Switched by Helenkay Dimon Read Free Book Online

mother.”
    “And my wife. I will deal with her. I am sure this was nothing more than the onset of one of her usual headaches.” Only his wife would view living with every luxury in a three-story museum of a house she decorated herself as some sort of prison.
    “I told her to go home.”
    The boy never stopped. “What is your game here, Brandon? Still running to Mommy when Daddy won’t let you get your way? I didn’t say yes to you last week, so you are using your mother and her weaknesses to your advantage.”
    “I asked you for a simple job.” Brandon’s breathing had kicked up until every part of his body vibrated as he talked.
    “And I told you no. I don’t engage in nepotism. I earned my way and you can, too. Frankly, it’s long past time you grew up.” Lowell was not going to relive this conversation. He’d made his decision. He took two steps toward the door in a silent declaration that the conversation had ended.
    “That is why I asked for the job.”
    He stopped and glanced at the young man he’d once hoped would followed him into the family business, and realized that dream had died long ago. “No, you asked because you’ve burned every other bridge. You lost your first job out of college because you were ignorant. I told you never to use your real name on the internet. You should have listened to me, but you didn’t. Well, Brandon, lesson learned.”
    “I know the only one you like to help around here is Angie—”
    “You will refer to her as Ms. Troutman and you will be respectful. She is a trusted member of my team.”
    Brandon laughed. “Is that what we’re calling it these days?”
    Behind the tough talk Lowell saw his son’s wariness. Realizing this was all false bravado stopped Lowell from kicking the kid out. “If you are trying to convince me you’re growing up, you are failing miserably.”
    After a light knock, the door opened. Security chief Palmer Trask slipped inside, his eyes going between the two men. “Excuse me, sir.”
    “Come in.” Lowell waved him in, more than happy to end the family discussion. “Brandon and I are done talking.”
    Palmer nodded. “Yes, sir.”
    “Where have you been? And while you’re at it, explain why all the so-called security professionals to whom I pay huge fees can’t seem to be bothered to actually protect anything or anyone.”
    “Sir, we have a problem.”
    “I believe that was my point.”
    Palmer cleared his voice. “There may be an issue that requires some delicacy.”
    Since Brandon just stood there, Lowell decided the best recourse was to talk around him. “Pretend he’s not here and be more specific.”
    Palmer linked his fingers behind his back and rocked back on his heels. “I haven’t seen McBain or his second-in-command in quite some time. They went upstairs to check on an issue and I’ve lost radio communication. He has a cell, but I can’t get through.”
    From his dealings with McBain, Lowell knew the man took his job seriously. He wouldn’t leave his post without cause. “We need to check the conference center while the party continues.”
    “Is that safe?” Brandon asked.
    “This is all precaution. I’m sure everything is fine.” Lowell spared Brandon a glance before returning his attention to Palmer. “As quietly as possible, get Ms. Troutman and my finance man, Mark Fineman, and bring them in here. I’d like you to return and post two of your best men outside for extra protection.”
    “Yes, sir.” Palmer threw a quick frown in Brandon’s direction, then left the room.
    Realizing Brandon was in the mood to cause trouble and Angie was about to be in his line of fire, Lowell issued a new warning. “I expect you to be quiet and respectful as soon as our guests arrive.”
    “I didn’t hear my name on the list of approved people who get to stay.”
    “One more comment like that and you can fend for yourself outside like everyone else.”
    * * *
    A ARON STARED AT THE SMALL screen of his cell. If