~40~
Humphrey’s laughter reflected genuine happiness when he saw his brother walk into his office. Quickly, he left his desk, arms opening to Aaron. “Offices on the same floor and we never see each other,” he said as they embraced.
“Opposite ends of the hall,” Aaron clapped Humphrey’s back while they hugged. “Seems like we’ve been on opposite ends about a lot.”
Humphrey drew back, observing Aaron before he waved toward the office living area. “Let’s have a seat, Ari.”
Aaron hung back. “I don’t think you’ll want me hanging around long once I get to the point.”
Humphrey nodded, but sat anyway. He selected one of the high backed black leather chairs before his uncluttered desk.
“I met with Roman the other day.”
“Hell,” Humphrey rolled his eyes. “What’s our little brother accusing me of now?”
“Nothing.”
Surprise brought a strange light to Humphrey’s guarded ebony gaze. “He feelin’ alright?”
Aaron smirked and nodded. “I’m pretty sure you know about the boats that have been waylaying ours over the last few years.”
“I do. Stone’s dream was to pin it all on me.”
“You’re saying Stow was mistaken?”
Humphrey’s square jaw visibly clenched. “Why don’t you say what you came to, Ari?”
Aaron leaned back on the door, arms folding over the dark blue shirt he wore with a black tie and no suit coat. “The thieves got what they were after. All is quiet and Roman is willing to let it go. He says he’s tired of fighting with you.”
Humphrey stood, shook his head as a broad grin spread his face. “That kid should remain in a perpetual state of expectant fatherhood. It’s had a much improved effect on his outlook.”
“Fatherhood’s not the only reason, Hump.” Aaron rested his head against the door, weariness seeming to sharpen his handsome features. “Pop wants this to go away too. He wants to see us all getting along, working side by side for the good of his legacy while he’s alive.”
“While he’s...alive? Ari what, is something wrong with him?”
Aaron wouldn’t be swayed by his brother’s concerned frown. “He’s healthy. Sorry, it’s not time for you to sit in the big chair yet.”
“Fuck you for saying that, Ari.”
Aaron was unapologetic. “I think Pop wants us to stop digging- to stop trying to figure out what Stone was about to uncover. I think he’s afraid it’s what got Stone killed and he doesn’t want to lose another son.”
Humphrey seemed stricken. “Stone committed suicide,” he said.
“Yeah, he said that’s what you told him.”
A knowing gleam softened Humphrey’s stricken look. “You Pop’s confidant now?”
Aaron shrugged. “Pop thought I should know certain things, since he’s charged me with looking out for Tesano interests.”
“And your first task is accusing me of killing our brother.”
“I didn’t say that and I don’t want to know.”
“But you suspect it.”
“Does it matter? My suspicions won’t bring him back.”
Humphrey blinked, his fury evident. Bowing his head, he squeezed his eyes shut as though they stung. “I never thought you’d hate me too, Ari. You of all people. For so long, it was just the two of us.”
“I don’t hate you Humphrey. I love you and because of that I’m in no mood to follow up what happened with Stone.” Aaron relinquished his spot at the door then.
“What I am curious about though, is how one of our ships conveniently exploded moments after a telegram was sent revealing the presence of another ship-thus giving foundation to this fleet theory. I’d like you to tell me this so called fleet doesn’t belong to you.” He moved closer to his older brother.
“I want you to tell me your reading list is filled with books on shipping and long distance refrigeration for biological specimens and other insane topics, because you’re trying to be the smartest person in the room. But you can’t tell me that, can you Hump?” Aaron blinked as though he were lifting from a haze. He retreated a step then.
“Understand this,” he continued, “Pop wants the family to keep its respectability by any means necessary. So be it. I don’t know what you’re involved in, but it sounds pretty sick. I want it gone. I want its ties severed from the family or I’m afraid our father may have to suffer through the suspicious death of another son.”
Humphrey’s smile was a cold one. “Noble ‘til the end, huh Ari?”
“To my father, Hump,” Aaron’s smile was just as cold. “To my father, yes. You bet your lying ass. Yes.” He turned to leave.
“I didn’t kill him, Ari! I didn’t pull that trigger-”
“I said I don’t want to know!” Aaron hung his head and sighed. “It won’t bring him back,” he added in a softer tone. He looked to Humphrey once more. “Just do what I ask. I don’t want to go through you for Pop to have his peace, but I will.”
Humphrey reacted with a stiff nod. “Pop wants the family respected. I’ll see to it.”
Aaron’s coffee browns narrowed as he appraised his brother. “Pop’s a healthy guy. You could be holding that promise indefinitely.”
