Page 57

“Yes … this has been on my mind. Oland has orchestrated a lot, but he’s not alone. The problem is, while we have been open in our intentions, they have known better and are not.

“We’re playing the game a move at a time. As the smoke clears the board, we make our moves. At this point, time will tell; we’ve built a strong foundation. Logan?—”

“Honey, I’m sorry to interrupt,” Ellen says as she pokes her head into the room.

“What’s up?”

“There’s a man here to see you. He says it’s urgent.”

I lift a brow. I never bring business home. Family business or personal. No one should be at my front door.

I reach under my desk for the piece mounted underneath. Wyatt catches my eye. I give him a nod. With all that’s been going on, we’re all on high alert.

Which leads me to wonder who the fuck has lost their mind. Sam fades away as I get ready to destroy whoever has the audacity. However, Ellen speaks up and sends LaSalle back to his box.

“He says his name is Justin Michelson. He’s the attorney of Freddie Philips.”

I relax, but my brows shoot up in question. Freddie Philips has been gone for four years now. Why would his attorney be here to see me now?

“Should I go?” Wyatt asks.

I hold up my hand for him to remain seated. “No. I have a feeling you should stay,” I reply, trusting him.

“Show him in,” I say to Ellen.

She nods and ducks back out. I sit, working my jaw as we wait. I don’t like surprises.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Mairettie. Thank you for seeing me,” the dark-brown man says as he enters my office. “My name is Justin Michelson. Mr. Philips asked me to come to see you to deliver this to you at such a time as this.”

“And what time would that be?”

“The moment the pieces have begun to move. I was to watch for certain events before coming to see you. One of which was the pending release of your friend and partner, Logan O’Brien.”

“Are you telling me you were aware of where he has been all this time and you’re just coming forward?” I seethe.

“Yes, I have known. You will understand why I couldn’t intervene. It had to be this way. Although it wasn’t the easiest task to watch the dealings of an Irish prison. Please read the correspondence,” he says nervously.

I pick up the envelope he dropped on my desk. Pulling the letter out, I unfold it with a million questions on my mind. As soon as I open it, I recognize the handwriting. Freddie had pristine penmanship.

Dear young friend,

If you are reading this, Phoebe Romaine has done it again. She called me about six months ago with a warning. She told me my time was coming and I had two options.

I could allow it to run its course now, or I could prevent it and allow others I care about to become involved. In turn, losing everything and changing all you, the others, and I have worked for. She also told me that the horsemen were coming to an end.

My first thought was, Why warn me? If you and the Irish kid were going to try to wipe us off the board, why should I care what happens to any of you?

However, as she continued, it became clear that she meant something else entirely. I have been right about the past and it will not remain the past, but it’s not mine to right. Karma will ensure that the structure you were planning for will be at stake.

The players are all changing. Phoebe couldn’t tell me which horseman would be responsible for the fall. What she did assure me of was that a new regime would rise from the ashes.

Truths will build you a stronger foundation. Loyal soldiers. The horsemen won’t be over.

They will just be over as you and I know it. It’s time for you to meet my son, but only you. I bet you’re making a face.

Do you remember what I said to you the first time you told me I didn’t have a son?

I pauseand think back to that day. I knew then that he was the only horseman without an heir. He told me not to worry because he was training his son to take his place.