Most people assumed I learned everything from my father. But I didn’t. I learned everything I knew from her ; how to be ruthless, unforgiving, unfeeling, untrusting, cold, and deadly. My father had been, what she called, a weak man, always getting himself into situations that Mother would have to get him out of, until the day she finally had enough of his antics and had him dealt with. I had been twenty at the the time and had never forgiven her for my father’s death.
She is a witness. There was no use in lying, I knew she had heard Lea’s rant outside the dining room earlier.
And you ignored the first rule of our survival why ? She kept her face blank, but I could hear the disgust in her tone.
I raised my eyes to meet my mother’s, the same cold, steely blue eyes I had looked back at me intently.
I shrugged my shoulders nonchalantly, I couldn’t.
And why the hell not, Carter. She’s a damn liability. I kept my face neutral as I watched realization dawn on my mother’s face. Good God, Carter. You have to be joking. You feel for her.
I didn’t confirm nor deny my mother’s accusations.
You of all people should know how feelings are used to manipulate, torture, and bring down the adversary.
I kept my face blank and my voice steady, I am handling her, Mother.
Really, Carter ? Because from what I have seen and heard so far, it sure as hell seems as if she is handling you.
A knock sounded at the door. Mother stood and smoothed down her dress and walked over to me. She reached out a hand and cupped my chin. If she fucks up what we have worked so hard to build, so hard to protect, I will personally finish what you started. Do I make myself clear ?
I pulled my my chin from her grasp. Perfectly.
She patted my cheek roughly and then placed a kiss on the stinging skin. Good. I’ll be in touch.
Mother walked gracefully to the doors and pulled them open. Darrell.
Darrell bowed his head in respect as Mother walked by, Mrs. Stephens.
Darrell walked in and closed the doors behind him, letting out a low whistle. I didn’t know that she would be here this evening.
I shook my head, I didn’t either. She arrived during dinner.
How long is she here for ? My mother’s presence always put the members of the house on edge, especially those of us in charge.
She should be leaving as we speak. I turned to take the seat behind my desk.
I take it that she knows about Lea ? Darrell sat on the sofa and handed me a manila folder.
You could say that.
She isn’t pleased.
No. I ran a hand through my hair and leaned back in the chair. It was late and I was frustrated. I tapped the folder. Is it done ?
Yes. He will never be able to walk, talk, or breathe on his own.
Good.
I reached into one of the drawers and pulled out a bottle of Napoleon Cognac and two shot glasses. I needed to relax. I filled both glasses and pushed one to Darrell. I tossed back the drink and turned the conversation back to my mother and Lea.
She threatened to personally take care of Lea if Lea fucked things up.
Darrell downed his shot in one swift swallow and set the glass down. I poured another shot for the both of us.
So the claws came out at dinner ?
I smirked. You could say that. Lea was holding her own until Mother put her down in front of everyone for being a waitress.
Darrell chuckled, What happened ?
Lea left dinner unexcused.
Darrell raised an eyebrow knowing no one ever left dinner without either having a job to do or without being excused. And ?
I followed her out. Her and I had words and of course Mother had to follow us out as well and then proceeded to tell Lea how unbecoming she was being.
Let me guess, that pissed Lea off even more and she decided to tell Victoria off ?
Yes. Mother of course being Mother, slapped Lea across the face. I growled the last part out. It was my duty to keep Lea safe and to keep her from getting hurt, but I could not go against my mother.
Damn, Carter. Seems like it was more interesting here than at Scaffold’s.
I sighed. I would have gladly traded you places. I pinched the bridge of my nose before downing another shot.
Darrell chuckled. I would have declined. No offense Carter, but Victoria is one bitch I don’t plan on crossing any time soon.
None taken. And you should try being related to her.
Thanks, but no. I can barely stand her being related to you.
I nodded in understanding and unlocked the small file cabinet to the left side of my desk and slid the manila folder into place among the many others that were locked away.
Do me a favor ? I shot a look to Darrell.
Sure.
Keep an eye on Lea tomorrow.
Darrell eyed me suspiciously. Why ?
I need some air. I needed to clear my mind, to take time and think things through and refocus on what my job was without distractions.
You’re taking security ?
Yes, Lynx and Miller. I stood. As I started toward the door, Darrell stood.
We walked silently side by side down the hall until Darrell spoke, What time are you leaving out ?
Before sun up.
Any particular time we should expect you back ?
Late.
Darrell and I parted ways as we reached the great room. I had about five hours before I would have to be up and heading out. I made my way to my room and pulled off my suit and tossed it haphazardly across the back of the leather settee that sat at the end of my bed.
I walked over to the dresser and pulled out a pair of black sweats and slipped them on. Not bothering with a shirt, I made my way to the window seat that overlooked the grounds behind the house and leaned my head back and took a deep breath.