“Not necessarily,” Patrick said, heading down the porch stairs and holding up the legal document. “I’ve reviewed the operating agreement. You have the power to assign Theodore’s shares to Liam immediately. It doesn’t require a shareholder majority to agree. As senior partner, you can do it right now.”

Liam looked thunderstruck. He wandered to a garden bench and sat, staring in amazement at Frederick. “Is that true?” he asked, a world of hope in his voice.

Frederick didn’t break Patrick’s gaze, but he nodded in concession. “Congratulations on finding that codicil. I didn’t think you’d be able to spot it.”

“Scrappy lawyers are good at digging,” Patrick said. “And if we add Liam’s ten percent to yours, the vote is sixty to forty.”

“Which isn’t enough to stop the merger,” Frederick pointed out.

“Who says?” Liam demanded. “It shouldn’t be hard to scrounge up a few people who want to side with the workers of the world.”

Frederick’s smile was equal parts cynical and condescending. “No one else in this family will vote against Oscar. Their livelihoods depend on him, and they will vote as he instructs them. The shareholders will earn healthy dividends as soon as the company is formed.”

Liam still looked exhilarated. “I don’t give up easily.”

“Good,” Frederick said. “You’re going to need that fire in the coming years.”

“I’m going to need that fire in the coming weeks,” Liam corrected. “I intend to scrounge up another ten percent of the votes to stop the merger.”

A calculating look came over Frederick’s face. He walked with slow, careful steps to the cluster of chairs near Liam and took a seat. He retrieved a cigar from his breast pocket, lit it, and took a long and deliberate puff, all the while studying Liam.

“I can’t figure out who you are,” he said. “Have you inherited your father’s overly emotional streak, or do you take after Oscar’s calculating gamesmanship? Are you a person who is best suited to welding steel, or should you be directing the steel mill? It will be interesting to watch. The entire family will gather here tomorrow. Most of the men have a share or two to their name. Try to persuade them to your side if you wish. I will enjoy watching. But take my advice and don’t let anyone know I have switched sides. The first rule of gamesmanship is to keep your cards close to your chest.”

“I’d like to see Liam do that while walking around with a ten-percent stake of his own,” Patrick said.

“You’re dreaming.” Frederick’s tone was dismissive, but Patrick was not daunted.