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5
Maddox
Aday goes by while Isabella and I deal with The King’s passing.
Word spreads like wildfire, in the meantime, and all day we get messages from loyalists sending kind words to Isabella. But, although they wish her well, they start— one by one—paying their loyalties to their new King.
No words can describe the disgust and disdain I feel for those who do this; trying to kiss ass, while we’re dealing with the loss of Bruno Romani. It’s easy for them, I suppose. Each one is trying to weasel their way into my good graces before it’s too late.
I know, that ceremony will take place soon enough, where I take over as head of this organization – a passing of the torch if you will. But, I can’t stand to think about any of that in Isabella’s time of turmoil.
Life moves on after death, but the horror it leaves in its wake echoes through the anguish of those left to remember.
Once the arrangements for Bruno’s funeral are complete, I decide it’s time to start my hunt for the person responsible for his death. I begin with my family, in the hope that they’ve heard any rumors around town.
After Quincy Harrison’s man executed the priest, my suspicion fell on him. I wouldn’t put it past Vik’s men, either, but starting an internal investigation is easier than hunting bastard’s up the Mississippi River.
Plus, if my father does know anything, I’m damned sure he’ll be eager to get rid of Quincy Harrison. Father’s always wanted more and more, after all. Never sitting back and taking stock of what he has.
I pull my car into father’s driveway, stopping right at the front door. His yard is empty of Braddock men, but the fleet of my sibling’s vehicles stretches across the space. Benjamin Winter, Father’s right-hand man stands waiting beside the door. His hands are tucked into his pocket, while a hefty yawn escapes his lips. He looks tired and slightly hungover, and I guess he may well be, if Father and the kids were celebrating the good news.
Little Maddox Braddock is The King of Hannibal. Why wouldn’t they party it up?
“Morning,” Benjamin says, as I get out of my car.
“Benjamin,” I greet him. “Is Father home?”
“Sure is.” Benjamin takes my hand with a hard squeeze as I get to the door. “He’ll be excited to see you.”
“Is that right?”
“It is.” Benjamin opens the door and ushers me in. “Hasn’t been able to stop talking about you all night.”
“Why is that?” I ask, although the answer is obvious.
Normally, my name rarely leaves my father’s mouth. No matter how hard I’ve tried in the past, and after all the work I’ve put in, I am still the black sheep of the Braddock family. Of course, that will change now that I command such incredible power.
“Oh, don’t play coy, Maddox.” Benjamin smiles. I’ve always liked Benjamin. He’s the kind of man that says something as it is. “Word spreads quickly in our circles. The King’s dead and you’re heir to the throne. Every Braddock’s a little proud to say we’ve watched your rise to power.”
“Watched, yes,” but none of them helped me attain it. “Where are they?”
“The war room,” Benjamin replies. “Breakfast was served ten minutes ago.”
I check the time. I’m ten minutes late. Punctuality is one of my father’s only virtues. I wonder how he will react to my lateness, now that I stand as King. He’d have torn my head off in the past. Will it be the same now?
“Thanks, Ben. What’s for breakfast?”
“Bacon, eggs, toast, and all the fixings,” he replies, while we walk.
“Sounds delicious,” I say.
I can hear the Braddocks’ voices from down the hall, although they settle down with Father shushing them, as Benjamin and I approach. I step through the door to see my siblings all sitting around the table. A spot at the foot and one on the right are open for Benjamin and me.
Not a single plate has been filled, nor has a single bite of the food been taken. They have waited for me. And, instead of my father showing annoyance at my being late, he almost looks pleased to see me.
“His Majesty has arrived.” A sickly grin grows on Father’s face. I’ve never seen a man look so childish and demonic all at once.
“Father,” I give him a nod.
