Consequences

she looked into Samuel’s face. She knew the rules. You don’t question anything in front of Nathaniel. Dealing with her father-in-law was worth it, she adored her husband.
    “Anton and I will be upstairs.”
    Their son, home from boarding school, watched his parents. “I’ll be up in a minute, Mother. I need to do something.” Amanda smiled at her husband and son. Anton had grown so much during the past semester. Only fifteen, he stood half a foot taller than her. And his eyes could shine, but she saw his grandfather’s darkness too. More than anything she wanted to keep that darkness away.
    “All right, maybe we can watch a movie when we all get to our suites? I have some new videos.” Amanda began the ascent up the grand stairs.
    Samuel straightened his neck and walked down the corridor toward his father’s office. The double doors stood as a barrier to the inflexible man within. Inhaling deeply he formed a fist. Respectfully, he knocked on the grand double doors. He listened for the words from within. “Come in.” This wasn’t going to go well. His father knew his displeasure with the recent direction of Rawls Corp. Now the recent positive slant and the unexpected shareholder acceptance were too much. These ideas from Jared Clawson had to stop.
    One idea reaped Rawls millions. The next cost them millions. Currently, the balance sheet was in their favor, but the risks and the possible legal repercussions weren’t worth the benefits. Stepping into the large office, Samuel silently prayed that he would be able to make his father see his point of view.
    The man behind the desk sat bold and defiant. “I wondered how long it would take you to confront me.”
    “I didn’t think we needed an audience.” Samuel closed the double doors, unaware that they were slightly ajar.
    “Always worried about others’ opinion.” Nathaniel grinned. “Obviously a trait you received from your mother. I don’t give a damn what others think.”
    “Perhaps you should.”
    “Speak your mind.”
    “You know my thoughts. You need to get rid of Jared Clawson. You need to stop these alternative means of financial gain.”
    Nathaniel laughed deep and low. “I need ?”
    “Father, I’m sorry, maybe need isn’t the best word. You should .”
    “You are sorry ? You are a weak piece of shit!” Nathaniel stood and walked around his grand desk, facing his son. “Didn’t you learn anything? Don’t apologize! Apologies are for cowards, they make you appear weak.”
    Standing tall, Samuel continued his mission. “This situation is getting out of hand.”
    Nathaniel laughed again. “Out of hand, like we are making millions upon millions. And this is bad?”
    “We were doing well before, and it was legal.”
    “So what part of these monies don’t you like? Your wife is enjoying the money and your son is enjoying the best education. You, your wife, your son will never know what it is like to be without. Tell me again what you don’t like.”
    “I believe they would’ve been happy with our earnings before. Amanda and Anton do not need excess. Neither do I.” Samuel watched his father turn back toward his plush leather chair. “Neither does Mother.”
    Changing directions, Nathaniel abruptly turned and struck his son’s left cheek. “Don’t you ever tell me what your mother wants. You have no idea what she’s been through. You have never lived as we did. Money is good for one thing, it buys what you need, what you want. And because of my decisions you and Anton will never worry about money . Do not ever tell me what to do with my business, and don’t apologize. I raised you better than that!”
    He knew there wasn’t an answer for his father. Samuel turned to walk away.
    “Where are you going, boy?”
    “I am going upstairs to my wife. Do you have a problem with that?”
    “You are going upstairs, to the upper level of my house. No. I don’t have a problem. Do you?”
    “No, Father, I do not.” Samuel exited the office and briefly saw Anton’s face. The teenager had witnessed the entire scene. Samuel hoped that when they entered their suite they could talk about it. His son would know that discussion was welcome.

 
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom
to know the difference.
—Reinhold Niebuhr
     Chapter 33
    The view through the windshield of Tony’s new Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Coupe reminded Claire of space movies.