What it Takes to Fall by Ellis C.R

Author:Ellis, C.R.
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarLex Publishing, LLC
Published: 2019-02-20T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

Elliot

“Tell me about your childhood,” Mr. Adams requested, taking me by surprise as he set his drink on the table and slipped back into the seat across from me.

I had just gotten my latte when I spotted Mr. Adams studying the menu from the back of the line. I gestured for him to join me after he got his drink, and we’d spent the last half-hour talking about Serenity—how my grandparents ran it, their philosophy behind its operation, even the origin of the name.

I expected that line of questioning. This? Not so much.

“My childhood? Why?”

“You were raised by some pretty extraordinary people, and I’m betting you’ve got lots of stories. I’d love to hear some of them.”

“How’d you know they raised me?” I asked, crossing my arms. I was certain I hadn’t said anything that would’ve given him that impression.

Adams picked up his tea and took a sip, unfazed by my confusion. “There are photos of you and your sister throughout your grandfather’s office. He spoke as if you were his children, calling you two his ‘pride and joy.’ It wasn’t hard to put the pieces together.”

“Oh.” I sank back in my chair, feeling a little dumb for not realizing that myself. Come on, Elliot, he’s just trying to get a clearer picture of the people who built the business he wants to buy. People like Adams look into every minor detail before making major financial decisions. Nana and Pops said they really like him. Stop being weird.

“I consider it part of my job to familiarize myself with anyone I do business with, Ms. Kincaid,” he said, reading my mind. “Personal life included. How a person treats their flesh and blood speaks a lot to their character. Wouldn’t you agree?”

His gray storm-cloud eyes studied me intensely, and I couldn’t discern what it was they held. Intensity came with the territory of his job title, which he had in spades; but this was different. Intimidating. Like he was trying to see inside my head and unlock the answer to his question with his stare alone.

I got the feeling he’d ask about my favorite cereal with equal intensity.

“I guess. But if that’s the case, it seems only fair that you tell me about your family too.”

He pursed his lips together and twirled the gold band adorning his left ring finger before momentarily shifting his attention to a pair of women passing by outside, his posture rigid and cold. “I don’t have a family anymore. I lost my wife and son to complications during birth.”

“I’m so sorry, Mr. Adams. I didn’t mean…”

He turned back to me and waved his hand dismissively, shedding all traces of ice in his demeanor. “That was another life. Though I suppose you could say they’re why I have somewhat of a soft spot for family-oriented businesses.”

I had a feeling that was about as close as Greg Adams ever came to sharing personal information. The man was still a complete mystery, but I figured the most important thing was his interest in maintaining the principles Serenity was built upon.

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