Page 101 of Tempting God

“And you trust him?”

“I do.”

I nod. “Okay.”

“Okay. Now, would you like to dance again, or shall I fetch my wife some sweets?”

I grin. “You know me too well.”

“Sweets it is.”

23

Grant

Greer is napping when I leave our house. Tonight is the Defiant God Brotherhood special meeting. A meeting that should have happened a month ago.

I keep myself occupied on the drive to the mansion outside of Dallas by reading my speech for the first Presidential debate. I’m still somehow polling higher than every other candidate, which is thrilling. Still, I can’t help but think something is going to happen. Call it a gut feeling. And my gut says Charles Blanc will have something to do with whatever is coming.

Inside the mansion, I make my way to the auditorium hidden beneath the house. Brooks and Alessandro are already there and stand in front of their seats.

“Gentlemen,” I greet.

Brooks glances at his watch. “I’m shocked you’re early. According to the news, you’re always late.”

I snort. “That’s because I can’t get enough of my beautiful wife.”

Brooks gestures to Blanc’s empty seat. “Think he’s going to show?”

“Guess we’ll find out in thirty minutes.”

A half hour later, I look around the crowded room. It looks like everyone took their summons seriously. Good. They should. Because this meeting is going to change things within the Brotherhood. And we’re just getting started.

Blanc’s seat is still empty, and I meet Brooks’ gaze.

It’s time.

He stands, clearing his throat. “As the Face of the Defiant God Brotherhood, it is my right to call a meeting to order when the Head Elite Member is not here. Since Brother Blanc has chosen not to respond to summons, then this meeting will continue without him.” He gestures to me. “Four months ago, Elite Member Carter initiated two votes amongst the other Elite Members. The first issue was that Brother Blanc Felt that Brother Carter had overstepped the Brotherhood by dropping out of the GOP race. Four to one, the Elite Members agreed that Brother Carter had done nothing wrong, and that the Brotherhood would support his run as an Independent in the Presidential election.”

He waits a beat, making sure everyone is listening.

“The second issue was changing Rule 84. We’re all familiar with Rule 84, but just to recap, Rule 84 states our sons become instant members of the Brotherhood upon birth and our daughters are used as pawns.”

Wolfe calls out, “I object to that term. The females aren’t used as pawns. They’re held with high regard within the Brotherhood.”

Irons leans forward and says, “They’re treated no better than livestock.”

More people murmur around the room.

Brooks says, “Brother Carter suggested that we amend the rule and allow our children to decide whether they want to be associated with the Brotherhood. He drafted up a detailed amendment that was sent to the Elite Members.”

Phones ding around the room.

“You should each have a copy of that amendment on your phones as we speak.” He waits a beat. “This was voted yes, three to two. At that time, I let the other Elite Members know that I would let the Brotherhood know of the changes. This is when Head Elite Member Blanc used his power of veto. He was then given three months to come up with evidence to support his reasons for veto. Instead, he has chosen not to be here today to plead his case.”

Alessandro nods. “He’s also forced the other Elite Members to invoke Rule 200, which is why we’re all here today.”

Irons calls out, “Is there reason to think Elite Member Blanc can no longer serve as the Head of the Defiant God Brotherhood?”

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