VICTOR
Kena dropped a garment bag over the arm of one of the plush recliners. “Kimberly, is gathering a change of clothes for Mrs. Creed.”
“Thank you.”
“Yes. We’ll also use it to transport the family and Mr. Montgomery’s remains back to Chicago.”
Kena chuckled. “Yeah, but I gotta do it under the guise of being your assistant.”
Victor nearly laughed, but he looked over at his wife. He’d never seen her in so pain. Watching her and knowing that there was nothing he could do to fix it or erase the pain and sadness of losing her dad broke his heart.
Kena leaned in. “How is she holding up?”
“She’s back and forth between rage and disbelief.”
Kena sighed. “Okay. Well, let me know if you need anything.”
Victor nodded. “Will do. Thank you, Kenyatta, for all you do.”
“Of course, sir. You know it’s my pleasure.”
Victor walked over to the kitchenette and grabbed a muffin and a bottle of water. He carried the items over to Taylor, knowing she was going to turn them down, but he had to try to get her to eat something. “Sweetheart, try to put something on your stomach.”
Taylor held her hand up and dropped her head. “I’m not hungry, baby. Thank you.”
“Maybe, some water?”
“No,” she whispered. “I’m fine.”
Victor placed the muffin and water on the table. He turned toward the sound of the door opening. Lincoln entered with a scowl on his face and gestured for him and Lucas to come over.
“Xander, Jay, can I have a word?”
Victor and his brothers followed Lincoln into the hall.
“What’s going?” Xander asked.
Lincoln handed the envelope to Victor. “That motherfucker came after us because Lucas killed that assassin. You know, the one that stalked and killed Rosemary.”
“You’re kidding, right?” Jaysen questioned. “This is like some shit out of a movie.”
“That was her at the compound?” Victor asked.
“According to my source, yes. Apparently, this Yakuza boss, Youko Kon, had a thing for the killer.”
Lucas frowned. “So, he did all that to avenge this hitwoman’s death?”
“Apparently,” Lincoln confirmed.
“The hitwoman who wasn’t dead,” Victor muttered. He pulled a slip of paper from the envelope and grinned. “A wise man once said it’s no fun when the rabbit’s got the gun."
“What the fuck does that mean?” Jaysen questioned.
Victor turned to Lincoln and placed his hand on his brother’s shoulder. “You know what it means, don’t you?”
Lincoln nodded. “I do. And, I’m on it.”
Victor cupped the back of Lincoln’s head and kissed his cheek. “Keep me in the loop.” He handed the envelope back to Lincoln and moved toward the door.
“Oh, by the way,” Lincoln called, halting Victor’s steps. When he turned around, his younger brother the colonel snapped to attention and raised his hand in salute.
“Congratulations, Mr. President.”
Victor nearly lost his footing. He had completely forgotten about his bid for the presidency. The election hadn’t crossed his mind since he’d received the news about Mr. Montgomery.
“Oh, shit!” Jaysen blurted. “Congrats, bro.”
“Congratulations, Big Bro,” Lucas celebrated.
Victor’s brothers swarmed him and smothered him with hugs and noogies.