The Christmas List: A Novel
: Chapter 33

Kier was sitting near his flight’s gate, waiting for his flight to board, when his phone rang. It was the sixth time that Lincoln had called since he’d arrived in Boston.

“Hey, Lincoln.”

“Where have you been?” He sounded exasperated. “I’ve been trying to reach you for days.”

“Actually, only a day and a half. Boston.”

“What are you doing in Boston?”

“I came to see Jimmy.”

Lincoln sounded a little calmer. “How did it go?”

“As well as I should have expected. So why are you hunting for me?”

“The divorce papers are due tomorrow. Yesterday I got a message from Sara’s attorney. He says if they’re not signed by tomorrow they’ll consider our agreement void and they’re going back for half of Kier Company.”

Kier thought it over. “Okay.”

There was a long pause “Okay? Okay what?”

“Okay let him go for it.”

“Don’t get nuts on me here, Jim. Sara has a better than even chance of winning this in court. You could lose half your company.”

“I don’t think it will happen.”

“I’m not saying it will, but why take the chance? Just sign the papers and let’s put this behind us. When do you get back?”

“I’m boarding my flight right now.”

“Great,” he said, relieved. “I’ll meet you at the airport.”

“You’re not listening to me, Lincoln. I’m not signing the papers.”

“Jim, you don’t understand how serious the situation is. We’re talking millions of dollars.”

“I understand precisely how serious this is, Lincoln. The company is half Sara’s anyway. She’s only getting what she deserves.”

“Listen to yourself! You’ve become your own worst enemy.”

“You’re right about that. I’ll call when I’m back.”

“No, wait—”

Kier flipped his phone shut then slid it in his carry-on and boarded the flight.