Exodus (The Ravenhood)

“Then, why do you look so terrified?”

“Let’s just say the last time I saw him—it didn’t end well.”

“He’s offering you a lot more than it’s worth.”

“That has nothing to do with me. It had to be an offer I wouldn’t refuse.”

“So, we’re dealing with the Godfather?”

That crack doesn’t even get him a smile.

“Are you sure you want to do this?”

“Positive. Look, don’t worry. He wasn’t a fan of my father. But he’s not trying to gain this company with ill intent. My guess is that he plans on making it employee-owned.”

“I see.” Another pause, and I still can’t look at him. “Is any of this, you coming back here, selling the company, and Mr. King, any part of the reason why you broke it off with Collin?”

I don’t answer.

“Wow, now, I’m really intrigued.”

“Don’t be. He’s just a man who wants to own the company, this plant in particular. He’s got his reasons, and he’ll do right with it.”

“Well, I sure as fuck don’t want to leave you in a room with him if you’re afraid.”

“I’m not afraid.”

“Cee,” he grips my hands in his, forcing me to face him. “You’re shaking.”

“It’s cold in here.”

His eyes narrow, calling bullshit.

“It’s just been a long time.”

“You’re sure you can handle this?”

No.

“Positive. Ryan, please do me a favor and give me a minute alone.”

When he hesitates, I shake my head. “I swear, I’ve got this.”

“Okay, I’ll be just outside that door.”

“Thank you.”

When the door closes, I move toward the window and stare into the trees on the other side of it.

Over six years without a word, and this is all I get? Years of silence, and he expects me to hand it over without a fight? His audacity only feeds my residual anger. I understand his grudge, for Roman and for me, but this move only adds insult to catastrophic injury.

For years my father monopolized the city’s welfare, and it’s only fitting that they fought back. Tobias was always going to be the one to give it back to them. I was so young then, I never really saw the bigger picture, but his plans haven’t changed. Small town justice was always his gateway to corporate warfare.

And I can’t even hold a grudge for it. It’s brilliant. From an alliance formed when they were just teenagers to the bittersweet victory of today, he seems to have done everything he set out to do. Everything.

His day of reckoning has finally come. And ironically, I’ll be the one to gift it to him.

But not without seeking some justice of my own.