Chapter 23
23
Grant
Greer is napping when I leave our house. Tonight is the Defiant God Brotherhood special meeting. A meeting that should have happened a month ago.
I keep myself occupied on the drive to the mansion outside of Dallas by reading my speech for the first Presidential debate. I’m still somehow polling higher than every other candidate, which is thrilling. Still, I can’t help but think something is going to happen. Call it a gut feeling. And my gut says Charles Blanc will have something to do with whatever is coming.
Inside the mansion, I make my way to the auditorium hidden beneath the house. Brooks and Alessandro are already there and stand in front of their seats.
“Gentlemen,” I greet.
Brooks glances at his watch. “I’m shocked you’re early. According to the news, you’re always late.”
I snort. “That’s because I can’t get enough of my beautiful wife.”
Brooks gestures to Blanc’s empty seat. “Think he’s going to show?”
“Guess we’ll find out in thirty minutes.”
A half hour later, I look around the crowded room. It looks like everyone took their summons seriously. Good. They should. Because this meeting is going to change things within the Brotherhood. And we’re just getting started.
Blanc’s seat is still empty, and I meet Brooks’ gaze.
It’s time.
He stands, clearing his throat. “As the Face of the Defiant God Brotherhood, it is my right to call a meeting to order when the Head Elite Member is not here. Since Brother Blanc has chosen not to respond to summons, then this meeting will continue without him.” He gestures to me. “Four months ago, Elite Member Carter initiated two votes amongst the other Elite Members. The first issue was that Brother Blanc Felt that Brother Carter had overstepped the Brotherhood by dropping out of the GOP race. Four to one, the Elite Members agreed that Brother Carter had done nothing wrong, and that the Brotherhood would support his run as an Independent in the Presidential election.”
He waits a beat, making sure everyone is listening.
“The second issue was changing Rule 84. We’re all familiar with Rule 84, but just to recap, Rule 84 states our sons become instant members of the Brotherhood upon birth and our daughters are used as pawns.”
Wolfe calls out, “I object to that term. The females aren’t used as pawns. They’re held with high regard within the Brotherhood.”
Irons leans forward and says, “They’re treated no better than livestock.”
More people murmur around the room.
Brooks says, “Brother Carter suggested that we amend the rule and allow our children to decide whether they want to be associated with the Brotherhood. He drafted up a detailed amendment that was sent to the Elite Members.”
Phones ding around the room.
“You should each have a copy of that amendment on your phones as we speak.” He waits a beat. “This was voted yes, three to two. At that time, I let the other Elite Members know that I would let the Brotherhood know of the changes. This is when Head Elite Member Blanc used his power of veto. He was then given three months to come up with evidence to support his reasons for veto. Instead, he has chosen not to be here today to plead his case.”
Alessandro nods. “He’s also forced the other Elite Members to invoke Rule 200, which is why we’re all here today.”
Irons calls out, “Is there reason to think Elite Member Blanc can no longer serve as the Head of the Defiant God Brotherhood?”
Brooks answers, “That is why we’re here today, gentlemen.”
A loud laugh from the back of the room has everyone turning. Charles walks down the stairs slowly, as if he has no care in the world. Brooks meets my gaze, frowning.
“Boys, you’re being a bit dramatic. I guess that’s understandable with all the hormones in your homes these days.”
Several men chuckle and Alessandro glares at them. I know Moretti—he’s likely taking a mental note of who laughed and will make them pay for it later. It is, after all, why he’s known as the Violent God.
Blanc continues, “Traffic was a bitch, but I’m here now to plead my case, as you put it.”
Brooks says, “The floor is yours, Brother Blanc.”
Charles walks to his seat, shoving past Brooks. Brooks stands his ground, and Charles is the one who almost falls. This, too, gains chuckles throughout the room.
Charles turns to face the members of the Brotherhood.
“I have served the Defiant God Brotherhood since I was eighteen, but even before then, I knew it was my birthright. My uncle, Hugo, and my grandfather, Hudson, both made sure that I understood the importance I would play within the Brotherhood one day.” He points and calls out. “Santos, you, too, have served the Brotherhood since you turned eighteen. You understood the role you would play to help us grow. Your son, Jo?o, joined the Brotherhood when he turned eighteen, though we allowed him to take a different approach since his studies will take him out of the country. Can you say that you would not want your son to follow the same path as you?”
Dimitri stands.
“I can only speak for myself. It comforts me, knowing my son will continue on in my footsteps.”
Charles smiles, but Dimitri isn’t finished.
“But he should have been allowed time to find himself as an adult before being forced to join the Brotherhood.” Dimitri shakes his head. “My Jo?o is a good boy who will do good things. That would be true even if he had waited to join the Brotherhood. Now, I worry the Brotherhood will try to mold him to fit their cause, as they did with me.”
Dimitri takes his seat, letting everyone know he’s finished.
Charles’ face turns bright red. I’m guessing he didn’t think calling out Dimitri would go that way…
He says, “I agree that some things need to change. But the legacy status is how many families have been able to remain in the Brotherhood. God knows certain families couldn’t afford to be here on their own merits.”
He looks right at Montgomery, who jumps to his feet.
“How dare you! My family has been members of the Brotherhood since the inception of the group! My great-great-grandfather sat at the table where the initial rules were drawn up.”
Charles says, “And if we change this rule, your children will no longer qualify to be members. We all know you’re broke.”
People talk to each other in low tones, and I can see this is getting out of hand. I stand.
“Gentlemen, do not let Brother Blanc twist your minds with his implications. The other Elite Members and I don’t want to get rid of the rule. We just want an amendment. It should be up to the offspring if they want to take part in the Brotherhood. That also means no more marriage contracts when they’re not even old enough to vote.”
Charles says, “But look how well it worked out for you and my cousin Greer.”
“That has nothing to do with the Brotherhood and everything to do with my wife and I.”
Charles shakes his head. “That’s something I’ll never understand about your generation. You act like being a member is a burden, and yet you have all reaped the sweet rewards that come with said membership.”
He has a point. We’ve all reaped many rewards, all because of the Brotherhood…
Charles continues, “If we do not force our sons to become members, then they might decide not to keep our secrets close to heart. What happens to the Brotherhood then?”
I say, “You’re trying to raise fear, Blanc, and I won’t stand for it. Our sons will keep our secrets just as we kept our fathers’. The vote has passed by the Elite Members. Do you still oppose that vote?”
“I do.”
I turn to the members of the Brotherhood.
“I’m not going to stand up here and tell you how to vote. I will remind you that this vote doesn’t affect just you. Your spouses and children will be the ones who have to live with the choices made here today.”
I take my seat.
Charles looks at me, smirking.
He says, “All in favor of changing Rule 84, raise your hands.”
Brooks, Alessandro, and I are the first to raise our hands. Irons and Santos are next. Slowly, hands begin to raise around the room until there are only five men whose hands aren’t lifted.
Blanc’s face turns a deep shade of purple, but he says, “The Brotherhood has spoken. Rule 84 shall be amended. Now, if this concludes tonight’s business, I have a party to attend.” He turns to me. “I’m pledging my support for Walt Ryans.”
I say nothing. He wants me to react, and right now, my reaction will be violent. I might even give Alessandro a run for his money.
It’s Dimitri Santos who speaks.
“While we’re here, should we not settle the matter of why Walt Ryans, a nonmember, has been allowed into our inner sanctum?”
He’s looking right at Blanc, who glares back.
“I do not have to explain myself to you.”
“You’re wrong, Brother Blanc,” Brooks says. “Per Rule 99, he is not allowed here unless he is to become a member.”
Alessandro adds, “And if he’s not a member, then he knows too much, which means he must die.”
Blanc says, “He’s going to become a member.”
“Like hell he is,” I say. “That man stands for everything we’re against. Besides, there has been no special vote about his membership.”
“Then let’s have one now. All in favor, raise your hand.”
A few hands lift.
I turn to Blanc. “You have put the Defiant God Brotherhood at risk by bringing him here. The Brotherhood has spoken. Walt Ryans will not become a member, which means his path is death. Since you were the one who brought him here uninvited, you must choose how he will die.” I pause. “By your hand.”
Blanc snorts. “This is bullshit.”
Brooks asks, “Are you saying you will not uphold Rule 99?”
Everyone waits to see what he’s going to say.
Finally, he says, “I will uphold Rule 99.”
Brooks says, “You have one week.”
Charles dips his head and then storms from the stage. Brooks meets my gaze, rolling his eyes.
He says to the room, “Brothers, this meeting is adjourned. We’ll let everyone know when Brother Blanc has completed his task.”
People file from the room, though Dimitri stays behind.
He joins us and asks, “Think Blanc will really do what he’s supposed to?”
Alessandro answers, “He has no choice.”
“We all have a choice.” He pauses. “Has anyone spoken to Jones outside of today?”
Brooks says, “Not if I can help it. Why?”
“Jacqueline Chanel Minty-Smith called me the other day. Said Buffy Jones was worried about her husband. He didn’t answer when I tried to call.”
Brooks’ eyebrows lifts. “Why on earth was that woman calling you? Begging for money?”
Dimitri rolls his eyes. “Jackie is one of the few people who has made a point of checking up on me since Serafina passed. As for the money, she hasn’t asked me for a dime.”
Brooks looks at me and mouths ‘Jackie?’.
I say to Dimitri, “Why was Buffy worried about Jim?”
“She said he’s been distant. I don’t know if she knew about his relationship with Zhāng, so I didn’t say anything except that I would see how he was today.”
I glance around, but don’t see Jones.
“We can see if he’s upstairs.”
Dimitri, Brooks, Alessandro, and I make our way to the main floor where drinks are being served, but Jones is nowhere to be found.
Montgomery joins us and says, “Well, that was an eventful meeting.”
I ask, “Did you see where Jones went?”
“He left with Blanc.”
That’s not surprising, I suppose. On some level, Jones has to see us as a threat, since we all went to college together. As the saying goes, better the devil you know than the devil you don’t.
Montgomery turns to me. “I see you’re polling in first place. I almost feel bad that Ryans won’t live long enough to lose to you.”
I snort. “Thanks, I think.”
He slaps my back. “You’ve had my vote all along. Now, I must be off. I’m meeting a lady I met online.”
He wiggles his eyebrows and then struts away.
Alessandro says, “I’m surprised there are any women left that he hasn’t already slept with.” He turns to Dimitri, “I can reach out to Jones. I’ll let you know if he responds.”
Dimitri dips his head. “I should go. I have a surgery in the morning.”
When he’s gone, Brooks says, “Anyone else freaked the fuck out that Jacqueline Chanel Minty-Smith is reaching out to our widower friend?”
I say, “Maybe he sees something none of us do.”
Because that woman is a nightmare.
Brooks shakes his head. “Dimitri better watch his bank account. She’s broke and desperate for money.”
“So desperate that she agreed to marry you,” Alessandro teases.
We both laugh while Brooks glares.
“Relax, Brooks. You beat the system and got the girl in the end.”
“That I did,” he says with a smile.
I say, “Speaking of getting the girl, I should go. I can’t stand being away from my wife.”
Alessandro smiles. “It’s nice to hear you say that.”
With a wave of my hand, I make my way outside. Across the courtyard, I see Blanc and Jones speaking to each other. Jones looks irritated and moves his hands dramatically as he speaks. Whatever Blanc says has him stilling. An uneasy feeling settles deep in my gut.
What in the hell are those two up to?