Only Marcus could pull off such stunts.
But with the cheerful vibe around, it didnt feel right to bring the past up again. So, Waylen politely started a nice conversation with Shawn, who was as smooth as butter.
After a bit, Waylen headed to the kitchen.
Marcus, busy cooking, mistook his dads footsteps for Melissas and scolded, What are you doing here? Didnt | say rest up and chat with Mom? Its rare you all see each other these days.
Waylen loomed behind Marcus.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtHand on his hip, he pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and snickered.
You cant even recognize your own dads footsteps? Your wife got the same stomp? Youre losing it, boy.
Marcus killed the stoves flame.
He faced his father, reading his stoic expression. Marcus wasnt one to be trifled with. Turning back to the stove, he muttered, Roger
ratted me out, didnt he? Marcus wasnt trying to deny it, so Waylen let out a relieved string of curses.
Marcus, what the heck have you done? First off, Shawns tight with Melissa. Even if hes got quirks, you have to respect that. You can throw cash to hush Shawn, but now his missus knows. How you going to smooth that over? Melissa hasnt got much kin left. The one blood relative she hads long been cremated.
Ina calm, gentle tone, Marcus replied, | just brought Shawns family issues to light early. There is no harm in that.
Waylen erupted, Youre slick with those weak justifications. | reckon Melissas just being fooled by you.
With a smile, Marcus countered. Melissa isnt naive. She figured | did right after weighing it all.
Waylen struggled to roast Marcus.
Taking a long drag from his cigarette, Waylen continued, What about Roger? Hes a big-shot VP, and you got him doing some absurd task like that for you. Now that its out, you want to shuffle him off to the boonies. Listen up, Rogers got a family. You cant just toss him aside like that.
Marcus kept cooking, unfazed.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmAfter a brief silence, Marcus spoke softly. Dad, youve been retired for a while now. Rogers not the same guy who worked for you. When 1 took over as president, he probably saw me as an easy mark, so he crossed some serious lines. He even raked in nearly two billion for himself abusing his position. | let him off the hook for Grandpas and your sake. | hinted and nudged Roger, but instead of pulling back, he thought he could outsmart me. Now Ive had it with him. If he wont leave willingly, hes got another option: jail.
Waylen was floored.
Marcus turned around slowly, a smile playing on his lips. | reckon
smart folks know whats best.
Regaining his composure, Waylen asked, Did you set him up on purpose?
Marcus didnt deny it.
Waylen didnt press further. He quietly smoked, gave Marcus a pat on the shoulder, and said, Son, youve grown.
But he added, You can play hardball with others all you want but, with your partner Melissa, you should tread carefully.