Page 42 of Seer

Twenty-One

SEER

“Are you done scolding me in front of my club?” I narrow my eyes at my mother more.

“You done acting like a little boy who is not capable of controlling himself?” Ok, that’s it.

I put my hands on Leah’s hips to lift her up, but Hahaoya marches over to me. She leans into my face, forcing Leah to move to the far edge of the chair.

My Japanese mother is not one to fuck with.

“Watch your mouth. You aren’t too old to get your ass handed to you. You have scared her half to death. Apologize now.” Her growl is soft, even though I know she means business.

I blink away my irritation and nod.

“Je suis désolé, Maman.” Ma huffs but finally looks away from me.

“Can we address the elephant in the room now, please,” Nova says, clapping his hands to get everyone’s attention.

I roll my eyes at him.

“Oh, do you mean our President having a lady on his lap at the table?” Cowboy’s cheeky southern tone tacks on ever so helpful.

“That is rather big news.” Glitch agrees without looking away from her computer.

I’m sure she and Abel are messaging back and forth while the family drama played out.

“Care to explain why this is such a big deal, Prez?” Nova bats his eyelashes at me, and I almost pick up my gavel and throw it at his head.

“Traditionally, only old ladies are allowed at the table on rare occasions, that is, and they always sit on our laps.” Cowboy coughs next to me with a not-too-subtle ‘bullshit’ undertone.

“Okay?” Leah looks so confused.

I lean into her ear and whisper just for her.

“I just claimed you as my old lady, Baby.” She pulls back, stunned.

Her eyes search for Kai and Phoebe.

“We’ve both been where you are, Cher.” Kai winks at her, and Phoebe smiles.

“Um,” before Leah can speak, Glitch curses.

“FUCK! We have a serious problem. Abel just sent over this file.” She pushes a few buttons, and the virtual whiteboard on the wall lights up with a few documents.

She flips through some and then enlarges the one she wants us all to see. The room grows quiet as we all read.

“What are we looking at?” I frown when I see a familar name on the page.

I glance at Ma and notice she’s gone pale.

“Charlotte Monroe is the illegitimate daughter of the late Congressman Anton Blair. She’s Seer’s cousin.” Everyone turns to look at me.

I shake my head in disbelief.

“Technically, that’s not true. You’re adopted. She must not know that.” Ma clears her throat now that the shock of the information is over.

“Why would she come to work for me?” I scratch my chin, turning over the information in my head.

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