3. Shes the Key
CHAPTER 3
SHE'S THE KEY
Tristan
“I’ve never been to a party like this.” Gardenia presses her hand to the limousine window to peek at the Senator’s mansion. “Hmm. I thought his place would look bigger. Fifteen bedrooms, eighteen bathrooms, a ballroom, library. Kitchen is downstairs. Two floors down,” she recites from memory.
The top priority tonight is to meet the Senator, get on his list, and steal the pink diamond. Mom would love to see her engagement ring again, the one Dad commissioned just for her back when his diamond business was thriving.
“How do I look?” Gardenia smooths out her red and black brocade dress.
“Beautiful.” I pat her hand.
“I was going for hot.” She rolls her eyes, pointing at her chest where she’s about to pop out of her bustier.
“You look hot,” Jacob chimes in from the driver’s seat and winks at her in the rearview mirror. “Okay, here we go. This is where you make your entrance.” He pulls up to the red carpet. “I’ll stay in the limo. Let me know if you need anything.”
“Get as close as you can to the kitchen. It’s around the back of the parking lot. Then run the program I gave you. And—” Gardenia stops talking when the valet reaches the limo.
“I got it. Don’t worry.” Jacob nods to me.
“Thank you, brother.” I return the gesture and wait for the valet to open our door.
I climb out behind Gardenia’s massive dress. She looks like a real live Cinderella as she steps onto the red carpet. “Omigod,” she mouths to me as we are welcomed by fire-breathing jesters.
Even though my mansion is bigger than this place, the Senator has gone all out with the theme for tonight, a Venetian masquerade ball. Luckily, while the women are dressed in elaborate gowns, the men are only required to wear a tuxedo and a mask.
“Good evening.” A man dressed in a black and gold brocade jester suit and a mask with a long beak smiles politely as he taps on his iPad. “Invitations, please.”
“Of course.” I glance down at Gardenia and reach into the inside pocket of my tuxedo jacket. “Archer and guest,” I say, handing him the two five by seven stock cards.
“Mr. Archer. Welcome.” The valet meets my gaze, then Gardenia’s, and then types on his iPad. “The silent auction starts in five minutes. The displays are in the main gallery as well as the hall upstairs. There’s no access to the downstairs or beyond the upstairs hallway. Enjoy.”
“Thank you.” I place my arm around Gardenia’s waist and usher her through the double doors and past the foyer. “Stop looking so impressed,” I whisper in her ear.
“Are you jealous?” she laughs. “You have to admit. The senator knows how to party.”
“Yeah, he does.” I offer a curt nod to a woman who brushes past us.
“Jeez.” Gardenia throws her arms around my neck, furrowing her brows.
“What now?” I cock a brow.
“That woman is eye-fucking you right in front of me.” She cups my face. “So rude.”
“Are you jealous?” I chuckle.
“Of course not. It’s just rude. She doesn’t know we’re not together, together.” She presses her body closer to mine as if claiming her territory.
“Let’s get to work.” I point upstairs. “You scout the place. I’ll go find Chuck.”
“Okay.” She’s barely looking at me now as she strains her neck to look at the setup at the far end of the main hall laden with massive displays of various foods and ice sculptures. “I’m going to start over there. Is that guy pouring vodka over the ice swan to make martinis? Oh so genius.” She walks off as in a trance.
“Fine.” I roll my eyes at the back of her. “Don’t make yourself sick.”
“Yeah, yeah.” She waves in dismissal.
“It’s good for her to have some fun.” Fisher’s voice comes in loud and clear in my earpiece. “She’s stuck at home too much.”
“I see the comms are working,” I say, doing my best not to move my lips.
“Yep, we’re in business.” Jacob chews in my ear. “Nice work, Gardenia.”
“Thank you. At least someone appreciates my efforts.” Gardenia waves at me then points at the giant ice sculpture in the shape of a swan.
“Get your martini and head upstairs.” I smile, shaking my head. “I need eyes.”
“On my way.” She takes the coupe glass from the bartender and gets going.
“I’m going to find Chuck. We’re sure he’s here. Right?” I ask, scanning the room.
“His socials said he was at a shindig with his dad, the Senator,” Gardenia answers.
I met Chuck the same year I met Santino. Unlike with Santino though, our meeting was orchestrated by me a week after I learned Charles Maurice Davis, Chuck, was the Senator’s son. He had been admitted to Oxford after a mild scandal at Yale. He was eighteen at the time and had gotten into a relationship with an older married woman. His dad sent him away to Oxford until the rumors died down.
To me, Chuck was the start of the next thirteen years for me. He was proof that the universe wanted me to do right by Dad and Mom. Without even trying, I had access to the Senator’s son. Even though I haven’t seen Chuck for a couple of years since he left London, I keep in touch with him via the random “how’s life?” texts. His usual replies are mostly along the lines of “well, Dad still hates me.”
Shocker, the Senator is a shitty father.
I make my way to the bar, looking for him. And that’s when I’m struck by her scent. But in a sea of dresses, masks, and tall powdered wigs, I can’t tell who is wearing her perfume. My heart thrashes in my ears at the thought that she may be here. Is that even possible? Someone of her standing to be at one of the most exclusive balls in New York. Anger churns at the pit of my stomach. If she’s here, she’s here as an escort for some rich asshole.
“Is everything okay?” Fisher asks. “You sound like you can’t breathe.”
“I’m fine.” My gaze desperately searches for her golden eyes as I pick my way through the throng toward one of the bars on the far right of the room. I need a fucking drink. “Whiskey neat, please,” I say when the bartender nods in my direction. “Gardenia.” I speak into my lapel. “I think she’s here.”
“What? What do you mean she’s here?” Gardenia shrieks in my ear. “Camera is in place. Dad, Jacob, how’s the feed?”
“I got it,” Fisher responds.
“Same,” Jacob adds. “Who’s here? Your mystery woman?”
“Yeah, scan the room.” I breathe in to try and catch her scent again, but it’s gone. Did I imagine it? No, she has to be here. Her perfume in the air was real.
“Everyone is in a mask, Tristan,” Jacob informs me. “It’s hard to tell who’s who on the screen.”
“As I live and breathe. What the actual fucking fuck?” To my right, Chuck pushes people out of the way to get to me. “Archer. You fucking asshole. You’re here.” He pulls me into a bear hug. When the bartender puts a glass in front of me, Chuck points at him. “Did you give him the good shit? This is my best mate right here.” He says mate in a terrible English accent. “This man right here saved my life. You remember that?”
“Pfft.” Gardenia scoffs. “That wasn’t Tristan. It was Dad who hacked into the student records and upped his failing grade.”
“Not my proudest moment,” Fisher mumbles. “How is he already drunk? The party just started. He’s nothing if not consistent.”
“Well, we need him drunker. I’d say give him the sedative anyway.” Jacob types on his keyboard. “Tristan, the Senator is at your eight o’clock. He’s watching the two of you.”
“It’s good to see you, old friend.” I pat Chuck on his shoulder, ignoring Gardenia’s and Fisher’s commentary. “I had hoped you’d be here. How have you been?”
“Better now that you’re here. God. I haven’t seen you in ages. Drink up, man.” He places the tumbler in my hand then gestures for the bartender to give him one.
The bartender hesitates as he raises his gaze over our heads. Chuck follows his line of sight and lets out a loud breath. “Hey, you have to meet Dad.”
“Here we go,” Gardenia echoes my feelings.
For years, Chuck tried to introduce me to his father. But I always found an excuse to get out of it or make myself scarce when the Senator visited Oxford. I wasn’t ready then. But now, I’m ready to face the monster under my bed. I want to confront him and tell him I’m coming for him. But that part will have to wait. Patience.
I fist my hands, taking in a deep breath. I hold it for several seconds and then slowly release it. Meanwhile, Chuck is gripping the bartender by the collar of his jester coat and talking fast in his ear. Chuck never liked being told what to do. His father had said no to another drink, and so now he was determined to get one more.
“Guys, you’re not gonna believe this. I just saw this woman swipe a Rolex off an old man,” she laughs. “Do we know anyone who likes to take advantage of unsuspecting, horny men?”
I slow-blink and scan the room for Gardenia. But all I find is a sea of colorful masks glittering under the chandelier lights. It doesn’t matter that I don’t see the one face tattooed on my mind. My heart races just the same.
“Cheers.” Chuck chinks my glass. “Let’s go meet the old man. Yeah?”
“Lead the way.” I gesture toward his dad, who’s been eyeing us since Chuck pulled me into a hug.
“Tristan, I see five hits on your company’s website,” Fisher says in my ear. “You’re definitely on the Senator’s radar now.”
I nod and plaster a pleasant smile on my face as I watch the Senator dip his head to read something on his assistant’s iPad. When we’re within earshot, he sends the assistant away.
“Dad, I’d like—” Chuck starts.
“You must be the famous Mr. Archer” Maurice Davis offers me his hand.
I glare at his long fingers. For a moment, I hear my father’s screams inside my head. I swallow the bitter taste coating the back of my throat and shake my father’s killer’s hand. “Pleasure to finally meet you, Senator Davis.”
“I hear the pleasure is all mine. Thank you for the sizable donation.” He flashes me a smile that feels sincere.
In fact, everything about the man in front of me feels authentic and non-threatening. He’s charming even. The salt and pepper hair and medium height and build make him look like the dad next door. My own dad called this man his friend once. But only because he didn’t know who Maurice Davis really was at his core.
“I was happy to contribute and do my part. I’m looking to settle down in New York.” I stop to inhale, and her scent hits me again like an avalanche.
“Yes, seems we’re neighbors now. We will have to host you and your family soon. A small gathering. I’m always happy to meet Chuck’s good friends.”
“Yeah, especially the ones donating a million dollars to his campaign.” Gardenia scoffs. “I thought you said you were not going to give him any money.”
“Tristan has a plan, Gardenia,” her father answers for me.
I shake my head to warn them to keep the chatter down. And then, there it is again. Her scent blankets the room again. But this time, there is no mistaking who wears that distinct perfume. My gaze cuts to the woman speaking in Chuck’s ear. He holds her in a tight and familiar embrace. She wears a mask, but I recognize the smooth skin of her collarbone, the pout of her lips, and her voice. The sound is faint, not enough for me to decipher her words, but the timbre hits me square in the chest just the same. My gaze lingers on the piece of jewelry hanging from her neck.
The Senator chuckles next to me. “Allow me to introduce you to my daughter, Mr. Archer.”
“Oh shit,” Gardenia blurts out in my ear. “Tristan, I found the guest directory. The sex worker is really here. She’s the Senator’s daughter.”
“I think he already figured that out, Gardenia.” Jacob swears under his breath.
“Everyone, hush. Let the man think.” Fisher comes to my rescue.
“Archer.” Chuck beats the Senator to the punch this time. “Meet my little sister.”
Time stands still as the raw energy between us crackles and shifts with an invisible push and pull. I stand my ground and let my expression go blank. I can’t let her mess with my plans. She’s the Senator’s daughter. My enemy.
“Nice to meet you.” She removes her mask and flashes me a brilliant smile. “I’m always happy to meet my brother’s friends.” She doesn’t even flinch when our hands touch, and a spark burns between us.
“The pleasure is all mine.” I meet her gaze, looking for recognition in her eyes but find none. “Chuck, you didn’t tell me you had a sister.”
“Didn’t I? I’m shocked. No one can go a day, nay an hour, without talking about the great Paloma Davis.” He bows into a curtsy. “My queen.”
“Chuck.” She shakes her head slightly.
Paloma. The name suits her.
“What my inebriated son is trying to say is that we’re very protective of our Paloma.” He hugs her to him. “She’s our most precious possession.”
“I feel like I’ve seen you before.” I catch her eyes. “A hotel bar in the city maybe?”
Her eyes narrow. A smile pulls at her lips as if she’s about to admit that we do know each other. “I don’t think so.”
“That would be impossible Mr. Archer. My Paloma only leaves the house for ballet practice and has a very demanding schedule. In fact, it’s almost bedtime for her. She has an early day tomorrow.” He kisses her hand.
“My mistake.” My jaw clenches.
Father and daughter cut from the same cloth. Both steal and lie with such ease. My mystery woman makes so much more sense now.
“As you can see my perfect sister got all the good genes, beauty and talent.” He extends his arm and faces the huge swan ice sculpture looming six feet over his head. “But in case you didn’t notice, here’s a little clue.”
“Chuck. Enough.” The Senator gestures to the security guard to his right.
“Wait.” He stumbles forward. “I just want to tell him something. Come here.” He points at me. “Let me introduce you to my little sister. The Swan Queen.” He vows again but topples over this time.
“Jesus.” The Senator rolls his eyes.
“I got him.” I put up my hand and catch him before the security guard has time to react. “Come on, mate. Let’s get you out of here.” I switch my attention to the Senator. “Is his room upstairs?”
“Yes, third floor, fifth door on the left. Thank you.” He brings his daughter closer to him as if protecting her from Chuck. Or aligning himself with the one offspring who’s not bringing him shame at the moment.
“You get me.” Chuck leans his entire weight on me. “That’s why you’re my best mate, Archer. Let’s go somewhere else. This party is lame.”
“I got you.” I wrap my arm around his waist and head upstairs.
By the time we reach the top floor, Chuck is fairly incoherent, but not quite unconscious yet.
“How much did you give him?” Gardenia rushes to my side in her big dress.
“None. He did this to himself. But we’ll have to ensure he’s out for a while.” I dip my head toward the end of the wide hallway. “Fifth door is his. Get it for me.”
“Yeah.” She picks up her skirt and bolts to open the door for me.
I enter Chuck’s room and shake him off my shoulder and onto the king-size bed. Gardenia closes the door behind her and breathes out loudly. “I have some good news. And some bad news. Which one do you want first?”
“I need some good news right now.” I turn to face her, stuffing my hands in my trousers.
She opens her mouth to tell me but a knock on the door cuts her off. Her eyes go wide in panic, and her cheeks turn bright red.
“Relax.” I pat her arm. “We’re supposed to be here. Remember? I’m Chuck’s friend.” I stride past her and turn the knob, letting the door fly wide open to put Chuck’s drunken state on display.
“Senator Davis wanted to make sure his son is all right.” The Senator’s personal bodyguard pokes his head in to take a better look at Chuck.
“He’ll be fine.” I gesture for him to come in. But he shakes his head no. Of course he’s not allowed in. When we were in school, both of Chuck’s bodyguards were not allowed to set foot in his room. He kept everyone associated with his father at a healthy distance. “I’ll make sure he goes to sleep.”
“Thank you, Mr. Archer.” He offers me a quick bow and then leaves.
I wait until he reaches the top of the stairs to close the door. “He’s gone.”
“Okay.” She shakes her hands as she crosses the room to pour water in a glass.
I retrieve the vial in my pocket and empty its contents in the water. The red liquid swirls as it makes its way to the bottom. Chuck is going to feel like shit in the morning. But at least this way, he won’t wake up regretting yet another fight with his father.
“How did you know he was going to get this drunk?” Gardenia hands me the glass.
“His father has this effect on him. Chuck hates that nothing he does ever pleases the Senator. So he goes out of his way to make sure the Senator has reasons to hate him.” I release a breath and pick up Chuck’s head to help him drink. “Come on buddy. It’s better if you go to sleep.”
Chuck drinks without complaint and then falls back on his pillow.
“He’s cute.” Gardenia towers over him. “He has that rich boy, I-don’t-care-what-my-hair-looks-like thing going for him.” She breathes out loudly then turns to me. “His sister is something else though. Isn’t she?”
“She’s nothing.”
“Are you sure? Because I saw you. Downstairs. You almost lost your shit when Chuck introduced the two of you. It was like you wanted to rush in and kiss her or something.”
She’s not wrong. But that was before I fully understood who and what she was. Paloma Davis is my enemy’s daughter. While Chuck is his father’s victim. Paloma seems to be just like the Senator, calculating and deceiving. Is that why she steals from men at random bars? To help her father? The Senator was so quick to inform me that his daughter rarely leaves the mansion. Fucking liars, both of them.
“Is that it? You still want her? She’s not good for you, Tristan,” Gardenia whisper-shouts, getting in my face. “I’m scared for you. That woman is dangerous. Do you see that?” She punches my chest.
“Of course I see that.” I grip her wrist.
“Then say it.” She yanks her arm, but I keep my hold on it. Her eyes water. “Say you don’t want her.”
“I don’t.” My jaw clenches. “She’s just like him. Of course I hate her. Paloma Davis is an extension of her father. She sells herself to men. And I have no doubt she does it to help her father’s campaign. It’s why every goddamn asshole downstairs looks at her like she’s something to eat. They’re just fucking waiting their turn.”
“Tristan.” She reaches for my cheek with her free hand with so much pity in her eyes.
“Don’t call me that. I’m not Tristan. I can’t be Tristan Sallows until the Senator and his family get what’s coming to them. I can’t have peace until my father’s killer pays for what he did to my family. From here on out. I’m Archer. In private and in public. Do you understand?” I peel her hand off my face. “And that goes for you too, Fisher and Jacob.”
“Of course,” they both say in unison and disrupt the hate swirling in my head along with Paloma’s golden eyes.
“She’s the key. The last piece on this goddamn chess board.” I glare at the bedroom door, picturing the masquerade ball downstairs.
“What do you mean?” Gardenia’s voice drops to a whisper.
“I came here to take everything from the Senator.” I glance over at Chuck’s sleeping form, his mouth slack. “I want him stripped of his power and wealth. But now I want something else too. I want to take from him, the way he took from me. I want his most precious possession. He wants to sell his daughter to the highest bidder. Fine.”
“You’re giving him the rope to hang himself.” Gardenia starts to understand my plan.
“Yes, but not in the secrecy of a swanky hotel suite. He’s going to show everyone who he really is on the big stage. I’m going to make him hurt. He’s going to give her up willingly. And forever.”