Page 31 of Mistress A-0002
“We’re going to do a lot more than that.” I glanced towards my clock. “Which reminds me, we’re going to have to talk to Jack. Do you think his brother is opposed to a new wife?”
Shane threw me a look. “It’s not just the wife that’s the issue; it’s the leadership of the Collins’ line that needs to be changed. Are you opposed to someone new?”
I paused through the surprise of Shane’s question. It was no secret we didn’t care for Lee Collins. He was just as conniving as his wife, and nowhere near as trustworthy. But kill Lee so Jack could step up to run his family? It was treasonous to go after someone in our circle. Forbidden and no different than what Melissa proposed for Braddock. But…it wasn’t any different than what I’d done to Master Five, and this could be worth it. It wasn’ta necessity, but it would give me Jack and Georgie to deal with, and that definitely had its benefits.
“We’ll talk more about this later.”
“Ooh.” He smiled. “You’re tempted.I like that.But we both know there’s no rush. How’s Braddock? Any more episodes?”
“Not since yesterday. I talked to him earlier. He’s doing better. Upset about Ally, but better.”
“Do you think Melissa is after his line? You hinted enough. Jett was interning at Braddock’s building. She called in that favor from Braddock’s board members behind his back.
I met his eyes, turning to stare down into the city.
“Ask me if there’s any footage of his apartment at the time of the incidents. There’s none. Not a single rage episode is recorded. And that’s just on the days we’ve figured out were gone. Hours upon hours are missing. To make matters worse, it makes it impossible to even track Melissa during that time. Video from floors six through twenty are completely gone. Every lounge. Every hall. Every apartment.”
“You’re joking.”
“I wish I was. I’m in the process of taking care of that now so it doesn’t happen again.”
“Did you check the footage for the elevators?”
My mouth parted, but Shane spoke before I could say anymore.
“I’ll do it. You have enough on your plate. Plus, a fresh set of eyes will be good. Finish catching me up. Tell me about Ethan. I’m excited for him. Do you think he’ll sign the contract on the Mallory girl?”
I smiled at the thought of Ethan and Pearl.
“He would have signed days ago. I’ve been making him wait. The impatience is good for him. I’m going to give it a few more days, and then I’ll allow him to sign. Damn good match, right there. I think it’s one of my favorites yet.”
Shane nodded.
“Agreed. It’s all coming together better than we could have hoped.”
“And faster,” I said, glancing back at him. “This was a three-year plan, Shane. Six months and everything is just?—”
“Working out on its own. Don’t stress over the timeline. We obviously can’t control everything that’s happening, but it is going in the direction you planned. The best we can do is ride out the storm and build back...our way. Think about it,” Shane said, lowering his voice. “How can we be blamed when nothing appears to be our fault? It’s genius. A bit suspicious, but perfect.”
My silence had his stare studying me. The way his emotions were transitioning through the multitude of expressions brought my lips tugging back in a slight smile.
“Wait.” Shane walked closer. “It is…curious, right? Or…” He trailed off. “Elec…?” He stopped and seconds drug out. Pressure locked on my shoulder, squeezing. “You’re doing more than you’re admitting.” His head shook. “When I think I know something, I come to see I know nothing at all. Everything I see is what you want me to. Is it that way with Melissa too?” Again, he stopped, letting out a deep breath at my silence. “The less we know. Right. I’m going to go check the elevator footage. You’ll let them know to let me into the system?”
“I’ll make a call. They’ll get ahold of you soon.”
Shane nodded, giving one last squeeze before turning to leave. Only when the door shut did I reach forward and flatten my palm on the glass. A deep breath pushed free and with it, the tops of my fingers pressed in. For a long moment I held it.
Dinner. A test? But whose? The mere thought of Melissa or Jett had me shifting through masks. Through personalities. I could be anyone I wanted. After all, Melissa trained me to mold to my environment. To become whomever I needed,in any situation I was faced with. Her biggest mistake was underestimating her own lessons. Underestimatingme.
My arms dropped, and I looked at the clock again, squeezing my eyes shut before forcing myself through my office door. Two guards rested down the end of the small hall, and both stood straighter as I headed towards them and the elevator.
“Main Master.”
I nodded in acknowledgement as I passed, heading over and pushing the elevator button. Everything I knew swirled around my mind like a tornado. Actions. Decisions. Secrets. They all collided, sliding into place as the doors opened and I stepped in. Time. I still had a little bit before I needed to go to The Six. I could make my rounds on the floor. It would do everyone good for me to socialize. After all, they needed to trust me. To know I was there if the time ever came and they had to come to me. Not to mention, my hold on them would grow. Most would become more dazzled. More enamored and motivated to be here. My presence would instill their ego for being at the Gardens. I was their mirror, even if they didn’t realize it.
The door opened, and I kept my pace casual. Not too fast. Not too slow. The seventeenth floor was the highest level that held the apartments. I spent most of my time in the lobby and shops, knowing only the highest Masters, Mistresses, and Couples resided within these halls, but I didn’t feel comfort as I neared the lobby area. I slowed as Mistress Two and Jett paused in their conversation. To pretend we hadn’t seen each other wasn’t going to work.
The smile that came was natural. Fake, but most wouldn’t know that.