Chapter 24 Security
Gregory's P.O.V.
I know Raymond has to have something by now. The blackout may have slowed him down, but the electricity has been back on since early morning. I pick up my phone and click on his name.
"Hello?" Raymond answers.
"Do you have any information on the woman with Jordan?" I ignore all pleasantries. I don't have time for that when I need answers.
"I was just getting ready to call you. The woman's name is Anushka Wilkins. She's the daughter of Stewart Wilkins and had taken over his business about five years ago." I sit back in my chair. I know, Stewart. He's a snake. Maybe it's time I taunt the snake and have him help me get rid of Jordan and his daughter.
"Thanks. Again, keep this between us. I'll tell Jordan myself." I disconnect the call and look up Stewart's phone number. He has fallen from grace, but I bet if I wave a little cash his way, he'll do what I want.
"Hello?" Stewart answers.
"Hi, Stewart. This is Gregory Coy. It has come to my attention that we may have similar interests." I taunt him.
"You work for Jordan Holt. What similar interests could we possibly have?" Stewart asks.
"Well, I want to destroy Jordan, and I know your daughter is shacking up with him. I was thinking we could destroy them together. I will get my revenge on Jordan, and you will get your business back." I can almost hear the wheels spinning in his head while he considers my proposition.
"What exactly do you want from me?" He asks as I smile. I knew I could rope him in. Like I said, he's a snake.
"I'm glad you asked."
Cora's P.O.V.
I look in the mirror and groan. Why didn't I get rid of this thing when I had the chance? It's completely ruining my figure. The father of this monstrosity was supposed to take me in and leave his pathetic wife. When that didn't happen, I figured I would trick Jordan into taking me back. He always wanted kids.
Now that he has that blonde bitch and her brat living with him, it may not be as easy as I'd thought. Gregory assured me that Jordan had been miserable without me. Now I think he was playing me all along. Well, I'll show him. When I show up on Jordan's doorstep crying, I'll tell him exactly who has been plotting against him for years.
Gregory called me pathetic when he was screwing me behind Jordan's back. Let's see who's pathetic now. I have to be better than that gold digger Jordan has staying with him. Her clothes looked like hand-me-downs. Jordan needs a woman with style on his arm. I will convince him I am the better choice when I get to his place. He can't love her already. They just met a few days ago. After making one final touch-up, I leave my apartment. It's time to get my man and get rid of the trash.
___
Jordan's P.O.V.
Anushka and I can't stop laughing as Dakota tells Bill all of her big plans for her room. She still wants the four seasons but has added some additions. In the winter section, she wants an angel. In the autumn, she wants a tree with a baby dragon sitting in it. In the spring, she wants a fairy surrounded by flowers.
"What about the summer section?" Anushka asks Dakota as she continues to pace back and forth in front of Bill like a drill sergeant. She looks at us and smiles.
"I want my family. Can you paint me, Mommy, and Daddy?" Dakota asks. Bill smiles and nods.
"Yes, I will do whatever you want. I have to admit this may be the most interesting room I have ever decorated. I was thinking that maybe we could make the seasons in the corners. Then, around the bookshelves, we add the trees from the summer and autumn. If you'd like, I could paint some of the characters from your favorite books on the bookshelves." Bill looks at Dakota, and she claps her hands excitedly.
"Yes, please." She throws her little arms around his neck, and he starts laughing.
"Okay, that sounds good. How soon do you want me to get started?" Bill asks as he stands up. Dakota looks at me expectantly.
"How soon can you start?" I ask him.
"I could start tomorrow. That will give me time to finish my sketches and get the boss's approval." We all look at Dakota, and she puts her hands on her hips.
"Finally, I get to be a boss like Mommy and Daddy." She stops talking and tilts her head to the side. "What do bosses do?"
"They tell people what they want them to do," I tell her.
"Okay. Go do your sketches and come back in the morning." She talks deep as though she's trying to make herself sound older. Bill tries not to laugh as he holds his hand out to her.
"Thanks, boss. I promise not to let you down." Dakota shakes his hand while she giggles her cute little giggle.
"I'll show you out, Bill. Ladies, I'll be right back. I need to have a little chat with the building security." I tell Anushka and Dakota.
"Can I go with you, Daddy?" Dakota asks. I lift her up and kiss Anushka.
"We'll be right back. Don't let anyone in. I don't care who they are." I tell her. She nods and shuts the door behind us.
"Thank you for coming on such short notice. I know it's a big job." I tell Bill as we ride down the elevator.
"It's no problem. The other jobs constantly changed what they wanted, even after I had put hours of work into them. It's nice to work for someone who knows what they want." He replies, smiling at Dakota. Once we get downstairs, Bill waves as he walks out the front door while I carry Dakota to the front desk.
"I need to speak to security," I tell the flirtatious woman behind the desk. I have ignored her since she started working here, and even now, with Dakota in my arms, she can't take a hint.
"Oh, Mr. Holt, I'm sure I can help you." She reaches out to touch my arm, and Dakota slaps her hand away.
"Didn't anyone teach you to keep your hands to yourself? Don't touch my Daddy." The woman's mouth falls open while I laugh at the glare Dakota is giving her.
"Why, you little..." She starts to say.
"Finish that sentence, and I'll have your job. Now get me security." I tell her. She huffs and spins around, going through a door behind her. When she returns, a man I've never seen before comes out with her.
"What can I do for you?" He asks. Something about his demeanor makes me uneasy.
"Where are the usual security men?" I question him. He smiles and leans against the desk.
"They were all fired and replaced by my men. Now, what do you need?" He looks from me to Dakota and back again. With everything that we've had happen lately, I don't feel comfortable telling him anything personal.
"I live in the penthouse and would like you to keep all visitors away. No one should be coming up there other than Bill from Bill's Designs." The man smirks.
"We don't have enough staff to keep people out and check every person who comes in and out. I guess you're just going to have to hope for the best." He looks at Dakota again, and my hold on her tightens. I want to take them somewhere else, but I think I'll hire my own security team instead. We will have them inside and outside the penthouse. I don't say anything else to them as I carry Dakota to the elevator. I hear a familiar voice just as we're about to get on.
"Jordan, hold the elevator. I'm going up with you." I turn and glare at Cora.
"You aren’t going anywhere. I told you to stay away from us, or I will call the police." I say through clenched teeth while Dakota clings to me.
"Well, you're going to have to talk to me eventually. I'm having your child." I am done with all these people coming after us. I take two steps toward her and glare into her smirking face.
"That child is not mine. I know that you're only about five months pregnant, and I haven't touched you in well over six months. So go talk to the father of your baby. If you set foot in this building one more time, I will not only get a restraining order, I will file harassment charges. Now take your lying ass out of here." I turn around and carry Dakota onto the elevator. Cora watches us but doesn't say anything. I'm done playing Mister Nice Guy. It's time to let my money talk and kick a little ass.