“Nope, I’m going to go bearing gifts of truth. She was warned, the contract states very specifically a gag order for me, my team and everything we do. I cannot let this slide,” I tell her and see her boys looking on from upstairs.

“But she was trying to help me,” Claire says trying to win me over.

“Claire you’re a good person, you have good children. I’m not a good person but I have a code, you break my code and a price must be paid,” I tell her very softly,” Meredith broke our agreement, for good or ill she did. I’m all about balance and my scales need balance.”

Claire has no words for it but we say our goodbyes and her boys are happy to see their mom going back to work and not ‘going crazy’ at home. I remind them about helping her out when I note she’s got her cell phone in her hand and is confused.

“How did that shit head do it,” Claire growls and I watch her kids retreat upstairs as I smile.

“Who do what,” I ask and she looks at me with some anger.

“Fucking Weisner, he put 50k in an account in my boys names, the manager just called me to give me my update,” Claire growls and I smile at her till she notices,” What the fuck did you do?”

“I did nothing, but he did just pay fifty thousand dollars to your boys ability to go to college,” I tell her still smiling,” I mean it technically was him paying for me not to put a bullet in his head and dump his body in a dam turbine but really I think it will be money well spent.”

“Okay I get to move to his old house, I have the company car now so my boys can use mine and you got them college money,” Claire asks shocked.

“Yep, and it took my crew two weeks. What can I say, I love my job,” I tell her stepping out the front door,” And Claire, keep my number. If you need me or think someone does call me first, don’t just hint drop like Meri.”

Do I drive home in the rental car like Ben did in my business van, no. I have a flight tomorrow to settle unfinished business. I settle into my hotel room for one last night after dinner in at the quiet restaurant they keep in house. I don’t think about tomorrow or seeing Meredith again to settle the difference, no point and I could be nice and change my mind. I could be but the only people who see my truly nice side is my family, including my friends, they are my whole family. I do a light workout to relax my muscles and it does feel good to walk around the room in shorts and nothing else. I can’t do it at home despite the fact that my wives wouldn’t object, it’s about setting an example for my kids. I’m relaxed finally when I get an unexpected knock at my door. I check the lookout hole and shake my head.

“Hello Mrs. Montgomery, what brings you to my neck of the woods,” I ask as I open the door.

“We need to talk now,” She says as I watch her enter passing me and looking around my room,” you spend a bit when you travel?”

“I like to sleep peacefully so that when I work people get what they pay for and the answer is no,” I tell her closing the door.

“No what,” Claire asks confused.

“No I am going to go visit our friend and I am going to tell her husband the truth about what happened,” I state and watch Claire’s face sour.

“You can’t,” she pleads and I nod my head.

“Actually yes I can, the word you’re looking for is probably shouldn’t or should not,” I tell her and she give me the ‘woman grumpy’ look.

“Well you know what I mean. Meredith is a good woman and a good mother,” she says and I cut her off.

“Just like you and she swore she’d keep her word and she signed just like you. So what does that say about good people, that it’s okay they break the rules because they’re helping someone else,” I ask and she starts in for her argument.

“Yes, breaking rules to help someone can be forgiven,” Claire states and I chuckle.

“If that were true then why have rules. Ones that are there to protect people and help them feel safe,” I counter and she’s picking up on what I’m doing.

“You can’t throw a generalization at me with this. Hurting Meredith doesn’t do anything for you personally,” She says and I again counter.

“No but professionally it does plenty, it sets a standard. You cross the bad man with a code that you agreed to and he will take a bit from you that you can never get back. Granted I’m being more than fucking merciful by just telling her husband what we did to him and his gold digging cunt but it should be enough to teach people to keep their mouths shut,” I tell her and I can see her wavering.

“I can’t threaten you, it’s not who I am. I could promise to ruin you but that wouldn’t change you or what you do would it,” Claire asks and I agree with a nod,” Well then we go with the other way.”

I take note that Claire has a bag in her hand and an unfamiliar coat on, a big buttoned overcoat. I watch as she removes her coat and has on very simple v neck shirt and jeans as she goes into my bathroom and closes the door. I shake my head at it, she’s determined but I’ve had black women before and I shoot a text of what’s going on to Kori for her opinion. It takes a minute or two before they come back with their answer and it’s an odd day when my women tell me to do what’s best but they want details. I’m pacing the floor of the room between the bed and the bathroom when it opens and I see Claire still in her shirt and jeans but no shoes. Her hair is straightened like it’s been this entire time she’s been here but something is off about her. She walks up to me a little unsure and a foot shorter than me as she pulls me down for a toe curling kiss. I start to pick her up as we kiss but she’s got different ideas as I’m gently pushed backwards onto the bed. I’m seated when she takes a slightly authoritative posture.

“I want you and I want you to leave Meredith alone,” Claire informs me and I shake my head.

“No, you’re an attractive woman but a lesson needs to be learned,” I tell her starting to get up and she places a hand on my shoulder to keep me seated.

“Then let me teach it,” Claire says and now I’m interested,” I’ll talk to her and I’ll explain it. I’m a part of this now as much as she is and since you like to delegate jobs to others I want this one.”

“Punishment is something that a leader does, not a friend,” I tell her and Claire smiles pushing me back a little.

I watch as she pulls off her shirt overhead and now I’m living a world of contrast she is wearing a white corset against her black skin and it’s barely keeping her breasts up. The pants come down and I’m treated to the matching thong panties. I let Claire guide me onto the bed so that my head is resting on the pillows as she curls up next to me, her body pressed against my side and her leg draped over mine.

“You give me the job, I’ll scare her, and I’ll make sure she doesn’t do it again. She’s my friend and it’s the least I can do for her,” Claire whispers kissing my chest.

“It’s not your job,” I whisper back enjoying the touch.

“But you’re the boss, you can give me the job,” she says lightly kissing her way down my body.

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