TWENTY-FOUR THE PRETENDER
TWENTY-FOUR
THE PRETENDER
Brennan: We need to coordinate better with Victoria. Maybe use a single channel for her to explain where she’s going?
Maxim: Makes sense. I’ll set that up now and invite her to it.
Maxim: I assume she told you about entering Sinners’ territory?
Brennan: WHAT?! No. She damn well didn’t.
Maxim: It’s fine. Her friend is the daughter of the Prez. They escorted her in and out of West Orange. She’s normally good with her guards
Brennan: No, Shay tends to travel with her and he keeps us updated.
Maxim: Maybe this single message thread will work?
Brennan: We can but hope
Brennan: What’s this I hear about you courting Victoria?
Maxim: As per the terms of my agreement with her sister
Brennan: Fuck the agreement. I want what’s best for her.
Maxim: I can be that
Brennan: Good answer
Brennan: Just don’t fuck her around
Maxim: I won’t.
Brennan: I figured you’d grow out of the idea.
Brennan: Got sick of waiting
Maxim: Were you hoping?
Brennan: Maybe. I want her to be happy
Maxim: I can give that to her too
Brennan: It’s not as easy as you think when they’re cooped up in penthouses for their own safety.
Maxim: I’d never do that to Victoria. She’s not made for gilded cages.
Brennan: What do you mean?
Maxim: She’s made for war
Brennan: Explain that to me like I’m five
Maxim: If you don’t think she’ll turn the Veronians on their head, you’re slower than I figured
Maxim: Once she’s in, she’s going to make waves, and I’ll have her back as she does
Brennan: She’ll need more guards
Maxim: I can handle it
Brennan: She’s family
Maxim: Fine
Brennan: Our objectives are the same
Maxim: Yes
Brennan: She’s already promised Eoghan that he can blow your head off if you hurt her
Maxim: I expect nothing less
Brennan: Good
Brennan: But if you treat her right, you have our approval
Maxim: Ours meaning Eoghan and yours? Not her sisters’?
Brennan: Look at you reading between the lines
Maxim: Inessa likes me. It’s Camille who doesn’t
Brennan: Oh, we learned exactly how much Inessa likes you this afternoon
Maxim: What?
Brennan: I’ll let Victoria share the details with you
Maxim: Fucker
Brennan: *smirks*