Page 144 of Their Property
“There’s thousands of people out there who can’t wait to see you lead them,” I said. “Who have seen and appreciate all the months of hard work you’ve put into this. You’re changing their lives for the better, Kyrie. Focus on them.”
“You’re right.” She straightened, taking a final look in the mirror. “You’re all right. I need to focus on what’s important.”
“That’s our girl.” T-Bone beamed at her. His arms crossed over his chest, standing proudly behind her, but I didn’t miss the subtle tremble in his fingers at his sides. I suppressed a snort as we filed out of Kyrie’s dressing room. Our girl, nervous? She was rock-steady compared to him.
Gerard waited for us in the main backstage room. Only a curtain stood between us and the citizens of this territory, and I could already hear the low murmuring of the waiting crowd.
“Ready?” Gerard asked us, straightening the lapels of his suit.
“Ready when you are, Governor,” Kyrie answered him, the perfect image of poised and put together.
His lips twitched into a smirk. “Shall we?”
He and Kyrie walked out together to thunderous applause while the rest of us followed. I held Isaac’s hand, keeping him at my side despite his pulling to get closer to Kyrie. Technically speaking, the guys and I were security. But it was well-known that we were Kyrie’s family and that being onstage was primarily to support her.
She and Gerard waved, grinning broadly at the cheering masses. It was far from my usual crowd, but even I had to pause and take in all the faces that came to see her. That chose her to lead them. I hoped some of those crusty old fucks from the last administration were out there, stewing in their rage.
Gerard approached the podium and began his speech, while Kyrie stood respectfully to his side. I held Isaac in front of my legs, hands on his shoulders while I half-listened, but mostly I just watched people’s faces. It had been a long time since I’d seen genuine hope and optimism in so many expressions in one place. When I glanced at Kyrie, I saw that she was doing the same—scanning every single face that she saw.
I couldn’t have been more proud of her and knew how seriously she took this position. She’d put all of herself into bettering people’s lives until nothing was left, if she could help it. That was where the guys and I came in. To fill her back up when this job took too much out of her.
She would have long nights ahead, and we’d have long rides. Chris and Tiff were already testing some promising new prospects to be Sons of Odin members. Instead of smuggling illicit goods, our business was turning into smuggling people out of dangerous territories and into ours. There was much work to be done, but the future was bright.
“My first announcement as governor is not something I’ve discussed with any cabinet members or advisors.” Gerard casually turned a page in his speech as Kyrie’s head snapped up to look at him. “But it is something I’ve given a tremendous amount of thought, and I’m certain this decision is the best one for me personally and for the good of the territory.”
Everyone on stage froze, and I could feel the waves of adrenaline pouring from Kyrie. She’d been convinced for months, based on a gut feeling, that Gerard had some secret plan he’d been waiting to enact. The guys and I all exchanged looks. It seemed she had been right after all.
“We agreed on four-year term limits for governors and a maximum of two terms to be served,” he went on. “However, my place is not up here on this stage. My place is not in an office or holed up in meetings. You all chose me because I acted. I led the charge that drove out the previous regime so all of you could thrive.”
The crowd broke out in applause and yells that drowned him out. Some were cheering, others sounded upset or confused because it seemed like he was stepping down. The day after getting elected, no less. Kyrie’s chest heaved with ragged breaths as she stared at him. I could only imagine what was going through her mind. And whatever the hell Gerard was doing, what did this mean for her?
“Oh…holy shit.” I brought a hand to my mouth in awe. It hit me just as the crowd quieted down.
“I am beyond grateful and flattered that you chose me as your first governor,” Gerard continued. “But I believe with all my heart that my place isbesideall of you, not above you. I’m a man who gets his hands dirty, not one who makes decisions behind closed doors. The truth of the matter is, I’m not made for the political arena. However,” he paused, eyes and chin tilting ever so slightly in Kyrie’s direction, “I know someone who excels in that area. Someone who is tough and compassionate and who sees all of you. She will not lead you astray.”
Kyrie’s palm came to her chest, mouth dropping open as his words sank in.
“Is he saying what I think he is?” T-Bone whispered.
“That he’s stepping aside so Kyrie can be governor? Yeah, that’s what it sounds like.” I could hardly believe it myself.
“I will serve as your governor for the first two years of my term.” Gerard flipped another page in his speech as calmly as ever. “When we have ironed out all of the intricacies of running a brand-new territory, I will step aside so that my lieutenant governor, Kyrie Vance, can fill the role that she is much more suited to and qualified for than I.”
Kyrie was still staring at him in frozen, open-mouthed shock.
“Is this okay?” T-Bone whispered to me again. “She obviously didn’t know. And he didn’t even ask her.”
“She wouldn’t have accepted,” I said. “She’d never think she was ready or the right person. But she is, andthat’swhat he’s been holding on to all this time.”
“I’ll be damned.” T-Bone rubbed his beard. “Well, shit, how are we gonna top that?”
“Dunno,” I admitted. “Don’t want to waste this opportunity, but she probably doesn’t need another heart attack right now.”
Grudge whacked me in the chest and gestured rapidly.
“Hang on, sign slower,” I told him. “Do that again.”
“Let’s just fucking do it. She doesn’t know it yet, but this is the best day of her life. Let’s make it even better.”
