Текст книги "Incumbent"

Автор книги: Joanne Schwehm

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Текущая страница: 14 (всего у книги 16 страниц)

CHAPTER 21

~ Lucy ~

I’d been holed up in Jack’s house for three days and was going stir crazy. The only good thing was no one knew where I was. I had turned my cell phone off, but it was time I returned Mr. McMillan’s call.

Yes, I loved my job, but right now I had bigger things on my mind—like how I was going to handle Drake wanting to renounce his candidacy.

Rather than stress any longer, I picked up my phone and placed the call. When he spoke to me, Mr. McMillan’s voice was condescending, at best. In a way, I understood his concerns, but that didn’t make them right. Before I knew it, I told him I’d be sending him my resignation, but he accepted it verbally over the phone.

There wasn’t much left for me to do but to figure out where to go from here. I could find another job. It might not be teaching, but it wasn’t as if I wasn’t a smart woman. I’d minored in law, and even though that wasn’t my concentration, I could go back to school and become a paralegal, or maybe even a counselor.

One thing I realized as I looked at myself in the mirror was that I wasn’t a scared, pissed-off teenager anymore. I was a woman who knew who she was and what she wanted, and that was to love and be loved by the most wonderful man in the world.

People’s opinions were just that, their opinions. They would have them no matter what choice I made. But to think their opinion of Drake would change because of me? No. There was no way I could let that happen.

All my life, others thought they knew what was best for me, and that was what started this nightmare. Granted, those people were my parents, but I realized long ago that they truly didn’t love me. I’d been a mistake, wasn’t exactly a planned pregnancy, and I was sure my mother had never forgiven me for the stretch marks on her body.

I got in the shower and let the steam caress my skin. How I wished the streams of water falling over me were Drake’s hands, but he’d left earlier to meet with Ben. Rather than dwelling on what had happened, it was time for me to take control of my own life.

After I got dressed and applied a little makeup to hide the dark circles that lingered under my eyes, I headed downstairs. Jack was sitting at the kitchen table, dressed in a suit and reading the Wall Street Journal while he sipped at a cup of coffee.

“Good morning, Jack.” I smiled as I poured myself a cup of much-needed caffeine. “Are we the only ones here?”

“Yes, Gretchen left shortly after Drake did. Something about a straightening iron. When I told her I had an iron in the laundry room, she laughed at me and left.”

I couldn’t help laughing at him. Men.

I was starting to feel more like myself, but my nerves were still shot. So much had happened in such a short time. It seemed as if all of my hard work to keep my anonymity was blown to smithereens in a few days.

Jack smiled as I took a seat next to him at the table. “You look better this morning.”

“I feel a bit better. I just talked to my boss and resigned.” I took a sip of coffee and smiled.

He dropped his newspaper. “Did you just say you quit? Does Drake know?”

“No, but I’ll tell him when he comes back.”

I hoped Drake would understand. Oddly, quitting didn’t make me sad, like I expected it to. I just felt numb to it all, as if it weren’t actually happening to me. When I spoke to McMillan, I knew I was saying the words, but in my ears they sounded like someone else’s voice.

“What are you going to do now?”

I stared into my coffee cup a moment, considering my answer. “I haven’t thought that far out. I have enough savings to cover my rent and living expenses for a few months, so I suppose I’ll look for another job and possibly go back to school part-time. There’s nothing more rewarding than teaching, but after what happened, I don’t see myself getting a glowing recommendation. I’ll just start over; it won’t be the first time.” I looked up to Jack with a grin and shrugged.

He raised his cup to me. “You’re a strong woman.”

“Well, I don’t know about that, but I’ve dealt with worse situations and survived. This should be a cake walk in comparison.” In actuality, walking on coals would be easier than what I had already gone through.

Regarding me thoughtfully, he asked, “If you went back to school, what would you study?” His genuine concern and interest in me was heartwarming.

“I’m not sure yet, but I do enjoy the law. Although I only studied it so I could understand how our government worked.” I let out a small laugh. “But I’m not sure some of our government officials even understand it.”

Jack laughed. “For some reason, I don’t see you as a lawyer. No offense to my mom, but it seems so tedious and boring. Yes, I have a legal staff, but out of all my employees, they’re the stuffiest group in the building.” Then his brows lowered and he brought his hand to his chin. “I have an idea, and before you give me an answer, I want you to think about it.”

“Okay.”

“You know I own a PR firm, and I’ve been thinking of creating a position that would go between my human resources and legal departments. A liaison, of sorts. Laws change so quickly that sometimes when there’s an employee complaint, things could be missed, even though the two departments are very competent. If we don’t keep up with changes, it’s a liability. We’re growing fast, which is wonderful, but my staff is stretched thin. Having daily conference calls to discuss upcoming meetings about the next conference call isn’t very efficient, and that’s where you would come in.”

“Me?” I gaped at him, shocked he would even consider hiring me.

“Yes. I’d like you to come work for me. You would handle getting out memos and modifying existing policies. I’d also need you to train employees about any changes that will affect their compensation or the way we do business. Since you’re a teacher, that should be right in your wheelhouse.” He took another sip of his coffee.

“Jack, I don’t know what to say.”

“I told you an immediate reply wasn’t needed. Just think about it.”

“No. That’s not what I mean.” My heart soared at the thought of something totally new. “What I mean is, I’d love to work for you as long as you aren’t doing this because I’m in love with your brother.”

“Don’t take this wrong, but I’m doing it because my brother is in love with you and because you’re the right candidate for the job.” His expression sobered as he added, “With that being said, you hurt him when you left. Don’t do that again.”

I wanted to say more and prove to him I’d never leave, but I held my tongue and just nodded. All I wanted to do was give Drake space. I never meant to hurt him.

Jack finished up his coffee and folded up his paper. “I’ll treat you like any other employee, and you won’t be working directly for me. You’ll be the Director of Legal Resources and report to the head of our legal department.”

“Is that really a title?”

“It is now,” he said with a wink.

“Then I accept.”

We shook hands, and a weight lifted from me. I felt as if my life was finally falling into place.

As he headed out the door, he stopped and asked, “So, what are your plans for today?”

“I’d like to go home.”

His eyes widened and he shook his head. “I don’t think that’s a very good idea.”

“Jack, please. I need to see my friend Mason. He’s going to be leaving for California soon, and if I miss saying good-bye to him, I’ll never forgive myself.”

The thought of not being able to spend time with Mason broke my heart. He’d been all I had for so long, and just because I was with Drake, it didn’t change how I felt about my best friend.

Jack frowned at me. “Then invite him here. I’m sorry, there’s no way I’m going to have Drake kick my ass for letting you go out. Just give it a few more days.”

Frustrated, I nodded.

“I need to head to the office. Make yourself at home. My housekeeper will be by later this afternoon, so if you hear someone in the house, that’s who it is.”

“I’ll be fine. I’m going to go call Mason. Have a great day. And, Jack?”

He turned to look at me.

“Thank you.”

He gave me that brilliant Prescott smile and walked out.

• • •

I called Mason. He was in DC and couldn’t come over, but he said he would on Friday if I was still there. I agreed and let him know that if anything changed, I’d call him.

Changed. Everything had changed in the blink of an eye. It was overwhelming and unsettling.

I went back to my temporary bedroom and looked over at my laptop sitting on the desk in the corner. I hadn’t gone online since I’d been here, but I needed to see if there were any new posts. Plus, I was getting bored.

With an unsteady hand, I opened it. Once it had booted up, I went to the search engine and typed my name in the search box and clicked ENTER. When I saw the list of websites that mentioned my name, my stomach twisted. It wasn’t only the National Reveal, there were several tabloids and one prominent paper. That was the one I opened.

The headline, LOSING A GREAT SENATOR, felt like a punch to the chest. The tagline beneath it read, PRESCOTT RUMORED TO STEP DOWN TO PROTECT GIRLFRIEND.

U.S. Senator Drake Prescott will be holding an impromptu news conference scheduled for noon today at the Grand Hotel. Rumor has it he will be finishing his current term, but will be removing his name from the ballot . . .

The words blurred through my tears. I closed the laptop and looked at the clock. It was eleven a.m. and I needed to stop him. Why didn’t he tell me?

Something inside me snapped. I quickly changed out of my shorts and put on a sundress Gretchen had given me, slipped my feet into flats, and flew down the stairs. Jack had already left and I didn’t have time to call for a cab, so I grabbed a set of keys to one of the many cars Jack had stored in his garage and headed outside.

The key in my hand had a Mercedes symbol on it, so I scanned the garage for a Mercedes. Unfortunately, most of the cars were Mercedes. Annoyance mixed with amusement as I shook my head. Really, Jack?

When I pushed the DOOR UNLOCK button on the key fob and pointed it toward the cars, the lights flashed on a cute silver convertible. Score! I glanced inside to see it was a stick shift, which luckily I knew how to drive.

I sent Mason a quick text.

L

UCY

: I’m headed to the Grand Hotel. Drake is holding a press conference. Can you come?

M

ASON

: I’m not far. I’ll meet you there.

L

UCY

: Thank you!

I pulled out of Jack’s winding driveway, exited the gate, and zipped toward the hotel. The clock on the dash told me I only had fifteen minutes before Drake was scheduled to speak, but late morning traffic was a nightmare. I glanced out my right window and noticed a tiny gap leading to the exit on the highway.

I smiled as I remembered the sporty car I was in. “Okay, SL Roadster, let’s see what you got.”

The car whipped into the next lane when I released the clutch and pressed the gas. I prayed I wouldn’t get pulled over, but I was off the highway in an instant.

Before I knew it, I was tossing the keys to the hotel valet. I ran to the front desk and asked the clerk what room the press conference was in.

The woman’s eyes widened. “Oh my God! You’re her!”

Gasping for breath, I pleaded, “Can you please help me?”

“They’re in the Lafayette Room,” she said, and when she glanced over my shoulder, her expression hardened with resolve. “There are reporters behind you. If you go to the right, there are stairs beyond this wall. Go to the third floor and you’ll see it.”

“Thanks.” I gave her a smile and took off as quickly as I could.

The stairs felt like they were unending as I hustled, taking them two at a time, which was a challenge wearing a dress. When I saw the gray door with a large number three on it, I slammed into the metal bar to open it. I rushed down the narrow hallway until I saw a door labeled LAFAYETTE. There weren’t any people around, which I thought was odd, but I didn’t care.

When I yanked the door open and stepped inside, I was in the back kitchen area. A few cooks and wait staff gave me curious looks as I walked quickly through the kitchen, acting as if I belonged there.

When I pulled the door open to the ballroom, I saw Drake. My breath hitched in my throat, and my pulse thundered in my ears as I drank in the sight of the man I loved.

Drake approached the front of the room with confident strides. He fisted his hand in front of his mouth and cleared his throat before he gripped the top of the lectern. With his shoulders thrown back and his expression relaxed, he addressed the audience.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to thank you for taking time out of your schedules to be here on short notice today.” His chest rose as he took in a deep breath.

“Our forefathers set in place the foundation for a great nation. What we stand for—the land of the free and home of the brave—is what I firmly believe in, and has been how I’ve tried to live my life. I love our country and take pride in my responsibilities as your senator. There was a time I didn’t think anything could be more important than being a politician, but then I met Lucy Washburn.”

I pressed a hand to my chest, sure it was about to burst as I listened to him. All I wanted to do was run out and tell him I was here, but I didn’t.

“Recently there have been news articles relating gossip circulating about her. Reporters have been following me and my friends and family, asking who she is, calling her the mystery woman.” He paused. “They write about her as if she doesn’t care about life—but she does.”

He looked around at the crowd, locking eyes with one person after another. Cameras clicked, and bright lights flashed from the photographers kneeling in front of him, trying to get a money shot.

“Lucy Washburn isn’t a public figure. She’s a schoolteacher—a very good one, in fact—and is one of my closest friends.” Frowning, he shook his head. “Actually, that’s not true, she’s more than that to me. You see, I happen to be in love with her, and due to her relationship with me and my position, she’s been thrust into the spotlight. And that’s unfair.”

All air escaped me and I stepped forward to run onstage, but was stopped when a hand gripped my arm. Startled, I glanced behind me to find Mason holding me back. I hadn’t even known he was here yet, but was so thankful for his presence.

When he shook his head and whispered, “Give him a few minutes,” I nodded and stood with him to watch the rest of Drake’s speech.

“Since I was a young boy,” Drake continued, “all I’ve ever wanted was to serve my country, to fight for those who couldn’t fight for themselves. I wanted to be the voice of many who entrusted me with their votes. Along the way, I’ve always been honest with you and have run a clean campaign. To me, it was most important for my constituents to focus on what I stand for and what I believe in, rather than what my opponent does wrong.”

His demeanor sobered, and a flash of anger crossed his face before he crushed it. “But this has gone too far, and someone I love is being hurt in the process, forced to sequester herself so curious journalists don’t attack her. She’s hiding rather than living.”

He glanced down, lowering his voice as he repeated, “Home of the free, land of the brave.”

Looking back up, he continued. “Free, that’s what Lucy was until she met me and was thrust into the spotlight. I won’t have her reputation tarnished by speculation of who she is and where she came from. Bravery isn’t just fighting for your country, it’s standing up for what you believe in, and that’s the type of person Lucy Washburn is. I respect her and the privacy she’s entitled to. As much as I love what I do, I love her more, and for that reason . . .”

That’s it. I couldn’t stand it any longer. I knew what was coming next, and I couldn’t allow it. How could I live with myself if Drake gave up his dreams for me?

I rushed toward the podium, and when Drake saw me approach him on the makeshift wooden stage, his head turned.

His eyes wide, he covered the microphone with one hand. “What are you doing here?”

I smiled and walked up to the lectern, forcing Drake to step aside as I lowered the microphone to my level. It screeched with the movement, and once I was satisfied, I scanned the reporters who were watching, some gazing at me openmouthed as others whispered among themselves.

“I apologize for the interruption.”

Hundreds of lights flashed from cameras, making it hard for me to see. Louder chatter filled the room, but I needed to continue. I swallowed the lump in my throat and composed myself. I’d been rushing around, and was sure I was glistening from the fine sheen of sweat that covered my skin.

“Hello. My name is Lucy Washburn. There have been questions about Senator Prescott’s dedication to his office because of me. I can’t and won’t stand idly by and let this man’s name be dragged through the mud because of me. He’s one of the best men I know, the best senator I’ve ever seen, and hopefully one day he’ll be the president of the United States.”

I glanced at him before returning my attention to the audience, and caught the eye of the vile reporter from the National Reveal who had started this nonsense, making sure to emphasize my thoughts.

“You’ve asked me questions and I’ve avoided them, but I had my reasons. But my reasons are selfish, and not good enough for Senator Prescott to continue with his speech as planned.”

“Lucy . . .”

I heard the concern as Drake said my name, but ignored him. “You see, he was going to come here today and renounce his candidacy.”

The audience erupted into chaos. I held my hand up to try to mute the noise, but it didn’t work very well, so I just continued and raised my voice.

“Not because he doesn’t want to serve the office, but to protect me.”

I glanced at Drake and when our eyes met, he shook his head.

Turning back to the microphone, I said, “You wanted to know my story, and I’m here to tell it. I want to put the mystery behind the mystery woman to rest. My name is Lucy Washburn, but that wasn’t the name I was born with . . .” With my heart in my throat, I told them the same story I’d told Drake and his family.

The audience tittered as Drake placed his hand on my shoulder and gently tried to pull me back, but I remained rooted to my spot.

When I glanced out to the crowd, and most of the women were nodding while the men remained impassive.

I continued to block out the cameras and noise, taking comfort instead from the hand Drake rested on the small of my back.

“When I told this wonderful man next to me my story, he didn’t judge me or feel sorry for me, he supported me because that’s what he does. That’s who he is. He fights for those who can’t fight for themselves. He’ll fight for you the same way he fought for me, and that’s why I can’t let him go through with this.”

After wetting lips that had suddenly gone dry, I said, “I studied education because it’s imperative to teach our youth the importance of knowing our past so they would be in a better position to shape our future. So that when they were old enough to vote, they’d be able to knowledgeably decide for themselves who is the best person for the position. And in this case, it’s Drake Prescott. I know his opponents will spin this and say it was all a media ploy, but I can assure you it’s not.”

I turned toward Drake. “This country needs you. I need you. Please fight for not only those who don’t have a voice, but for your own voice to be heard.”

Drake said my name, but I turned and leaned toward the microphone.

“I don’t want to take more of your time because Senator Prescott still has an announcement to make. If any of you have questions for me, I’ll leave my contact information with the senator’s campaign manager.”

After I had taken one last look at the crowd, I smiled. “Thank you for your time.”

Reporters shouted out questions, but before I knew it, I was in Drake’s arms. Our embrace was tighter than it had ever been.

“You didn’t have to do that,” he whispered into my hair.

“Yes, I did. Please don’t go through with this. My past can’t be changed, but you can change the future. Don’t you see? People need you. I need you. You’re a great man, a selfless man, and we need more men like you. You’re a leader. Don’t follow the path of those who need to hurt others to gain what they want. Lead the way your parents taught you—by example. Be strong for those who are weak. Be you.”

When he rested his forehead on mine, I added, “By the way, I kind of stole your brother’s car.” I leaned back and winked at him, and then kissed him on the cheek.

Drake looked down and closed his eyes briefly. It was then I realized the room had gone silent. He looked up at me and smiled before he stepped in front of the lectern.

“Now you can all see why I’m in love with her.” His dimple appeared, and there were a few laughs in the crowd.

I made my way back to Mason, and he pulled me to his side and kissed my cheek. “You’re incredible.”

“No,” I said as we both looked at Drake. “He is.”