Page 97 of Big Britches
Mason didn’t answer. His expression wasn’t encouraging, though.
“Businesses poach customers every day, Silas. It’s why I’m selling my printing company to a larger competitor. Better that than they come to town and put me out of business. Truth is–I don’t like you. Never have. Taking you down a notch will be a pleasure. After all, I have the resources and a decent reputation. What have you got?”
“I ain’t got a man’s cock in my mouth. That’s what I ain’t got.”
“Maybe you should try it. Might ease some of that tension. Racism is hard work, you know?”
“Reputation?!” Silas scoffed. “We’ll see how long that lasts, once word gets out.”
“It’s already out and you know it. This is Spoon, remember? Gossip central. However, once word gets out that you tried to force an employee to blow you for his job…”
Titus trailed off, letting the weight of his words hover in the air.
Silas's face flushed with a mixture of discomfort and anger. Titus took a step closer to the desk, his gaze unwavering. “I’m not going to say a word about it, though. No, sir. I’d rather you disappear quietly in the night like the rodent you are. I was gonna list all the accounts you’ve lost, both residential and commercial, but I’m pretty sure you can figure it out.”
Silas slumped back into his chair, defeated.
“Don’t fret,” Mason said. “You’ll get them back soon enough. The commercial ones, at least. I’ll see to it.”
“Your Mama’s right.” Titus grinned. “You do talk too much. I know you got eyes set on becoming mayor of Spoon. But it ain’t happening.”
“What makes you so sure? People are tired of your Daddy, T. Bringing all that new business in. Forcing people to–”
“Adapt?” Titus interrupted. “Grow? To not sit stagnant and waste away?”
“People don’t want change. You know that. They want things they’re familiar with.”
“This is about Violet, isn’t it? You’re doing this to get back at me. Well, it’s not gonna work. Violet didn’t love you, Mason. She never did.”
“She didn’t love you either. You knocked her up. Everyone knows. She married her queer friend to save face. To save both your faces.”
“Maybe. I wish it was that black and white, but it’s not. Love is complicated.”
“Love?” Mason said, incredulously. “I loved her. You don’t know anything about love.”
“Wrong again. I know more about love now than I’ve ever known. Violet opened the door for me.”
“Yeah? Well, it put her in her grave.”
“You haven’t changed at all. Still delusional.”
Mason grinned at the accusation. “From what I hear, it’s going to put your daddy there, too. In his grave, that is.”
Titus wanted so badly to nip at the bait. He could feel the heat rising again, his muscles tensing. But thoughts of Pedro intervened, and he suppressed the urge. “So you do know,” he said.
“I know he’s sick enough not to be running again next time. That leaves it wide open for me.”
“And you’re building that big house in city limits, just in time to establish residency.”
“I see you’ve been paying attention.”
“I have. But who’s paying for that house, Mason?”
“None of your goddamn business.”
“That question was rhetorical. But how about this? Why does your Daddy want you to be mayor so bad? Has that thought ever crossed your mind?”
Mason's eyes flickered with uncertainty.