Page 64 of Power
“I jumped in after her to make sure she was okay, and we both ended up soaked and laughing so hard we were crying,” I say, still remembering how her hair was plastered to her face and her makeup was running down her cheeks. “Your mom was horrified.”
“Mom ran into the house to get towels for her. Dad grabbed his camera and started taking photos. Everyone’s cheeks were hurting because they were laughing so much.”
“It was a calamity of untimely errors,” I say, still fond of the memories we made together.
Liam’s laughter dies down as fast as mine does. “You like her,” he says.
This moment now is not between a president and his chief of staff. “I never expected to find a connection with anyone again after Kathryn. And you know what’s the most bizarre part?”
“What?”
“Reece couldn’t be any more different if she tried, but I think Kathryn would’ve liked her.”
“Kathryn was always such an accepting and gentle person,” Liam says. “But I see Reece makes you happy, Bennett.”
I smile as I look down at the laptop keys. “Reece is most certainly unexpected, and I think there’s much more to her than she lets on.”
Liam’s brows lift as he nods slowly. “You won’t be reelected if it leaks.”
I tighten my hands together as the muscles in my arms strain against my shirt. “Trust me, I know,” I admit. “But, I don’t think that’s going to matter anyway, because Reece has broken it off with me.”
“What?” Liam’s tone raises. “She broke it off with you?”
“Yeah.”
The door opens and Jamie waltzes in with my second cup of coffee. The first is already cold. He places the hot one down and takes the cold one away. Closing the door, he leaves Liam and me alone again. “What happened?” Liam asks.
I arch a brow as I relive the night and morning with her. “I think Reece is trying to protect everyone around her, including me.”
“Protect you?” Liam’s eyes widen as he pieces it together. “She’s protecting you from scrutiny?”
“I think she’s worried for me and for her daughter. Which is understandable, of course.”
“And for herself,” Liam adds. “She’s not used to having her every move analyzed by the press, or by the American public.”
“Obviously not, but I honestly don’t think she’s worried about herself. More about Emily and me.”
“Is that why you’re removing her protection?”
“We made a deal. She upheld her end, and I’m upholding mine. I told her I’d remove her Secret Service detail.” A slow smiles tugs at the corners of my lips.
It doesn’t take long for Liam to laugh as he pushes up off the arm of the chair. “You think she’s going to respond well to what you’re going to do?”
“She won’t know,” I say with absolutely no conviction. Liam scoffs. “I’ve convinced myself she’s not going to find out.”
Liam straightens and clicks his tongue. “Well, I’ll prepare the vice president to take office.”
“Smart-ass,” I call as he’s walking out of my office. “I need the number for Brice.”
“Of course, Mr. President.” And just like that, we’re back to our professional dynamic.
“Governor Mallory Shepherd,” Jamie whispers as we approach ground zero. Jamie is good about reminding me of names.
“Mallory,” I say as I take in the havoc surrounding us. “I’m sorry I’m here under these horror-filled circumstances. What do we know?” I’ve already been briefed on the plane over, but what more has happened?
“The shooter has been killed.”
“Talk to me about the injured and killed.” I feel sick to my stomach looking at the mass graveyard in front of me. It’s not the first time I’ve seen body bags, and it never gets easier.
