“You’re really worried.”

Rene shrugged. “Shouldn’t I be? Charles is playing hardball, and if I lose, it’s all gone. The house. The company.”

Louis settled back. “Have you ever wondered if that would be so bad? Have you ever wondered if this might be the way out of the cage? That’s what you called it when you were in college. I understand that you had to keep things going for the family, but if the family doesn’t want it, why are you trying so hard? You wouldn’t lose the money. It belongs to your mother, not the company.”

He’d never thought about it. He’d never had a choice if he wanted to honor his father’s will. “I would lose the only job I ever had.”

“And then maybe you could do what you really want to do.”

He had no idea what he would do. He liked the actual work he did. He’d trained for this job. Even as a child he’d come to the office with his father. He’d worked every summer during his teen years right here, learning the business from the ground up. What would he do if he hadn’t had his whole future planned for him?

“I think I’m fine right where I am. I’m doing exactly what I promised I would do,” he replied.

Louis stood and smoothed down his jacket with a graceful hand. “I was only trying to point out that maybe your father never should have made you make that promise. We’ll figure out who’s sending our bids to Charles. I guarantee it.”

Rene wished he could believe him but his mind was racing again as Louis opened the door and walked out. It was almost a relief that his outer office held yet another visitor.

Zep Guidry stood in front of Jane’s desk, looking around like he wasn’t sure he should be there. Zep was Remy’s younger brother and had recently taken on the job of building the parish’s animal services department from the ground up.

He looked like he was taking it seriously since he held a small dog in his arms.

“Hey, Rene. I was hoping I could talk to you.”

Louis greeted Zep and the dog before walking toward his office.

“What did you need?” The dog was a small Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with brown and white fur and big sad doggie eyes. “I just talked to your brother.”

“Yeah, I did, too, and he was the one who suggested I come to you,” Zep replied, striding into his office. “This little thing was turned over by a breeder. She’s the runt of the litter, and that asshole isn’t willing to get her the meds she needs. She’s got a heart issue, which is why he can’t find anyone to take her. I was hoping I could get you to sponsor her.” Zep held the dog up. “Look at how fancy I am. Don’t you want to save my life, Mr. Moneybags?”