“I am.” I wasn’t going to give this man an inch.
“It’s a beautiful town. As a matter of fact, I’m looking to move here.”
“Is that right?” I glimpsed and saw Danny and Toni closing in on our side, and a slight shake of my head halted them.
“I think you knew that already, though—didn’t you, Mr. Hendrix? It’s why you are trying to outbid me on the Marion Estate.” The corner of his mouth curled. “Are you looking to move three houses away?”
Smiling, I took note that many eyes were on us, but I knew nobody could hear. “Mr. Calvern, I didn’t get to where I am today by not being strategic.”
“Oh, I’m aware, Hendrix. You thrive on being tactical as well.” He pursed his lips, and I let the fact that he’d removed the “mister” go.
“If you know that much, you know why I outbid you.”
His brows shot to his hairline. “Yes, I know what you’re trying to do. You think you understand my motives, and you are playing the chessboard believing you know my moves. You’d be wrong.”
“No, Calvern, I’m not wrong.” Irritation began to poke at me.
He shrugged. “Neither of us is going to back down. We won’t share our secrets, and two powerful pieces can only last together for so long until one is forced to fall.”
“I get it, Calvern. You love chess. I find it to be boring, honestly.” I stepped closer to him. “Northchester is mine. The end. I get that you want to be governor; you’ve lived in this state for a decade, stayed quiet. Now you’re ready to play with the big boys. You’d be wise to stand down, Benito. You have a lot to lose.”
His eyes narrowed slightly. “So do you, Gideon.” He glanced to my left. I turned and saw Penn, Rita, and the kids watching us.
“Don’t threaten me or my family.”
He chuckled darkly. “For once, I don’t think you know what’s going on. I’m sure you think I’ll get in line and do your bidding like everyone else has.” He shook his head. “That’s not who I am.”
“And who are you?”
He grinned. “Well, as of next month, I’m your neighbor. My bid on the Marion Estate went through a few hours go.”
I tried to hide my anger. The real estate agent had promised not to let Benito make the final bid. “You’re a fool.”
He laughed rather loudly. “No, Gideon, I’m your match.” He inched closer, his eyes never leaving mine. “I’m not some peewee player like Lorcan Anders or his brother. While you were fighting him, I was watching you. I know how this ends, and I find it hilarious that you don’t.” He took a step back. “Oh, one more thing before I go. I heard the new commissioner starts Monday. So sad to hear about Amy’s arrest.” He shrugged. “But them’s the breaks, right?”
I didn’t utter a word. I watched as he walked over to Monica, said something in her ear, and then sauntered out of the gala as though he hadn’t set my patience on fire.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Penn
It was late.The party had ended an hour ago, and the cleanup crew was outside getting things in order. Gideon had called us all into the living room once the twins and Matteo were asleep upstairs. Because, he’d explained, Benito had threatened his family and he wanted to speak to everyone.
“Yolanda Hale not being at the gala tonight, I don’t think was coincidence.” Alex was reading off a tablet. “Turns out she announced this afternoon that she will be going forward with the charges against Amy Jackson.”
“Do we think Benito got to the state’s attorney and threatened her to do his bidding, or is there actual evidence?” Gideon sat behind his desk, unlit cigar in hand.
“There is evidence. How much is planted and whose hands were greased is anybody’s guess.” Alex placed the tablet in front of Gideon.
He glanced at it briefly before his eyes scanned the room. “Benito told me tonight that while I was fighting Lorcan, he was watching me. This leaves me with a serious blind spot. I needto know what and who he has at his disposal. He said the new commissioner starts Monday. I want to know who that is and what their affiliation is with Calvern.” He directed that order to Toni.
“Yes, Boss.”
Gideon regarded Danny. “Call Yolanda, arrange a meeting with her this weekend. Then call the chief; I want to talk to him, too. I need to know everything they know.”
“You got it,” Danny answered.
“Did Benito threaten anyone in particular, or our whole family?” Dean sat on the couch with Rita beside him.
