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“Let’s be realistic. They’re not getting younger. They’ve taken this enterprise as far as they can. While their drive is commendable, they can’t sustain it.” Harlan nodded as if we’d entered into some sort of conspiracy. “We both know that.”

No wonder Gram hated this guy. “You should tell them all that. I’d love to be in the room when you do.”

“Then there’s the harsh reality they can’t ignore.” He hesitated, as if the moment weren’t tense enough. “A business like theirs depends on referrals and recommendations. On the support of others.”

That smell? The stench of an incoming threat.

He must have enjoyed the sound of his own voice because he kept yapping. “I send a great deal of work their way. I’m happy to do it, of course. But I wonder if I’m doing them a disservice. Would it be better to refrain so they could see the rough road ahead and exit now with a great deal of money in their pockets rather than face an inevitable downturn?”

I’d been shifting my weight, crunching the grass under my sneaker. Now everything inside me froze. He’d hit on the one threat that would work. I’d do anything to prevent an attack on Celia and Gram, even one that supposedly was for their own good.

“Celia is your sister-in-law.”

“Yes, exactly, that’s why I originally stepped up. I’ve given time and resources. Used my contacts. It was the right thing to do when they were getting started, but is it now?” He took a long look around the yard. “This place can’t be cheap to run and would be impossible to hold on to without an ongoing income stream. I’d hate to see them lose it.”

No way did adorable, brainy, very skilled with his hands Jackson come from this empty shell of a guy.

“Gram and Celia have never been anything but welcoming to you.” It was a guess based on Celia’s personality. Gram would have booted him out of her life long ago if she’d had the choice.

“And I enjoy their company.”

Sure, he did.

“If you stepped aside. Went back home. I’d take over. The buyout would be quick and painless. I’d even give you the credit for the initial referral as a way of helping you maintain your job.” He oozed confidence. Stood there as if he didn’t doubt his ability to win this round. “I would do that for you. For them. If I was the only one here and in charge. You understand.”

I’d seen the threat coming but it still landed with a hard thud and vibrated through me. “You want me out of Winston-Salem? The place where I grew up.”

“That’s overly dramatic. I’m trying to ease the way for you to return home. To Washington, DC. That’s where you live now. Not here.” His smile had a sinister edge to it. “You have responsibilities there. Bills to pay. I’m willing to help you do that.”

“Was money trouble listed in your little investigative report?”

His smile fell. His mood flipped that fast. “Jackson showed you?”

Sure, let’s use that word.“I’ve read it, including the recommendations.”

Harlan let out a long, I’m-ticked-off exhale. “That’s routine in political matters. The financial backers need assurances about the nonpublic aspects of Jackson’s life.”

Blah, blah, blah. I didn’t need a law degree to understand this. He was vetting possible future Mrs. Jackson Quaid candidates as if Jackson was a client and not his son. Under all the fakeI’m doing this foryoucrap, Harlan wanted me to know I’d been considered and eliminated as a potential partner. He also planned to use my love for Gram and Celia to remove me from the area entirely.

Harlan held up a hand as if to swat away any arguments. “I love my son.”

Clearly. “What an interesting way to show it.”

“Do not doubt my feelings or how far I will go to secure Jackson’s future. We don’t always agree but he’s very intelligent. Driven. Practical. He understands his obligations and what a failure it would be to waste his potential. He’ll come around to the right answer.”

Was Harlan trying to convince me or him? I couldn’t tell.

“We want the same things, Kasey.”

“I really doubt that.”

“Success for you and success for Jackson. Not together. I’m sure you see that. But I do want to help you. I just need to make sure we have an understanding about your role.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out his car fob. As far as dismissals went, this one was pretty clear. “Can you imagine how awful it would be if Magnolia and Celia had to sell the business and the house at a very reduced price?”

“You’re an—”

“Harlan. I didn’t see you drive up.” Gram shouted her welcome as she walked across the pristine yard. “Usually people call before they visit. That’s the appropriate way to do these things.”

“You’re correct and I apologize for the intrusion. I needed to pick up an order and—”