“We needed an additional ad agency. He tendered for the contract after Bowie mentioned him and contacted the fucktard to come in and discuss what we needed.”
Kari left out his initial reaction because that could purely have been his bias, and he didn’t want to cloud the issue. “Lacy lost out. I emailed him yesterday to let him know. It seems he was at Bowie’s at the time and basically lost his shit and took it out on Bowie, frightening him so much he peed himself, Dad.”
That basically summed it up, what it didn’t convey was Bowie’s devastation at being attacked.
“There isn’t a word fucking strong enough for a piece of crap like him.” Dad hugged him hard enough that Kari felt tears prick the back of his eyes, the love leaving him clinging tighter.
“He was so vulnerable, Dad, and I set off this damn landmine, blowing it up under Bowie.”
Dad shook him just hard enough to make a point. “You didn’t do this, Kari. Don’t shoulder the blame. That shithead is a grown up and made a choice to use violence for his own lack. Business is business. If he owns his own, then this is something we all learn very early on. My take on this is that he was using Bowie’s connection to our company, hoping to gain contracts.”
Kari had considered this, and listening to Dad, it confirmed his suspicions and suggested that Rex in his temper could have cast this information at Bowie. Was that what he was holding back from Kari?
“To hit someone as gentle as Bowie proves he’s the lowest form of creature.” Dad let go and visibly took a breath before striding to his desk with purpose. He took the seat behind the desk, reaching for the mouse and keyboard, wearing a stony expression. Kari had seen it a time or two, and it never boded well for whoever it was aimed at.
A few clicks later, he nodded to Kari, who resumed his pacing, needing to let out some of the angry energy coursing through him, despite the offloading.
“I’ve found him. I’ve sent this information to my investigators, and they’ll find out everything this shithead has ever done. I’ve marked it as urgent so we should have it back in a day or two.” His wolf's eyes focused on the screen. “We never go after an adversary until we know all the facts. Then we’ll deal with him as you see fit.”
“My wolf wants to rip his head off, but first chew off his bastard hands so he can’t harm anyone again!”
Dad snorted and chuckled. “This I get, and why we’re having this conversation and not you and Popi.”
“He would be disappointed in me.”
“No… I don’t think he would. He might not agree that violence fixes anything, but he has a special place in his heart for Bowie.” Dad lounged back, templing his fingers under his bearded chin. “Did you know the apartment Bowie has is all because of your popi?”
Kari, mid pace, turned at the nugget of information. “It is? I wondered how he could afford such an expensive place. It’s got great security.” That at least, was something when Kari had gone through Bowie’s apartment and found no evidence that Rex had moved in or spent any real time there given the lack of personal items. There wasn’t even an additional toothbrush in the bathroom. Kari surmised—hoped—that meant Rex hadn’t slept over and seen what was in Bowie’s closet after how upset he’d initially been when Kari found his hidden teddies. Because why else would they be in the closet and not on his bed?
“Bowie had an apartment before this one, and Popi helped with the redevelopers who wanted to buy it. They attempted to bully Bowie into selling way below market value.”
Kari’s humor returned at anyone trying to hoodwink Popi. “I bet he wiped the floor with them.”
“He did and got Bowie such a great deal, he was able to buy the new place outright.”
A stupid grin spread over his face. “Popi must really have a soft spot for Bowie.”
“Did you doubt it? Your Popi sees the heart of a person, always has. That boy has the biggest heart.”
Kari agreed, Bowie was a generous soul.
And Popi was an excellent reader of people. He could spot a fake from a hundred yards. “No, I didn’t doubt it.” Kari finally stopped pacing, and he scrubbed once more at his face, rolling his shoulders to ease the tension in them. “I better go find Popi.”
“Let’s hope the baking has mellowed out his mood.”
He didn’t let out the chuckle until he was out of hearing range, when Dad came off sounding more than a little resigned to his fate. They all knew who the boss was in this house, and it wasn’t Dad.
Chapter Eleven
Lane
Jupiter entered the kitchen, empty glass in hand, and paused for effect. Lane knew his sons, and Jupiter was here because he’d be worried after the shouting. He was always the same, seeking information so he could assure himself everything was alright.
His gaze swept the overflowing counter and the mess Lane had made taking out his frustrations on cookie dough. “Who made you angry bake, Popi?”
Jupiter came over and kissed the side of Lane’s head before continuing towards the massive double fronted refrigerator. Bottles clinked in the door as he opened it and reached for his favored drink of choice, cream soda.
“Was it Kari when he…” Jupiter fired a grin at him as he swung around, bottle grasped in his hand, using his backside to shut the door, “interrupted yours and Dad's play—”
