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“Sounds like a good deal but let me break that shit down for you. The only thing he can guarantee you is some upfront cash and for that money he’s promising, Samson is buying his ability to take control of your territories which means flooding the state with his drugs and women. You see, that’s all he has to offer and the fact that you’re entertaining hisofferlets me know just how stupid you really are.”
Christian chimed in. “What Elias means is that Samson doesn’t have the reach that we do. The only business he can bring is of that of less than savory kind. The kind that runs the risk of life sentences and an increase in your murder rates across the state.”
James was somewhat a smart man contrary to his stupid decision to be here right now making back door deals so his posture corrected and his eyes moved from Samson to Christian.
“And what can you offer because to my understanding this is the first time in years that two members of your families have been in the same room together without bloodshed. Things aren’t what they used to be. I have to look out for myself. My future and the futures of my family have to be a priority.”
“By family you mean your son-in-law attorney Walter Fisher who’s chasing a senate seat with the hopes of a presidency?” I questioned.
James blanched with recognition.
“What does he have to do with this?”
“Everything apparently. That’s what Samson’s promising you, right? Not just the money but also backing your son-in-law to take your spot when your final term ends. I’m sure he even tossed in continued support for a senate seat to follow.”
Christian smiled arrogantly and cut his eyes at me, no doubt impressed that I knew what I was talking about. I chose not to be connected to the inner workings of my family. Me walking away had nothing to do with me not understanding how things worked. The game never changed, only the players, and James was now playing with the intent of setting up his son-in-law to appease his daughter by helping with Fisher’s political aspirations.
I could only respect the dedication but trying to do so with a snake like Samson was a stupid move that would cost him a price he wasn’t willing to pay. Not that either Christian or I gave a shit about James or his family’s political ambitions but having the governor in our pocket assisted in keeping control of the power shifts for businesses in the southern states, which we cared immensely about. Both legal and illegal dealings.
Our influence extended far beyond Crescent Falls or even our state. The controlling families made shit happen in politics and business. We were a united network of voices and prestige that was often underestimated and undervalued until we amassed an upset in politics in one direction or the other. Always unexpected but necessary. Samson understood on a small scale how things worked. James did not. He was only offered enough to keep him under control. As of right now, he was allowing greed and selfish ambitions to fuck with the bigger plan. In his defense, he had no clue how important his role as governor truly was in the grand scheme of things. That was by design. The more you know, the more you control.
“He can’t guarantee Fisher wins this next election. Money is only half the battle. The prospect of business and growth is far more important. To get the votes, the people have to believe you have their best interest at heart. We ensure that happens. We keep things balanced. Samson doesn’t have the ability to do what we can do, which means trusting him and his money isn’t a guarantee.”
“Maybe it is, when considering your families are no longer united? Can you make promises about what you used to bring to the table?”
Samson spoke and he had James’s attention because he followed his question of uncertainty about us delivering with his own thoughts.
“He has a point. I’m surprised you’re here today,together. Things are no longer like they used to be. Individually you’ve been satisfying your families personal agendas making you no different than anyone else who has a vested interest in the game. Support is torn between the two families which means it could go either way. Has this been up north or out west where there’s still a mutual harmony amongst the key players I might be concerned. With the two of you, I’m not. If I’m going to gamble I might as well place my money on a sure thing,” James stated bluntly.
“And you think it’s this muthafucker?” I drilled out through a cocky laugh tossing my chin to Samson.
James shrugged noncommittally “He’s putting money up. That’s a sure thing.”
“What you can count on is the amount of drugs flooding the streets increasing and the numbers of missing women. You’d be setting Fisher up to fail and trust me, he will fail. Samson talks a good game. He’s quite convincing actually but he doesn’t know shit about politics. What he cares about is having you in his pocket so that when he brings his bullshit to our state and traffic on our highways you and Fisher, if he gains the votes, will be forced to turn a blind eye. There’s no balance when it comes to greed with no understanding.” Christian spoke with an assertive confidence that couldn’t be ignored.
“Like you’re much different.” Samson smirked at Christian. “If I’m not mistaken, you have several businesses that house women who use their bodies to collect a check.”
The Devereauxs had high-end escort services that doubled as pussy for sale. Everyone knew. What I didn’t know was if Christian felt the same about those businesses as his father once did. Jonathan Devereaux didn’t mind crossing boundaries. Our father did and women were a hard pass for him.
Christian’s eyes narrowed. “Weare not the same. The women who we employ are all of age, work with consensually, and are fairly compensated. You kidnap young girls and women and prostitute them out to men who abuse and exploit them mentally and physically. You and I are not in the same class.”
Samson smirked arrogantly. “Tomato, tomato.”
“I don’t know anything about that. And I don’twantto know,” James said, dismissing the conversation between Christian and Samson before turning to me. “This is the first time in years that your families have agreed on anything. Am I supposed to trust the two of you won’t end up killing each other like your brothers did?”
Rage blazed in my belly but I fought hard to keep it at bay. Christian spoke before I could.
“We’ve settled our differences. You need not be concerned about the past.”
“That’s just words and empty promises, James. Words don’t mean shit but my money can keep your pockets full.” Samson smiled cockily like he had just won the war. Battle maybe but not the war. I was bored with the situation and needed to end this.
“A marriage between our families is proof enough that the past is the past.”
“A marriage?” James looked at me then Christian.
“Cress Devereaux and I will be married before the end of the month. If our past were an issue that wouldn’t be happening.”
Samson laughed bitterly. “Bullshit. You don’t think me and everyone else can see right through that. This is part of the game. You can trust that shit if you want but you’ll get fucked in the end. My offer still stands and it would be smart of you to tell both of them to fuck off so that we can close this deal.”
