Read Online The Serpent's Bite by Warren Adler - Free Book Online Page A

demonstrative signs of affection, although Scott had noted that it did seem odd after a four-year silence to greet Courtney in a similar manner without comment about their long estrangement.
    â€œYou’re looking lovely, darling,” he told her.
    â€œThanks, Dad,” she had replied. “You’re looking very well yourself.”
    Both siblings exchanged glances, ignoring the obvious change of hair color and whitened, even set of teeth. On closer inspection, he seemed to look slightly different around the eyes, indicating unmistakably that he had had cosmetic surgery.
    If their father noted their reaction, he ignored it. Scott was relieved at his affability. There was not a hint of tension or acrimony, and he appeared genuinely and sincerely happy to see them both. Scott admitted to himself that he was pleased to see how well he looked, and it was not without a brief pang of shame that he recalled any unkind thoughts he might have entertained.
    It had always amazed him that, despite deep disagreements and heated arguments, his father never wavered from playing the role of the wise and affectionate progenitor. He had always been a doting, concerned, supportive father, and Scott never doubted for a moment that both he and Courtney were loved children. As they grew older, Scott sensed that his father might have thought of them as errant pets that had never been quite housebroken.
    Scott had been very disappointed in their last face-to-face confrontation during one of his infrequent visits. He had come to New York specifically for the purpose of getting his father to invest in his new enterprise. The old man had refused.
    â€œI’m sorry, Scott, I’ve done more than enough, far beyond the call of fatherly duty. Besides, a restaurant business is foolhardy, too labor-intensive and dangerous. Restaurants as a category are the most dangerous businesses in the world.”
    â€œAnd if it wasn’t restaurants, Dad, would you back me?”
    â€œThat’s not a fair question. I have backed you.”
    â€œI know, Dad, but that was when technology tanked, this time it’s basic. Food. People have to eat.”
    â€œI’m sorry, son. It’s too risky for you or any investor. Really, Scott, what do you know about the restaurant business? It’s hard enough for experts.”
    His statement had an air of finality. A wall had risen that, Scott knew, would not be easily breached. Besides, his earlier bankruptcies made it impossible to secure credit.
    â€œAre you trying to force me into your business, Dad?”
    â€œNo, but it will always be an option. Besides, I’ll never understand why you haven’t come in. It will be yours and Courtney’s some day.”
    Scott could never reveal the real reasons for his refusal.
    â€œI guess you’ve lost faith in me.”
    â€œYou’re my son, Scott. I love you, but I’m convinced that going down this new path will only hurt you more, not help.”
    â€œI don’t agree, Dad. It’s a great deal.”
    â€œMaybe so. But I won’t back it. Believe me, to refuse you is painful for me. But I’m sticking by it.”
    Before, when Scott had approached him for other investments, he had not even required any pro forma or financial justification. That phase of his support was obviously over. The conclusion of this interview was not very pretty.
    â€œI can’t understand it, Dad. I’m your son. You’re in good financial shape. Don’t say I’m counting your money, just observing the obvious. All I want is a little help. Frankly, I think you’re being cheap. What the hell are you going to do with your money? Sure, I’m very, very disappointed in my track record. But hell, who could have predicted the technology meltdown?Not every deal works. You’re a businessman. Someday I’ll click. I know I will. Who else would you back if not your own son? You say you love me. I’m not