Page 5 of Blackmailed

The men looked at each other.

“I’m not saying this as a threat, but as a promise. If you come after me or my family or those truly in need, I will spend the rest of my life taking you down one peg at a time,” Jefferson said, sitting forward. “This will not end well for you. Any of you.”

“Be that as it may,” Senator Roberts replied. “Do you really believe after the information we have is distributed, anyone will be there to assist you?”

He laughed, as he leveled his gaze on each of the men in front of him. “Do you want to test those waters?”

“Gentlemen,” Senator Beltran said, standing. “I believe we all have a lot to think on. We still have two weeks before the censure and expulsion trials, perhaps Senators Tory and Brawborn will decide to resign.”

“Maybe,” Jefferson agreed. “I’m not sure it will save them in the long run. However, it is a choice.”

Mr. Diaz took a menacing step forward. The look in his eyes and the way he gripped the folder in his hands, denoted the rage burning through him. Jefferson glanced up and gave him a split second of his consideration before returning his attention to the two senators before him. Both men frowned. Jefferson hadn’t rolled over as he suspected they thought he would. He’d never give in to blackmail. He’d never endanger his life, Jochi’s, his children or shifters. He’d never allow a human, already hunted because of their abilities, to become another government casualty.

The intercom popped and Janice’s voice filled the room. “Senator Winters, your daughter is on line one. She said she needed to speak with you.”

“Ah, perfect timing,” he said, keeping his gaze on the men who meant to destroy everything he built. “Thank you, Janice. Gentlemen, I think we’re finished here.”

Senator Robert’s jaw clenched as he nodded. “Yes, we are.” He stood. “Let’s give the good senator a moment with his daughter.”

Jefferson watched as all three men slunk out of his office, closing the door behind him. He let out the pent breath he’d been holding and slumped in his chair. He reached for the phone at the same time Jochi pushed away from his spot and a moment of guilt ate at him for keeping his mate scrunched up as he had.

“I should go clean up and allow you some privacy to speak with your daughter,” Jochi said.

Jefferson grabbed his mate’s arm as he tried to walk away. “I’d feel better with you near.” He gathered up the lithe man in his arms, placing Jochi on his lap. “There. Much better. Let’s see with my daughter is up to.” He picked up the phone. “Hello.”

“Daddy,” Charisma said. “I’m glad I caught you.”

“Sorry for keeping you waiting,” he replied. “What can I do for you, sweetheart?”

“What are you doing for Thanksgiving?” Charisma’s question caught him off guard. In the years since he’d taken office, he’d spent more time away than at home with his family. It’d been one of the many bones of contention his wife had picked with him before her death. It’d also been something he kicked himself for over and over. How many years had he lost with her because of his job?

“Coming home?” Jefferson glanced at Jochi. “I thought I could use a little home time since the next few months will be hectic on the hill. Why? What are you doing?”

She sighed. “Thank you, daddy. I—we wanted you to spend the holiday with us. Things are changing around here.”

Yes. Yes, they were. More so than she would understand and more than he could tell her over the phone. “Well then, I am glad I can come home and see all of my grandbabies.”

“We have enough room here at the house if you’d like to stay with us. Mikey has taken to sleeping with the twins, so we put a smaller bed in there for him.” She was rambling again, something her mother used to do when the girls were younger—speaking every thought.

“Sounds fantastic. I—” He looked at Jochi. “I’m bringing someone home with me, is that okay with you?”

“Daddy?” The way she gasped his name, tightened his stomach and made his groin twitch with pride for his mate, and the idea of his daughters finally meeting the man who kept him on his toes. “Really?”

“Yes,” he said.

“Of course,” she answered. “I’ll tell Penny Ann. I know she’ll be thrilled to know you’re coming home.”

He smiled. The warmth of his daughter’s love spread through him. “Thank you, sweetheart. Is there anything we can bring with us?”

“I’m...I’m not sure. I’m trying to get a final count on guests then I’ll build the grocery list. I’m sure this will be a full family affair.” He didn’t have to ask what that meant. If it was full family, it meant both the Rafertys and the Dryers would be in one location. “I’ll keep you posted.”

“Sounds great. I knowtheywill be excited to meet you as well,” he said. “I’ll get with you soon with our itinerary.”

“Of course! I am so excited you’re coming home. It’s been too long.”

“Keep that bit of information to yourself for now,” he said in a stern voice. “When we arrive, I will explain.”

“I will. Wow. This...this is going to be an amazing Thanksgiving. I love you, Daddy.”

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