Chapter 1

CHAPTER ONE

GABE

My jaw locks firm as I listen to the idiots on the fourth conference call of the afternoon. I spin in my desk chair, taking in the calmness of the city spread out before me, hundreds of feet below, while the future investors continue to come up with reason after reason to negotiate a cheaper deal.

The city, at least from the floor-to-ceiling windows of our skyrise, is in such stark contrast to the investors who are all in such a spin at the moment. “Gentlemen, ladies, there’s much we need to learn yet. Let’s table the discussion and plan to meet in a week.” I’m heading to North Carolina to relax and unplug. I’ll make my decision upon return.

The wide eyes, open mouths, gasps of surprise and arguments that erupt are expected and of no concern to me. “In a week,” I repeat, disconnecting from the video call abruptly before something is said that can’t be taken back. Not that I care right now, but for the sake of the family, I keep it to myself, at least for now.

Janet looks up from her keyboard as I peek into the office next to mine. “Have the Gulfstream ready with wheels up in an hour. I need to get the hell out of the city for a while. Tell the pilot to get flight plans approved for a landing on the private strip on the north side of Doon’s Creek and have the helicopter meet us there to take me to the cabin.

“Clothes, computer, cell?”

“I’ll change on the plane. I’ve got plenty of extras at the cabin from the last fishing trip. I tap my bag and show her my cell. Check, check, and check.”

“I took notes from the call. Those investors will settle down after a while and a week out of the office and in the fresh air of North Carolina will do you some good. You should have entered that annual fishing tournament. Isn’t that this weekend?”

I grin. Not much gets by Janet. “I would have but thought we’d be full steam with plans for the steel mill, not arguing about how much it costs.”

I walk down the hall to the very end, the most prestigious of all offices, past my brother’s surprised assistant and open the closed door without so much as a knock. The CEO’s eyes are gazing at a long document that sits atop his keyboard. He glances up, initially irritated, but then rubs the bridge of his nose and gestures to the seat across from him. “How did the meeting go?”

My voice raises. “How do you think it went? They want to invest but don’t want to open up their pocketbooks far enough. Well, I’m not putting up a five-and-dime steel mill.”

“Calm down, Gabe. It’s not as simple as that. There’s a lot to consider.”

My eyes narrow. “Maybe so, but the outcome is the same if we let them shortchange this project. I’m not going to sit idly by and watch the whole deal fall apart over a few measly dollars or put up something that we have to keep plugging with money because it didn’t get done right the first time.”

My oldest brother glances down at an incoming message on his phone and rubs the bridge of his nose before turning a serious look at me. “Looks like the jet just got a set of approved flight plans. Go check it out for yourself, then give the investors your honest opinion of what it will cost and why. Honest, Gabe, you might be too close to this project to be objective. Not what your heart wants to do but what the investors should do, okay?”

I stand and get to the door before looking back. “Doesn’t that town mean anything to you?”

My brother shrugs. “It means something to you, that’s all that matters.”

I close the door with a slam and make my way down the private elevator and out to the street just as my driver pulls up in the sleek black company limo. I slide into the back seat and close the door, adjusting my shirt sleeves underneath my jacket, ignoring the security team who have gotten into the black SUV behind us.

Taylor’s eyes meet mine in the rearview as he pulls away from the curb. “Traffic isn’t bad. We’ll be there in less than twenty.”

“Thanks, Taylor.” It gives me just enough time to make a few last-minute arrangements and tie up some loose ends from the cell before he drives us around the perimeter of the airport and out to the private tarmac where the family Gulfstream sits proudly in all her glory.

I toss my belongings in the bedroom of the Gulf, change into jeans and a t-shirt, and slip into a pair of loafers before returning to the main cabin. I’ve barely sunken into the soft Italian leather before the strong engines of the jet begin to roar. The minute we’re airborne I reposition in the soft recliner and allow sleep to drag me under as the jet soars toward green treetops, crystal clear lakes, majestic mountains, and blue skies.

One of the security team members wakes me sometime later with a firm shake to the shoulder. “We’re about to land outside of Doon’s Creek. The helicopter just landed and is ready to take you to the cabin. Unless you want to take the SUVs. Your call, boss. Janet said to have both at your disposal.”

I slip back into my shoes and toss my jacket back on before we begin the final descent. The security team doesn’t fool me one bit. I know exactly why the SUVs have been sent. I’ll deal with that when I get home. “I’m waiting for a call. I’ll let you know.” My interest is pulled to the Appalachian Mountains that loom like tall, proud shadows as dusk settles in around the small mountain town.

My phone beeps and I glance down at the message before calling my friend. He answers on the first ring. “Hey there, Gabe. Sorry I missed your call.”

“I just landed at the private strip here in Doon’s Creek.”

“No shit. Meet us at Doon’s for a beer. We’ll fill you in on the good spots to fish.”

“I’ll be there shortly.” I disconnect and turn to Chet who no matter how much I dislike it is never far away. “Let’s take the SUVs. We’re heading to Doon’s Bar first.”

“Right, boss.”

I walk to the back of the jet and through the bedroom to get freshened up after the flight, grab my bag and meet the team up front. The minute the aircraft doors open, I thank the crew and walk down the ramp toward the vehicle and breathe in the clear fresh North Carolina air, and instantly feel calmer about the day.

Security touches my shoulder before I reach the back passenger door of the SUV. “You know we’re supposed to clear the vehicle again before you get in.”

My jaw tightens. “He’s overprotective, and there’s no need.”

Chet sighs. “It’s my job. “

“Fine, do the checks. Why he insists on all the security and all the precautions is beyond me.”

His eyes narrow. “You know why.”