Page 44 of Shadows and Whispers

James was torn. I could see his mind assessing the odds in his head. “You said that if you’re going to gamble might as well put your money on a sure thing, right? That’s us. What we can promise you, he cannot.,” Christian said with an unwavering assuredness.

“Which is?”

“All he can offer is money. That means Fisher still has to go door to door, begging for votes. If we back him, we bring the people and the money to him. Our reach expands beyond the state levels. You should know that considering we guaranteed you two terms and delivered. We land Fisher right where his ambitions are focused—The White House.” My eyes remained trained on James until Christian followed me up.

“Look, I wasn’t thrilled about any of this but a marriage to Elias is what my sister wants. I love her enough to stay out of the way, but in doing so, my interests are no longer singular. They can’t be. Both our families are committed to moving beyond the mistakes made in the past.” Christian stood, adjusting his suit jacket. “But the decision is yours to make, James. Whether or not you want to trust what we’re telling you or trust the man whose only intention is buying you. Ball’s in your court. I suggest you choose wisely who your star players are going to be.”

He cut his eyes toward Samson ever so confidently and walked away without another word. I fell in step with him as we left Slow Burn.

Once we reached our vehicles Christian looked my way, carefully assessing me before he murmured, “Never underestimate your opposition.”

I chuckled with understanding. He wasn’t speaking of Samson or James. I was his opposition. “I know what the fuck I’m doing.”

“Looks that way. I hope that’s not just with business.”

He was questioning how I would handle the marriage to Cress.

“I gave you my word that you didn’t have to worry about her. That hasn’t changed.”

“You did, but I’m still not entirely sure I can trust your word, Elias.”

“Feeling’s mutual.”

Christian’s jaw clenched. “My sister is far more important and valuable than any of this shit. I have more to lose by trusting you than you have by trusting me.”

He had a point.

Ez would always be okay. He was clever, resilient, and a man which meant he had less to be concerned with. My family wasn’t necessarily at risk of losing anything but our standings and possibly a little money, but still I played my hand.

“Your brother killed mine because he couldn’t choose between shoving coke up his nose and his loyalty to your family. If anyone should be concerned about trust, it’s me. History will not repeat itself if I have a say in the matter. As for Cress, she’s safe with me but don’t think for one minute that I won’t destroy you if you cross me or Ez.”

“Even at the risk of her hating you?” he questioned just as I lifted my helmet from my bike.

“If it comes to that her feelings will no longer be relevant.”

“I’m not your enemy, Elias, and I never intend to be.”

“Good because not even God himself could prevent the wrath I’ll rain down on you if you do.”

I tossed my leg over my bike, yanked my helmet down on my head, and started the engine. It had been a week since I had last seen or talked to Cress. After checking in with Ez she would be my first stop.

* * *

When I walked into the house, I caught Ez just as his foot met the last step allowing him to enter the foyer. He glanced at me, taking in my black leather jacket and the gloves I yanked from my hands and shoved into my pockets.

“I can’t believe you drove that thing nine hours. You could have put your bike on the jet with the rest of your things.”

I shrugged. “Long rides are the best. You should try it.”

“Or not. I’m perfectly fine with my weekend drives up the mountain, in town.” I smirked, bypassing him en route to the living room. Ez poured himself a drink and handed me a bottle of water which I accepted and sank into the sofa facing the fireplace. He settled on the arm at the opposite end from where I was sitting.

“How did it go?”

“Better than to be expected. I’m sure James will be calling to beg for forgiveness and to accept our offer if he hasn’t reached out to Christian already.”

“He hasn’t. I just got off the phone with Christian.” He lifted the glass of cognac and drained a few sips. “I can’t believe James believes Fisher will make it to the White House. Senate maybe, if he proves worthy but no fucking way are we supporting a run for the White House.”

“I don’t think he believes it either.”

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