Kendal's expression grew stern, and he looked towards Jameson.

Jameson's demeanor also became grave. “Kendal, give Franco a call.

Let's see if he actually supports such misconduct."

“Right away, sir."

Kendal pulled out his phone and made a call.

Elmore, now wary, paid them closer attention.

Their direct reference to Franco and the serious look on their faces gave him an uneasy feeling.

Could they be connected to his uncle Franco?

As he pondered, Kendal's voice broke through his thoughts.

“Hey Franco, where are you at? Oh, you're in a meeting? We have someone here claiming to be your nephew and making a fuss. Jameson wanted me to check with you. Do you know this guy?"

Was he really talking to Franco on the phone? The possibility of Kendal speaking to Franco sent a wave of dread through Elmore, who now watched nervously.

Kendal turned to him, asking, "What's your name?"

Elmore's face shifted. He gathered his courage and asked, “Are you really on the phone with him? Don't fool me!"

No more waiting around, Kendal put his phone on speaker and said, "Franco, talk to him directly, man."

Franco on the other side fired back, "Who the hell are you? Running scams in my name? Seriously?"

Elmore, recognizing the voice, reacted before thinking.

With a sly grin, he leaned in a bit and said, "Uncle Franco, it's me, Elmore Bates."

There was a pause, then Franco yelled, "It's you again! I'm not your uncle! We are just some sort of distant relative. I barely know you!"

Elmore grinned awkwardly, "Well, we're kind of related."

"Quit that! Elmore Bates, did I not tell you to stop scamming in my name? Or I'll give you a problem!" shouted Franco, angry as hell.