“Assalamu alaikum, bitch!” he barked before pushing her against the elevator wall.
Even with his fingers around her arm, she grinned but in the most condescending way possible. “Tahira Raji,” Lincoln growled, before shoving her into the corner.
With laughter, she cleared her throat and said, “Wa alaikum assalam, Colonel.”
Lincoln blew out a frustrated breath and pushed his fingers through his hair. “Why is it that every time something fucked up happens to my family, you’re always a stone’s throw away?”
Tahira stood straight and fixed her hijab. “As it happens, Colonel, I have saved your family from a fate much worse than the loss of one.”
“What?” Lincoln growled.
“Yes. And, as a matter of fact, I’ve come bearing gifts.”
Lincoln moved closer. “I don’t need gifts from you or the CIA. I just want you to stay the fuck away from my family.”
Tahira pointed a finger at him. “My asset saved your family!” She handed him an envelope and pushed a button for the 1stfloor. “This should fill in the blanks.”
The elevator landed on the 1stfloor. When the doors parted, the agent stepped off.
Lincoln peeked in the envelope. “What is this?”
“Like I said, it’s a gift. But, Colonel, my gift comes with conditions. The conditions are also in the envelope.”
“Hate that woman!” Lincoln seethed as the doors closed.
VICTOR
Kena dropped a garment bag over the arm of one of the plush recliners. “Kimberly, is gathering a change of clothes for Mrs. Creed.”
“Thank you.”
“I’ve contacted the Montgomery family’s pastor. Victoria Storm was gracious enough to offer up their plane to help with arrangements.”
Victor raised a brow. “Really?”
“Yes. We’ll also use it to transport the family and Mr. Montgomery’s remains back to Chicago.”
Victor smiled. “You could rule the world.”
Kena chuckled. “Yeah, but I gotta do it under the guise of being your assistant.”
Victor nearly laughed, but he looked over at his wife. He’d never seen her in so pain. Watching her and knowing that there was nothing he could do to fix it or erase the pain and sadness of losing her dad broke his heart.
Kena leaned in. “How is she holding up?”
“She’s back and forth between rage and disbelief.”
Kena sighed. “Okay. Well, let me know if you need anything.”
Victor nodded. “Will do. Thank you, Kenyatta, for all you do.”
“Of course, sir. You know it’s my pleasure.”
Victor walked over to the kitchenette and grabbed a muffin and a bottle of water. He carried the items over to Taylor, knowing she was going to turn them down, but he had to try to get her to eat something. “Sweetheart, try to put something on your stomach.”
Taylor held her hand up and dropped her head. “I’m not hungry, baby. Thank you.”
“Maybe, some water?”
