Page 202 of Treason's Temptation
Chapter 34
Ileaned back in my chair, tapping my pen against the desk while scanning the pile of reports that had managed to multiply overnight. Every new file was a problem waiting for a solution—or someone waiting for me to fail. That wasn’t my style. I was put here to shake things up, to make the rules mean something again, and I had no intention of playing nice to make people comfortable.
Victor’s name popped up in one of the memos, and I couldn’t help the slight smirk that tugged at my lips. Winston Calloway’s bank account had him celebrating before the votes were counted. Now he answered to me but I still kept tabs on him. I knew what I would do if I were in Winston’s shoes, and that kept me three steps ahead if he wanted to try me again.
A knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. “Come in,” I called, not bothering to look up.
The aide stepped in, tablet in hand, and my morning tea in the other. “Sir, there’s a meeting with the city council in twenty. They want updates on the corruption task force and the new oversight protocols.”
I straightened, feeling the familiar surge of energy that came when I had the chance to flex my authority. “Good. Make sure everyone knows this isn’t a suggestion box. This is accountability, and I don’t do excuses.”
I leaned forward, fists resting on the desk, reviewing budgets, investigations, and personnel evaluations until Jaleb let himself in.
“I was in the neighborhood,” he announced.
“Feeling guilty because you’ve been MIA,” I replied.
“I miss you too, Tre,” Jaleb smirked, sitting across from my desk. “How’s Cyan?”
“Busy as fuck and eating anything not nailed down,” I smirked.
Blue was always fussing about me giving him food, as if eating around him was an option. He had a death grip that he’d unleash on your plate if you didn’t share.
“You would know if you weren’t up hisGlamma’sass.”
“I don’t talk about your fiancée, don’t talk about?—.”
“About your what?” I was curious to see how he planned to label their relationship.
“Navie isn’t the only one with a story. Sloane has one too, and she’s not all bad.”
“None of that is my problem.”
“I beg to differ. She will be your mother-in-law. By the way, when is the wedding?”
“I don’t think she wants one, but that’s all, Blue. I’m just here to pay and show up when she tells me to.”
“If she changes her mind, the venue is on me. Consider it a wedding present.”
“I appreciate it.”
“Anyway, I just stopped by. I have a meeting with Dad and Russ.” Jaleb stood up, and I followed, slapping hands that led to an unexpected hug. “I’m proud of you, Tre. I mean that.”
“Thanks, Jaleb.”
He left my office, and I finished some other task until the chamber meeting. Collecting my stuff, I was surprised when Miss Dot pushed inside my office.
“How the hell did you get in here?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.
She waved me off like I was being silly. “Who will stop me? Your fancy title doesn’t change anything.”
I let out a short laugh, shaking my head. “I have a meeting, so make it quick.”
“That corner lot on 9th? Been sittin’ empty, attractin’ all kind of loiterers and trouble.”
“The park lights don’t work, and you know what that means—folks think it’s their private playground after dark.”
“The street near the community center has been flooded after rain; ain’t nobody fixin’ the drain.”
