Page 44 of Paradox
With perfect timing, Mission walks in, three of his guys following. I wave him over, shaking his hand and thanking him for showing up. He and Krueger share a tense handshake.
Shit. Looks like I have my work cut out for me.
“Gentlemen.” I jerk my head toward the chapel doors, then lead the way.
I take my seat at the head of the table, watching the two men sit opposite each other, one on my left, the other on my right.
“Krueger, I know you have your sights set on me being your successor. Even though I appreciate the vote of confidence, the fact of the matter is I’m not ready for that level of responsibility. Right now, I just want to spend time with my newborn babies. I hope you can understand and accept that.”
“I get it. Trust me, I do.” He leans back in the chair. “Your commitment to your family is part of the reason I chose you. I need someone with your level of intelligence, honesty, and loyalty to take my seat. You’re the future of this organization, Hunter.”
“Maybe… and I’m not ruling out the possibility. It’s just not my time. I’ve been working with Mission for years, and he’s come to my aid whenever I needed him.” Krueger settles his stare on the man across from him. “He has all the qualities you’re looking for, and I’m always close by if he needs help.”
“I also have no wife, and my kids are all grown,” Mission says.
“Wait, what happened to your old lady?” I ask.
“Got tired of the life, I suppose. She up and left a few months ago.”
“Fuck, man. I’m sorry.”
“Eh, it’s life.” He shrugs, turning in his chair and aiming a pointed stare at Krueger. “What’s it going to take to prove to you that I’m a worthy candidate?”
I glance between the two men sharing an unwavering glare. They’re actually more alike than they know. I think I need to take myself out of the equation and give them time to work this out.
“I’ll give you men some time to talk. Use the room as long as you like, and if you need anything, you let me know.”
I close the chapel doors behind me and set out to find my wife and kids.Hopefully, those two don’t kill each other.
CHAPTER 10
E SQUARED
***Ellen***
“Momma?”
“Yes, baby?”
“When will my baby brother come out of your tummy?”
“Soon.” I tuck Mikey’s blanket under his chin. “But you could be getting a baby sister. I don’t want you to feel bad if it’s a girl.”
“I won’t.”
He wrestles his hand free of the covers and places it on my belly, gently rubbing it.
“Good night, baby.” He yawns, eyes already closing.
“Sweet dreams, baby boy.” I kiss his forehead, smiling down at him before turning off the light. He’s going to be a great big brother.
I enter our bedroom, the sound of the shower running letting me know Jon is still in there. My eye catches my mom’s letter on the wall and I walk over to it. Jon found it when we were moving in and had it laminated and framed. He also made a copy so I have something to hold in my hands. I touch the frame, reading the last sentence:Find a man who makes you laugh… one who tells you you’re beautiful… one you can depend on but not be dependent on.
I did, Mom. I found him. It won’t be much longer before I’m his wife. I know she’d love him. If she was here, she probably would have realized he was the one before I did.
“Is he down?” Jon’s voice cuts into my thoughts, and I turn to see him walking into the room.
“Out like a light.”
