"Unfortunately, I can't completely guarantee that," Jason replied, "As much as I wish I could. Things are more stable and I'm still working on making sure that would be less likely. But we both know there's only so much I can prepare for."
"I know," Charles said, "It's just that now that I know it's not something Kellie wants, aside from my not wanting that for her. I guess need some reassurance that you are doing everything you can to try to prevent that because…."
Charles's voice trailed off.
"Charles, I never should have let things get as far as they did with Sonny," Jason said, "I should have taken over a lot sooner than I did. I really don't have an excuse for not doing so other than I really thought Sonny would get it together. "
"Sonny was never really the same after Nixon Falls was he?" Charles said.
"No, he wasn't," Jason said, "Whatever edge he had he lost. I wish I'd seen it sooner before Kellie bought into to shipping company, ended up at odds with Michael, and came to that meeting. She shouldn't have been in a position to vote Sonny out as head of the families. Your brother shouldn't have had to be the one step in to ensure Kellie could say no to heading up her own organization. I'm grateful he did, but it shouldn't have gotten to the point where Maximus stepped in where should I have….where Sonny or I should have."
"I can't tell you how relieved I was that Maximus was willing to give Kellie a choice," Charles said, "It was one thing to publicly knowledge her and the kids as part of his family and were under his protection. But it was another to offer up his nephew to fill the spot offered to Kellie."
"It probably didn't hurt that it gave your brother a foothold back here in the states," Jason said.
"Believe me, I'm well aware my brother is still a businessman," Charles said, "He still would have benefited from Kellie taking the spot instead. But I am assured that he will ensure Kellie and the kids have his protection whatever it takes if needed."
"I agree," Jason said, "I know I failed to protect Kellie. Our marriage was supposed to help protect her and if I'm honest I feel like I failed her there when we thought Sonny was dead and after he came back from Nixon Falls. I can't make any absolute guarantees, but I will do everything I can to keep Kellie and the kids safe and ensure Kellie isn't in a position to run the business ever."
"That's all I'm asking," Charles said, "I know it's not as easy as we wish it could be. Now, how are things between you and Sonny? I wouldn't have imagined he took your decision to take over well even before I heard the end of his tirade just now. Anything to be worried about?"
"Other than tirades like the one you just heard, nothing," Jason answered, "I didn't leave him completely without funds."
"Just without whatever remaining power he had," Charles said.
"He's working on getting power back by partnering with Brick," Jason said.
"Brick took over Cyrus's territory right?" Charles asked.
"Correct," Jason said, "There's rumors he's working with some WSB military contractor. That is concerning. Their reputation is questionable for what they supposedly do."
"That doesn't sound like something Sonny or any of you would get involved in," Charles replied.
"I think it's sloppy on Sonny's part," Jason said, "I don't have a good feeling about it."
"Would he need Kellie's shipping company to transport for them?" Charles asked.
"I don't know," Jason said, "I hope not."
"Might be worth mentioning to Lorenzo," Charles said, "At least make him aware of it in case they try to force Kellie to ship something they shouldn't."
Jason looked surprised at Charles.
"I know that no one knows who Kellie's business partner is publicly," Charles said, "But I could gather enough information from Lorenzo to surmise, he's her business partner there."
"Neither one will actually admit it though," Jason said, "But you have a point. I'll make sure to mention it to him."
Charles nodded in acknowledgement.
"I should get going," Charles said, "I have an appointment to go over some things with Diane."
"Do you have everything you need such as funds until everything is straightened out?" Jason asked.
"It's covered," Charles said, "In a few more days, they'll get the funds and my estate sorted out. I haven't told Kellie yet, but I plan on just leaving the house in Miami in her name at this point. No sense is switching that over at this point."
"Well, If you need anything," Jason said, "Don't hesitate to ask."
"I appreciate the offer," Charles said, "All I need to know you'll make sure Kellie and the kids are safe and taken care of."
"I'll do my best," Jason replied.
"One more thing before I go," Charles said, pausing for a moment, "Are you okay with how things are with Sonny? I know it can't be easy for you."
"It's not," Jason said, "The hardest thing is I can't do what he wants, not without risking everyone else, putting them in danger. He won't see that. I don't…"
"I don't what?" Charles prompted gently.
"I worry he never will," Jason said.
"I understand how much you would want to give Sonny the benefit of the doubt," Charles said, "But I'd advise you to consider at what point could holding out that hope put everything else that's important to you at risk."
Jason didn't respond right away.
"I'll take that under advisement," Jason finally said.
