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“You never wanted to know.”
She was right.
“I guess I didn’t.”
“I’ll call you when I figure out where I’m going.”
“Okay. I love you, Jona. I hope you never forget that.”
“I won’t if you won’t.”
She smiled then was gone and I was left wondering if I ever truly knew Cole and that had me wondering if me marrying a man just like my father would mean one day history might repeat itself.
NINE
elias
“Governor James,what a surprise seeing you here.”
And based on the look we were receiving Samson was as surprised as James about seeing us here. Christian grabbed a chair from the nearest table and dragged it between the two massive armchairs where Samson Duke and Governor Holland James were seated facing each other.
“Christian,” James stated firmly with his eyes moving from Christian to me. He squinted slightly as if trying to be sure that it was truly me but the once recognition settled, confusion laced his expression followed by concern. “Elias Omari. Haven’t seen you in years.”
I didn’t bother granting James with a reply and instead listened to Christian’s less than favorable greeting to Samson.
“Duke. It’s been awhile and I have to say I’m a little disappointed that you’re here in Crescent Falls and didn’t reach out. I would have comped a suite at one of my family’s properties.”
Samson coolly leaned back, lifting the lit cigar he had pinched between his fingers, inhaling several long pulls while he offered an easy glance at both me and Christian. I elected to remain standing. Situations like this made me cagey. Mecageydidn’t always end well.
“I’m perfectly capable of handling my own accommodations. It wasn’t necessary for me to hit you up.”
I chuckled arrogantly as he glared at Christian, no doubt trying to piece together how we’d ended up here. The world was large, however information was always accessible. Those of us that held weight kept tabs on the other key players. Samson had been labeled as a problem. He was stepping outside of the parameters in which he was allowed to do business. Being here in Crescent Falls was more than enough proof that he had no plans to pull back after being warned multiple times.
The divide between the Omaris and the Devereauxs had weakened the lines of communication and offered people like Samson who were ruled by greed a way to satisfy his ego and line his pockets. With our families at odds a line of divide had been drawn in the sand years ago and over the years, things had only gotten worse. Opposition that usually leaned in favor of our families unified decisions had begun to choose sides. Business and politics were weakened from the divide. Christian had half the support while Ez encompassed the rest. That wasn’t necessarily an issue with most things. Our families could operate independent of one another but men like Samson used the lack of unity to his advantage. Which was why he was here right now. It didn’t take long for Ez to bring me up to speed on the most current issue we were faced with. Losing control of the governor. James was entering the last year of his second term. A new elect would have to take his place. One that we could bend and manipulate however required by our pending needs. Samson wanted a governor in his pocket.Ourgovernor because that gave him access and partial control over the Southern states.
No limit on the number of drugs and guns he wanted to release into the streets and no prosecution for the women he loved to traffic.
“When you’re playing in our backyard it’s always necessary to extend the courtesy of announcing your presence. Especially when your plans are to play dirty.”
James’s eyes darted nervously between the exchange happening with Christian and Samson who spoke with a smug grin in place.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about, Christian. I’m simply catching up with an old friend. Isn’t that right, James?”
Our very nervous governor flinched. “Look I don’t know what’s going on here but maybe I should go and let you three work out whatever this is.”
It was my turn to speak up.
“How is that going to solve anything when you’re the center of what’s going on here?” My comment was directed at James whose face easily expressed his guilt but he stuck to the lie.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” His voice remained stern.
I chuckled lightly, lowering my chin when I addressed him this time. “How much is he offering you?”
“Off…offering…me?” James’s voice elevated at the end. A sign of guilt.
“A couple million. Ten, maybe fifteen? Am I close?” I continued.
Samson’s face went blank. James’s expression gave me the answer I was seeking.
