“As far as I can tell, you’ve told me nothing but rumor and innuendo. What do you have against Harlan?”
“Beyond the fact that he’s a crook, a con man, and scum from the Barrels?”
The sinking feeling she’d had at the beginning of their discussion had turned into full-fledged nausea. “It’s true, isn’t it? What Harlan told me is true.”
Chapter Eleven
Furiously, her father moved closer and roared, “What did that bastard tell you?”
“The truth.” Chin up, Savannah stood her ground. “I couldn’t believe you’d stoop so low, but you did.”
“This is absurd,” he said, bringing down the sound level several notches. “Sit down, Savannah.” He walked behind his desk and sat in his high-backed leather office chair. He’d assumed his bank president persona and she admitted he did it masterfully.
Since it looked as if the conversation might take some time, she sat in one of the leather chairs flanking his desk.
“Now, what are you talking about, Savannah? What lies did that man tell you? You’re not making sense.”
“Unfortunately it makes far too much sense. How could you?”
He leaned back in his chair and regarded her indulgently. “You’re going to have to be more specific. I have no idea what you’re asking me.”
“I don’t need an answer. I know it’s true from the way you’ve been acting and from what you said about Harlan. You blackmailed Harlan to break up with me when we were in high school. You threatened hisfamily. What iswrongwith you? How could you do something so reprehensible?”
“What in the hell are you talking about? You’re accusing me of blackmail and threats? Why would I blackmail Sullivan when I didn’t know you two were dating? If I had, yes, I’d have put a stop to it, but this is the first I’ve heard of it.”
“Cut the innocent act. I know what you did. You threatened to call in his family’s loan on their house unless he broke up with me.”
“I did no such thing.”
“Don’t lie to me. Not anymore.”
“Very well. I did discover you were dating him. I was understandably upset that you’d engage in a clandestine relationship with anyone, much less a boy from the Barrels. Perhaps I suggested to Harlan he should think twice before he continued with your relationship, but to imply I threatened anyone is outrageous.”
“You’re denying that’s what happened?”
“Of course I deny it,” he scoffed. “Nothing of the sort ever took place.”
