Dominik (Arizona Vengeance 6)

I study the two people across from me—Nanette Pearson and her attorney. As of yet, I haven’t even bothered to look at my guys, all three to my left. But they are unimportant right now because they haven’t done a fucking thing wrong.

I don’t give Nanette the time of day, speaking only to her attorney because she’s nothing to me.

“I understand you have a job to do,” I say, keeping my tone level and nonconfrontational. “And in today’s day and age, it’s more important than ever we step up to the plate to protect those who can’t protect themselves.”

When I let my gaze settle on Nanette, she’s actually leaning forward, hanging on to my every word. Because, in her mind, those words are validation that she’s getting ready to become wealthy.

Shifting in my seat, I glance between Dax, Sebastian, and Erik. All wear tight expressions, not sure what the fuck I’m doing.

I don’t even bother to look at Gruber.

Finally, I return my attention to Nanette, locking my eyes on hers. My voice goes razor sharp. “But if you think I’m going to pay one fucking dime of my money to reward you for nothing but outlandish lies and manipulations—a scam you machinated to get rich while destroying the reputations of good men—then I suggest you check yourself into a psychiatric facility for a checkup because it’s never going to happen.”

Gruber releases a long-suffering sigh, knowing I’ve just shot this mediation straight to hell.

So be it.

I rise from my chair, button my suit jacket, and gesture at my players. “Let’s go. We have better things to do.”

All three bolt out of their seats. Gruber sighs again as he starts packing his materials.

Nanette’s attorney sits frozen, eyes rounded and mouth slack.

“If that wasn’t clear, let me reiterate. I will not pay this woman a dime. Not now, not ever. You may continue this lawsuit at your own peril, but I will fight you with everything in my arsenal. I’ll drown you in legal fees and uncover every unsavory detail about your client—and trust me, we already have a lot, but I’m sure there’s more. She wants to go to war with me, then be prepared… I’m going nuclear, which will include countersuits for defamation and negligent infliction of emotional distress on my guys, as well as payment for our legal expenses. I suggest you talk some sense into her.”

I don’t spare Nanette a glance. Instead, I focus on the mediator, who has remained silent, expression stunned. Apologetically inclining my head, I stride out of the conference room, followed by Gruber and my men.

As soon as the door closes behind us, Gruber starts in on me. “Defamation? Negligent infliction of emotional distress? Do you even know what you’re talking about? You’ve probably pissed her off, and now she’ll sue for even more money. I’ll have to do damage—”

I wheel around, getting in his face. “Let me remind you, Mr. Gruber… you work for me, not the other way around. It’s my decision alone on what I will and won’t do with regards to this claim, and I will not be paying her anything. So your job now is to fight them and not give in on a single thing. You’ll have unlimited funds with which to wage this war. If it doesn’t agree with your sensibilities, then I have an army of attorneys at my disposal who will be glad to do as I ask.”

Gruber starts stammering and backpedaling, throwing out reassurances that he can handle the job and how much he admires and respects my hard-nosed approach to the case.

I let him go on a bit before putting a stop to it, telling him to meet me at my office tomorrow with a game plan in effect for our next move. He rushes off, and I turn to face my guys.

“That was fucking brilliant,” Erik crows, always the guy who will boil things down to the crudest form. I don’t mind at all.

“Thank you so much, Mr. Carlson,” Sebastian says as he sticks his hand out for me to shake. “Thank you for believing in us.”

“You’re welcome,” I say, but then, as I always do, I point out, “And it’s Dominik.”

Sebastian nods, beaming, and he and Erik start toward the elevator. That leaves Dax and me in the hallway, and, as usual, his expression says he doesn’t care for me at all.

Whatever. I didn’t make that stand in there for him. I did it for my team as a whole.

I nod before heading toward the elevator where Erik and Sebastian wait.

“Dominik,” Dax calls, and I turn to face him. He appears slightly uncomfortable as he moves in a little closer, lowering his voice. “I can’t recall a time outside of my own family that anyone has ever had my back like that. Not sure I can ever repay that.”