Free Southern Comfort by Ciana Stone

righty then. Riley, you're calling Jimmy, right?"
    "Yep."
    "Okay, then we'll see y’all later."
    With that she turned Analise and steered her out of the door. Once they were on the sidewalk, Analise looked over at her. "Jesus, Cody. He's Nate Fucking Bridges!"
    Cody burst out laughing. "Ah ha!  I knew it. You have a thing for him, don't you?"
    "Who?  Riley or Nate?"
    "Well both, but since you never saw Riley before, let's say Nate. He does it for you doesn't he?"
    Analise blew out a breath. "You have no idea."

Chapter Seven
     
    Rodrick's father, Robert, waited until dinner was concluded and the men were in his private study with brandy and cigars. He closed the door and took a seat in front of the fireplace. Rodrick and Rolf settled onto the sofa.
    "Rodrick, as you know we've run into a spot of trouble." Robert opened the conversation.
    His father’s description annoyed him. It was more than a spot of trouble."You mean the FTC charges."
    "Precisely. It appears that indictments will be handed down and there's a strong possibility that we could suffer – what did you call it Rolf?"
    "A raid." The expression on Rolf’s face heightened his irritation.
    "Who would—"
    "Department of Justice."
    "You mean the FBI?" Rodrick struggled to keep the fear out of his voice despite the desperation that tightened around his chest
    "Yes."
    That word echoed like a death knell in his head and Rodrick turned his attention to this father. "The last time we spoke you assured me that you and Rolf had things under control and that even if indictments were issued, we were protected. Is that still the case?"
    "Not entirely." Robert dragged on his cigar and exhaled a billowing plume of smoke. "Unfortunately, we can't prevent them from tracing certain transactions. Rolf is working to hide what we can, but if they look – and they will – there will be evidence that incriminates us."
    "I hope you have a plan."
    "We do."
    "We?"
    "Rolf and I have been discussing this at length for some time. We must preserve the company at all costs. That's priority number one. Just as we must insure that our more – shall we say – volatile clients see the return of their investments. But as your brother pointed out we also have to give the Feds something or someone to hang their hat on. Someone to, as is said in the movies, take the fall. "For the greater good, of course."
    "You mean Rolf."
    "No, Rodrick. I mean you."
    "Me?  Why me?  Rolf's the one responsible for bringing in gangsters. Let him take the fall. Or you."
    "I'm too old and have a long-standing reputation. And Rolf has children."
    "As do I."
    "One. In college. Rolf's family is much younger. They need their father at home. He needs to be there with his wife. Unless I’ve been misinformed, your wife has left you."
    "That still doesn't mean –"
    "I am not asking. We will make sure the company survives and you will be well provided for, but you must do your part."
    "You mean go to prison for something I didn't do?." Rodrick slammed his brandy glass down on the table and stood. "I won't do it." He pointed his finger at Rolf. "This is your mess, you own up to it."
    "You aren't without guilt, big brother. Shall I remind you of the millions you funneled off Moretti?"
    "I didn't know he was a crime lord. You told me he was legitimate."
    "Some of his interests are."
    "But not all."
    "No, not all." Robert agreed. "Nevertheless, as your brother stated, you are not without guilt. And Moretti poses as much of a threat to the family as the government. He's made his position clear. Return his investment – to the penny or he won't only help to shut us down, he'll eliminate us."
    "Eliminate?  As in kill?"
    "That was I took from the conversation, yes."
    "So how are you going to get him his money?"
    "Dear boy, I am not. You are. You took it, you put it back."
    "I don't have it!"
    "Then who does?"
    "Analise. Well, actually David. She took half of it and put it into a trust for him."
    "Then I strongly suggest