The Philanthropist's Danse Read Free Page A

Johnston C. Thurwell’s attorney. It is my duty to oversee the business that has brought you here, until its conclusion.
    “Before I explain why you are here—”
    Junior shot to his feet. “Goddamn it Bird! Get to the fucking point. Explain why you lied to get me here. I expected to meet my father privately and find instead that you’ve assembled a goddamned circus. My time is money, Bird, so enough bullshit. Tell me what the fuck is going on.”
    William raised his hand. “Please, Junior. Take your seat. I will explain, but first—”
    “Do NOT interrupt me Bird, you goddamn shyster!” Junior’s face turned from red to deep scarlet, a danger sign his siblings recognized. They readied themselves for the fury to be unleashed. “YOU take your orders from MY father. Now what the fuck is HE thinking, dragging ME up to his godforsaken country house? Where is he anyway, I demand to see—”
    “Junior, shut the fuck up. Now.”
    William did not raise his voice, but the effect of his admonishment was as if he had physically slapped Junior, who stopped talking mid-sentence and stared at the lawyer, stunned. His mouth worked, but no sound came. The others stared in turn at Bird, then at Junior. Shock was registered on every face. William let the group absorb what had happened for another second and then continued. His voice was firm but calm.
    “Junior, sit down and shut up. Or I will eject you from this meeting and you’ll learn about what happened here in the newspapers.”
    Johnston Thurwell and his lawyer had realized early in planning the Danse that Junior could be a thorn in William’s side if he was not controlled. The philanthropist had decided how to handle his eldest son and assured his lawyer that a sharp, public attack would send Junior an unmistakable message about who was in charge.
    The lawyer had to admit that, despite his misgivings about confronting Junior, the Old Man had been right. Junior sank into his seat without a word, but his eyes were dangerous as he glared at Bird.

    Bethany leaned forward, her pretty face had lost its pallor. “William, perhaps you had better continue… please.” Her eyes were wide, and Bird could see she was forming an idea in the back of her mind too terrible to contemplate. She desperately needed to hear that she was wrong.
    William did not answer her but made a point of returning Junior’s stare until the furious son dropped his eyes, defeated. As soon as victory over Junior was assured, he continued immediately. “As I was saying, I must cover the formalities before we begin.” The room was silent. He had achieved complete control over the group.
    “Each of you was told you would be Mr. Thurwell’s sole guest, so I understand you are unhappy to find this is not the case. However, you all agreed to identical conditions for your visit, and I must remind you of those conditions.
    “First, you agreed to be here for up to one week but no less than two days. Second, you agreed to surrender your mobile phones, blackberries, laptops and other communications devices. There is to be no contact with the outside world. If you break this rule, you will be removed without discussion or appeal. Emergency communications are available through me, in the event they are needed.
    “Third, you understand this meeting is extraordinary to the normal business of the Thurwell Foundation and Thurwell Industries, Inc.
    Finally, I must clarify my role. I am operating under instructions that allow strictly limited discretion. You should understand that whatever occurs, I am bound foremost by oath and contract to my employer, Johnston C. Thurwell II.”
    $
    Bird finished reading from his notes and looked at the faces staring back at him. Junior was still furious, but curiosity had overridden his anger for now. Camille Jolivet lit another cigarette and ignored her neighbor’s disapproval of the smoke.
    William looked at Bethany as she absently bit her knuckle. Her eyes were wide with