Page 58 of Lord of Debauchery

“Don’t sweat it. If anything of Bob’s declaration is true, you’ll have your chance for bloodshed.” What troubled me was that if the vice president was involved, it was entirely likely my uncle, someone who’d once been considered a forefront runner for the White House himself might be involved. If that was the case, dozens of two decades long questions could soon be answered.

Including why dear old Dad hated the man so much.

However, I certainly couldn’t jump to conclusions without positive proof.

We were one of the most high-powered political families in the United States, at least in the modern era. My uncle had harbored aspirations to lead the country.

Why not the world?

I remembered my father laughing over drinks as he and my mother had a discussion when I was maybe eight or nine. The time of the family’s split down the middle. Why did it seem my entire life had been like living in a mirror, reflecting the opposing side of my family in a shadowed light?

“Okay, boss. As you wish.”

I grinned at Camden before walking out. I knew the man would add in his own brand of harsh inflictions, but I trusted him. A laugh bubbled to the surface as I headed to the car. As if I should trust anyone right about now.

Except perhaps my latest treasure. At least I could now enjoy spending some additional quality time with her. Perhaps for today only but that would be just fine. When my phone buzzed, I immediately yanked it into my hand. My father.

I definitely wasn’t in the mood to deal with him at this point. Yes, a conversation would be needed later today but I needed some additional time before the rest of my fucking world changed on a dime.

And I had no doubt that’s exactly what would happen. I had a feeling I wasn’t going to be the only one with a rude awakening if Bob was correct. Fuck, the story was damn farfetched.

Jeff was suddenly by my side, shaking his head. “You’re not going to believe this.”

“At this point, I might believe anything. What exactly are you talking about?”

“You have some visitors at the house and they wouldn’t take no for an answer.”

“Who the fuck are they?” I almost reached for my weapon, which was ridiculous.

He rubbed just above his eyes. “Members of the Brotherhood.”

Well, fuck me. Maybe this was my lucky day.

CHAPTER 16

Beckham

The Brotherhood.

The name alone evoked a sense of an alliance between several parties. Somehow, I had a feeling they were all considered dangerous regimes similar to mine. However, I was still miffed they’d arrived at my house, entering without my permission. I would think they knew better than to enter a man’s castle this way. They could easily be shot.

Then again, in doing research, James had stumbled onto one of their firewalls. It was possible they’d managed to find the source. I had a feeling the members were not only powerful, but they also had connections everywhere.

There were several unknown vehicles flanking both sides of my massive aggregate driveway, at least eight soldiers carrying weapons standing on the side or in front of them. They didn’t pay us much mind as we’d driven up, but I knew they were watching closely. Did they honestly expect a war at this point?

Who was I kidding? It was entirely possible after what we’d been through.

“Fascinating,” I said through clenched teeth.

Jeff huffed. “I don’t like this.”

“I assure you they aren’t here to start a war. Just the opposite in fact. We hear them out. Do not make them feel uncomfortable. Somehow, I don’t think that will be in our best interest.” I didn’t hesitate to climb out, James immediately heading for me. The poor guy was anxious as fuck, beads of sweat rolling down both sides of his face.

“I’m so fucking sorry, boss. I was blindsided.” He glanced at the circle of unknown men, paling almost instantly. The poor guy didn’t have the stomach for confrontation.

I placed my hand on his shoulder. “Not your fault, my friend. Rest easy. Did you find anything else in your discover endeavors?”

“More red flags and get this. Have you ever seen the movie or the video game where the main characters get to a point or a certain level and a skull and bones appears, laughing maniacally as if the end is near?”

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