King of the Underworld by RJ Kane

461

Sephte

The mayor and Adrik continued discussing a few things, mostly options on how to meet in the future. Doug asked, “how long are you planning on staying tonight? It would be easy if you could meet Eric tonight” He glanced around the room once again, then turned back to Adrik. “I haven’t seen Henry. He should be here, but I haven’t seen him yet. It would work out well if you could talk to my district attorney without Henry seeing”

Adrik looked at Ivan. “Have you seen Henry yet?” Ivan shook his head no. Adrik then looked at Battista. He didn’t need to say anything. Battista simply said, “leave it to me,” and left. Doug and Adrik both chuckled, continuing on with their conversation.

It wasn’t two minutes later and Battista came back with Eric, the district attorney, in tow. While they were walking the remaining distance to us, I asked Misha if he could see if he could find out where Henry was. I told him to take Stephen’s place just behind Adrik if he needed a boost, but I suddenly had a nagging feeling about Henry’s whereabouts.

Judging by what little I knew of Henry, he wasn’t the type to turn down any sort of extra attention. Events like this one always came with plenty of extra attention for important people. It didn’t make sense for him to not be here, unless there was something more important for him to take care of

While Adrik was talking to Eric and Doug, I felt Misha move closer to us. He gently tugged on the sleeve of my dress, asking for my hand that was resting on the back of Adrik’s shoulder. I held it out for him, never turning to look at him. Eric, Doug, and Battista were none the wiser to what was happening behind us,

It didn’t take Misha very long to find Henry. It was the moment Misha had been fearing for months now. We caught Henry with his pants down. Literally. I felt Misha trying so hard not to laugh and it made it even more difficult for me to keep a straight face. I finally had to turn my head, trying to hide my face in Adrik’s shoulder. I caught sight of Misha, who was still behind us and we both almost lost it.

I somehow, miraculously, managed to get myself under control. When Henry was brought up again in the conversation, I innocently asked if he was married, suggesting that maybe his spouse was taking longer or perhaps ill. Adrik knew something was happening. He knew I didn’t ask questions that I didn’t already know the answer to.

“He is married, but his wife is here. I spoke to her earlier,” Eric said.

“Then perhaps he has a girlfriend,” I said. I said it in a way to make them think I was joking, but Adrik knew we’d caught him pa rticipating in extracurricular activities.

girlfriend. I picked up on it, asking them, “do you know who she is or do you only suspect?” They both looked at me, wide-eyed. “Now, now, gentlemen. This isn’t the first time anyone here has heard of indiscretions of married men. However, judging by your

looked to Adrik. “Is she always so

at me, a small smile on his face. “More, usually. She’s been quiet tonight. But we all know she’s right. You can come clean on who the woman is or

city. Henry is trying to use her to get rid of Doug, as well as keep his job. They started the

“Rude,” I said.

wiser? What of her husband?” Adrik

is also clueless,” Eric

that’s a plot twist none of us were expecting. Suddenly no man wants to chastise Henry for making the lesbian switch teams. I did not

everyone in the ballroom to look

view, while Adrik tightened his hold on me. I silently thanked all of them.

of

causing another round of laughter. “The question is, gentlemen, can we use this lovely nugget of information to our advantage? Who is

comes from a wealthy family, which is why the representative married

easy, then. Tell the wife, take away the family money and the rep goes away. Make it public that it was Henry and she stops helping him because essentially he’s

princess,” Ivan told

then they both looked at Adrik

I’m available for consultations only,” I said, smiling at them.

anyway. “If she ever changes her