Page 106 of Magnetic God

“Well played on making sure the entire world fell in love with Hannah.”

I smile to myself. He might not be able to see me right now, but he’ll hear the pride and smugness in my voice.

“It wasn’t hard to do. Hannah is very lovable.” I pause. “We just returned from the doctor. We got to hear the heartbeat of our baby.”

Well, babies. Because my sweet angel is carrying twins.

It was fucking magical. My damn chest swelled so much that it was hard to breathe. But, fuck, it was…everything. More importantly, now that Blanc knows, he won’t dare try anything.

“Congratulations. You’ve ensured that your legacy will continue. It’s all that the Brotherhood asks of our members. But your wife isn’t why I called.”

“Funny, since you brought her up right off the bat.”

He sighs. “I’ve been under a lot of stress. It doesn’t excuse my behavior, but I must ask that you forgive me.”

“Are you dying, Blanc, because this sounds like a conversation one has when they’re dying.”

“I’m not dying, Henderson.” There’s a long pause. “I received another letter. From the man who killed Smith and DeLeon.”

I still.

“What did it say?”

“The usual. We need to get our acts together. He’s watching. Etcetera.”

“Then why call me?”

“Because he mentioned you. He said that you have the power to change the path of the Brotherhood. I have to ask. Have you received any letters?”

“Not recently.”

“But you did get one?”

“I did.” I pause. “He said Hannah would be used as leverage, but not by him. He also said that I need to do what it takes to protect her, even if it means losing everything.”

He exhales. “So that explains why you made sure she got everything if your marriage didn’t work out.”

“Partly. I truly want to make sure she’s taken care of. And now I want our children to be taken care of, too.”

Fuck. I didn’t mean to say that part. While I want the world to know that Hannah is pregnant, we both agreed to keep the part about her carrying twins a secret.

Blanc says, “I think the letter is referring to the meeting you’re supposed to have with OWF.”

“What makes you think that?”

There’s another long pause.

“Blanc?”

“Jones is bringing in several people who are interested in backing the Brotherhood. He set up these meetings without my knowledge.”

“Then tell him to fuck off.”

“It’s not that simple.” He sighs. “Jones is making moves much like Smith. The only difference is that he’s been…more strategic about it.”

“Sounds like you need to get Moretti involved, then.”

“I have, but he said I needed to call you. Henderson. I need you to take the deal with OWF.”

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