7. Family Is Everything, Isn’t It?
CHAPTER 7
FAMILY IS EVERYTHING, ISN’T IT?
Archer
I watch the swelling blue dot on my screen. It’s been sitting over the Performance Arts Centre since six this morning. For the past month, I have been monitoring Paloma’s every move, thanks to Gardenia’s phone hack. Paloma Honor Davis went from mystery woman to my enemy. I now know everything there is to know about her. What she eats, mostly green apples and diet soda. Where she spends most of her time, at the theatre. Who she spends time with, no one. The Senator keeps her tucked away in his mansion. She leaves early in the morning escorted by Nico, and doesn’t return until nighttime, again, escorted by Nico. Even her so-called boyfriend hasn’t shown up.
My stomach tightens at the thought of the two of them together. I hate the idea that he can have her any time he wants. But not for long. I swallow the bitter taste in my mouth knowing that soon, I won’t have her either. Because even after Paloma agrees to Santino’s terms, she still won’t be mine. Not in the way I once thought of her. Gardenia calls it my night of insanity. And it was exactly that. My desire for Paloma was pure insanity. But that is over. The plan has to move forward.
My gaze lifts and settles on the floor-to-ceiling windows of my New York office, and the city below me. The sun sits low on the horizon. I finished the work I wanted to get done for today. But I wasn’t ready to head back to Bedford. Not until Paloma does what she was supposed to have done a month ago. She seemed so desperate when she asked for my help. And now she’s dragging her feet. Santino and Rex have everything lined up for me. All we need now is her.
A notification catches my eye. It’s a text from Gardenia.
Gardenia: earpiece?
Me: why?
Gardenia: I have news. Phone not safe
I shake my head as a smile pulls at my lips. I go to type an answer but then decide talking to the team would be faster. Opening the desk drawer, I take the small device and shove it in my ear. As soon as the connection is established, a beep dings in my ear.
“I hate it when you go offline.” Gardenia’s voice filters through.
“I needed a break.” I sit back on my chair.
“Fine. Are you still in the office?” she asks.
“Yeah, why?” I shift my body weight to reach my laptop. “What’s going on?”
“The Senator is making my life easy.” She chuckles.
“How so?” I ask.
“One of his latest ventures just went under. I’m telling you this guy is the worst businessman ever. How did he ever amass any kind of wealth?” She scoffs, then goes silent. “Oh Archer. I’m sorry. That was a dumb thing to say.”
“No worries.” I shake my head, even though she can’t see me.
Yeah, any wealth the Senator has left came from my father. Since they were young, the Senator would always chase the get-rich-quick investments. Of course, they never panned out. Years of shady investments combined with his poor judgment when it came to business have put the Senator at the brink of ruin. Gardenia is right. He’s making our jobs way too easy. Even Rex and Santino’s.
Days after I met with Rex and Santino, Santino reached out to let me know they had the Senator on the hook for embezzlement of campaign funds and, a classic, gambling. Inside an hour, Santino had bought the debt and informed the Senator he had to pay or suffer the consequences. At this point, Rex doesn’t care if the Senator goes under. He’s got him by the proverbial balls. All without my assistance.
Luckily, Santino still wants to help me. And has agreed to receive Paloma when she decides she really needs his help. Time to force her hand.
“How long before he forecloses on his Bedford mansion. I want it. Don’t let it go to market. Understand?” I tap on a key on my laptop to bring up the screen. Out of habit, I click on one of Paloma’s surveillance pictures that Jacob uploaded to the secured drive. “I want his home.”
“Yeah, I’m on it. I spoke to Santino.” She pauses and waits for me to admonish her for reaching out to the Italian mob directly. But at this point, we’re in too deep to fuss over small details. She releases a breath. “Anyway, he’s fast tracking the foreclosure. He bought the mortgage with your money, of course. The house is as good as yours.”
“That’s excellent news.” I don’t even care how much he spent on the mansion.
“I mean, at this point we have enough to send the guy to jail for a long time.” She types on her keyboard.
I stare at Paloma’s beautiful features, her pouty lips, her eyes. She deserves a better father. But that’s not my concern. Jail is not enough. I want the Senator begging me for scraps. Once he loses his most precious possession, his mansion, his wealth and power, he will do exactly that. I want him to beg my mother for forgiveness and then return what he stole.
“Not yet, Gardenia. We stick to the plan.” I click on the next photo of Paloma where she’s wearing her ballerina dress.
She has lost weight and looks exhausted. After seeing her at rehearsals on her first day, I can see why her body would slim down. Ten hours a day of the torture her director puts her through would do that to anyone. She’s determined to a fault.
“Hello?” Gardenia singsongs in my ear.
“Yeah. What?” I ask.
“I said…. why are you still in the city? Come home already. Or did you change your mind about going to Chuck’s birthday party?” she asks.
“No, I haven’t. I’ll be home shortly.”
“Hurry up, man.” Jacob pops in. “Gardenia is driving us all nuts trying on dresses.”
“I’ll be there as soon as I can.” I tap my earpiece to turn it off.
The blue dot on the map, covering the left side of my screen, starts to move. My heart drums in my chest in anticipation.
Come on, Little Dove, be a good daughter. Time to sell your soul to the devil. If you really love him, take your father’s place.
I sit there and wait as her driver weaves through midtown traffic. And then, makes the wrong turn, away from the Crucible, the sex club where Rex and Santino handle their less legitimate businesses. Fuck. She’s not taking the bait.
Maybe I’m going about this the wrong way. What if she can’t get away from the Senator? I got the sense he was the controlling-loving-dad type. I swallow the lump in my throat. After all, isn’t he the one who decides who she sleeps with? He’s not desperate enough. Is it possible he doesn’t know he doesn’t have the diamond? That tomorrow he won’t have five million dollars or more in his bank account.
I snap my laptop shut and rise to my feet. That must be it. Paloma hasn’t told her father what happened to the pink diamond. Is she hoping for a miracle? Fine. She won’t come to me? Then, I’ll go to her. She will have to agree to my terms tonight.
* * *
“I can get used to this.” Gardenia loops her hand through my elbow and leans over the console to rest her head on my shoulder. “We should go to parties every weekend.”
“You’re working, remember?” Jacob says over the earpiece. “I’m glad I’m on comms tonight. Being a driver is boring. Although I did see a couple having sex last time. Trust me, it wasn’t as sexy as you would think. They were messy. I mean the guy was clueless.”
“Oh, like you would know.” Gardenia rolls her eyes.
“I’ll have you know?—”
“Jacob,” I cut him off. “Kindly remember we have a minor and her father on comms.” I focus on the road ahead of us, then make a right turn into the Senator’s mansion.
“Omigod. I’m not a minor.” Gardenia slaps my chest. “I’m twenty-three. I’m practically Paloma’s age.”
“You definitely sound grown-up when you whine like that,” Jacob pokes.
“Both of you stop,” Fisher deadpans. “Archer, we have a problem.”
“What is it?” Gardenia sits up and takes out her phone.
“The Italian mob is at the mansion,” Fisher says.
“Dad, when you say it like that it sounds like they’re here to off someone. It’s just Santino.” She blushes a little.
“I don’t like the way you say his name.” Jacob scoffs. “Fisher, you hear that? She’s all bubbly.”
“The guy is drop-dead gorgeous. And has a license to kill. How am I supposed to say his name?” Gardenia fires back.
“Why is Santino here?” I turn to face Gardenia. “Did you ask him to join us?”
“No, I didn’t.” She shakes her head. “I mean we’re not here on a heist or anything. We’re here to have fun, right? We don’t need him.”
“We’re not.” I nod at the valet as he waves me through to wait in line. “I’m here because the Senator invited me. And because Paloma hasn’t taken the bait yet. I’m here to make sure she does. Did you do what I asked?”
“Of course. The Senator should’ve received the foreclosure notice hours ago.” She beams at me.
“Right. So now all we need to do is find out if he knows he no longer has the diamond. And then, I’ll just offer my services to escort Paloma to the Crucible,” I say mostly to myself.
My plan was insane, immoral is what Fisher called it. But I don’t care. All is fair, and all that.
The valet opens my door, and I climb out. By the time I walk around the hood of my Maserati, Gardenia is at the edge of the red carpet waiting for me.
“Admit it. This one is also cool.” She points at the Christmas lights and the oversized Nutcrackers on either side of the entrance. “Too bad we weren’t asked to dress up for the Nutcracker theme.”
“Christmas was last month.” I say under my breath.
“It’s still cool.” She shrugs.
Like before, we are escorted to the podium by the door where a woman checks our invitation. “Welcome back, Mr. Archer. Your bidding number will be the same as before.”
“Thank you.” I nod.
“I wonder if you still have the winning bid on that gorgeous necklace,” Gardenia says loud enough for everyone around us to hear.
“Nice touch,” Jacob chimes in.
“You should find Santino and figure out why he’s here.” Fisher is the only one taking this mission seriously.
Mostly because he’s worried about me. Every time I get near the Senator, I risk being recognized. I hate that I’m putting Gardenia in danger like this. But bringing her with me is safer for her. At least if she’s here, she won’t have the urge to go rogue again.
“Get us eyes.” I kiss Gardenia’s temple.
“On it.” She throws her arms around my neck and kisses me on the lips.
“What the hell?” I glare at her.
“What happened?” Jacob and Fisher ask in unison.
“Nothing.” Gardenia flashes me an innocent smile. “Just making sure the women understand Archer is not here alone. The redhead in the green dress is totally eye-fucking him.”
“Go take care of things.” I cock an eyebrow.
“Fine.” She turns on her heel and disappears in the crowd.
Tonight’s party is smaller than the fundraiser from last month, but there’s still enough people to disqualify this party as the “intimate” affair the Senator promised. I scan the room looking for Santino and Paloma. I see her first. How did I manage to stay away from her for a whole month? I dip my head in her direction, and she blushes.
Fuck. I need a drink. I head to the bar.
Two steps in, Chuck spots me. “Archer. You made it you son of a bitch?” He appears semi-sober.
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world. How old are you now? Forty?” I hugged him.
“Fuck off. I’m thirty-two. Not an exciting milestone to celebrate but who gives a shit when it’s an election year. Am I right?” He gestures to the room at large and the fresh fir garlands hanging from the chandelier. “The old man knows how to party though. Don’t you just love the holiday season?”
“Yeah, best season of the year.” I catch Paloma staring at me, while hanging from some asshole’s arm. My blood boils, but I manage to reel it in.
“What?” Chuck follows my line of sight. “Oh him.” He rolls his eyes and saunters to the bar. “Two whiskeys. Neat. The good shit. It’s my birthday today.”
“Who’s that?” I ask, casually leaning on the bar though my body is wound tight.
“That, my dear mate.” He shoves a crystal tumbler into my hand. “Is Hunter Du Pont. He’ll tell you he’s a Vanderbilt. But he’s not. He does come from money. Decent fortune of his own. His best skills are that he’s good at losing money to me. And he says yes to whatever Dad says. For some reason my sister loves him. Probably because Dad told her to.”
“He’s a wealth of information that one.” Jacob chuckles. “He makes me want to drink. Be right back. Oh hey. Gardenia. We have eyes.”
“Good. I was about to ask. We should be all set,” she whispers. “Archer, should I come meet you or should I scout the buffet table.”
I bring the glass to my lips as I look away from Chuck. “Fine. You know the rules.”
“Yeah, yeah. Don’t make myself sick.” She smacks her lips. “The martini ice sculpture is back. Like I said. I could get used to this.”
“What should we do?” Chuck clinks my glass. “Tonight is my night.”
I turn to face him as I shuffle through a list of excuses to get rid of him. In the end, I settle on the truth. “I need to speak to the Senator first. We have business.”
“Boring.” He makes a gagging gesture. “Find me when you’re done.” He walks into the crowd in the center of the hall then makes a half turn with his index finger pointing. When it lands on a woman in a tight black dress, he says, “You. Let’s dance.”
The woman rewards him with a sexy laugh then nods.
“Where is he?” I ask into my glass.
“The study to your left,” Fisher answers immediately
I saunter in that direction, determined to tell the Senator the diamond is gone. The fastest way to get the conversation going on that front is to ask to see the necklace in person. When I peek inside the study, the Senator is deep in conversation with Santino. Fuck. Now what? I don’t want the Senator to know Santino and I are friends. Not yet anyway.
“Please don’t.” Paloma grabs my elbow and tugs.
I let her pull me toward a giant nutcracker then behind a service door hidden behind a wooden panel. We’re in the service part of the house now where the walls are bare, and the carpet is worn and cheap. The long corridor smells of pot roast and freshly baked goods.
“Whoa.” She sways as she shuts the door behind her.
“Are you okay?” I reach for her elbow.
“Yeah. The food took me by surprise. It smells delicious.” She peeks around the corner before she turns to me. “You have the winning bid for the necklace. I’m sure you knew that.”
“I was hoping to be the winner.” I smile at her.
Her eyes water as her mouth turns upside down in a deep frown. “I didn’t find it, Archer. I looked everywhere. But it’s gone. I just knew you were going to ask Dad about it.” She motions to her chest and the fact that she’s not wearing the diamond.
I stare at her smooth skin, remembering how good she tasted. It’s been weeks, and I can still feel her in my arms.
“I didn’t realize that was the case. My friend tells me you didn’t show.” I keep my words short because if I tell her exactly how we plan to help her, she may get spooked. I need her trapped. “If you’d like I can go with you to see him. For moral support.”
“What do I do now?” She presses a hand to her forehead.
The red on her wrists catches my eye. What the fuck? Did someone tie her up? I grab her by the elbow and pull her toward me. Up close, I can see the long scratches across her veins. They’re not deep. But they look angry.
“Who did this to you?” I ask through gritted teeth.
“No one.” Her gaze darts between the fresh cuts on her skin and my face. “It’s none of your business anyway.”
“Paloma.” I bring her closer to me. My breath comes out in puffs as I consider the many ways I plan to hurt the person responsible for her injuries. “Who hurt you?”
“It was an accident.” She yanks her arm free with fire in her eyes.
“Try again.” I tower over her.
“They’re just scratches. I did it in my sleep, okay?” She shoves me away from her. The annoyance in her voice and the defiance in her eyes tells me she’s not lying. And she’s definitely not bothered by it. For a beat, I thought maybe Hunter Du Pont had something to do with it. She sighs. “Please don’t tell Dad about the diamond.”
“He’ll find out at midnight when the auction closes, and I claim my prize.” I cross my arms over my chest.
“I’ll think of something. Just give me a bit of time.” She disappears behind the service door.
“Fuck.” I run a hand through my hair.
A minute later, the door opens again, and Gardenia waltzes in with Santino and a beautiful redhead clad in a green dress. “Look who I found.” Gardenia leans in and whispers, “Turns out she wasn’t checking you out. She was just nosy.”
“What?” I squint at her.
“Archer.” Santino steps in to shake my hand. “How are you, man?”
“I’m not sure.” I slap his shoulder. “I wasn’t expecting to see you here.”
“We had some family drama.” He glances down at the woman next to him, and she beams at him. “Oh. I’m sorry. Archer, meet my wife, Luce O’Brien.”
“Are you serious? Jesus, I never thought I’d see the day. You’re hitched?” I laugh half-expecting him to follow up with a “just kidding.”
“Yep. What can I say? Life has a way to change us all.” He glances at her again, and I see it. The poor chap is madly in love with her.
“Congratulations,” I say to the both of them. “How did this happen?”
“It’s a really long story.” Santino wraps a protective arm around his wife.
“It’s really not.” She smiles. “I wanted him dead. So I shot him.”
“Yep.” Santino nods. “Charmed the pants right off me.”
“You’re not joking.” I shake my head in disbelief. “I’m happy for you, man. Both of you.”
“Thank you.” Luce glances up at Santino. “Can we go now? This party is a bust.”
“I know.” Santino dips his head and kisses her lips. “Let’s go home.”
“You really were not here for me?” I ask before they leave.
“No. But I did take the time to put a little fire under the Senator’s seat. He’s desperate. But he assures me that I’ll have my money tonight. What’s that about?” The space between his brows furrows.
“Long story.” I wave my hand in dismissal. “Don’t worry, he won’t have the money tonight. His daughter will be back on track tomorrow. I’m sure.”
“Good. The suspense is killing me.” He steps in for a hug. “I’ll see you soon.”
“Yes. And thanks for going above and beyond tonight.” I nod.
“No worries. Just here protecting our interests.” He turns to his wife. “Ready?”
“It was nice meeting you, Archer.” Luce waves. “Good luck.”
“Thanks.” Why does everyone keep saying that to me?
I wait until they leave, then turn to Gardenia. I need a minute to find my bearings. Talking to Paloma put me on edge. The marks on her arm look alarming. Were they really just accidental scratches? Could be. They were going in the wrong direction. I squeeze my eyes shut and swallow. She doesn’t strike me as someone who would harm herself.
And there were no signs of roping either. The marks didn’t go around her full wrist.
“Did you find anything on Hunter Du Pont?” I ask Gardenia.
“Who? The boyfriend? No. He’s literally at the bottom of my list of things to do.” She rolls her eyes. “What do you care if she has a boyfriend?”
“So you did look him up? Tell me what you know.”
“I did some light Googling. He’s rich and handsome. A good match for her. Maybe he’s giving her the money she needs tonight. Do you think?” She meets my gaze. “That’s why she didn’t show. He rescued her. That’s romantic.”
“Gardenia,” I warn her. “You’re trying my patience tonight.”
“Oh please. You were fine until you saw her hanging from that guy’s arm.” She scoffs. “Admit it, you’re jealous.”
“I’m not. I just need this plan to get back on track.” I inhale deeply to calm the fuck down. “I need to talk to the Senator and find out if Hunter bailed him out.”
“Okay.” She nods. “I’ll go mingle, I guess. Oh hey, do you want to dance?”
I turn to face her with my hand on the doorknob as I consider my options. “You know what? That’s a great idea.” I pull the door open. “After you.”
I make it as far as the bar before the senator’s bodyguard taps me on the shoulder. Gardenia looks at me with panic in her eyes. I shake my head once, silently telling her to stay calm. If the Senator figured out who I am or that we bugged his home, I’m prepared to face the consequences. Gardenia has explicit instructions to get out and leave me here. Fisher and Jacob are my backup. They will ensure she’s safe.
“The Senator would like a word in private, Mr. Archer.” The bodyguard motions toward the study.
“Of course.” I nod politely to the bodyguard before I turn to Gardenia. “Would you give us a minute, love?”
The fire in her eyes tells me she’s not leaving me alone with the Senator. But as soon as she opens her mouth, Fisher chimes in, “Gardenia, do as you’re told. Let Archer deal with the Senator.”
“Fine.” She grits her teeth. “I’ll go make sure we still have the winning bid for the pink diamond.”
“I’ll see you later.” I kiss her temple and turn to the bodyguard. “Lead the way.”
The bodyguard escorts me to the study. When I stroll in, he shuts the door behind me. The Senator has a drink in his hand, facing the fireplace. I glare at his frame and the slump of his shoulders. I’m very much looking forward to the day when this sorry excuse for a human being is on the ground, defeated and alone. The minute the Senator turns to face me, I realize I’m here because he needs a favor from me. My guess would be money. So that was his plan? Use his son’s birthday to hit Chuck’s friends for cash?
“Mr. Archer, so glad you could make it. I trust you’re enjoying yourself.” He gestures toward the bar cart. “Whiskey?”
“No, thank you.” I wave a hand in dismissal, then stuff them in the pockets of my trousers. “What can I do for you, Senator?”
“Do you have family, Mr. Archer?” he asks.
Fine. I decide to play along. “I do. They’re all back in the UK.”
“Family is everything, isn’t it? It’s important to understand where we came from.” He taps his index finger to his temple. “It keeps us grounded. Focused on the future. I would do anything for my family.”
“As would I.” I nod, then I see it—my grandparents smiling faces, looking down at me from the mantle.
Acid builds in the pit of my stomach. I knew the Senator had stolen those portraits from my home the day he set it on fire. Three of them are in his suite upstairs. Here is another one of the five pieces he took. How dare he put my family on display like this, like some hunting trophy? Then turn around and lecture me on what he believes to be truly important.
“Let it go, Archer.” Fisher speaks in my ear. “He will get what’s coming to him soon.”
“Is this your family?” I ask.
“Yes.” He beams at the portrait. “My parents. They built this house.” He drinks deeply from his glass. “They made me the man I am today. It was their love and support that encouraged me to take a leap and make a real change. They’re the reason I chose to run for senator in the first place. It’s too bad they didn’t live long enough to see all this realized.”
“I’m sure they would be proud to see how far you’ve come.” I clench my jaw. “I heard rumors out there about a presidency option soon.”
“Well.” He feigns modesty. “We’ll see. I’m focused on this year’s election, which is why I wanted to speak to you tonight.”
Gardenia scoffs. “God it must be exhausting to be asking people for money all the time.”
“I’m at your service, Senator.” I take in a deep breath, and it takes all my self-control to peel my gaze off my grandparents’ portrait.
“Your sizable donation last month put us in the lead. We were able to finance more speaking engagements thanks to your generosity.” He dips his head, offering me reverence I know he doesn’t possess for anything or anyone.
“I’m glad to hear it,” I say.
“I hope you find it in your heart to support us again in the future.” He raises his glass to me.
“Of course. I would be happy to support you anyway I can.” I grit my teeth. “Now if you will excuse me, I promised my guest a dance.”
“Finally,” Gardenia says. “Wait. You didn’t ask him to see the pink diamond.”
“Yes, please.” The Senator gestures toward the door. For a split second, disappointment flashes in his eyes. “Do enjoy yourself, Mr. Archer.”
With a quick nod, I turn and leave his study. I should’ve asked for the pink diamond and forced Paloma’s hand into accepting Santino’s help. But at this point, I can see the Senator is at the end of his rope. One way or another, he’s going to walk into my trap. I just have to be patient and not overplay my hand.