LEONARD LOOKED AT HIS WIFE ACROSS THE TABLE AND FELT A familiar loathing, but this time it was tinged with fear. “How did you get that?”
“What, you think you’re the only one who’s sneaky? I went to talk to Sissy right after you started seeing her. Made a little side deal of my own. When I showed her the pictures you’d taken of her and told her what you’d done to your other girlfriends, she was more than happy to help. She’ll be taken care of financially for a long, long, time.”
“What do you want? Money?”
“I want you to settle the Supreme Court case. Pay all those good people the money they deserve and eliminate your death policy.”
He laughed. “Oh, is that all? You just want me to lose the company hundreds of millions of dollars, have the board of directors fire me, and then sue me? I don’t think so.”
“Fine. If you’d rather go to jail, that works too. I’ll take this little tape to Justice Landon so he knows how you tried to make him look like a pedophile. Although I have to assume you’d lose your job if you’re arrested anyway . . .”
He took a deep breath, scrambling to come up with a solution. “Patrice, we have children. What would it do to them if their father was sent to jail?”
She laughed. “It might teach them not to be sociopathic criminals.” She shifted in her seat. “I’d prefer not to put them through that, but I will if I have to. Convince the board that it’s in their best interest to settle the case and turn it into a public relations win. Say you didn’t realize the devastating effect the new policy exclusions would have on your customers and that you’re ready to make amends. They may even believe you have a soul.”
He thought some more. “I have to assume that Sissy didn’t go through with the plan, since she’s in cahoots with you. So all you have is that video, which I can say wasn’t real. It was a sexual fantasy, a joke. I can find a way around it.”
She leaned forward. “Unlikely, especially since Sissy is willing to testify if necessary. As will her sister. Her very young, thirteen-year-old sister.” Then she pulled out a folder and pushed it across to him. “But I think you might have a harder time talking your way out of all these other instances of extortion and money laundering. Settle the case. And sign the divorce papers.” She stood. “Thank you in advance for your very generous settlement and full custody agreement.”
“How did you get those?”
“You’re not the only one who can buy cameras. I had one installed in your closet and got a good look at the combo on that fancy safe. You always think you’re the smartest one in the room.” She laughed. “Obviously, that’s only if it’s a very small room.”
He sat there, stunned, as she walked away. He’d had no idea she had it in her. He’d find a way to settle the case and spin it to the board. It would cost them, but he’d find a way to make it up. He couldn’t let her ruin him, not when he was on the verge of seizing even more power.
In the meantime, he had some thinking to do about Patrice. No way in hell was he handing over all his money and the kids to her. First, he had to find out if anyone else knew what she’d done, see if she’d set up any contingency plans. As much as it would pain him to see the girls grieving, it might be time for him to become a widower.