to prison for everything from tax invasion to extortion.
The Prince family, while now considered pillars of the community, certainly had ignored the law when it suited our bottom line.
“I’m glad to hear that, Sin. A question for you. Are you actually prepared to double the offer because if Greg’s email is any indication, that’s what we’re talking about.”
“Double? For a basic strip mall and a few out parcels?” Over the last ten years, the Prince family had broadened our real estate developments from being silent investors to full ownership, turning several rundown properties into upscale residences andquaint businesses. Our legitimate operations were on track to take the lead in profits by the end of the year.
As long as this property deal didn’t fall through. Greg thought he had us over a barrel. Evidently, he hadn’t learned his lesson over the years. Maybe fucking with him would soothe my anger.
“You made no bones about how much you wanted the property. It’s all about who’s willing to pay more.”
I gritted my teeth and slammed my hand against the door, heading into the office.
