Family Betrayal by Kitty Neale Read Free Book Online Page B

him. Lock up, Bob, and then join us in the office.’
    Maurice frowned. With their father in this mood he couldn't see it being a very productive meeting. Curious to know what Danny had come up with, he silently followed his father through to the office, Bob and Chris behind him.
    Danny hastily took his feet off the table and stood up. ‘The meeting still on then, Dad?’
    ‘Yeah, it's on, but you're skating on thin ice.’
    Maurice frowned again. It was obvious that Danny had already discussed his plans with their father, but, judging by his tone, the old man didn't approve of them.
    They all grabbed chairs and, once seated, Dan said, ‘Maurice, did you bring the books?’
    ‘Yes, Dad.’
    ‘How are we doing?’
    Maurice opened to the current page, pushing the book across to his father. ‘As you can see we've made the same amount this quarter as we did the last. Profits are still good, but I think we've reached saturation point and they're unlikely to increase.’
    ‘Oh yeah,’ Dan snapped, ‘very convenient. Have you spoken to Danny ahead of this meeting?’
    ‘No. What makes you ask that?’
    ‘It's a bit funny that just when we need to increase profits, your brother has come up with an idea.’
    ‘Well, he didn't discuss it with me,’ Maurice said, ‘but he's certainly timed it right. What have you got in mind, Danny?’
    Danny rose to his feet. ‘If we want to make money, big money, we need to diversify. I've discussed this with Dad, but there's one aspect of it that he doesn't like and I expected to drop. However, I had a word with Bob and he's as keen on the idea as me.’
    ‘He's what?’ Dan exploded. ‘Is this true, Bob?’
    ‘Nah, no way,’ Bob protested. ‘Danny told me what he's got in mind, but I think he's off his head. I'm with you, Dad. I've got kids and the thought of it turns my stomach. What he's got in mind is disgusting, sick, and I can't believe he even suggested it.’
    ‘Why, you …’ Danny growled, advancing towards Bob, ‘… you two-faced bastard. I'll fucking kill you!’
    ‘That's enough!’
    Their father's order was enough to halt Danny in his tracks, but his fists were clenched as he yelled, ‘He said he was for it!’
    Bob was pale, his voice wheedling, ‘No, Danny. I'm sorry, but when you told me what you've got in mind I was a bit stunned. I can't remember what I said, but maybe you got hold of the wrong end of the stick.’
    ‘Leave it out. I didn't come over on a fuckingbanana boat so don't take me for a mug. I don't know what your game is, but you agreed all right.’
    ‘Look, what's this all about?’ Maurice asked, his eyes flicking between his brothers.
    It was Danny who answered. ‘When I discussed my idea with Bob, he said we should have a vote on it.’
    ‘That's right, I did,’ said Bob, ‘but it doesn't mean I like the idea. I just said it's only fair that everyone gets a chance to hear it.’
    ‘Shut up, the pair of you,’ Dan yelled. ‘Bob, I'm glad to hear that, unlike Danny, you seem to have decent morals, but there'll be no vote on the shit that your brother has come up with.’
    When Maurice saw Bob's smug smile, he was sure that his brother had somehow manoeuvred this to discredit Danny, enabling him to get into their father's good books. He also saw Danny step forward, about to round on Bob again, his face livid. To defuse the situation Maurice quickly asked, ‘Just what is this idea?’
    It was their father who answered. ‘Danny wants us to go into hard porn, but I'll leave him to tell you about the bit that I can't stomach and will never allow.’
    ‘All right, Danny, let's hear it,’ Maurice said.

Chapter Five
     
    In number five, George Draper was growing impatient. He'd overslept, not getting up until after ten that morning, and if Linda didn't pull herself together soon he'd have to leave without any grub. Bloody hell, this pregnancy was a nightmare. Linda threw up continuously and looked awful, her face the colour of dough.