Page 114 of See You Maybe
“The only evidence we have is two taped confessions—Dr. Keller’s and Trey’s—but neither one is admissible,” James argued. “You can only twist a judge so far Dec. Even one of your judges is going to have to point at some case law to support his decision. Courtney will appeal, and this will never be over.”
“But there are two confessions.” Dahlia’s brow furrowed. “That has to count for something.”
Luke shook his head, his expression grim. “Not really. There were no third-party witnesses to verify the statements.”
Siobhan slammed her glass on the counter. “This is unacceptable.” She pointed a finger at Declan. “Something has to be done.”
Declan inhaled slowly through his nose. What did she think he’d been doing?
“Without the thallium to prove he was murdered, Courtney is going to get away with it.” Cara stared morosely out her kitchen window.
“She is not going to get away with anything,” Declan promised. “Neither of them will. I would have already dealt with both of them, except I want the Bloom fortune and shares back.”
James’s jaw was tight when he asked, “What’s the next move?”
“The annual shareholder meeting. I’m going to call for a vote of no confidence to have Chris removed as CEO. The young woman—the surviving witness of the car accident—has agreed to go to New York and tell her story. Between that and the two taped confessions, the board shouldn’t hesitate to remove him.”
“Excellent,” Siobhan beamed.
“That doesn’t mean they’ll choose you,” Luke pointed out.
“I’m going to offer them a streaming device that has the potential to explode their bottom line at no cost.” Declan braced himself for the comments he knew were to come. “One of the largest shareholders has promised me support.”
Cara’s lip curled. “You mean you’re selling yourself to Fiona Carrol’s father.”
“The topic is not open for discussion.”
“But—”
“No.” The word snapped like a whip into the already tense air. Declan looked at his brothers. “I appreciate everyone wants to help, but it’s time for you all to step back. I’ll handle it from here.”
James immediately began shaking his head. “I told you before, I wanted us to do things legally?—”
“I tried it your way. It didn’t work,” Declan said icily.
James’s jaw worked. “I also told you that when the time came, and if the justice system didn’t work, I’d be there with you.” His eyes locked onto Declan’s. “He was my father too.”
“Ah, that’s lovely,” Siobhan said.
“Siobhan. You realize what they aren’t saying, right?” Anne frowned.
Siobhan kissed Anne on the cheek. “I understand exactly what they are talking about.”
Anne pressed her lips together unhappily but didn’t say anything else.
“I know you think because you’re the oldest, you are responsible for all of us,” Cara said softly. “You never let us get too close because you’ve convinced yourself that you’re protecting us. I appreciate it… everything you do for us. But, Declan, you are not alone, and I don’t want you to do something you might not be able to live with.”
Cara’s meaning was clear on her face, and emotion swelled in him. He hoped she never discovered the things he had done. What he was more than happy to do again, to protect the people he loved.
Striding to where she stood in front of the sink, Declan pulled her into a tight hug. “Thank you, Car-bear. I’ll be fine. Promise.” He pressed a firm kiss to her head, and when he pulled away, he avoided his brothers’ eyes, afraid of what they would see in his. He wasn’t about to tell them that this wasn't even going to be the first time he’d killed someone to protect his family.
“Not to change the subject, but we ran into your friend this morning at breakfast.” Dahlia drew the word out meaningfully.
Fuck me. Declan mentally thanked Olivia for giving him the heads up.
“Olivia was buying muffins for the office, which we…” She exchanged looks with Cami and Cara. “Thought was really sweet. We like her.”
Declan’s jaw clenched.