Katie knew nothing she could say would persuade me, so as desperately as she wanted to try, she wasn’t talking. The harder you push a mule, the more obstinate it gets. She left it to the expert.

“It will take time to adjust.” Fred shuffled the papers. “But you will. And it will take a short time for probate and transfer of titles.”

He risked a small smile. “You can’t get rid of anything until it’s actually yours.”

“What do you mean, about not wanting to be him?” Eric said. “I still don’t understand.”

“Everything he was. His deals, his influence, his manipulations. Sitting in his mansion, being the big man. Being the king.” Was that it? “Being so sure of who he was.” I turned to Fred. “No. I won’t do this. If I have to sign something to refuse it, then make it quick.”

“You do not understand.” Soft, round Fred had again lost patience and was finally, suddenly, very hard. “And the stakes are too high for childish behavior.” He paused while he got my attention. Now I was seeing the Fred who counseled ruthless men.

“Listen to me, Jason. Your father had great power in this state, and his wealth was only part of it. He had thousands of employees and held immense sway over government. He could make or break anyone he wanted. He had no rivals because he had defeated them. You know who he was.”

I had his attention. “I know who he was, Fred. Everyone knew exactly who he was.”

“That is the point. Now his death has left a vacuum, and that is very dangerous.” He was speaking deliberately, as if I were a child. “I had thought to wait before I had this discussion with you, but I see I need to do it now. You have no choice, Jason. You must take your father’s position.”

“I don’t want it. You know me. I’d hate it.” I looked away from him. “It wouldn’t work, anyway. Let someone else be king.”

“That is not an option. I said that a vacuum is dangerous.” He was measuring me; I could see it in his eyes. “Your rivals have already taken the first steps to fill it.”