Killer Past

Chapter 7, Gathering

Mathew knocks on his father's study door, waiting for me to welcome him in.

"Hello Father, you called for me?" I smile at my son, he quickly takes a seat.

"I was hoping to hear from you earlier. So how is Cassandra's training going?" Mathew clears his throat,

"Very well Father. Cassandra had some professional elite training through her mother, when she was younger." I beam at Mathew's words,

"Excellent! Excellent! " I  tap my fingers together, as I form my thoughts.

"Our mother did her best in training us, as she could while we grew up." Chad chimes in, as Mathew gives him a rueful smile,

"Father, we really need to halt the suitor portion of the season. Though Cassandra is a very lovely lady, Gov. Lane's heart isn't in finding a new wife. Sir, he isn't really himself these days. He told me point blank that he's not interested." My eyes were widen at my son's words,

"Mathew, are you pleased with her training so far." I  glare daggers at him,

"Yes, sir Cassandra is excited to meet Gov. Lane and wants to win his heart in love. She wants him to forget Grace, and be involved with her. Plus with her by his side, it's good for California. Plus Grace never gave him a child. Since his father and brother are gone, there's no family to take over his business." Mathew nods and leaves the study, I turn to Chad.

"Let Cassandra focus on winning Lane's heart, once she weds him our work will begin. Grace's ex will be useful later. California will be at our feet!" I  cackle, as Chad raises his glass in a toast gester.

****Lane's study****

Lane’s POV

After Bronte escorts the two men out of my study, i pour two glasses of whiskey one for myself and one for Dean.

"I need a drink after this meeting, looks like you do to. Dean states flatly, as I  let out a dry chuckle.

"I agree. There's no way I was going to allow Dane to be transfer or be released. I watched him aim a gun at my chest, then Grace saved my life. I'm sorry that the Board of Directors can't understand that my love for Grace runs real deep. So whatever ladies they send my way to get my heart, I'm not ready." Dean takes a sip of his whiskey while he listens, then he speaks his mind,

"Lane, I totally understand. What about a baby to continue your law firm?" Dean inquires as he watches me look out the window sipping my whiskey,

"I'm working on something. Most of all, I really want to cancel the part with the ladies. This should not of been forced onto me." I take my glass up in a toast like gestor, his thoughts running.

Grace, my sweet love, I miss you so very much! You're everything to me!

Dean takes a long drink trying to fight his own emotions,

"Lane, please know that I'm here for you no matter what happens. Even if you stay single or pick someone." Lane turns to Dean with a tear slipping down his cheek, he angrily wipes it away.

"Thanks Dean, I know you and Oaklee will be. Matter of a fact, you two are the only ones I trust." Dean nods feeling for his friend,

"I have a strong feeling this is going to get nasty, when you fight them. You're thinking of Grace right now?" Lane lets out a hollow laugh at Dean's question,

"Yes, I am. When am I not thinking of her?" Dean seems to understand as he thought....

This process is going to be rough because the Board of Directors won't listen to Lane. He's in so much pain. Will this be possible? Or will Lane come out of this unscathed? Only time will tell.*