Killer Past

Gathering

Killer Past. Chapter 4, Gathering.

****Governor's Ball****

It had been 32 days since Lane put Grace & Lex to rest, tonight was the Governor's Ball. Lane had been dreading this night since his council informed him that to further his career in politics. Lane decided to enjoy the evening despite meeting ladies that have agenda.

Lane had discussed with Dean & Oaklee that he would be friendly towards the ladies & making contacts.
" Guys, I'm not over Grace. I'm not ready to date or anything close to that. "
" Lane, we understand. If it gets too stressful, let us know & we will redirect people or events where needed.. "

" Thanks you two. I'm not sure how I would of gotten through this month with out your friendship. "
Lane states as Oaklee helps him fix his tie. There's a knock on the door, when Dean answers it he sees Brad on the other side.

" Hello, Dean. Is Gov. Lane ready to enter the Grand Hall? " Dean turns to Lane,

" Lane, are you ready? "

" Not really. I feel I have no choice. "

As they left Lane's private quarters, Lane tries to appear stoic though he felt he was a bundle of nerves. When Lane was announced into the Grand Hall, he had Oaklee on his arm hoping to discourage things.

****New Orleans****

Lex knocks on Grace's door, " Grace, can I come in? "

" Yes, Lex. " Grace calls out to him, When Lex comes in he sees Grace on her laptop.

" What are you doing? " Grace looks up at Lex,

" Trying to see what's going on with Lane. " Lex chuckles, " Are you trolling or stalking? "

Gracelyn looks up Lex, " I really do miss him! "

" I know you do. Have you learned anything new? "

" There's a Governor's Ball. I'm not sure why! " Lex squeezes her shoulder,

" Maybe it's a fundraiser. "

" I hope so. They need to learn to leave Lane alone. "

" I agree. He needs more than 30 days to grieve. "

" I need to go downstairs to leave & see the Dr. "

" Will they let me go with you? " Leo pleaded, " Let's go see. " The two head down stairs to find Tammy & Dwayne.

****Governor's Ball****

As Lane walked in the Grand Hall, he felt anger boil from deep inside of him. With a stoic expression, he turns to Oaklee.

" Oaklee, I can't believe I'm looking into a room full of hungry sharks. " Oaklee chuckles,
" Well, Lane show them who the master shark truly is. Bite back. " Lane chuckles as he grabs a fluke of champagne,

" Oaklee, please stay close. I need to hear your impression of those ladies whom I greet. "
Oaklee smiles, " You got it! I have your back especially now. " Brad informed Lane there were about eight ladies there to meet him.

When the seven ladies came up to greet Lane, " it's wonderful to meet you Gov. Lane. I'm sorry for your loss. " Lane would answer the ladies very politely, but was getting very frustrated.

" Oaklee, all of this seems so very rehearsed. They might be sincere, I don't know. " Oaklee pats his shoulder, " Don't worry, it's only for one night. There's only one more lady left. "

Lane lets out a dry chuckle, " There's only one lady I yearn for." Lane looks up to see Bert Beauman with a lady who was had brown hair & eyes & very beautiful.

" Hello, Bert. How are you? " Lane shakes Bert's hand, " I'm good, I'm sorry Gov Lane about your loss of Grace & Lex. I know how much you loved her, I'm sure you miss you. "
Lane shakes his head,
" So much that it hurts. "

" Gov. Lane, I have someone I would like to introduce you to. " Lane smiles though it doesn't reach his eyes,

" Good evening, Gov. Lane. It's wonderful to finally meet you. " Cassandra extends her hand towards Lane. Something about her did touch him, he lifted her hand to kiss it,

" Thank you Miss... " Lane looks at her curiously,

" I'm Cassandra Vests. You can call me Cassie. Sir, I know you're hurting from your loss. But if you give me a chance to get to know you. You might be surprise. "

Lane gives her a nod as Oaklee escorts her & Bert along. When she comes back she sees a flustered Lane, " She's going to be a force to recon' with. Lane shook his head,

" I know I need to make rounds. "

Lane talked with friends, dignitaries & the ladies, he also danced with them including Cassandra. After a bit Lane stopped by the bar where his friend Dean handed him a scotch.

" Dean, I'm going to step out for some air. I'll be back soon. " Lane quietly exit the Grand Hall, Brad discreetly follows behind. But no one sees Cassandra slip out as well.

As Lane walked through the gardens, he voiced his thoughts out loud as if he was talking to Grace.

" Grace, I miss you so very much. I'm not ready to open my heart to anyone right now. Please come home. "

Cassandra started to realize winning his heart was going to a challenge. She knew she had to turn up the heat, so she made sure she crossed his path.
" Hello, Gov. Lane. Are you trying to get some fresh air? "

Lane stops nodding, " Yes, I need to clear my head. " Cassandra rubs his arm, " Would you like to talk? "
Lane looks down fighting his tears, when he looks up a tear slips down.

" Not right now, thank you. "

Cassandra dries his tear, pulling Lane down towards her kissing him deeply. Lane was too stunned to pull away for a few moments.

Click! Click!

Once Lane was able to pull away, he sadly looks at Cassandra, " it's too early for this. "
Cassandra gently caressed his cheek, " I told you I'm full of surprises. "

" I need to head back into the Grand Hall.. "
As Lane turned to head back, Cassandra slide her arm into his. As they were heading back in, Lane was unaware of the clicking sounds around him.

*****New Orleans****

The next day Gracelyn was working on the baby books, when Dwayne laid down a newspaper. There was a headline that caught Gracelyn's eye, a few moments later everyone heard a thud.

IS GOV. RUPAS OVER HIS WIFE'S DEATH? HAS HE FOUND A NEW LOVE?