Chapter 25 #3
As anticipated, my father tried to blow it off. “I’m afraid I can’t do that, Chelsea, as there are codicils within the fund disallowing the release until those are met.”
That’s where my attorney began earning what I hoped would be a decent payout.
“I’ve had an opportunity to check the paperwork surrounding the trust fund as well as the various activities utilizing those funds.
And I found some discrepancies that would be considered illegal in a court of law.
One aspect being, the clause regarding the marriage that was only recently added, and without my client’s knowledge until only a few months ago.
As far as use of the funds. Well, I’m afraid you don’t want to challenge the release in court. ”
He provided proof that my father had been using the funds for illegal activities, something I hadn’t known and wouldn’t have looked for. The first sign my father was fuming was the tightness of his smile, now thin in comparison.
Plus, he was tense. A good sign.
With a deep exhale, my father finally looked me in the eyes. He was still smug but cautious. “Alright, Chelsea. What are your other demands?”
“The property in North Bend. I’m going to buy it. All of it.”
Now I’d shocked him.
“I’m sorry. What did you say?”
“You plan on putting a huge data center there with no regard for the environment including the mountain range the town is nestled against or the animals that make the forests their home. Let alone you’re trying to strongarm some amazing, hardworking people who are just trying to get by in life. Do you know who I’m talking about?”
He was getting tenser.
“You know exactly what I’m talking about, Father. Shifters. You and your buddies in congress are still trying to make them into second class citizens by terrorizing them into believing you’re going to take their land from them instead of paying them the pittance you offered.”
Now he was getting angry.
“You have no clue what you’re talking about.”
“Why? Because I’m a woman? Because you think I wouldn’t pay attention to your ruthless tactics and even taken notes, which I have?
Or because you truly think you’re better?
Or how about because if push came to shove, you’d use my relationship with Cole Kendrick against his family, including the pack leader?
Which yes, you know all about since you have employees who love hockey? ”
Now he chose to laugh, which was par for the course. “I’m afraid the transactions are already in place and I’d be careful if I were you. I do have powerful and highly influential friends. One phone call and I could ruin Cole’s career. His brothers as well. Now I’d hate to do that, but I will.”
“You mean just like you’re trying to do with your own son?”
That at least caught him off guard. “Jagger is committed to working here.”
“Not any longer. He’s an incredible hockey player and I assure you he has no intention of allowing you to derail his career. And trust me, Father, I will do whatever it takes to ensure you don’t hurt either one of them or anyone in North Bend.”
Mr. Stockton sat up in his seat, obviously concerned I was going to fly off the rails. Not a chance. I was truly enjoying myself.
“You obviously underestimated my influence, Chelsea.” My father was still smug.
“Not at all. You will do whatever it takes to cover up years of extortion and exploitation, even blackmail. It seems you underestimated me. If you dare try and hurt the people I care about, I’ll be forced to release some very interesting information to the FBI.
I doubt your friends will dare come near you if they learn what I know.
” Some of which my attorney had found with a little digging.
My father truly believed he was above the law, including ignoring certain government and environmental regulations.
Plus, there were certain accusations of extortion that could be used if necessary.
My father stared at me, his jaw clenched. Now he was starting to get the picture. “What do you really want, Chelsea?”
“I thought I was clear. I’m going to spend my money to make you whole, but after that, whatever I want.
Oh, and the last thing is that you will never bother the families from North Bend ever again.
I’ll make certain you don’t. And that includes the Kendrick brothers.
Now, my attorney will explain how things are going to work and exactly what will happen if you don’t comply within the seventy-two hours. ”
I stood, smoothing down my skirt.
“Why?” he asked.
“Isn’t it obvious? I care about Cole and his family. They showed me what celebrations and movie nights, dinners and laughter were supposed to be. Now they may never be able to trust me again, but that doesn’t mean I won’t hold the time I spent in the deepest part of my heart forever.”
“You will regret this, Chelsea. Maybe not now, but shifters are nothing but monsters.”
I smashed my hands onto his desk, glaring at him while keeping the cold smile. “I know a monster when I see one, Dad. I grew up with one. Enjoy the rest of your day. I know I will.”