Chapter 10
10
Grant
Three weeks.
It’s been three weeks since I’ve seen Greer.
She’s all I think about.
I wake up each morning, reaching for her.
I go to bed each night, wishing she was there.
Even knowing I get to see her next week is not enough.
Fuck.
I’ve got it bad for her.
Corbin and Somya both glance at me at the same in the uncanny way that they have. They’ve worked together for so long that they’re in sync with each other, and I’m sure they’ve noticed the shift in my mood. Corbin is likely trying to analyze what caused it, while Somya is trying to stay ahead of the phantom issue.
Somya says, “Mr. Carter, it’s time for photos. Once you’re finished, we can go back to the hotel and discuss the next event.”
“Have the numbers come in for the day?”
Corbin glances at her before answering, “Not yet, sir.”
Which means they have, and my team just doesn’t want to tell me. My numbers have been declining all week. It seems Walt Ryans’ smear campaign against me is working. Even tonight at my fundraiser, I’ve sensed a shift in support. And I don’t fucking like it.
I say, “Let’s take these photos and get out of here.”
Somya leads the way. I smile and shake hands for the next thirty minutes. By the time we get back to the hotel, a dull ache has formed behind my eyes.
Corbin pulls out his phone, scrolling as we walk.
“Numbers are in.”
“And?”
He clears his throat, making me bite back a curse.
“How far behind am I?”
“You’ve slipped four points. We’re certain you can recover in Denver.”
The rally in Denver is a day after I get back from my trip to Mexico with Greer. A trip I still haven’t told my team about…
Somya nods. “Corbin is right. Four points isn’t the end of the world.”
“Was it Ryans’ speech?”
They share a look before Somya says, “Yes, sir.”
That fucking prick. The fact that I’m single is the only thing he can dig up on me. I would have never thought it would end up being such a big deal to the voters.
Corbin adds, “As we said, we’re certain you’ll recover in the polls in Denver. Somya is working on a counter response to air in the meantime.”
I nod, stepping into the lift. My thoughts are all over the place and keep going back to Greer. She’s the only thing that makes sense in my life, and I’m not sure what to do about that fact.
When the doors open, I spot a woman stumbling from a room. The look of terror on her face has me moving out of pure instinct. As I get closer, I realize I know her. It’s Hannah Henderson, Brooks’ wife.
“Hannah? Are you okay?”
She chokes out, “No. I’m not! I think Brooks is in danger!”
I rush to her side. “I have a suite nearby. Let’s get you out of here.”
“Thank you.”
As occupied as I’ve been, I knew that Brooks was in town to wrestle with Olympus Wrestling Federation. I also knew he and Moretti were trying to figure out who’s been coming after Brotherhood members. If Hannah is in danger and thinks Brooks might be in danger, too, then I need to do my best to protect her, especially since she’s pregnant.
In my suite, Somya and Corbin move to the dining room table, giving us privacy. I get Hannah a bottled water, handing it to her, but it doesn’t do much good to calm her. Specifically, when I ask her what happened.
“Brooks sent me back to the hotel so he could take a meeting with Elite Member Jones and some investors.” She shakes her head as more tears fill her eyes. “My mother was waiting for me. I’ve never seen her like that before.”
“You’re safe now,” I say, sensing how much she needs to hear the words.
God knows I had a terrible mother and could have used the same comforting words when I was a young boy.
“She pulled a gun and told me to sit in a chair. I was so scared. I didn’t even know she owned a gun.” Her chin wobbles. “She said she was going to make me pay. That she and my stepfather were ruined because of what Brooks and I did to them.”
I know all about her piece of shit stepfather. If his life is ruined, it’s his own fault. Why Brooks didn’t just kill him is beyond me. But I keep my mouth shut. My personal opinions don’t change the fact that something has happened to Hannah tonight.
“I thought I was going to die until that masked man came into the room and…and shot my mother.” Her wild gaze meets mine. “She’s dead!”
Masked man? I’m immediately on alert and signal for my bodyguard, Hendrix, to come to my side.
“Please check Mrs. Henderson’s room. There might be an intruder in there.”
“Yes, sir.”
When he’s gone, I say to Hannah, “Please, drink some water. I’m sure your mother is fine.”
Hannah doesn’t answer, but at least takes a sip of water. Her calmness last for a few moments before tears stream down her cheeks again.
“I shouldn’t have left him. What if something happens to him?”
“Moretti is with him, right?” At her nod, I say, “He’ll protect Brooks with his life.”
I mean it, too. Alessandro Moretti has never been my favorite person, but I know he’d do whatever it takes to protect Brooks.
“What if something happened to him, too? And what if Jones is working with the masked man?”
Her voice raises a notch with each word. Not only that, but a deep blush stands out against her pale skin.
“Hannah, you need to calm down. It’s not good for you or the baby.”
She stands, pacing as she takes in a few deep breaths.
I stand, too, watching her. Fuck. I feel so helpless…
The door opens as Hendrix returns.
“The room was empty, but I could smell cigar smoke.”
“And her mother?”
“Dead. I’ve put a call in to the Brotherhood. I’m sure you don’t want the press to catch wind of this.”
“You’re a good man, Hendrix. Thank you.”
Hendrix nods and moves back to a discreet distance.
Hannah asks, “What is it?”
“The suite you were in is empty, well, except for your mother.”
“Is she…”
“Dead.”
Hannah lets out a small laugh. “I feel like I should be sad or something.”
“Was she a good parent?”
She shakes her head, and, fuck, can I relate.
“Then you don’t owe her anything, including feeling sad that she’s gone.” I pause. “Is there anyone I should call?”
“No one. My Dad is in Oklahoma, and I don’t want him to come here just for this.”
“As I said before, I will stay with you for as long as you need.”
“Thank you.” She peers at me. “You never said why you were here, in Miami.”
“Fundraising,” I answer, loosening my black tie. “It’s getting down to the wire and Senator Ryans is proving to be a tougher opponent than expected.”
“Well, you have my vote, if that makes you feel better.”
“It does.” A thought crosses my mind. “Tell me, Hannah. Does it change your opinion of me, as a voter, that I’m unmarried?”
“I guess I haven’t thought about it much.”
“I didn’t think it would matter, but I’ve been told by my team that it does, indeed, matter.” I gesture to Somya and Corbin. “They’ve reminded me repeatedly.”
“It shouldn’t matter…”
“No, it shouldn’t. But I have a feeling it’s going to become my main obstacle before too long.”
“Did Brooks tell you what Senator Ryans said to me?”
I shake my head.
“He called me, threatening me. Said he heard I was going to plan your wedding. Ironically, his threat is what pushed Brooks and I to get married so quickly.”
That and the fact that Brooks has loved Hannah for years. I don’t voice this thought.
I ask, “Why on earth does he think you’re planning my wedding?”
“That’s what I said, but he must have gotten his information from somewhere.” She pauses, as if she’s choosing her words. “Brooks said the Brotherhood likes their members to be married. Could someone higher up be planning something that you are unaware of?”
My mind goes to the one person who could pull off something like this without my knowledge.
Charles Blanc.
“Fucking hell. Yes, that is very possible. It’s also possible that my team is in on it, too.”
“I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news.”
“No, this isn’t your fault. I should have seen it coming.” I straighten my shoulders. “I’ll do my duty for the Brotherhood and for my country.”
There’s a loud knock that interrupts the conversation.
Hendrix looks through the peephole and says, “It’s Mr. Henderson and Mr. Moretti, sir.”
I nod, and he opens the door.
Brooks enters first, followed by Moretti. Hannah rushes across the room, throwing herself into Brooks’ arms.
He hugs her tightly, inhaling deeply. Over her shoulder he mouths ‘thank you’. I dip my head in response.
Moretti says, “Blanc is going to be calling you soon.”
“Why?”
His gaze darts to my team before saying, “I think you know why.”
A heavy feeling settles deep in my gut. Fuck. Of course I knew this was a possibility. Three Elite Members have died in less than eight months, and, despite the Brotherhood’s best efforts, we still do not know who’s killing them.
I glance at Moretti, noticing his busted knuckles.
“Jones is dead?”
Moretti glances at Hannah before saying, “Zhāng.”
Shock ricochets through me, but Somya gets my attention before I can ask more questions.
“Sir, the jet is ready.”
I nod. “Of course.”
Moretti says, “Go. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you soon.”
I dip my head and follow my team from the suite.
Corbin, Somya, and I arrive at the campaign headquarters in Dallas close to midnight. Even though I haven’t lived in Texas in years, they suggested making it my central location. Said my party and voters would appreciate that I’m a good old country boy. I snort at the thought, going to the dry bar in the corner of the room. I haven’t been a good old country boy since I was sixteen and left Texas far behind. But I understand the general idea. Having me out and about in Dallas makes me relatable and attainable to the people, even though it’s the furthest thing from the truth.
After pouring myself a few fingers of whisky, I go to my desk, turning on the TV, going to CNN. My face stares back at me as they talk about my standing in the polls. Fuck. This is bad. Corbin is speaking, but I’m not listening. Not really. Not when an idea is forming. One that’s far too tempting and involves Greer.
I turn to Corbin. “Say that again.”
Corbin clears his throat. “You’re behind in the polls, sir.”
“I heard that part. What did you say after that?”
Corbin glances at Somya. Oh, he’s going to make her say it?
Somya pushes her dark hair behind her ear. “Sir, it’s because you’re single. Senator Ryans is married and has been married for years.”
“And everyone in DC knows it’s a fucking sham.”
She doesn’t flinch at my outburst. “Sham or not, he’s managed to keep his extramarital affairs hidden, so, to the public, he appears more stable. We think you should consider an arranged marriage. Something where both parties understand what’s at stake and understand it’s just business.”
This isn’t the first time this has been suggested to me, but I’ve always been able to shut it down. For some reason, I get the feeling it will not be as easy this time. Because, to some extent, the polls are right. Americans think a married family man is to be trusted.
“Let me hear them.”
“Sir?”
“Your ideas. I’m sure you have some. Or names?”
Somya blinks rapidly, as if she can’t believe what she’s hearing.
Finally, she says, “We have a list of exes that would be appropriate to approach. Lana Lovelace. Penelope Nathanson. Angela Whitmore.”
Is it terrible that I don’t remember any of those women? Lana maybe stands out, but I might be mistaking her for someone else, like Violet.
I sigh. “Set up meetings with each of them. And any other potential candidate that you find worthy.”
Somya blinks again. “Are you sure, sir?”
“Positive.”
Anything to give me some time to come up with an actual plan. One that won’t destroy Greer.
“I’ll have meetings set up by tomorrow.”
“Thank you.”
Both leave my office, closing the door behind them.
Fuck.
This is really happening.
My phone rings, and I glance at the screen.
As if this day could get any worse…
“This is Carter.”
“Carter,” Blanc greets. “How is your evening going?”
“It’s been eventful, as I’m sure you’ve heard.”
“I have heard, which is why I’m calling. Zhāng is dead. Congratulations, Elite Member Carter.”
Fuck.
“Also, while I have you on the phone, it’s time for you to find a wife. And I have just the person in mind.”
Double fuck.
“Who?” I rasp.
“Greer Blanc, my cousin.”
Triple fuck.
“What did Zhāng do?”
“He was trying to pull a coup.” Blanc lets out a bitter laugh. “My oldest friend was going to have me killed. Couldn’t even be man enough to do it himself.”
My mind is racing.
“As an Elite Member, I assume this means I have the support of the Brotherhood in the upcoming election.”
There’s a long pause that has me gripping my phone.
Finally, Blanc says, “Walt has always been a good friend of the Brotherhood.”
“But not a member,” I reply smoothly. “I, on the other hand, have served the Defiant God Brotherhood for over twenty years.”
Blanc says, “Yes, I’m aware, but times are uncertain. I can only say that I’m sure there are members within the Brotherhood who will support you.”
This motherfucker…
“When is my induction ceremony?”
“Saturday.”
Fuck. That means Greer and I will have to postpone our departure. My mind races. I’m not going to back out of this trip. We’ll just have to adjust a few things.
“In Dallas?”
“Yes.”
“See you then.”
I end the call, resisting the urge to throw my phone across the fucking room.
Instead I send Somya a text.
Somya
Change of plans. Don’t set up any meetings with the women.
I swore years ago to protect Greer no matter what. But it seems I might have to go against my word to keep her safe. And I will keep her safe. No matter the cost.