Staking a Claim (Lost and Found Book 7), page 13
“Yes, well, it doesn’t matter why I lost to your friends last night. I was just…well, I was hoping you’d spot me enough cash to go heavily in tonight. I know I can pay you back after tonight. I have several excellent business adventures that are going to pay off very soon. And since I’m the primary holder of those businesses, I’ll be well off after that.”
“Wha’ businesses?”
Duncan blinked, startled that someone would dare to ask for details. “Excuse me?”
“Wha’ are the businesses that are about to come into an influx of cash? And if they are so successful, why wouldn’t you reinvest that cash back into the business? That’s what a smart business person would do.” He glanced out the window where he could see Fiona sitting in the sunshine. The sun was bright today. She needed to move into the shade to protect her skin. “Tha’s what Fiona does. Tha’s one of the many reasons she’s done so well in business.”
Duncan’s jaw clenched. “Fiona has done well because I tell her where to invest her money. She relies on my business knowledge. Without me, she’d be out on the street.”
Callum’s eyes narrowed. “She owns her own home,” he corrected.
The man’s temper snapped. Obviously, Duncan wasn’t used to being called out. “This is my home! I own MacGreggor Castle!”
Callum’s eyebrow lifted, feigning surprise. “Since ye won this castle in a card game with my father, I’m painfully aware o’ the fact that ye own MacGreggor Castle.” He sighed and lifted his untouched glass of scotch. “I was referring to the flat in London where Fiona sends ye when she wants ye oot o’ her hair.”
The insult hit the mark. “Now see here!” Duncan started off. “Fiona and I have an agreement.”
“O’ course ye do,” Callum replied, tired of the argument already. He wanted to go outside and…hell, he’d protect Fiona from the sunshine with his own body if need be.
He stood up, intending to do just that. But Duncan must have realized that he was losing control of the argument.
“Wait!” he yelped, standing up as well. There was a slight sheen of sweat on his forehead. He smiled, trying to regain his charm offensive. “Maybe we can make a deal.”
“What kind of a deal?” Callum asked. He realized that this was exactly what he’d been working towards. Ever since landing in Scotland, this had been the plan. But now that it was here, all he wanted was to go out and protect Fiona. He wanted to stand by her side and hear her laughter. That was when he realized that getting the castle away from Duncan was much less important than being with Fiona.
Fiona, however, wanted her home. And because he wanted to make Fiona happy, he turned away from the window and the distraction of her beautiful, pale skin, forcing his thoughts back to the conversation. “Wha’s the deal?”
“As I said moments ago, I was hoping you could spot me tonight.”
Callum went very still. This was it. This was the moment he’d been waiting for. Twenty years of his life, he’d been burning with a need for retribution against this man. He glanced out the window again. Fiona laughed at something Chloe was saying, leaning their heads close together as they talked.
Bringing his gaze back inside, he looked at Duncan. The older man’s eyes were too similar to Fiona’s. But whereas Fiona’s eyes were intelligent and sharp, Duncan’s were calculating.
He was going to cheat. Something in Callum’s gut warned him that the older man had a plan.
“What’s going on?”
Callum turned to find Kasim standing in the doorway with his wife, Rosalee, by his side.
“You old bastard!” Callum laughed, relieved that Kasim was here, safe and sound.
Kasim chuckled and they hugged, genuine affection in their embrace. When he pulled back, he kept his hand on Kasim’s arm. “Ye look great! I guess Rosalee has been keeping ye well stocked in chocolate cupcakes?”
Kasim chuckled and turned to smile down at his wife. The dark haired woman laughed, moving closer as Kasim wrapped an arm around her waist.
There was a bit of commotion as the others moved in from outside, probably to refresh everyone’s drinks. Or maybe, they were all heading inside to get ready for the poker game.
But someone, Angela, by the sound of the shriek, realized that Kasim had arrived. Seconds later, a female blur raced by, knocking Callum out of the way as Angela threw herself into Kasim’s arms. Kasim laughed, hugging the tiny Italian dynamo affectionately, lifting her clear off her feet. Callum pulled Rosalee out of the way, laughing at the outrageous duo.
“You’re here!” Angela gasped, stepping back as Kasim set her down. “You look great! No stress in ruling the world these days?”
“Always stress. But it’s not too bad.”
Angela turned to smile at Rosalee. Their embrace was a bit less effusive, but no less affectionate. “Is he being good to you? Because if not, you just give me the word and I’ll take him down!”
Rosalee laughed, hugging the crazy woman. “Oh, he’s horrible! All the time!”
Angela giggled and hugged Rosalee again, ignoring Kasim’s warning growl before he pulled Rosalee out of Angela’s arms and back against his side. The others laughed and greeted the newcomers with intense affection.
When everyone was done, Callum saw Fiona lingering in the back, obviously intimidated. He beckoned her forward, taking her hand as he pulled her closer. “Kasim, I’d like te introduce ye te Fiona Reid. She’s the brains behind this place. She renovated everything, bringing this castle back to life.”
Kasim took Fiona’s hand, lifting her fingers to his lips in an old-world gesture. “Your efforts are magnificent!”
“Th...thank you!” she whispered, blushing furiously. “It was a labor of love.”
Callum chuckled and turned to her father. “Duncan, Fiona’s father, wants to join in our poker game tonight.”
Everyone turned, their eyes on the man who had been standing back, guzzling scotch, while everyone teased Kasim.
Callum continued, squeezing Fiona to warn her of what’s coming next. “He said he has a deal fer me.”
Angela stepped forward, her arms crossed over her chest. She feigned a friendly smile, tilting hear head as she said, “Anyone can join in our poker games.” Her smile widened then. “After last night’s game, you know that we’re quite vicious though. The last time Kasim played, what was it? About six months ago since you had time to join us?”
Callum didn’t bat an eye at the lie. They’d been at Kasim’s palace just over a month ago and she’d won over two thousand dollars. She’d been on a roll that night. Last night, she’d been pretty good too, but Marco had won the most. A roll that Callum was determined to break tonight.
“I brought five thousand for the game tonight,. That, plus the three grand that I won last night puts me in a pretty good position.” she announced smugly.
“I’ll take that eight thousand with my fifteen thousand,” Dash interjected, then winked at her, an evil grin forming on his handsome face.
Angela cocked an eyebrow at him. “Think you’re good enough?”
Dash chuckled. “I’ll admit that you were on a streak last night. But remember last August?”
Angela glanced at James and her cheeks turned red from whatever memory flashed through her mind. She shuffled her feet as James chuckled. “I was…distracted that time.” She shot a glare at her husband before smiling sweetly at Duncan. “But absolutely, you can join our game again.”
Duncan’s smile brightened as well, but not with triumph. Nope, this smile was his “I’m going to charm you” smile and it sickened Fiona. She’d been the victim of that smile too many times over the years.
“Well, that’s the thing. I’ve been trying to help out the villagers over the past few months, ye see.” He glanced around, his eyes halting on Callum since he’d mentioned his soon-to-be profitable businesses as proof of his ability to repay his debts. “As I said, I was hoping someone could spot me a bit just to get me started.”
Fiona held her breath, trying to hide her reaction. He was playing right into their hands, so to speak. She didn’t look at Callum, terrified she might give their plans away. Her father was a cheat and a liar, but he wasn’t stupid and he had powerful instincts about people. If he suspected a trap, then he’d back away. Last night, he’d thought he could win by his brains and charm. Tonight, he would definitely cheat his way to triumph.
Fionna stepped forward. “Ye dinna have anything to put up as collateral fer a loan, Father.”
His eyes flashed at her words, but he rallied. “This dinna have te be anything official, love,” he mocked. “I’m just asking for a bit of blunt to cover me until I,” he glanced around briefly, “fleece your friends, darling.”
Angela coughed and stepped forward. “Well, you see, Duncan,” she started off in her best lawyer’s voice. Trial lawyers were excellent actors and Angela didn’t disappoint. “The reason we’ve all been friends for so long,” she paused to wave her arm around, encompassing everyone except him, “is that we’ve kept things like money and financial issues clean and tidy. If one of us borrows money,” she looked around again, “we keep it all legal. I don’t mind loaning you some money, but you’ve got to sign an agreement for that loan.”
Duncan’s smile faltered. “Are ye kidding me, lass?” Startled, his brogue slipped in again.
Josh stepped forward, fully on board with the situation. “I could draw up an agreement in a few minutes,” he offered innocently.
Angela smiled up at him. “You think I can’t draw up an agreement?”
The two lawyers chuckled, competition sparking between them. “I think you’re fully capable of drawing up an airtight agreement. But let’s go with the ‘doctor heal thyself’ issue, eh?”
She turned and faced him, just as they’d done so many times. “You’re right. If I’m going to loan him money, then…”
“It doesna matter,” Fiona interrupted, right on cue. “He doesna have collateral.” She turned to Duncan. “Ah’m sorry, Father, but they dinna offer loans without collateral. I hope ye understand. It’s a business issue.” She smiled brightly. “Ye could sit with us though! Our games can get pretty lively!”
“I have a freaking castle as collateral,” he snarled, his arms crossing over his chest. “I’ll put up the castle and my flat in London as collateral.”
Fiona shook her head, one finger raised in protest. “Actually, I own the flat in London, Father. Ye dinna have the legal authority to use it as collateral.” She gave him a faux-apologetic smile and stepped back. Callum wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close again. They’d all agreed that she’d stay out of the negotiations, just to keep her father from suspecting anything.
“Fine!” he growled, then realized how his anger was coming across to the very people he wanted to impress. “Because I’ve been so generous lately, and find myself short of cash at the moment, I will be more than happy to sign an agreement to put my home up as collateral for the loan.”
Angela’s smile brightened. “Perfect!” She turned to her new client. “Would you like to discuss the terms of the loan before we set them down on paper, Duncan?” Angela offered.
Duncan looked around. It was just Angela and Fiona in the dining room now, with Duncan standing by the window. At Angela’s question, he turned, his charming smile back in place.
“If my Fiona trusts ye, then I have faith that the terms are fair.” They were nice words, but Fiona could see the writhing fury in his eyes. Her father was insulted and embarrassed. He’d never had to sign a legal document before. Good grief, she doubted he even paid taxes! Of course, he had no income, so it wasn’t as if he needed to pay income tax. And he didn’t bother to pay the property taxes on the castle, leaving that up to Fiona.
Angela shook her head. “I really think that you should go over the terms, Duncan.” She called for Josh, who appeared, a cookie in one hand and a soda in the other. “What’s up?”
“Could you act as Duncan’s lawyer? He should know what he’s signing.”
He nodded, popped the cookie in his mouth, set the soda on the table, then took the offered papers. “Get gone, ladies!” he announced to Fiona and Angela, waving them off. “I have to confer with my client.” He added a wink to Duncan, who literally melted with joy that he had someone on his side. Duncan also loved the fact that the women were kicked out of the room. He genuinely loved his male superiority.
Little did he know that he’d engaged the wrath of one of the best attorneys to ever enter a courtroom.
Fiona walked alongside Angela, so anxious that she felt a bit sick to her stomach.
“Don’t worry, Fiona,” Angela assured her, putting a gentle hand to her shoulder. “I’m good,” she whispered. “More than good.” She paused to glance back at the sitting room, the door now closed. When she turned back at Fiona, she continued quietly, “The terms are air tight. He is definitely going to try to wiggle out of the agreement, but I anticipated that. For every battle he wages to fight the terms of the agreement, if he loses, then he incurs legal fees. If he doesn’t vacate the premises, both the castle and your London flat within thirty days of the agreement, he incurs your legal fees. The terms are hard to argue. There’s no wiggle room. I’ve fought against some of the slimiest, most wiggle-worthy opponents. Trust me, your father is small time, compared to some of the people I’ve beaten over the years.” She grinned mischievously. “And as your lawyer, I can guarantee that I’m very expensive, plus, I’ve included my hourly rate in the contract. A rate that he must agree to if he signs that document. So he’s also agreeing to pay my legal fees.”
Fiona laughed and tried to relax. She looked around at the room, loving every small detail she’d lovingly put into the décor. “This isna just a castle to me,” she explained, looking around and running her hand along the stone wall. “It’s alive. I’ve worked so hard to make it into a home. An’ every time I’ve tried to buy it from me father, for its actual market value, he’s rejected me offers. Ah’ve even offered above market value several times.”
Angela understood. “From what Callum explained to us, the castle represents your father’s status within the community and in the world.” She grinned. “And that pride is also the reason that we’re here, ready to play poker with him. So in the end, you’re going to win your home back and not have to pay a dime.”
Fiona tried to hide her hope. “Are ye guys really tha’ good at poker?”
Angela nodded. “Yeah. We are. We held back last night. He’s that bad of a poker player, which is why it was so easy for us last night.”
Fiona laughed, loving her confidence. “Okay, let’s go set up the dining room.”
The door to the drawing room opened. Angela and Fiona turned, watching as Josh emerged first, needing to duck slightly to avoid hitting his head on the doorframe. Then her father stepped out. She expected him to be wary, or at least, concerned. But there was an air of absolute confidence about him.
Something was wrong!
“He’s agreed to the terms.”
Duncan chuckled, tossing Josh a conspiratorial look. “He won’t let me sign the blasted document until there are witnesses.” He waved Fiona towards the sitting room. “Let’s do this. You can witness my signature.”
“Actually, it would be better if we got someone outside of the family to witness the document,” Josh replied.
Duncan’s eyes flashed with momentary irritation, but his smile snapped back into place. Fiona wondered if the others saw those flashes of anger, or if she was the only one because she’d lived with him for so long. One glance at Josh and Angela, and Fiona relaxed. They’d caught it too. She wasn’t the only one! The relief she felt was overwhelmingly intense. All the years of being gaslighted by her father were now confirmed.
Angela turned. “I’ll get the others. We’ll meet in the dining room, get this business out of the way, then we can play poker!” She clapped her hands as she made her way into the kitchen.
Fiona, Josh, and Duncan moved to the dining room, Josh still holding the documents. He laid the contract on the table. There were three sets, all of the same papers. The three of them stood there, silently waiting.
One by one, the others filed into the dining room. The men were all tall and powerfully built. And while the women were shorter, some very short, others less so, they all had powerful personalities. They were beautiful in different ways and all very elegant. By the time everyone was in the dining room, drinks and snacks in hand, the dining room felt full and very alive.
“Okay, we’re here to witness the signature of Duncan Reid who is putting Castle MacGreggor up as collateral for a loan. You’re all here to witness the signing.”
There were a few grunts of approval and Duncan looked painfully embarrassed. He didn’t like showing weakness of any kind and being short on cash in such illustrious company was humiliating. These were the people he’d intended to impress!
“Let’s just get this over with,” he grumbled, all signs of charm gone for the moment.
He signed all three sets of papers with a flourish, then stood up. “It’s done! Can we please play poker now?”
Kasim was the first to step forward. “I’ll sign as one of the witnesses.” He bent down and signed his name on the correct line, then stepped back.
Chloe was next, her elegant demeanor heightened by the sleek blond hair style combined with the soft, blue sweater and matching slacks. She moved to the other side of the table and signed her name, a pretty script that contrasted starkly with Duncan’s messy signature and Kasim’s bold scrawl.
“I’ll sign it as well,” Dash announced, stepping forward and signing his name.
In the end, everyone signed the document. There was only a place for two witnesses, but Josh quickly made additional lines for all of the witnesses. The end result was an almost comical set of documents, but the deed was done.
“So, I’m the only one confident enough to put my house up for the game?” Duncan called out mockingly. “Am I the only one who actually knows how to play poker?”
There was a silence for a long moment, then a set of keys landed on top of the papers. They were the keys to Marco’s house in Charleston, South Carolina. A second key appeared on the table. And a third. Before long, there were ten keys on the table. Everyone was confident enough to put their house up for the game. Even Kasim had added a card with the address of one of his homes on it.
