Page 104 of All We Carry Home

Something foreboding tugged in my gut. “Warren?” Dodging his calls?

Kenneth’s smile never waned. He shoved his hands in his pockets and let out a long breath. “I’m sure you know the man is irksome.” Then he seemed to catch on to my confusion. “Surely he’s told you?”

My mouth went dry, my ears starting to ring. “Told me what?”

“Unbelievable.” Kenneth laughed. “I tell you, he’s going to be the worst politician. We’re lucky that he also happens to be a shoo-in.”

Shock crept up from my toes, weighing my feet down like I was sinking in cement. “Politician?”

“The next United States Senator of Pennsylvania.” Kenneth’s eyes sparkled. “We have some big plans to better support our soldiers. I’d love to hear what you think of some of these bills we plan to introduce.”

He continued to speak, but the words were muffled as my head spun.

It made perfect sense. Warren had hinted at returning to the East Coast. That he wanted to save them all. What better way than through federal legislation?

Kenneth was right. Warren would be an easy win for the office. He was a war hero, made famous by Operation Cowboy publicity, and his family ran the largest banking system on the East Coast.

The only thing that would cripple his chance? The press and public finding out that he was working with me, the daughter of the most notorious criminals that his state had ever seen.

If I had thought for even a moment that we had a chance beyond our business arrangement, those hopes now shattered to the ground.

Forget the personal pledge I’d made never to burden another with my family’s shame. It wasn’t just his family’s business that might suffer from my association if the truth came out.

My name, my history, would be a nuclear bomb to his political ambitions.

Warren

Lucky and I left Bennett to make the rounds of the parking lot and fairgrounds perimeter for any sign of Victor’s goons. Lucky droned on about why I needed to take a chance and ask Eva out to dinner. I think the boys had a wager between them.

My blood went cold as I turned down the row of stalls and saw a familiar figure beside her. “Kenneth?” I asked. “What are you doing here?”

Lucky greeted his old commanding officer with a loud exclamation and a slap on the shoulder, rousing Eddie from his sleep and prompting him to do the same. My pulse raced and my mind swirled with dread.

Eva caught my gaze and offered a sad smile. Kenneth had told her. I moved toward her. I needed to explain, needed to apologize for not being the one to tell her myself.

What a fool I’d been. I had squandered every chance I’d had.

She held up a hand to stop me. Now wasn’t the time.

While Eddie, Lucky, and Kenneth exchanged pleasantries and then looped me into their fervor, Eva put her jacket on, put the thin leather show halter on Phantom, and led him from the stall. Annie ran alongside her as they walked toward the warm-up arena. There wasn’t much else I could do.

The damage had been done.

Kenneth stepped up next to me and elbowed me sharply in the ribs. “You didn’t tell me the trainer you were working with was Eva Bryant,” he said. “I didn’t know she was Bill’s granddaughter. No wonder you ignored my calls.”

My face went hot, and I ground my jaw together. “Why are you here?” I asked.

Kenneth’s mood shifted in response, and he crossed his arms. “Don’t get mad at me. I thought you’d told her—or anyone here—about your Senate run. Maybe you’re not serious about the race.”

“Things are complicated,” I said. “Her life and ranch are on the line.”

“Her life?” He blinked. “This isn’t the Wild West, Warren. Bring in the authorities. I need you back in Philly soon if you want to give this a shot.”

“It’s not that simple.” I started toward the arena so I could at least watch over Phantom and Eva.

“Look, if you want to withdraw, you’re giving up the best chance you’ve got,” Kenneth said, following me. “Senator Smith is highly unpopular right now, and if you yield to some other candidate, you might not be able to beat the incumbent again in the future.”

“I know, I know.”