Page 63 of Pandora's Pleasure

“Guess you heard we received a notice to close down all construction this morning,” he said.

I nodded. “Just glad no one’s been injured.”

“Nothing like that.”

“Who told you to shut down?”

“It came from your father’s office.”

Had I misheard him?

Hiding my reaction, I gave his hand a shake with the reassurance we’d be back on track by this afternoon. Getting this affordable housing off the ground—along with the adjacent after-school program—would be one of my proudest accomplishments. This place would inspire the youth who lived here. My ego told me we’d be making the sports champions of the future, giving kids the chance for a better life. Or at least produce a lifetime of friendships out of this forward-thinking setting.

Back in the car, I shot off an urgent text to Theo to schedule time with my dad. It was imperative I delivered the news before the press got word.

I drove to my father’s place in a blur.

Making it into the offices in record time, I braced for his reaction when he heard someone was interfering with my project. No doubt I’d have to face a barrage of questions that I wouldn’t have the answer to. Who the hell had shut it down?

Theo cut me off in the hallway. “Damien, he has a meeting. Can’t be interrupted. Walk with me.”

I followed him away from my father’s office, more out of politeness than anything. Theo worked around the clock to ensure Dad’s schedule went smoothly. Making his job easier was a courtesy.

I respected Tamer. Usually his judgment was as solid as it got.

He was also a member of Vanguard and we’d experienced some stellar times together at the society. Late nights spent at that place had seen us bonded like brothers. The secrets we kept were enough to destroy empires.

But apparently even Theo couldn’t rush me in to see Senator Godman on a day like this—even though he was my fucking dad, for God’s sake.

When we made it to a private office space, he asked, “Any updates?”

“That’s what I’m here for.”

He cringed. “Consider how you’re going to broach the subject.”

“Why?”

“The Senator is conflicted with the situation.”

“What does that mean?” With rising annoyance, I took in the round table and chairs in the room, remembering all the crisis meetings that had taken place here. I’d attended many of them as our team had strategized, putting out fires and lighting some, too.

It was me beinghandledin here now.

“We need to control the optics,” he said.

I stared at him, finally realizing the truth. “Did my dad shut us down?”

“Damien, let’s talk this through.”

“Years.” I clenched my fists. “I’ve been working on this foryears.”

“I get it,” he said, lowering his voice. “Providing houses for lower income families was important to you.”

“You do realize you’re using the past tense, right, Theo?”

“There are many charitable projects that are important to your dad. You can get on board with those.”

“This was mine! The project had the public’s approval.Thisis what I brought to the table.” I rubbed my hand over my face, barely suppressing my fury. “Why shut it down?”