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Christian walked over and slapped me on the shoulder. “You’ll always have us, brother.”
I nodded, but stared at Will. We had to be unanimous on this. There was a chance the governor could refuse my condition.
“All right. Go talk to the governor. Make sure she understands what needs to be done.”
A smile spread across my face. “I will. I’ll head over there now.”
Christian handed me his file as soon as I reached the door, then turned to Will and asked, “Isn’t that the suit you wore yesterday?”
I didn’t stick around for Will’s answer. That would have to wait for another time. I was on a mission to get my career back on track.
***
Christian had arranged the first meeting at the governor’s home in Manhattan that morning. She lived in one of the luxury towers on Park Avenue. I gave the concierge my details, and he pointed me towards an elevator to my left. The white marble floors gleamed as I walked down the narrow hallway. Several people loitered in the foyer behind me, but there was no one else in this section. I sized up the situation and wondered if this was the best place to keep the governor safe. I planned to discuss my concerns with the team later to decide if any additional measures needed to be implemented. First, I had to get us the job.
The sixteenth floor only had two doors that I could see, and only one door had a suite number next to it: 1601. I knocked, then cleared my throat, waiting for the governor to answer. It didn’t take very long.
A handsome woman with short, stiff blonde hair wearing a blue pinstripe suit opened the door.
“Christian Machado, I presume?”
I smiled. “No, ma’am. My name is Jacob Devereux. You can call me Jake. Christian is my partner.” I extended my hand, and she shook it.
“Please come inside. I’ve been expecting you. Well, I’ve been expecting Christian, but you know what I mean.”
“I do.” As I stepped inside, I surveyed the room. Floor-to-ceiling windows covered two sides of the great room. The rest of the apartment included a dining area and a full-size kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. The bedroom wasn’t visible, but I assumed it was one of the two doors that remained closed down a small hallway. I couldn’t spot any other exits or entrances other than the front door. That was good.
“So, will you be starting today?” she asked.
“We can ma’am. But first, we need to finalize a few details.”
“Yes, of course. Please take a seat in the dining room.”
She ushered me to the upholstered beige chairs and mahogany table. I pulled a chair out for the governor before taking one for myself across from her. She smiled and tucked in her hair.
Leaning forward, she placed both arms on the table. “Christian already emailed me the paperwork and I’ve signed and emailed it back to him this morning. What else do we need to discuss?”
“Well,” I began and cleared my throat. “There’s just one other issue I’d like to have your agreement on before we begin.”
I watched her expression, deciding how to best approach the subject with the governor. She sat straight in her chair, all business. I got the feeling she was the no-nonsense sort, so I took the direct approach. “There’s a problem in the Commissioner’s office. The police chiefs are denying my requests on the Commissioner’s orders. For us to fully protect you, I need you to make it clear to the Commissioner and his chiefs that my requests will be granted.”
The Governor tilted her head and squinted her eyes. “Why would the Commissioner blacklist you?” She pushed away from the table. “I’m starting to wonder if going with your company was the right decision. I think—”
“We are the best, ma’am. That’s why you chose us. This is just a small technical issue we need to iron out, and the rest will be smooth from here on in.”
She crossed her arms. “You haven’t answered my question, though. What have you done to the Commissioner?”
I inhaled but kept my eyes on the Governor. I didn’t want her to doubt my sincerity. “I did nothing to the Commissioner, ma’am. I simply broke it off with his sister. I swore an oath to my country and I will swear one to you now. You will have my unwavering protection. I promise no harm will come to you.” My voice remained even, but my fingernails dug into my palms as I waited for her to decide.
I held the governor’s gaze; her brown eyes bore into mine. “I’m sure my assistance with this will reflect the final bill as well?”
“Absolutely.”
She pursed her lips. “Since you are amending the contract, there’s one more thing I would like to add.”
“Anything.”
“I’d like to have protection for my daughter. She’s new in town and while the email was directed at me, one can never be too careful.”
