“Who's calling?”
The voice identified the president of the private security company.
Marcus felt his jaw tighten.
“What do you want?”
The businessman spoke warmly.
“I'm hoping we can resolve our differences.”
Marcus looked toward the party.
“My daughter's birthday is today.”
“I know.”
The answer made him uncomfortable.
The businessman continued.
“I won't take much of your time.”
Marcus leaned against the house.
“Then say what you called to say.”
The president offered seventy-five thousand dollars in exchange for Marcus withdrawing his own pending administrative complaint, ending his public advocacy against the company, and signing an agreement limiting further statements.
Marcus stared toward the lawn.
“Seventy-five thousand?”
“Yes.”
“You think that's going to change what happened to those children?”
The businessman sighed.
“I'm offering you an opportunity to move forward.”
Marcus shook his head.
“The families deserve answers.”
“Answers cost money.”
“Then your company should pay for a proper investigation.”
The president's voice cooled.
“Mr. Bennett, don't be foolish.”
Marcus straightened.
“I'm not interested.”
The man remained quiet for several seconds.
Then he said something that made Marcus's stomach tighten.
“You have a beautiful home.”
Marcus looked toward the fence.
“And a beautiful little girl.”
His expression hardened.
“Don't talk about my daughter.”
The businessman gave a soft laugh.
“I'm merely saying family should come first.”
Marcus's voice turned cold.
“My family is exactly why I'm refusing.”
The president paused.
Then answered.
“It would be a shame if something ruined her birthday.”
Marcus felt anger rise.
He took a breath.
“Is that a threat?”
The businessman laughed.
“Enjoy your party, Mr. Bennett.”
Then he ended the call.
Marcus stared at the phone.
He wanted to call back.
He wanted to demand an explanation.
Instead, he documented the time and forwarded the details to his attorney.
Then he returned to the backyard.
His daughter was laughing beside the cake table.
He forced himself to smile.
The woman in pink noticed immediately.
She approached.
“Everything okay?”
Marcus hesitated.
“Business call.”
She studied him.
“What kind?”
He looked toward the children.
“Not now.”
She nodded.
She trusted him enough not to press in front of his daughter.
They would talk later.