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She’d said nothing throughout the piece, but she openly held my hand as we walked out into the gallery. There was to be a pre-opera celebration that was being held for everyone who had their opera tickets, and it soon seemed like it was a who’s who of Washington’s most powerful in attendance. The entire top level of the building was just one grand ballroom, and it seemed as though Mel and I were the main attraction.
Had I known this would be the case, I would’ve made sure that our entrance was inconspicuous. I didn’t even truly want be here; I’d only wanted some alone time with her. Instead, we had to spend our time faking it all night for these people.
“Mr. Callahan, it’s about time you made it to Washington,” Senator Andrew Kelly, of Texas stated. He worked with big oil and some other shit he kept mouthing off about.
“I never knew I was wanted here.”
“Mr. Callahan, we all know that if it weren’t for your generous donations to President Colemen, he wouldn’t be in the big office,” Senator Jeffrey Boxer, of North Carolina, replied, and I fought the urge the roll my eyes.
“Generous donations? I have no idea what you mean. After all, isn’t that the purpose of super PACs?” I winked, and they all laughed as they ate out of the palm of my hand even though I was feeding them shit.
“Well, you should know, if you ever need anything, we can work something out. We know your marijuana businesses are making significant progress, but there’s still some red tape to cross to get your ventures off the ground,” Senator Kelly stated as his fat chest puffed out.
I raised an eyebrow at him. “I’m not sure if your constituents are in favor of my new business ventures.”
Boxer snorted, as he rolled his eyes and looked around the grand ballroom. “You and I both know that the kingmakers are all here. We can pretend that democracy truly means what the people want it to, but it’s about survival, about triumph. And no man embodies that as much as you do.”
Politicians were a different breed of ruthless, a dirtier kind.
“You’re quite correct, Senator, but before I sign my soul away, I should speak with my beautiful wife,” I replied and they all laughed once more before turning to the women who were socializing with my wife.
It was petrifying how well she was able to fit in with the Stepford wives of these men; drinking champagne and probably talking about nothing more than how much of their husband’s money they could spend.
“May I say, you have an impeccable wife, Mr. Callahan,” Senator Kelly added, brownnosing like the scum he was.
No, you may not.
“I am truly lucky.”
“The President is awarding you both with honors this Friday, isn’t he?” Senator Boxer asked.
“Apparently getting arrested gets you a medal,” I joked, and once again they all laughed. No wonder these people had big egos, they all laughed with each other no matter what was being said.
“Oh, do not be so humble, Mr. Callahan,” a smooth and older voice spoke out, as the man I hated more than the devil himself stepped forward.
From his salt and pepper hair, to his wrinkled face and proud stance, all of which were wrapped up in a black and white designer suit…I hated everything about him.
“Avian, you’ve come down from Mount Olympus? How is life among us mere mortals?” Senator Kelly asked and as he gave him a short bow. I had forgotten that to the rest of the world, he was simply known as Avian Doers and not Ivan DeRosa. The web of lies surrounding this man were deeply rooted.
“Amusing as always, Andrew.” He smiled and looked to me, as he extended his hand for me to shake. “Mr. Callahan, it is a pleasure to finally meet you.”
I shook his hand tightly. “Of course, Mr. Doers. Who would have guessed you would be a fan of the opera.”
“It is a great passion of mine,” he stated with a glint in his eyes.
“Gentleman, I do hope I’m not interrupting.” Mel walked up behind the snake. Even with the smile on her face I could see the fire burning in her eyes as she stared at him.
He turned and allowed her into the circle. “Gentlemen? Mrs. Callahan, you must be mistaken; we do not have a gentle bone within our bodies.”
“Ouch, Avian, we’re right here. No need to scare the lady,” Senator Boxer said as he laughed, not at all understanding the battle that was being played here.
Mel just smiled. “I do not scare easily, Senator. Do you mind if I steal my husband?”
“Actually, Mrs. Callahan, I’ve been dying to have a dance. May I?” Avian asked.
Mel’s eyes shot to my own before she offered her hand. I didn’t like this, but she would kill me if I denied her this moment. As if the fiend could read my mind, he turned to me.
“You do not mind, do you, Mr. Callahan? I am aware that this is your anniversary.”
Bastard.
“Of course not, I have a lifetime with her. I’m sure I can spare three minutes. But I would watch your feet if I were you, those heels of hers are a killer.” I pretended to joke, and I managed to gather a few more laughs from the peanut gallery around me.
“I’m not as bad as he makes me out to be,” she responded, as she held his hand. I’m not sure if it made me feel better or worse to know that he was actually her grandfather.
“It’s a good thing I have lead feet then,” Avian stated as he led her out onto the dance floor and I instinctively scanned the room. Of course there were secret service agents everywhere. I wanted to snap his neck right off his body, but there was nothing I could do but watch from the sidelines. If he made one wrong move, I would kill him. I didn’t mind going back to jail if it meant that he would be six feet under. But I was sure Mel would kick my ass.
“It seems you have competition,” Senator Kelly tried to joke, elbowing me in the arm.
“Not even a little bit,” I told them. “I always win gentlemen. Even if it looks like I’m losing, I’m winning.”
“And that works how?” They laughed.
If you have to ask, then you don’t have the ability to comprehend.
MELODY
I shivered at his touch, and not in a good way.
“What do you prefer—Avian, Ivan, or Grandfather?” I sneered, as I tried to keep as much space between as possible without looking odd.
He frowned with absolute disgust. “Anything but grandfather. I’m hardly old enough.”
“You can dye your hair as much as you please, but you can’t hide the wrinkles,” I said with a smile so fake it was pitiful.
He laughed. “You’re funnier than I thought you’d be. I’m sure that’s a trait you got from that imprudent father of yours.”
I wanted to drive my heel into his shin, but I knew that it was what he wanted; to rile me up.
“I’m sure your daughter was more humorous than you gave her credit for. But then again, you twisted her mind until she was so unstable, she resorted to kidnapping me for my own protection.”
“She was always a little loose in the head. I’m sure your father locking her away for years to care for you didn’t help the situation any,” he said with no regard.
“My father is already dead, Avian, you can stop trying to kill him,” I snapped, wanting more than anything to end him now.
