that small details wouldn’t slip past me. As long as this politician knew he couldn’t cut any deals behind my back, we could have a very productive working relationship.
“Don’t get me started,” he sighed, wiping his brow with a handkerchief delicately. “Sometimes I wonder if a boy would’ve been easier.”
“We’re living proof that they’re not,” Gunner chuckled.
“Fair enough. Right this way, gentleman.” Vance and Josh turned, leading us down a corridor. “I’m eager to show you what I couldn’t after dark last night.”
We went out another set of doors in the back of the building. Hades waited patiently for us at the back door, seemingly unperturbed about not being allowed inside. To our left, I spotted the patio where we had cigars after dinner. The small lake just off the patio stretched out in front of us, appearing to wrap around the back of the building. The water lapped softly at the shore, choppy and gray with the new winter-like weather.
Governor Vance led us over a quaint wooden bridge that crossed over the narrowest part of the lake. On the other side was a large expanse of land in various stages of development, from the completed house on the water he showed us last night, to work crews still pouring foundations and sawing lumber.
He led us down the freshly-paved perimeter roads first, waving to crews setting up the frames of houses. We stopped to talk to one of the master builders who showed us floor plans of the structures going up. Most of the homes were spacious, big enough for families. Another set of floor plans showed a condo project, smaller spaces for single people and couples without children.
If nothing else, the governor was making sure to cover all his bases. We ventured inward, toward the center of the development where the roads were still dirt and gravel. He pointed out areas where he planned for businesses and schools to go up, and a central square for gatherings and celebrations. According to his vision, this whole area across the lake would become its own city. The territory of Four Corners stretched out far beyond the main city, but was mostly uninhabited desert and ruins. With so many people flocking here, it was a constant race to rebuild fast enough.
“This is going to be a playground for children.” Vance swept his arm over a crew of men welding metal pieces together for some climbing structure. “And here, a community garden. Something for the women to do, eh?” He chuckled to himself, the only one to laugh.
“Or the stay-at-home dads,” Gunner returned. “That’s the life path I’m ready for.”
“Mari might let you do that,” I mused. “If you get any better at cooking than Jandro.”
“Shit, I’m fucked. I can barely use a toaster.”
“Rich bitch.”
“Whatever, broke bitch.”
We laughed together while Shadow kept silent. I wondered how he felt about the whole child-rearing thing, or if he gave it any thought at all. The guy probably had zero positive association with childhood or parental figures. All the better that there would be four of us, should Mari decide to bring him into the fold. And if we could all learn to be as patient as she was, maybe we could show him how good raising a family could be.
“You see?” Vance beamed at us ribbing each other. “Your whole club can find home in this community. Your officers could be a neighborhood watch, of sorts, working with the army to keep the territory safe.”
“It’s got a lot of potential,” I admitted, looking around at the half-constructed buildings. “And it’s a beautiful dream to have.”
“I’m sensing hesitation,” the governor pressed gently. “What are your concerns, president?”
“The fact that you’re bordered from the north, south, and east by enemies,” Gunner answered for me. “At least one of which has a personal interest in attacking you.”
“That,” I agreed. “It’s wonderful what you’re doing here, Governor, but we can’t help but feel like you’re building a future on a very shaky present. Blake and Tash’s territories need to be dealt with first, before we make any plans of putting down roots.”
“Oh, I don’t disagree at all, Reaper. General Bray will be here any moment to discuss plans for securing the borders—”
“Secure borders aren’t enough.” I shook my head. “We had secure borders at Sheol. They got in anyway with drones and bombs. We need to go on the offensive, governor.”
Gunner nodded through everything I said. Shadow stood by with his own silent support while Vance and Josh exchanged