Unfortunately, his relief was short-lived.
“However, I can’t stop whoever is disseminating this BS from posting it online, but I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it.”
“Thanks, Renee. Say, do you have plans Friday night? Taylor and I are having a dinner party at the penthouse to celebrate Gregor’s birthday.”
Renee’s brow rose as if she was surprised by the invitation. “Really?”
“Yes, really. What?”
“You’re having a fancy dinner party for your security guard?”
“Head of security,” Victor corrected. “And I may not be his favorite person at the moment, but he and Taylor have bonded.”
“I see.” Renee giggled. “I got no plans. I’ll be there.”
“Perfect. Come casual. Dinner’s at eight. Feel free to bring a plus one.”
“Plus one? Please.” She snorted. “As busy as you keep me, I might as well be married to you.”
Victor laughed. Unfortunately, she was right. Lately, a good scandal was always just around the corner.
“Kena says the same thing. You exaggerate.”
“Hmph! If you say so, Governor.”
When she walked over to the conference table and gathered her paperwork, Victor silently approved of her sleek, blue business suit. Her dark skin was smooth and creamy, and she had a figure that was curvy and feminine. Victor concluded that it had to be her job that kept her from finding love. He made a mental note to insist that she take a vacation.
“Don’t forget that you have a photo shoot at 5:30,” she reminded.
“Ugh!” He had forgotten. As a matter of fact, he’d forgotten just how hard it was to run a campaign, now even harder since he was already in office. Together, his run for re-election and his gubernatorial obligations were running him ragged.
“Where is it?”
“Here. Kena and I have put together a wardrobe, including your wife’s favorite tie and hanky combo.”
Victor smiled at the mention of Taylor. She made him feel like a giddy, teenage boy, excited to be with a girl for the first time. However, he tried to play it cool when he asked, “Will she be there?”
“Yes, sir,” Renee responded with a smile that let him know that he hadn’t, in fact, played it cool. “She’ll be there.”
When she left, closing the door behind her, Victor pulled his phone from his pocket. He pushed a button to speed dial and waited for an answer.
“Creed.”
Victor rubbed his temple. He could feel a headache coming. “Linc, we’re all Creeds.”
“Yes, but I’m the only Creed with the phone number. What do you want?”
“That shit at the restaurant was a set-up. Can you meet today?”
“Not today. I’m on a mission.”
Victor knew all too well what that meant for the Army Ranger.
“When will you be back?”
“I have no way of knowing.”
“Well, be careful, little bro.
“Will do.”
“I’ll check back and forth with Mom.”
No matter what country, jungle, or sandstorm Lincoln was in, he always managed to call their mother, if not every day, then every other day. Although the family worried a great deal about Lincoln and his chosen profession, they’d gotten accustomed to him leaving to places unknown for long periods of time.
Victor pushed a button to end the call and dialed another number. He groaned when Lucas answered with, “Creed.”
