Page 269 of Double or Nothing

“Bryce has been working around Landia for years,” Bill says. “I suggest we follow his timetable for the first approach, Chris.”

Relief should flood through me at Bill taking my side. Instead, I feel insulted that my work requires his protection. It should speak for itself.

Christopher smiles at him.

“Naturally. Of course. I’m merely testing the plan, Bill.”

That’s what he calls it every time he challenges something he doesn’t understand.

Testing the plan.

An elegant description for trying to piss on my work at every opportunity.

Bill turns towards me.

“Have Northmere given any indication of what they intend to do about all this?”

“They want more detail about how the combined portfolio will affect their market influence. I’m meeting their advisers next Tuesday.”

“I’ll join you,” Christopher says, and my stomach tightens. Another twist of rage.

“That won’t be necessary,” I say. “I can handle it.”

He pulls out the chair opposite mine and sits down. Sidles up closer to Bill.

“If we’re going to take control of Landia, its investors need to understand that the Parker and Otley interests are fully aligned. It will make a huge impression.”

Oh fuck off, Christopher.

I’m sick of the fully aligned bullshit.

“I haven’t recommended calling it a takeover. Certainly not yet,” I say.

“But that is the end goal.”

“Maybe. Whatever works best for all of us in the long term. The presentation of the situation will determine whether the investors resist us, or get onboard.”

Christopher waves his hand.

“Semantics.”

“Strategy. We aren’t Gods. We all need a watertight action plan that makes things viable.”

His smile disappears.

Bill closes the folder in front of him.

“Bryce will lead the Northmere meeting. Christopher, you can attend and observe.”

Observe.

The word lands almost as badly with Christopher as it would with me. His expression holds, but one finger begins tapping against the table.

I almost smile.

That finger tapping is a tell.

Jack would spot it immediately.