The Book of Rook

Chapter 28

ROOK

They say revenge is a dish best served cold. What's even better is when they have no idea who is serving it.

So I did a thing. When my Sunrise gave me the name of her abusive ex-husband, I made it my mission to avenge her. I called the private investigator my sister used when she needed dirt on her husband's ex-wife. Mr. Tibbs comes highly recommended. He had a full dossier on Bradley Donovan within 24 hours.

It seems limp dick Brad was drowning in financial debt so I helped it along and ruined him. Let's say he was the Titanic and I was the fucking iceberg he hit. He took out a loan to save his failing drywall business and put his house up as collateral. The house where he tormented my Sunrise. It was too easy to pay not only the back taxes but to buy his company out from under him. After I made sure his employees were given a nice severance package and recommendations for their new employers, I shut down his company. Then, with the help of Adrian Jefferies associates, I was able to serve dear old Brad an eviction notice since I was selling his house within thirty days. Jobless and homeless was just the beginning. I'm going to make it my life's mission to follow him and make sure he can only find a job flipping burgers at some run-down diner off the local highway. If he's lucky.

The most interesting tidbit in Brad's life is how he's estranged from his family. His mother re married to none other than Samuel Hudson. Yes, the father of Wayne Hudson which makes Brad and Wayne stepbrothers. Two pricks in my life that are sort of related to each other. Wayne has never mentioned his stepbrother so it's safe to say that they do not speak to each other.

I'm sitting in my office, looking over more of the paperwork to start up my project. I'll be meeting with Sheldon later today on site.

Cheryl pops her head in. "Your father wants to see you."

I just nod and put the paperwork aside. I grab my jacket and put it on as I walk down the hallway to my father's office. Stephanie is typing away. Without looking up, she informs me to just walk in. Usually, she smiles at me, but she won't even look me in the eye. Something is wrong.

I do a quick knock and walk in, like I always do. My father waves me in as I take a seat in front of his desk.

"I wanted to give you the news before it was announced," he starts. I just nod my head. "You didn't get the VP position."

My stomach just dropped. Fuck! I really wanted this position. If Wayne Hudson got it, I'll quit right now. "Who got it?"

"Christian Franklin."

Well, thank fuck it wasn't Hudson. Now I don't feel so bad. "Who?"

My dad shakes his head. "Come on Rook, you worked with him on the Central Park renovation project."

I had to think back. Vaguely remember him. Wait a minute. I remember him saying he was the grandson of one of the board members. Now I see how it is.

I stand up. "Right. Isn't his grandfather on the board?"

My dad just nods his head. "If it's any consolation, you were runner up."

"You mean first loser. No, that's not a consolation but I'll accept their decision." I adjust my jacket and head towards the door.

"For what it's worth, I'm proud of the changes you've made. Accepting more responsibilities and even getting married." I feel him walk over to me. "Frances and I would love to have you both over for dinner one night."

"Well you ruined the invite when you mentioned Frances."

My dad rolls his eyes. "It's been years. Would you try to give her a chance?"