37. Anderson
37
ANDERSON
W hen I walk into Andre’s office the next day, I wouldn't exactly call it fun. It would be more like playing with fire. It could be interesting, but it could also burn my face off. I’ll need luck, skill, and all the information we’ve obtained to pull this off.
Since this meeting wasn't scheduled, I walk in using June’s keycard. Andre is getting a blowjob from his assistant. I pull up an innocent enough smile. “Am I interrupting something?”
She stands, wiping her mouth, while he buttons back up. “I'll get security.”
“No need, Esmeralda. Close the door behind you when you leave.”
She nods and doesn't make eye contact as she passes by me. The door latches shut, and he smiles. It's as unsettling as June told me. He smiles the way predators smile. All teeth and intent. It's funny. The man who has been trying to ruin my family looks so normal . Average. Just another middle-aged white guy. Except for the smile.
So easy to underestimate.
“Anderson West. I assume you've come here for a reason. Would it have anything to do with that key card in your hand? Or the fact that it was used to get into my office the other night?”
“Yes.”
I may have surprised him. His brows lift just a little. “Color me intrigued. Take a seat.”
I sit on the edge of his desk instead of a chair. “You look very comfortable there, Andre. Pity you won't be in that seat for much longer.”
“And pray tell, what does that mean?”
“Only that you could probably use a vacation. Never hurts to get out of town.”
“And what would I find in a vacation?”
“You've been a busy, busy boy. I think you work too hard. A vacation would be good for the soul, presuming you have one.”
He sits back. But his body is just as stiff as if he had been sitting straight up. It's an oddity. Is he unwell? Andre says, “Are you implying I'm soulless? I'm flattered.”
“You know, I remember when you were still friends with my parents. Back before you had your falling out together. You weren't always like this.”
“People change. Given your circumstances, you should know that better than most. Tell me, Anderson. How is June?”
I'm tempted to yell at him to keep my woman's name out of his mouth. But I don’t give him the satisfaction. “Delightful as always.”
“So get on with whatever this is about.”
“No appreciation for flair? I suppose I shouldn't be too surprised by that. June said when you kidnapped her, all of the flair belonged to your goons.”
His smile shifts. He's almost eager to say what's on his mind. “You should know something, Anderson. I have technology in this room that interferes with microphones. So, if you aim to get a confession recorded, you will be sorely disappointed.”
“Neat trick. But I'm not looking for a confession. I know what you've done, and I don’t need you to confess to them. I'm looking to work out a deal.”
“I imagine you are. Breaking and entering is quite the crime.”
“So is kidnapping.”
“True.” He smiles, pointing at me for a moment. His voice and finger drop. “But considering June’s less-than-stellar reputation, I don’t think anyone will take her word over mine. The goons, as you called them, will be impossible to locate. When people are buried under another country's soil in unmarked graves, it isn’t easy to find them. So you see, my dear boy, you have no evidence against me.”
Considering he just roundaboutly confessed to killing the people who kidnapped June, I'm not exactly loving my chances. But this is our only chance, and I'm taking it. “He said/she said cases are notoriously difficult to prosecute. You have a good point.”
He gives a slight nod. “So then, what is this deal you're interested in?”
“Well, you see, kidnapping is not the only crime I'm aware of. That's on your rap sheet.”
“Do tell. I'm all ears.” His smirk makes me want to punch him in the teeth.
“Well, like I said, kidnapping is a good one.” I hold up the folder that I brought in with me. “So is illegal gambling.”
Andre laughs. “Who doesn't bet on the ponies?”
Time to use Dana’s material. Reading her killfile on Andre Moeller was like taking a nightmare trip through a sociopath’s wet dreams. I needed a shower afterward and still didn’t feel clean. I won’t until I leave his office and this is finished.
“Ponies? Is that what you call the people pumped so full of fentanyl they can't feel when you and your friends whip them into running through your hedge maze for your amusement?”
The fucker doesn't even flinch. “That's an interesting allegation. You have a colorful imagination. I should hire you for my entertainment division.”
“Thanks, but I'm very happy at West Media.” I pull out three affidavits and set them on his desk in front of him. “It has come to my attention that you intend to use this as some leverage to buy out my father’s holdings and positions. Is that true?”
“Elliott West has been involved in several high-profile problems in Boston. The only thing that keeps him safe is his name and his money. It's not my fault if he's decided to fuck things up for himself.”
“While that is true, the problem here is that none of these affidavits are real. The signatures on these affidavits have been falsified. Each person whose name was falsified here is interested in ensuring that these are not used against Elliott West.” When his smile starts to crack, mine widens. “See, Andre, the smart thing would have been to use dead people. You know, the person who can't take back an affidavit or say their signature was falsified.”
“What is this?” At least he sounds annoyed.
“See, the thing about taking over other companies or buying them out or any of those things you're interested in is that it can't be predicated on fraud. If it is. Then not only are you liable for those purchases and having fucked up with the boards, but also The Federal Trade Commission will get involved. The IRS would get involved. All kinds of people would be interested in finding out what you've been up to. I could be wrong, but I don't think you'd like that.”
Andre's jaw sets. I believe I've made him angry. It almost makes me laugh. In the time that he's silent, I'm nearly convinced that he's doing the math on whether or not he would get away with murdering me now. He snaps, “And this deal you were looking for, what is it?”
“You will not press charges against June or me for the break-in. That is water under the bridge. Furthermore, you will not touch any company my father has his fingers on—not ever.”
“And if I were to give you what you wanted … ?”
“The evidence that I have against you will be locked away. You'll get your key card back. Of course, I'll keep a copy because you never know when that might come in handy, but you can have the original.”
He growls, “I want the evidence.”
“Not happening.”
“I will not take a deal where I am not in control of the evidence.”
I shrug. “Then I guess this discussion is over.”
“I will prosecute.”
Smiling, I looked down my nose at him. “Press charges and your whole world will end. Fraud, kidnapping, extortion. And that’s the minor stuff. In this folder is some unsavory nastiness I didn't have the imagination to conjure. I never would have thought of using spiked clothes pins on those parts of the human body.”
That makes him flinch. Finally. “You can't prove anything.”
“You're right. I can't. But pictures are worth a thousand words—and maybe a thousand years in prison, given all the charges you could face. You're a smart man, Andre. I'm shocked you were dumb enough to take trophies. Even if you were to press charges against us, I’m pretty sure June and I will be out of the big house long before you.”
The glistening sweat on his brow makes all of this stress worth it. “How do I know you won't use the evidence against me?”
“Well, like any other deal, this one requires a little bit of faith on both our parts. I don't exactly savor the thought of spending any time in prison. And if June were ever to find her way behind bars, I might lose my mind. So you have that over us. We have this folder over you. If I or June is ever brought up on charges, this kill file will be automatically released to the press and law enforcement. Considering what you've been doing overseas, Interpol would also be extremely interested in what I know. So, I would say that you have a vested interest in ensuring I am never brought up on charges. And neither is June.”
“All this to save your father's failing empire? What a loyal boy you are.”
I laugh. “Coming after my father is the same as coming after my inheritance. Loyalty has nothing to do with it.”
“You're more ruthless than I thought. You've done something today that few men ever have.”
“What's that? Impressed you?”
“Pissed me off.” He sips his water. “But I do appreciate ruthlessness. Even when it's aimed at me. You have a bargain.”
“I thought I might.” I pull out another document from the folder. “This agreement stipulates that neither one of us will go forward with the information that we have. Obviously, it's not legally binding. But given our circumstances aren't exactly legal, there are detailed notes about how the other will be destroyed if one of us fails to live up to the deal. Sign it.”
Like anyone with a mind for the law, he takes time to read the document. But then he signs it, passing the signature page to me along with his pen. I sign as well. Andre shakes his head, smiling. “What I wouldn't give to be twenty years younger right about now.”
June mentioned that he goes off on side tangents in the weirdest ways, but I still didn’t see that one coming. “Oh? Why is that?”
“I would have loved to have gone head to head against you instead of your father. You, I find interesting.”
“Do yourself a favor and don't find me at all. That would be a costly mistake.”
He smiles at my threat. “Be seeing you, Anderson West.”
I take the contract and leave, knowing Andre Moeller won’t be a problem again. At least for now.