20. Chapter 20
Chapter twenty
" G ood afternoon, Miss Lydia," dropping the carry-out cup next to her computer mouse, Judas' bright smile was glowing. "Thought you could use a pick me up."
The older woman's cheeks were brightening with color, "Well, now Judas…isn't that just thoughtful of you." She took a sip, "Oo! My favorite…Earl Grey."
"Even remembered the lemon," he winked, and Lydia's face was beaming pink. Heading around the curve of the desk, Judas stepped toward the hallway when he heard the receptionist's voice trailing after him.
"You be careful back there, sugar. Mr. Arthur is on one with Eliza right now."
"Perfect," Judas muttered under his breath. He had to wonder if whatever argument they were having now had anything to do with the phone call this morning. He rounded the corner of the hall, hearing the voices rising as he got closer to the door.
"I don't appreciate my daughter berating me like a child! You need to remember who is in charge here young lady," Paul's fervor hung in the air.
Pausing for a moment, Judas quickly took notice Beau wasn't outside the room. He rapped two hard knocks on the door before slipping inside, and it was just in time to hear Eliza's daring retort.
"Oh, I'm always clear on who's in charge… Dad . God forbid that you would take any advice from me… someone who studied political theory… or is it because I'm a woman? I'm just supposed to be at your demand when you need me or just when you need a mess cleaned up?"
The vitriol was almost tangible.
Paul's face boiled and he flew around the mahogany desk, his finger wagging, "I'll take no more of your sass, do you hear me, Betsy?"
The pair were statues as they stared the other down. Judas watched Paul's chest rise and fall in fury. For a split second, he thought the man was going to strike his daughter.
A thought roared in Judas' head, ‘ It would be the last thing he ever did.’
Paul's eyes widened suddenly, as if Judas appeared out of thin air, "Judas. Good, you're here. Betsy was just telling me that the plans for the next week's fundraiser have changed." Turning on his heel, he returned to the large executive chair. "The Associated Republicans have secured a larger venue for us, which means you're going to need to put a few more on your staff."
"I can do that," Judas cut his eyes in Eliza's direction but she was more interested in the office ceiling for the moment. "Can I get early access? I'd like to have a blueprint of the room so I know who to place where."
Paul waved his hand dismissively, "Of course, of course. If Chet would get back from wherever he's disappeared to… his girl can pull plan sets from the city."
"His girl ," Eliza mumbled softly, rolling her eyes, but Paul ignored her. "I don't think Uncle Chet will be back today, Dad. The text said it was a family emergency."
Still pretending he didn't hear his daughter, Paul scrolled his phone, "Ah… yeah, looks like we may not hear from him until tomorrow. I'll get Amelia to give you the access."
"I'll take you to her," Eliza offered. "I think I need some fresh air."
A feeling of awkwardness fell on the room, spreading thick on every surface. Luckily, Judas knew Paul would be leaving to play golf soon and would go straight home after. It was a break that would do both father and daughter some good. Shutting the door behind him, Judas struggled to catch up with Eliza.
"Hey! Hey, hey, hey…" Reaching out, he took her arm and spun her to face him. His eyes darted in all directions making sure they were alone, "What was that all about?"
Her heart fluttered like a schoolgirl at his touch, but Eliza's lips were pursed tight, "Nothing. It's over…I really don't want to talk about it. Actually, I just want to introduce you to Amelia and get out of here."
"Okay," he nodded. "Lead the way."