Precipice by J. Robert Kinney Read Free Book Online Page B

seemed committed to their work and so William, a peace-loving man, saw no reason not to provide financial backing for this disarmament campaign. He began making modest quarterly donations. And for two years, everything seemed legitimate.”
    For the next half hour, Arthur spun a fantastic story of rumors, theft, deceit, illegal and illicit operations, cover companies, and ultimately arms dealings. Will’s father had been sucked into this world, inch by inch.
    Once the true nature of the company surfaced, however, he’d tried to get out. His reputation was on the line. If others discovered he supported arms deals in foreign countries, even unknowingly, his career was as good as dead, his life over. Combined with the group’s veiled threats aimed at his wife and son, William was forced to stay involved.
    “So he did try to get out?”
    “Yes, he hated it. But he cared too much about you and your mother. And ultimately, he cared too much about his reputation. They guaranteed his safety and his privacy as long as he kept supplying them with cash.”
    “Couldn’t he report them?”
    “The scheme was too well planned. The only company men William dealt with were so far removed from the illegal activities, no legal allegations would ever stick in court. Everything was managed through shell companies, mostly off shore. Their dirty money was whitewashed in these phony businesses to appear legit. You must understand…these men weren’t stupid. They weaseled their way into the lives of corporations worldwide and countless more families, including your friend Zachary’s, in fact.”
    “I knew he was involved as well.” Will swallowed hard, his face ashen. “He tried to escape and paid with his life.”
    “That he did, God rest his soul.”
    “I received a call the day I turned eighteen and took control of the company. They wanted to make sure this ‘arrangement’ would continue.”
    “And what did you say?”
    “I didn’t know any better. I had no idea what this group was, and to be honest, I wasn’t concerned with the company’s finances. I was naïve, not a real businessman. I never wanted to be one, but I trusted my father, so I said ‘sure’ and left it at that. The finances weren’t my problem. I hired people to deal with that for me. It wasn’t until six years later that I began to pay closer attention.”
    Will’s voice cracked as the tears he’d been holding back started to seep out. Artie stood and disappeared into another room. A minute later, he returned holding a box of tissues.
    “Thanks,” Will mumbled, taking a handful and using them to blow his nose and wipe away the tears.
    “You’re very welcome, son. You don’t have to continue. I can guess the rest.”
    Will blew his nose loudly. “It’s okay. I need to say it.” Sniffling, he continued. “I didn’t believe their threats, and I called their bluff. I thought I was untouchable.”
    “I -” Another pause. The tears flowed freely now. “I made a mistake and Allie paid for it. And now they’re after me too.”
    “How do you know?”
    “One showed up at my house yesterday. That’s what happened with Zach. I bolted as soon as I could get away.”
    “What about Miles? You still have him, right?”
    Will gasped for the breath to form an answer. “I---don’t know…” He hadn’t considered Miles during his frantic escape. “What if they…killed him?”
    “I’m sure he’s fine. Let’s get you calmed down and then we’ll figure something out. I might have an idea.” Artie plucked the used tissues from Will’s hand and dropped them in the trash. This was why Will had always admired the man. He wasn’t like the other businessmen, ruthless and self-centered. He was the only truly religious influence in Will’s youth—Adair was a devout Christian—with a kind bone or two in his body and a soft spot for his best friend’s son. Maybe he’d be able to help after all.
    “We’ll need to hurry though. It won’t be too long