Page 189 of Treason's Temptation
Blue: That’s how I got in this mess
Me: You love it here.
Tossing my phone on the bed, I hopped in the shower, eager to get this day over with. I had to finish going over talking points for the debate and sit through three chamber meetings before joining my family and Sloane for dinner tonight.
After I dressed for the day, I walked to the front to find Danielle lying on the couch reviewing footage.
“You’re too comfortable in my house.”
“You don’t have to be so rude.”
“You better be lucky you didn’t end up missing after that shit you pulled.”
“My dog did! I know you did something to Brownie,” Danielle sneered, referring to the tea cup yorkie I got her for Christmas.
I had to take my anger out on something. Unlike Lorenzo, I didn’t hit women, so Brownie had to go. Danielle made it easybecause she never got him chipped. I kept telling her ass to do it, but procrastination got the best of her.
“How could you do that? Brownie was innocent,” Danielle cried, like that shit moved me.
“So was I.”
“You never even let me explain!”
“Sneaking into my office and making copies of shit you had no business speaks for itself. You let them use you. Useus.It is what it is. Stop crying about it.”
I didn’t want kids, so the story wasn’t a complete lie. It was an easily digestible story that protected all parties involved.
“I was trying to save my mother.You think I wanted to take that deal? I was out of options, Tre. You would have done the same for yours!”
Mine wouldn’t have been embezzling funds to afford a lifestyle she couldn’t afford. That was all, Deidra.
“You saved her, right? You got what you wanted.”
“No, I didn’t. I wanted a life with you,” Laughing at her response infuriated Danielle, “There was a time you wanted that too.”
I had her cornered before I even thought about it, the words ripping out of me like fire.
“Wants change, so do your fuckin’ job without giving Navie an attitude before I take that too.”
Danielle’s back hit the wall, and I stepped in, close enough to feel the warmth coming off her.
“You’re not going to hit me, so get the fuck out of my face!” Danielle’s chin lifted, that same defiance that used to drive me crazy.
“I don’t hit women, but I know a lot of bitches that will for the right price. Final warning.”
She was so pissed off, she didn’t want to shoot anymore. I had a busy day, anyway, so I followed her out. The first orderof business was a chamber meeting to discuss the Calloway Initiative. The smell of paper and coffee hit my nose as I walked into the chamber. The meeting hadn’t officially started, but Victor was already poaching the room to back the Calloway Initiative as if it didn’t have to still go through me.
We were here to handle city business, not trade campaign jabs, but with the election weeks away, every word felt like shadowboxing. Connie called the room to order, and round one commenced.
Victor stood, addressing the room. “Madison Pointe needs the Calloway Initiative. It will create sustainable growth, bring in businesses, and finally give Madison Pointe the shine it deserves.”
“That initiative isn’t about sustainability. It’s about Calloway carving his name into this city while families watch their rent double and schools lose funding.”
A ripple moved through the chamber. Some heads nodded while others avoided eye contact. Victor adjusted his tie, a smile plastered on his face. “Councilman, you seem more concerned with scoring points than solving problems. This city deserves leadership with vision. Not leadership that gambles with our future by pushing reckless policies like legalizing drugs.” \
“I’m glad you brought that up. Since legalization, Madison Pointe has generated $185 million in new revenue. That’s money reinvested directly into schools, small business grants, and mental health services.” I paused while the room stirred, pens scratching, eyes shifting. “Violent crime is down 22%. Drug arrests are down 78%. That’s fewer young men clogging the system, fewer families torn apart over minor possession. That’s what leadership looks like, but I guess it doesn’t matter when the money isn’t going into Winston Calloway’s pocket.”
Victor’s jaw flexed, struggling to hold a smile. “You can spin numbers, Treason, but families still see the cost in their neighborhoods.”
