She’d just taken it as Danny entered with Senator Steven Robins. Alex brought up the rear and shut the double doors.
“Mr. Robins, do relax and have a drink.”
He saw Lucy, and his eyes widened. “What game are you playing, Mr. Hendrix?” His fists were clenched.
“Isaidrelax and have a drink.”
With a huff, he did so. I’d seated the two of them at opposite ends with Danny and Alex between them. Toni was guarding the door and judging by the grin on his face, he was preparing to enjoy the show.
“Now,” I began once everyone was settled and Tessa had taken drink orders. “I think you’re well aware of why you’re here, Mr. Robins. It was made clear to you, was it not?”
“What I know is that you’re a thug, Hendrix. You blackmail people into doing your bidding and make their lives a living hell. Well, I’m a senator. and I’ve faced down a lot of terrifying people; you’ll just be one in a long line of names.”
I wanted to burst out laughing. I’d been called a thug so many times in my life and it didn’t faze me, nor did I give a shit what this piece of shit thought of me.
“Hmm…I truly don’t think you know me very well at all.”
He opened his mouth but Tessa arrived with drinks and a few minutes later, we ordered our meal, and Steven and I were in a stare down.
“Oh, I do, Mr. Hendrix. You manipulated the commissioner, chief, state’s attorney, and more after you murdered Lorcan Anders and absorbed his businesses. You turned not just Northchester, but this entire state into some sort of gangland.”
Now I did burst out laughing. “Do you hear yourself?” I glanced at Penn, who was regarding Steven with disdain. He hated the man and would probably pound him into the floor if I told him he could.
“You took some photos, big deal. You think I’ll fold because you threaten to expose us?”
“I do, actually. Because here’s the thing, Steve. Lucy here hasn’t said a word, and the more you speak, the more she folds into herself. She’s wearing shame like a psychopath wears apathy, and while you can speak for yourself, she can do the same for her outcome.”
Steven looked over at Lucy, who had her eyes on her lap. “Lucy, don’t let him play you. He won’t do anything.”
“If you think that, you’re a bigger idiot than I took you for,” Penn said as he sipped his drink.
“Excuse me, I’m a United States senator. Who the fuck are you?” Steven glared at Penn. I saw Danny react, but I subtly held my hand up. I knew Penn could handle this.
“I’m the motherfucker who’s going to give you two black eyes if you don’t show Gideon some respect in a minute.” He was so impassive in his response, it made the threat all the more unnerving…for the senator, anyway.
“Mr. Hendrix, what exactly do you want?” Lucy’s tone was meek. The threat of exposure was obviously real for her.
“Lucy!”
“No, Steven. We’re here, and from what I read up on Mr. Hendrix before this dinner, he doesn’t make idle threats.” Her blue eyes met mine. “So, please, why have you called us here?”
The doors opened, and Tessa began placing meals in front of each of us. I waited for her to exit the room.
“This is in regard to Benito Calvern, whom you both know quite well.”
I cut my steak and savored the delicious meat. I really did love the restaurant. Privacy and great food.
“Mr. Calvern?” Lucy asked, her salmon untouched.
“Do eat, and yes. He’s running for governor, which that in itself seems bizarre, since he’s been such a quiet figure on the state until recently.”
“He meets the criteria to run.” Steven sneered as he took a bite of chicken.
“He does, but here’s the issue I’m having. See, he himself admitted that he’s been watching me. My altercations with Lorcan Anders didn’t go unnoticed by many. But if he wanted to destroy me, that would have been the time to do so. Instead, he waited two years to try and take over my territories, and he does so by trying to take down all the people I’ve put into power to make Northchester run how I want it. I want to know why andwhat the two of you have done to help him skyrocket into the polls and have Victor Horn resign.”
“You think we have ultimate power?” Lucy chuckled. “I can’t make people vote for him, but yes, I did endorse him and if I’m being honest, Mr. Hendrix, it’s because this state needs a turnaround and I didn’t feel like Mr. Horn was doing a great job, and I don’t feel like Ms. Herbert will either.”
“You’re saying all you’ve done is endorse him?” I lifted a brow.
