The Heir of His Ways

Chapter 7 - Charity Banquet

Lucas’s POV

The week goes by fast, but I am struggling to keep my head on my work. I notice I am constantly thinking about Josie, living for my mornings at the diner.

I finally got my Frank’s special and let’s just say it did not disappoint. That is now what I start my day with everyday, he has a way of keeping food simple and clean and also complex all at the same time. He also seems to anticipate what I am in the mood for, on days I am needing lighter fair that is exactly what I get. If I need milder, guess what, that is exactly what I get. I smile thinking about my time at the diner, my time with my sweet Josie.

Our flirting and conversation is what gets me up in the morning and what makes me get through the rest of my day. She is so beautiful and sexy, and I am learning more and more about her as a person everyday I visit her. She is playful and fun but also has a serious side and is intelligent too.

I am taking her out again on Sunday, but she said she would like to plan the day. I’m looking forward to seeing what she plans.

On the work front, Jackson was able to do some digging on Senator Mathis. Mathis seems to have a habit of making these last minute deals. He is using the United States’ financial backing to line his pockets and make deals with shady businessman. He seems to like making these connections so he can have power over people that have no scruples and then he can use them to do his bidding.

Jackson was able to uncover many deals done internationally as well, some that seem to compromise our countries national security, which is even more concerning. Nothing like someone that has little care for national security or the people that live here.

After everything we have uncovered, we realize that this is an issue far bigger than even I considered. I’m going to have to get my connections in the FBI in on this, it is definitely beyond anything I imagined. I may even touch base with some of my international business partners to get their assistance as well. Matteo in Italy, seems to know what is going on both legally and illegally, he may be a good contact to bring in on this.

As the week wraps up, my to do list only increased giving me a headache. I also have a business banquet that I need to attend on Saturday. I really wish I could take Josie with me, but we aren’t there yet. Hopefully soon I can disclose everything about me, I just want her to like me for me and not my money. For Saturday, I unfortunately will have to endure the socialites throwing themselves at me. Not to mention, the ones my father has hand picked as my future bride, not going to happen dad no matter how many you push at me.

I really hate that I have to go to these superficial parties. However, these events are often where you learn more and make more deals than in the office itself. If you are observant, you will gain more knowledge about the social circles and business deals than anywhere else. You may have to sift through the gossip to find the truth, but all good gossip stems from some truth. Knowing where the truth ends and the nonsense begins takes some skill, but can benefit you if you take the time to dissect it.

Proper discernment can save you time and money in the long run. I stretch and gaze on the clock realizing I should wrap it up and head home, nothing else is pressing and I’m wiped out.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Walking into the beautifully decorated garden and ballroom of the charity banquet, I keep my gaze moving around to take everything in and my ears are perked up to hear any lingering conversations that might give me insightful information. My father taught me this technique long ago and I have perfected it over the years.

I feel a hand wrap around my forearm and sigh. I cannot wait until I can avoid this and have Josie on my arm. “Lucas, you are looking dashing,” the high pitched voice of none other than my father’s socialite of choice, Madeline says.

“Madeline, how are you fairing this evening?” I say while shaking off her arm by reaching for a glass of wine from a tray that a passing waiter is holding.

She goes to touch my chest with her hand as she answers, and I manage to maneuver away by walking further into the party and she follows. “I am doing well, I haven’t seen you much when I visit your father though,” she says with a fake pout.

“Yes, I haven’t seen my old man in awhile, my work keeps me busy. Speaking of work I see someone I have been working on a new deal with that I must greet. Excuse me and have a lovely evening.” I skillfully escape making sure she doesn’t think she can trail after me all evening.

I make my way over to Julius Sanders, I don’t really have any new dealings with him. He is a childhood friend that I would much rather converse with, rather than Madeline and she will never know the difference. I smile to myself on my way over.

“Julius,” I extend my hand to shake his. He shakes his head and pulls me into a hug and pats my back.

“Come on Lucas, a handshake to one of your oldest friends.” He smiles while shaking his head.

“It’s good to see you, man. How is everything? I heard Rebecca is having twins, you must be ecstatic,” I reply.

He smiles broadly and puffs his chest out in pride, “that she is, one boy and one girl at that.”

“That is good news indeed,” I say as I pat him on the back in acknowledgment. I motion for a waiter so we can get a celebratory drink for the occasion.

“When are you going to finally settle down and start your own family,” he asks.

“Now you sound like my father,” I raise an eyebrow at him.

“I won’t be pushing anyone on you, just curious. It would be nice to have some real friends with kids that we can all get together sometime you know. And only compare me to your father in business dealings, never in his medaling.” He gives me a pointed look.

“Okay, okay. Have you heard anything of interest this evening?” I inquire, shifting the conversation.

“Not much, but the evening is still young. I did see old man Maxwell was here with his bimbo wife, Wendi. Looks like she is ready to pop,” he says.

I chuckle, “considering he disowned his daughter and first wife in favor of getting a male heir from that woman, it is about time,” I say in a hushed voice so others cannot hear me.

“Couldn’t agree more,” he laughs. “I did hear that she got caught taking birth control and that is the only reason she didn’t get pregnant earlier. Rumor has it that Maxwell threatened to throw her out the same way he did with his first wife and kid. She needed to get pregnant within the year, that was last September. I guess it finally happened because she is huge.”

“Serves him right that she tricked him with what he did to his family,” I say with a coy smile.

“I heard he got some new deal that saved his company. I thought for sure someone would be buying him out soon with his poor business sense. I’m sure it was on your radar,” Julius states, fishing for information.

“Yes, I heard that too. You know me, I try to keep everything on my radar. What do you know about it?” I try to gather more information for myself.

“Well not much that you don’t already know would be my guess.” He looks and me and leans in, “word has it that Senator Mathis rescued him but that isn’t the important part, it was his wife’s father that put those two in contact with each other.” He makes eye contact with me over his glass of bourbon.

“So bimbo has shady connections, interesting” I say in a low voice even he would have a hard time hearing, but he nods in confirmation.

As the evening progresses, I mingle getting as much information as I can to assist me in my business. There is a sudden, pained female scream that seems to have everyone on alert. I glance in the direction of the scream and see a commotion.

Not knowing what is happening, just knowing they may need help, I make my way over to the commotion. As I get through the crowd of onlookers, I see none other that Mrs Maxwell at the center standing in a puddle of liquid while clutching her stomach. Looks like Julius wasn’t kidding, the baby is indeed almost here.