Chapter 18
18
Grant
Sleep doesn’t come easily to me, even with Greer at my side. I toss and turn all night, thinking about what Corbin and Somya said after the rally.
Ryans is about to be backed by the Brotherhood. That’s the only thing that makes sense.
Finally, I slip from the bed, dressing. Greer sleeps soundly as I leave the room, going to the living room of the suite we’re in. Once my coffee is ready, I open my laptop. There’s no news from the GOP when there should be something.
I reach for my phone.
Brooks
Any luck in getting supporters?
You’re up early.
So are you.
Hannah wanted some ice cream, so I just got back from the store. Again. Seriously thinking about buying an ice cream truck and just parking it in front of the house.
But I don’t think the HOA will go for that…
Back to your question. Yes, I’ve had luck in finding supporters for your campaign, though some have mentioned that Ryans has reached out to them, too.
I think Blanc is about to pledge support to Ryans.
What are you thinking?
I’m thinking I need to come up with a new plan. And fast.
You’re not going to elaborate, are you?
No. I need to speak to Greer and my team first.
I’m wounded.
Brooks, you’re the Face of the Brotherhood. The less you know, the better.
For now.
Got it. I expect I’ll be hearing from you soon?
Yes.
I’ll keep reaching out to people. Make sure you have enough support to get the job done.
I set my phone aside and lean back. Doubts dance through my mind. What if Blanc and Ryans outsmart me? It wouldn’t be the end of the world, per se, but it’d certainly put a damper in my plans. My doubts turn into anger. I don’t know who in the fuck Blanc thinks he is. He’s the one that suggested putting me on the path to become President over twenty years ago and now he’s going to try to back out? Unacceptable.
I’m deep in thought when Corbin enters the suite.
“Sir. You received a letter via courier just now.”
“What does it say?”
He’s silent, making me look up. I take in his appearances. His normally tan face has a greyish hue to it, as if he’s shocked or scared. Unease creeps up my spine and I glance toward the bedroom door, making sure it’s still closed.
“Bring it to me.”
He crosses the room, handing it to me. It’s been opened, which isn’t unusual. It also means he’s seen what’s inside.
“I make it a point not to know anything about your personal life in regard to a certain society.” He pauses. “But this concerns me. So much so that I’ve reached out to Hendrix. Security will be increased for you and Mrs. Carter.” He takes a step back. “I’ll be in the other room if you need me.”
I’m opening the letter before he leaves.
Elite Member Carter,
I hope this letter finds you well, though it probably won’t, since you will see it as a direct threat to your new bride. Though we both know this wedding happened days ago, and there was no relationship between the two of you. Not recently, at least. I have heard rumors that the two of you met at a sex club…
I digress. As with the others, I thought it’d be best to introduce myself, so to speak. You may call me Gabriel, the man who will bring down the Defiant God Brotherhood if things don’t change. Eight months have passed since I made myself known and yet the Elite Members have carried on as if everything is the same.
It’s not.
I’m watching you, Tempting God, and I see the bodies you have stepped on to get to the top.
What would sweet Greer say if she knew of the things you’ve done to become President? Would she still look at you with those green eyes full of love? We both know the answer to that.
This letter isn’t just a warning for you. It’s a warning to every member of the Defiant God Brotherhood and even to Greer. She, too, will be caught in the crossfire when the Brotherhood falls.
And it will fall.
This is the only time I’ll be reaching out. The next time I have something to say, I’ll go right to the press. Time is running out, Carter, so you better get your affairs in order.
-Gabriel
I reread the letter, looking for clues as to who the mysterious Gabriel might be, but come up with nothing. Fuck. I’ve never felt so many emotions at once. Anger and fear are at the top of the list, and I drop the letter on the couch.
“Corbin, come in here, please.”
He enters the room, waiting.
“Make sure you and Somya have additional security, too.” At his questioning look, I say, “The two of you are important to me and I won’t stand by, waiting for something to happen to you.”
He dips his head. “Thank you, sir. I’ll get right on that.”
He leaves just as Greer comes out of our room. Her eyebrows are drawn together as she makes her way to me.
“Is everything okay? I heard you call for Corbin, and Corbin seemed stressed.”
“I received a letter from the man who killed DeLeon. The same man who’s watching the Brotherhood.”
“What did it say?”
“Just letting me know that he’s watching both of us.”
I reach for the letter, handing it to her. She reads it, her eyes widening.
“He knows too much.”
“I thought the same thing.” I pause. “He’s either infiltrated my team or the room is bugged.”
“It’d be hard to infiltrate your team directly.”
“What makes you think that?”
Greer says, “He’s also been able to get a letter to Alessandro and Brooks, right? So it would be unlikely that he’d risk getting that close.”
“He got that close to Hannah.”
“To save her.”
I hum. “You make a good point, Little Fae. So we must assume our room is bugged.”
Which means they know that Greer has an upcoming doctor’s appointment. I don’t like it. Not one bit.
I say, “Perhaps we should get some air.”
She nods. “That sounds like a great idea.”
We’re outside less than ten minutes later, even though it’s early in the morning. Luckily, there’s a park across the street from the hotel. We walk until we find an empty bench. Our security stays a respectful distance away, though still close enough to help if we need them.
I say, “If the room is bugged, then the fucker knows about your appointment with your doctor.”
Her face pales. “That didn’t even cross my mind.”
“How would you feel about seeing a doctor in Denver?”
“Do you think it’d be safe?”
“As safe as seeing your regular doctor. Only we’ll have the element of surprise behind us.”
She looks off into the distance before nodding.
“Let’s do it.”
“Are you sure?”
“Like you said, we’ll have the element of surprise behind us.”
“I’ll have Somya make the arrangements.” I pause. “I also want to pick your brain about something.”
“I’m listening.”
“I’ve been thinking about why the GOP hasn’t officially announced that I’m their candidate.”
“Is that what had you tossing and turning all night?”
“Sorry about that.”
She waves her hand at me. “Don’t be sorry. My own thoughts kept me awake.”
“Want to talk about it?”
“Not until you tell me why you wanted to pick my brain.”
“Fair enough.” I say, “I think I’m going to drop out of the GOP race and announce that I’m running as an Independent.”
She doesn’t look a bit surprised.
“I think that might be a good idea. Charles won’t see it coming and it will free you from the agenda that you and the GOP never saw eye to eye on.”
“How are you so fucking perfect?”
She grins. “You really are lucky to have me.”
I know she thinks she’s joking, but I’m serious.
“I mean it, Greer. You’re brilliant and I’m so lucky to have you at my side.”
“The feeling is mutual, Mr. President.” She stands. “Let’s go. I’m sure Corbin is going to need a moment to gather his composure when you break the news to him.”
I laugh, taking her hand.
“Maybe we should make sure there are smelling salts on hand.”
“Probably.”
“Want to tell me what made you toss and turn?”
She says, “Just thinking ahead about what our lives will look like when you win.”
“I like the way you think, but are you worried?”
“Not worried. Just trying to figure out what I want to do as the First Lady.” She pauses. “I wish I could get Felicity to quit HYPE and be on my staff.”
“Have you reached out to her? Her answer might surprise you.”
She shakes her head. “I haven’t.”
“You should,” I urge.
“How are you so perfect?” She asks, echoing my words from before.
“Baby, we’re a match made in heaven.”
We both laugh, knowing heaven had nothing to do with our match.
When we return to the suite, I ask Somya to reach out to local obstetricians. She works wonders and has a local obstetrician meet us in another room in the hotel two hours later. The older woman smiles at us, telling us what an honor it is to see us and then gets down to business.
“How long has it been since your last birth control injection?”
Greer answers, “Three months.”
“And there’s a chance you might be pregnant?”
A light blush creeps up Greer’s neck. “Yes.”
“When was your last menstrual cycle?”
“I don’t have normal ones because of the injection, but I did have one about two months ago.” She glances at me before adding, “Which means I had unprotected sex while I was ovulating.”
“Okay. Well, we’ll have some answers for you soon.”
She asks Greer a few more questions. I expect her to whip out an ultrasound machine or something, but all she does is draw Greer’s blood.
“Is that going to be enough to let us know if my wife is pregnant?”
The doctor smiles. “Yes, Mr. Carter. At this stage, the baby would be too small to see via ultrasound, so blood tests are our best guarantee.”
She hands the tube to an assistant, who quietly leaves the room.
“We’ll have an answer for you in less than an hour.”
The next hour feels like fucking torture. Greer works on her phone, but I can’t do shit. Finally, the assistant returns, handing the doctor a folded piece of paper. She opens it, looking it over before turning her attention to us.
“Congratulations, Mrs. Carter. You’re pregnant, though it’s still very early. Only a few weeks.”
Greer reaches for my hand and asks the doctor, “Is there anything I need to do?”
“I’ll make sure you’re left with some prenatal vitamins and a few brochures. Other than just taking care of yourself, there’s not much you can do at this stage other than let the little one grow.” She stands. “We’ll give you a moment and have the information and vitamins sent to your room.”
“Thank you so much,” I say. When she’s gone, I turn to Greer. “How are you feeling, Little Fae?”
“I’m not sure. This is a lot. Like, a lot a lot.”
I nod, knowing what she means. But I can’t deny that I’m happy.
I bring her hand to my lips, kissing her knuckles. “Don’t stress over this. We don’t have to decide anything today.”
She nods and wipes her eyes.
“Thank you for saying that, but we both know we only have hours before this news breaks.”
“Not unless we give them something else to talk about.”
“Like what?”
“I think it’s time we speak to Corbin and Somya. Let them know that I’m about to shake up their entire world.”
“What about the baby?”
“I meant what I said earlier. This is your choice, Greer. I’ll support you in whatever you decide.”
She’s silent but gives my hand a squeeze. “Let’s go break the news to Corbin and Somya.”
We make our way back to our suite, where Corbin and Somya sit side by side at the dining table. I sit at the head of the table and Greer sits next to me.
“How am I polling?”
“Better, sir,” Corbin answers immediately.
“Buckle in, because I’m about to shake up your world.”
Corbin’s hazel eyes widen. “Sir?”
“I’ve decided to drop out of the GOP race.”
Both Somya and Corbin are left speechless, so I continue.
“I’m going to announce that I’m running as an independent and I want the paperwork drawn up today.” I look them each in the eye. “We’re going to make the announcement tomorrow.”
As much as I’d like to make the announcement today, I know that Brooks is going to need time to work his magic. Twenty-four hours should give him plenty of time. Besides, there are things that will need to be taken care of on my end with the GOP.
Somya speaks first. “This is a bold choice, sir. One I applaud.”
I’m the one left in shock. “Really?”
“Yes, sir. The GOP should have named you as their pick a long time ago. Leaving the party and running as an Independent will show the world that you aren’t going to let anyone walk over you.”
Corbin is still silent, though now he’s at least typing furiously on his laptop.
Finally he says, “I’ve submitted the paperwork withdrawing from the GOP race. Give me a moment and I’ll get a start on the Independent party. We need to make sure your name is on the ballots for Arizona, Nevada, and Georgia.” He turns to Somya. “We need to make sure his appearance in Georgia is moved up. It's shaping up to be the biggest swing state this election and voters were already leaning toward Mr. Carter.”
“On it. I’ll reach out to the local news stations to let them know we’ll be making an announcement in the morning.” Her gaze meets mine. “We’ll need to get you a new suit with a new tie color. I’m thinking light blue suit with a white tie.”
She turns back to Corbin, already moving onto a different issue.
Greer smiles at me and says, “I think they took that rather well.”
“That they did.” I stand. “Let’s go to our room, Little Fae. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day.”