Stone considered mentioning that the Coast Guard would soon be raising theAmanda Jae, which would prove that M.Booth Yachts had nothing to do with the accident, but the lawyer would find that out soon enough.
Instead, Stone just said, “Thank you for your time, Mr. Whittaker,” and hung up, feeling like he needed to take a shower.
He called Trenton Sidney’s personal assistant, who was staying on until the estate was settled.
“Kevin Larson,” the man said.
“Kevin, it’s Stone Barrington.”
“Oh, thank God.”
That was not the reaction Stone had been expecting. “Is something wrong?”
In a whisper, Kevin said, “Aaron’s here and demanding to be let into his father’s office.”
“I see. Is he near enough that if you put me on speaker, he’ll hear me?”
“Yes.”
“Then please do so.”
After aclick, Kevin said, “You’re on speaker.”
“Aaron?” Stone said.
“Who is that?” Aaron said.
Before Kevin could answer him, Stone said, “It’s Stone Barrington.”
“What the hell do you want?”
“To let you know that unless you leave immediately, the police will be called, and you will be forcibly removed from the premises.”
Aaron snorted. “You can’t do that.”
“I can and I will. You are not an employee of your father’s business and therefore have no reason to be there.”
“This ismybusiness now, and I can do whatever I want.”
“You seem to have forgotten that as executor of your father’s will, it is my job to determine the distribution of his assets. And that has not happened yet.”
“That’ll change when I have that sham of a will thrown out in court.”
“Thank you for confirming my point.”
“What?”
“At this time, the will has not been thrown out, so until that highly unlikely event occurs, you have no say in your father’s business.”
“That’s bullshit, and we both know it.”
“Shall I call the police? Or will you show yourself out?”
After several seconds, Aaron said, “I can’t wait to see your face when I win.”
Stone heard something break, then receding heavy footsteps.
When those faded away, Kevin said, “He’s gone.”
