Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-Seven
Lee set up the video call and Jesse brought David and Cecile to the control room so they could talk to Lee. Kelley walked out of his study and pulled his own phone out of his pocket and dialed Milana’s number. He didn't want to be in the room when Lee told David that his son was dead. He knew well enough what it felt like to lose someone you loved and seeing Lee's pain had crushed him.
“Hi,” she answered.
“Hi.” Kelley briefly closed his eyes. Hearing her voice was like coming home to a place that was warm and safe. “How are things on the island?”
“It’s okay, considering,” she replied.
“Lee’s talking to David and Cecile right now. You’re all flying back this afternoon,” Kelley said.
“What happened?”
“Blain was shot … he didn’t make it,” Kelley said.
Milana’s intake of breath was sharp and she was quiet for several seconds. “I’m so sorry. I never met him, but he’s family, right?”
“Family,” Kelley confirmed. “I’m not sure how long you guys will be here but we can’t bury Blain without his family.”
“Kelley, are you okay?” Her voice was light but filled with so much worry that Kelley had to swallow before answering her.
“I’m fine, Mila. I’ll see you tonight,” he said.
“Okay, see you later.”
The call ended from her side and Kelley sighed as he stood outside his study and listened to David yelling at Lee. Cecile was crying so much that it hurt deep inside and he walked in just as Lee closed the laptop. Lee's own eyes were filled with anguish and it cut through Kelley like a knife to the chest.
“I’m sorry,” Kelley said.
“It’s not your fault, Kelley. They’re just … it’s a lot having your kid killed,” Lee said as he blinked his eyes. Kelley knew that Lee was trying his hardest to control his emotions and Kelley wished that Lee would just let it out.
“How’s Blaire holding up?”
“I’m fine,” Blaire said from behind him and Kelley turned to look at him. Blaire hugged him suddenly, patting him on the back. “Thank you, Kelley, Lee told me what you did.”
Kelley didn’t acknowledge Blaire’s words, not even with a nod of his head. Lee vacated Kelley’s chair and sank down onto the couch. Kelley took his seat behind his desk and rubbed his hands over his head. He felt too conflicted about everything.
Bringing the family home wasn’t something he was keen on, he simply didn’t think it was a good idea to have everyone in one place, even if it was for Blain’s funeral. He knew that ultimately David would blame him. There was no right way to handle this situation. He didn't have a plan for this and Kelley felt out of depth because he always had a plan.
Kelley had too much on his plate right now. He still had an appointment with Arlo O’Neill, had a board meeting with the hotel that he’d cancelled twice now, Blain’s death was at the forefront of everything and he hadn’t checked on his other businesses in over a week.
Managers sent him updates but he’d only skimmed over them the last few days. He wasn’t sleeping well and he knew that he still hadn’t seen the end of Milana’s anger either. He needed a break but he couldn’t rest until he’d dealt with the Elites.
“Kelley,” Lee said.
Kelley lifted his head and looked at Lee. “What?”
“I’ve been talking to you for the past ten minutes,” he said.
“Sorry.”
“You need to take a break, seriously,” Mason said.
“I will,” Kelley said knowing that he wouldn't, not until everything had been dealt with.
Mason smiled and shook his head. “That’s bullshit and we all know it. You should take Milana on a honeymoon, you deserve the break, Kelley, before you burn yourself out.”
Kelley sighed. They were right, he knew that, but he didn’t have time to take time off right now. Everything was a mess and he leaned back in his seat just as Connor walked back inside the office.
“So … that happened.”
Kelley started to laugh and everyone looked at him. Kelley laughed so much that the others joined in and by the end he was wiping tears from his eyes. He sighed and chuckled some more as he shook his head.
“I need a shower, that shit was dirty.”
“And to think, you dated that,” Mason said.
“You secretly screwed that,” Kelley retorted.
“At least I know what I was screwing,” Lee said. They all laughed again and Lee shook his head. "Piss off, at least I'm getting laid, which is more than I can say for the whole lot of you!"
Kelley smiled at Lee for a few seconds before the severity of the situation took over again. “Connor, get Jim on accommodations for the security team from the island at the warehouse, I’ll speak to Marjorie to prepare the guest house for David and Cecile.”
“It’s already done,” Connor answered.
“Give yourself a pat on the shoulder,” Mason said and Kelley chuckled again.
“At least I’m getting laid tonight,” Connor said and Lee clapped his hands as he laughed.
Mason’s mouth opened and closed. “I’m … screw you, Connor.”
"I'm not really into dry humping, Mason," Connor said with a grin.
“Okay, kids, go play somewhere else. I’ve got work to do,” Kelley said dismissively.
Connor and Mason filed out of the study still sniping remarks at each other while Lee hovered in the doorway. “Kelley, you have to let it out. Don’t let yourself drown.”
Lee closed the door and Kelley leaned his head in his hands with his elbows resting on the table. “Damnit,” he muttered to himself. Lee rarely missed anything when he was in top form and by the looks of it, Lee was getting his groove back.
Kelley’s phone rang and he looked at the name displayed on the screen. Curiosity made him answer and he fought to keep his voice normal.
“Marcus,” he said in answer.
“Hello, Kelley. I’m surprised you answered,” Marcus said.
“That makes two of us,” Kelley replied honestly.
“I want to set up a meeting,” Marcus said.
Kelley frowned. “Why?”
“I’d like to discuss a truce,” Marcus answered.
“I see.”
“Tomorrow at noon. To show good faith, you can even pick the place. Send me a text.”
The call ended and Kelley stared at the wall across from his desk. A truce. Marcus wanted peace because Charles was dead. Kelley had the perfect meeting spot in mind. At his warehouse they couldn’t plan a trap. Kelley already knew exactly what he wanted from this truce and he'd make sure he got what he wanted.
