Naughty or Nice

‘You should listen to him—he knows better than most.’

‘Really, Dad?’ I can’t stop the angry pitch of my voice. ‘And how’s that?’

‘You know how.’

‘Oh, that’s right—Lucas did a runner when their company collapsed and now he’s back to mess things up for me. Have I summed it up?’

My father is quiet on the other end of the phone and I see no need to rescue him. If he has a sound argument—the truth, even—I’ll listen to it.

‘Or shall we talk about how Nate did that dodgy deal all by himself?’

‘You don’t know what you’re talking about—’

‘Don’t I?’

But I can hear the hesitation in his voice—can sense he’s not as convinced as he’s trying to make out.

‘So Lucas didn’t come to you after it all kicked off and tell you what Nate had done?’

‘Yes, he did... But—’

‘But you chose not to believe him. Lucas—a man who was always solid, trustworthy, dependable. Who doted on you as a father figure and balanced out Nate’s crazy antics.’

‘It’s not that simple—’

‘Isn’t it? You said it yourself, Dad. They were yin and yang, Lucas kept Nate in check. And yet you were so quick to listen to your son, never mind that you destroyed Lucas.’

‘I hardly think I destroyed him. He’s hugely successful—a pillar of the business commun—’

‘And what does that matter when he has no one to share that success with?’

My voice cracks and I purse my lips together, fighting back the well of emotion.

Dad is quiet. I want him to say he’s sorry. I want him to tell Lucas he’s sorry. But there’s nothing.

‘Speak to Nate,’ I say, pushing him. ‘Or I will. It’s time he came clean.’

‘It’s in the past, Eva. Why do you want to go dragging it up now?’

‘Because it affects the future—you know it does. And why should Lucas be tainted by it? We should all know the truth. Mum included.’

‘But you know how your brother is... If we do this—’

‘If we do this, what? He relapses?’ I snap. ‘Christ, Dad, he needs to take responsibility for it—he needs to grow up.’

‘Maybe if Lucas hadn’t abandoned the company—’

‘Don’t, Dad. You’re still defending Nate over Lucas.’

‘I just want you to be careful, honey. I don’t want you hurt in some twisted attempt at revenge.’

My laugh is scathing. ‘That’s the last thing I need to worry about.’

‘I’m not so sure...’

‘I am,’ I say, sounding more confident than I feel. ‘This is my product, my company. I will make the best decision for both and see your investment paid back in full.’

‘I don’t care about getting the money back. All—’