29
Victor
When they pulled close to the curb in front of Lucas’ Gold Coast high-rise, Gregor hopped out of the SUV, vacating his seat for his younger brother.
“What’s up, Linc? I can’t believe you’re still in town.”
“I got business here.”
“I’m sure,” Victor jibed. “The Devereaux kind.”
“Hmph.”
Lincoln had an irritating way of avoiding inquiries thrown in his direction. Even though their father was still with them, and he had two older brothers, Lincoln appointed himself the family’s protector. Which was no surprise to Victor. Even when they were little boys, Lincoln was the first to throw a punch if someone so much as mean mugged one of his brothers.
“So, you’re staying at Luc’s now?”
“Yeah. Thanks for letting me crash, but you guys have a lot going on. And Luc’s always at Bella’s. It’s kinda like having my own place.”
Victor nodded. After all, he couldn’t blame him. It wasn’t like he was lying. There was Union Station-like traffic running through his place on a daily basis. For Taylor’s sake, win or lose, he’d be glad when it was all over. He vowed that within a week of the polls closing, he was taking her away.
“Where are we going?” Lincoln asked, interrupting Victor’s thoughts.
“We’re going to meet Dad for dinner at Lou Malnati’s.”
Lincoln looked over with a furrowed brow. “Dad’s here? Why? Where’s Mom?”
“Shopping with Taylor and Bella.”
Victor couldn’t help the smile that grew on his face. He was pleased that Taylor was finally starting to re-engage in normal activity. And the look on Lincoln’s face told him that he understood. If anyone knew what witnessing a traumatic event could do to a person, it was his brother. Victor had never allowed himself to imagine the things that Lincoln had seen, or maybe even done.
“That’s great, bro,” he said with a sincere smile.
“And, then, she and her friends are going to have a ladies’ night.”
“Wow! I’m proud of her. Hell, I’m proud of you too. You’re actually gonna let her out of your sight?”
“Hell, no!” Victor blurted with a chuckle. “Gregor has appointed himself her official bodyguard.”
“And she didn’t argue?” Lincoln asked, skeptically.
“She tried.”
Lincoln laughed. “Sounds like business as usual.”
“Yeah. If it weren’t election season, things would almost seem normal.”
“And, how’s that going?” he asked in an impassive tone. “I see you’re looking good in the polls.”
“Yeah, but you know we can’t bank on the polls. Everything falls on the voters. With this bullshit indictment—”
Victor paused when he realized Lincoln was showing zero interest in what he was saying. He was staring straight ahead, and even though he was halfway engaging in the conversation, he could tell his focus was elsewhere.
“Linc?”
He seemed to have zoned out.
“Linc?”Victor called again, slightly raising his voice.
