Page 114 of Rhet

I’ve figured out his pattern, I pull away and he does this. I sigh.

“She’s excited. See you on Saturday. Have a great day.”

I turn, leaving him standing there. I need to put some distance between us. Complicated, that’s what all this is.

RHET

I enter my office with my coffee in hand. Senator Barrett sits outside in my waiting room.

I have never felt so happy to see a man in my life.

“Come on in have a seat.” I open my door and I walk to my desk.

The senator walks in with his shoulders back, but his face looks distraught and haggard.

“Looking good, Barrett. What is it? A new haircut,” I ask and sit behind my desk.

He rocks his jaw like he’s eating something bitter. “Was everything taken care of last night?”

This motherfucker is still asking me questions. “What are you talking about?”

He swallows, and my temper grows.

“Fine, here is your bidding pass and number.” He pushes a folder toward me across my desk.

This is what victory feels and taste like. I open the brown leather folder and I see my name on a certificate to participate in the bids.

I close the folder and clamp my arms over it “Do you want a drink?”

“It’s too early.”

“I didn’t know alcohol consumption came with a time limit.” I get up from behind my desk. At my bar, I pour two crystal glasses of cognac.

I walk over and give him one. “Drink it.”

Sitting back down I take a sip of the cognac, letting the spicy bitterness roll down my throat.

“I heard that Joe got into an accident,” he murmurs.

“Really?” I lean back in my chair, taking his defeat in.

“He told me something very funny. He said that you have spies in your business.”

My father taught me to stay neutral in situations like these. My face will never reveal what I’m thinking.

“I know. Stop gossiping amongst yourselves. It’s never a good look. Some people end up dead.”

He grimaces. “I heard Joe and his son are dead.”

“May they both rest in peace.” I set my cognac on the table. Not caring about Joe or his son’s death.

If the senator could shoot me here and now, I’m sure he would. His jaws tick.

“Want to hear the other joke? Carson is taking part in the bids.”

“Yes, I know.” No, I had no idea, that means he filed late or this was planned.

Ever since that night where he embarrassed my brother, I’ve hated him. I feels like his embarrassing Trent triggered a series of unfortunate events. Events that have changed everything.

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