Page 42 of Takeover
"Yes, of course, the algorithm.I just didn't know a predictive software algorithm had such nice assets.And that little clause about your thirtieth birthday has nothing to do with it."
"Shut your mouth," I growled.
He inclined his head toward the door."Look alive."
"Showtime," I muttered under my breath.
Richard Lions had been my father's VP of Operations.He'd known what my father was up to all that time, and he'd chosen to cover his own ass.
Micah stood, but I didn't bother.As he approached, Lions seemed unfazed."Micah, Atticus, thanks for seeing me."
I ignored his outstretched hand and leaned back in the leather high-back chair.With my fingers steepled in front of my chest, I asked, "What is it you want, Lions?I've got plans.If you hurry up, I can still make it to lunch to see my fiancée."
“Congratulations on the nuptials, by the way.”Lions shook Micah's hand, took a seat across from us, and cleared his throat."You've got every right to be pissed off.I chose wrong.Not much I can do about it now."
I eyed him and narrowed my gaze."You chose wrong?Is that how you're going to play it?"
Five years ago I discovered my father had been slowly siphoning my company out from under me.My grandfather had left Pendragon Tech to me,notmy father, and I'd had to wrestle control from him and take the appropriate steps to protect my mother after he'd spent years gaslighting her.And Lions wanted to tell me he had ‘chosen wrong’?
Micah tried to diffuse the building tension."I think what Atticus means is that you need to tell us why you're here."
I scowled at my brother.He had more diplomacy than I did, but in this case, it wasn't deserved.
Lions nodded."Yes, of course.I just want you to know, Atticus, back then you were known more for your playboy ways than your business acumen.I had to make a call about what I felt was best for Pendragon Tech at the time."
I leaned forward then, fixing my gaze on him, staring him down.Everyone thought I was cold and calculating because they never saw the heated rage that lived right under the surface of my skin."And you chose that psychotic geezer.But it's just business, right?Still, it makes me wonder why the fuck we're even meeting with you."
It would be so easy to eviscerate him, to tear him to shreds, and energy pulsed through my body because I wanted to do it.I wanted to lay bare every sin that I knew he'd committed, the ones he didn't have a clue I knew about, and the ones the public certainly didn't know about.I wanted to do it right there in the middle of the restaurant.To lay them at his feet as I pummeled him.
Micah, already reading my mood, leaned forward as well and plopped a hand on my chest."Speak, Lions.You don't have long."
Lions sputtered."Your father and I don't speak anymore.Not since I realized what he'd done to your mother.Those of us who supported him didn't know.At least I didn't."
"I don't give a fuck," I growled.
Lions used a napkin to dab sweat from his brow."He's coming for you.He's got a plan.He's been working with Jacobson for nearly a year.They have a partnership."
I chuckled then."That's not news.We knew that already."
"Okay, then do you know he sent spies into Pendragon?I don't know who they are, but you've got a leak, and you need to plug it.He knows all about the Becks deal, and Jacobson is doing everything he can to get in on it, so you'll be stuck with him anyway."
Micah shook his head."He can't come back.The board themselves ousted him."
Lions shrugged."All I know is that he's making his moves.He's already got several board members on his side.Not me, though.My vote is still in play, and I won't vote for him.Not this time.But he has gotten some support, so you need to watch yourselves."
Micah sighed and adjusted his tie."You've wasted our time, Lions."
The older man sat forward, pinning me with a direct stare."I fucked up, okay?I backed the wrong horse, and that's on me.But it's in good faith that I come to you now.Your mother and my wife were very good friends.And after my wife died, your mother was there for me.She was kind.I didn't know what your father was doing to her.Maybe I've come to you out of loyalty or revenge, I don't know.But you have my vote.I suggest you gather others.It's going to be a fight."
"Is that all?"I asked through clenched teeth.
“All I know for certain is that he knows about the Becks deal, and that's not public knowledge yet.He’s got something planned about your mother.You need something to fight back with.Something good.If she’s not hidden and safe, make sure."
He pushed away from the table and stood, striding out without a backward glance.
Micah turned to me."Well, what do you think?"
"I think Lions is a disloyal fool.And I think he deserves whatever happens to him."
