31. Edgar Hamilton
Chapter 31
Edgar Hamilton
I watch the television broadcast going over highlights from my daughter’s second wedding. Her ex-husband enters the room and stands at parade rest in front of me. His loyalty is the only constant in this mess. I knew arranging Victor’s death would have its consequences. I might have reconsidered if I knew it would bring Anax out of hiding, or that Anax would take a special liking to the general. Alas, we’ve yet to create a super soldier who can predict the future.
Eli clears his throat and I release the white knuckle grip on my armchair. “Your little protégé is in love with The Chosen you brought in.”
The man doesn’t even flinch. God, I envy him sometimes.
“A minor problem. One I will address.”
“Clayton has a strong stubborn streak, from what Chen tells me. She may be the key to his undoing.”
He nods.
“I have news from the research department. They’ve come up with the first prototype for the super serum. Testing will begin tomorrow. I want you there to witness.”
“Sir.” He nods.
The problem with his loyalty is I can never get a read on the man. I hate how much that unsettles me. He was vital to my plans for Victor, but now that Anax has taken an interest in him, I’ll have to get rid of him, too. Shame. He might be my most loyal servant.
“Please, have a seat.”
He settles into the armchair, but I would never call him relaxed.
“Getting rid of Victor wasn’t ideal, but he gave me no other choice. Do you agree?”
He hesitates, but that’s to be expected. I never ask for his opinion.
“Yes. He was threatening everything we’ve built over an ancient vendetta. It would have derailed us from the mission.”
I hum my approval. “Would you be willing to take his place?”
His eyes widen slightly. It's the first time I’ve pulled any emotion from him, so I must have rattled him to the core. Good.
“I have no ambition past my current station.”
“Which makes you the perfect man for the job. You’ll be able to lend your military expertise to the war that’s coming, even train your replacement. The committee already favors you. With your help, Andrew can step into your father’s role with ease. You’ve proven your loyalty many times over. I think it’s time we rewarded you.”
He nods, dropping his gaze. “Thank you, Sir. I’m honored.”
“Of course, you’ll still be subordinate to me. We’ve already proven that having two men in charge is dangerous.”
He nods without question.
“What do you know of Lawrence Edgewater?”
“He’s Fiona’s father and leader of the California chapter.”
“He excommunicated his daughter for consideration of a committee seat. They granted him that seat by sacrificing his right-hand man and his daughter to entrap Clay. What do you think of a man like that?”
“Blind, selfish ambition has no place in the church.”
I smirk. “No. It doesn’t. Victor learned that the hard way.”
“How would you like me to dispose of him?”
“We may still need him yet. I’ll propose your promotion to the committee this evening. Congratulations, Chairman Davenport.” I extend my hand and he stands to shake it.
“Thank you, Sir. May I request Fiona as my second in command?”
I raise my eyebrows, searching for the angle.
“I doubt Lawrence would approve.”
“Allow me to announce it after the committee approves the promotion.”
“That would indeed send a message. Can you ensure she will break Clayton?”
He nods, his eyes glimmering. “As you say, women are easy to manipulate. I will be there to console her.”
I smirk. Maybe I don’t need to remove him. He doesn’t know Anax exists, after all.
“Very well. Permission granted. And speaking of women, has Emilia warmed up to your charms?”
“We’ve become close friends.”
“Get her on her back with her legs spread. That’s the only way you’ll open her up.”
“It’s a delicate situation. Overstepping will be counterproductive.”
I wave him away with a sigh. “Very well. Keep me updated. The sooner we figure out James’ codes, the sooner we can put our plan in motion.”
“Understood.”
He leaves, closing the door behind him and I head for the wet bar, pouring two fingers of whiskey neat. I bring the glass to my lips and jump when the damn burner phone buzzes on my desk. I down the entire glass in one go, wincing at the burn before I take a deep breath and answer.
“Did he accept the position?”
“Of course. Who wouldn’t?”
“Tell him to stop digging around Emilia. Plans are in motion on that end.”
I press my lips together. “That’s not–”
“Do it.” He doesn’t bark, but the commanding timbre makes my spine tingle with fear.
“Yes, sir.” I grate out through clenched teeth.
“You wouldn’t be in this position if you had followed my one simple rule. What was it, Edgar?”
My knuckles whiten on the grip of my whiskey glass. “Leadership is off limits.”
“You had one job. You failed, and now you pay the consequences. Report back to me after the serum testing tomorrow.”
“Yes, Sir.”
He hangs up, and I release my grip with a tired sigh. I’m getting too old for this, but I can’t let this setback keep me from my life's goal. The underdog will win. One way or another.