His ink is there—though it’s invisible—and he’s one of the founding fathers of the brotherhood, now sitting in the most powerful seat in the world.
“Molly wanted me to extend an invitation to dinner.”
“Someday soon, I’ll take you up on that.” We agreed early on that the association between us needs to stay formal until we have the bulk of our work out of the way—or unless there’s an emergency. My contributions to his campaign and our months at the same prep school for one semester our only visible tie. He’s one of the only decent men in power, and we have too much to accomplish in the next seven years for our association to taint him—should I ever get prosecuted for my crimes.
Preston Monroe doesn’t need micro-managing, and Tyler has been preparing for this since he joined the Marines.
“What are you up to these days, Tobias?”
“Most recently, sir, I’ve taken an interest in Virginia.”
“Ah. Glad to know you’re in the neighborhood. Anyone I know?”
“You’ll meet her, eventually.”
“I’m intrigued. So, I’m assuming you’re retiring from politics?”
“It’s temporary,” I assure him. “I don’t golf.”
“Well, good luck with that. I’ll be in touch.”
“I appreciate your call, Mr. President.”
“I look forward to seeing you at the House.”
“You deserve this,” I say honestly.
“Couldn’t have done it without you, man.”
Ending the call, I glance out the window of Cecelia’s bedroom before I shoot off a text.
ETA?
Russell: A little birdie just parked the Audi in the driveway, keys in the visor. I’ve got two freshly hatched birds coming. Should I send more?
Send four more. I’m not familiar with the neighborhood. And switch the old. They’re tired and bored, which makes them useless to me. I want 20/20 fucking vision. Understood?
Russell: Got it. They’ll be there tomorrow. How’s Cee?
Good.
Russell: That was an abrupt answer. She can hold a grudge, can’t she? Laughing emoji.
When I don’t respond, the phone rattles again.
Russell: She’s giving you hell, isn’t she? God, I love that girl. Take care of her.
Get back to fucking work.
Russell: Aren’t you retired?
I’m on vacation. Big difference.
Russell: 10/4 Good buddy. I’m sure you have your hands full. Kissing face emoji.
I pull up to see my Audi parked in the driveway, and the sight of it jars me. It’s part of what I left behind. It seems no matter how much space I put between myself and the life I was living a year ago. I won’t ever escape it.
Today I overserved and talked the ear off every customer at the café, intent on resuming my routine. When things got slow, I busied myself scrubbing every inch of my restaurant to avoid Marissa and her questions. This morning, I all but fled, leaving him alone without a car and to his own devices so that I could try and sort my thoughts.
Exiting the Camaro, I inspect my Audi before glancing at the lifeless house, curious as to what he’s doing inside.
“You don’t look happy about it.” I damn near jump out of my skin and turn to see Tobias feet away from me, his black tee plastered to his monstrous build, sweat trickling down both his temples.