36

Jane Ladd stepped from her car and crossed the parking lot to the boat launch, wishing she’d thought to change shoes first. Of course, until the text of thirty minutes ago, how could she have imagined she’d be walking along the banks of the Colorado nearly out in the middle of nowhere?

She picked her way across a gravel path toward the shade of a large oak along the shoreline, a respite from the blistering sun. A fly buzzed near her face, and she swatted the nasty thing away.

Why couldn’t Holiday just meet in her office, for goodness’ sake?

Suddenly, a small white motor yacht came into view. The governor waved from the deck as the driver eased the vessel up to the wooden dock.

Surprised, she waved back, feeling a little rivulet of moisture trail down her spine.

“Come on board,” he bellowed. “You look like you’re about to melt.”

The boat came to a stop, and Ethan Michaels, Holiday’s campaign director, stepped forward and offered her a hand. “I hope you didn’t have to wait long.”

“Not long.” She trailed Ethan and Wyndall inside the impressive cabin. While it was small compared to some boats that traversed the waters of Lake Travis outside Austin, the interior was tastefully decorated with high-glossed tile flooring and caramel-colored leather furniture, accented with rugs and pillows in shades of sand and ocean blue.

Amanda Joy slipped from behind the bar and handed Jane a frosted stemmed martini glass filled with a blue concoction. She smiled widely. “That’s a Desperate Housewife, sans the alcohol.”

Jane thanked her and took the glass, wondering what the point of a cocktail was if you served it without any alcohol. But then, not everything was as it initially appeared with the first lady of Texas.

“Please, sit.” Amanda Joy motioned to a sofa nestled beneath a long window that ran the length of the cabin.

The engine revved, and Jane felt a slight forward motion as she sank into the cushions. “So, what is this meeting about?”

Governor Holiday and his wife sat on a sofa on the opposite side of the cabin. His arm went around her shoulders. “Well, Janie, it’s like this. It’s nearly halftime, and we’re behind on the scoreboard.”

Ethan moved to a side chair and took a seat. He was dressed casually—khakis and a white shirt left unbuttoned at the collar. The sleeves were rolled to the elbows. He leaned forward, his elbows on his knees, his expression anything but casual. “It’s time to carry water to a thirsty team,” he said, cutting to the chase. “As you are aware, a great deal of money is being funneled your direction, and so far the campaign has little to show for the investment.”

Jane swallowed tightly. “Excuse me for being a bit bold here, but while I appreciate a good sporting event, people don’t just grab a hot dog and some popcorn and head off to the polls.” She lifted her chin slightly. “As you know, Ethan, timing is everything. The most critical news cycles are still ahead. You have my guarantee that voters’ confidence will deteriorate significantly once our intelligence is released.”

A grin appeared on Governor Holiday’s face. He squeezed his wife’s shoulders. “You can assure us Emerson will be sidelined?”

Jane downed the too-sweet drink, stood, and handed off the empty glass to Amanda Joy. She then pulled a folder labeled Operation Brainchild from her bag and handed a copy of a thick, stapled report to each of them. “I’ll let you be the judge.”

Jane sat quietly as the others read the findings.

Outside the windows, thick foliage at the water’s edge grew anemic as the Austin skyline gradually came into view. The engine slowed as their vessel neared the Congress Avenue Bridge, where brightly colored kayaks floated in the water near a shoreline crowded with spectators waiting for that magical moment at dusk.

Jane glanced back at her detractors, watching as they turned the pages of the report with great interest. “So?”

Ethan looked up, his eyes glistening. “Well done.”

Governor Holiday nodded in agreement. “I almost feel sorry for the chap.”

Amanda Joy held up a glossy photo. “Yes, this is superb. I recognize this girl. Didn’t I see her in your office?”

Jane felt tension drain from her shoulders. “Yes. We had an . . . uh, unexpected change of plans when she resigned. But as you can see”—she paused and grinned in her clients’ direction—“the Ladd Agency knows how to turn a fumble into a first down.”

The governor exchanged glances with his wife. He smiled. “Well, it certainly appears we miscalculated you, Jane.”

Ethan nodded. “Yes, we’ve placed our trust, and our funds, on the right side of the stadium, so to speak.”

The governor tossed his copy of the report onto the sofa and quickly herded them toward the deck. “Hurry, everyone, it’s time. We don’t want to miss the big moment.”

Feeling extremely gratified, Jane followed her hosts out into the heavy evening air, knowing she’d pulled off yet another dead cat bounce. Governor Holiday was a performer, a guy better suited to Dancing with the Stars than running the state of Texas. But that didn’t matter. There was much more at stake than a simple election.

She let a slow grin form on her face. She had an affinity for pork, and if Holiday pulled off another election, they’d all be eating out of that barrel for a good long time.

Amanda Joy pulled her sweater down from around her shoulders. “Goodness, it’s sweltering out here.”

Wyndall took his wife’s hand and led her to the railing. Ethan followed.

Standing shoulder to shoulder with her clients, Jane joined hundreds of onlookers and watched as over a million tiny black bats launched from underneath the bridge and spiraled into the sky.

Leta walked the hiking path along the Colorado River, enjoying the unusually warm evening, when suddenly a black cloud formed in the sky above the Congress Avenue Bridge in the distance. Even from here, she could hear the tourists applauding as the bats took flight, thrilling the crowds.

Katie wiped her brow with a bandana before tying it around her forehead. “That never gets old, does it?”

“No, it doesn’t.” She stopped and gazed upward at swarms of bats making their way across the skyline overhead. “In fact, no matter how many times I’ve seen that crazy phenomenon, I still find it absolutely amazing.”

That wasn’t the only thing she found amazing.

These days, the sky was a brighter shade of blue. Flowers smelled sweeter. Music chords resonated more deeply. She even found the mailman’s jokes funny.

Was that what it felt like to be in love?

She closed her eyes, still feeling Nate’s lips against her own—reliving his kiss. That wonderful, astounding, sensational moment when everything changed and the world suddenly became a much better place.

It took every ounce of inner strength not to holler to the hand-holding couple passing by that they weren’t the only ones in love. She too knew what it was like to feel your heart race, your skin tingle, at the sight of a man. Her man. For the first time in a long while, her heart was completely full.

Yet she couldn’t tell anyone. If word got out, it could hurt Nate’s campaign. She hated not sharing her delightful news with Katie, had a hard time answering for the constant smile on her face. Her roommate knew something was up, but Leta didn’t dare give in to the impulse to give a minute-by-minute account of that wonderful encounter and her new relationship with Nate. Not even to her best friend.

They’d agreed to keep their budding relationship under wraps temporarily. At least until the campaign developed a plan to officially release the news, which would be soon, Nate promised.

Now that she was romantically connected to a prominent public figure running for governor in a very heated race, every move she made would need to be sifted through the campaign and postured in consideration of the voters.

If Nathan got elected, there would be a whole other set of issues to face. But none of that really mattered. She was in love.

Katie pointed her water bottle toward the street. “Hey, is that lady waving at us?”

She looked in that direction. “What lady?”

“The one standing next to that big black car.”

Leta squinted, trying to make out the woman’s identity. “Uh, look, why don’t you go on ahead?”

“Without you?”

She nodded. “Yeah, I’ll catch up with you later. Meet me at Banger’s Sausage House.” Without explaining further, she jogged toward the car.

Nate’s mother glanced around. “Thank you for coming over.” Her driver opened the door. Mrs. Wyatt motioned Leta inside, then circled the back of the car and entered from the opposite door, sliding in next to her.

Mrs. Wyatt straightened her skirt. “I’m sure I have you puzzled. I just wanted to talk with you—privately.”

Leta nodded, not sure what to say exactly. “Okay.”

“Nate does not know I’m here talking with you. I’d prefer to keep it that way, but of course I can’t dictate to you in that regard.”

She swallowed. “I—I’m not sure I want to keep any secrets from him.”

“Yes, as it should be, I suppose.” Despite her verbal agreement, her face looked a bit pinched. “You and I met briefly at his party, of course. But let me officially introduce myself.” She held out her hand. “I’m Mrs. Wyatt, but I’d like it if you would call me Vera. Especially now.”

“Now?”

“Yes, now that you are seeing my son.”

The fact Nate had shared their relationship with his mother hit her with unexpected force. “So, you know?”

“I make it my business to know. He’s my son.”

Frankly, this woman was unnerving. Vera must have sensed how uncomfortable the discussion was making her because she reached across the seat and placed her hand on her arm.

“Few know Nathan better than me. I sensed some time ago that he was developing feelings for you. And I was right. It appears he thinks very highly of you.”

“The feeling is entirely mutual. Nathan is amazing.”

“Yes, much like his father, my Nate is easy to love. And I suspect you will make him happy.” She gave Leta a quick pat on the arm. “Unfortunately, love and politics make strange bedfellows, as they say.”

Leta frowned. “I’m not sure I’m following you.”

“Hear me on this. It is not easy being a politician’s wife. Nate’s poll numbers are high, much higher than we really expected at this juncture. He has a very real chance at being the next governor of Texas. I’m not sure you know what that will mean.” She smoothed her skirt again. “You see, Nathan is much like his father. Very idealistic and not always in touch with the dirty underbelly of electioneering and what it takes to juggle the affairs and interests of competing parties in a manner that leaves him on top.” She lifted her chin. “While Nate’s father was the face of the office he held, and no one built the rapport with the public better, I was behind the scenes maneuvering and staging the less desirable aspects—always through a third party, of course. A good chief of staff is invaluable, but make no mistake, no one will be as equipped to protect Nate more than you, in the event this relationship builds and you become his wife.”

“His wife? I—I mean, that’s presuming a lot at this early stage.”

Vera’s eyes turned impatient. “We both know where this could end up, don’t we, dear? That brings me to my second point.” She touched the back of her neckline. “You worked for his opposition research team. You better than anyone know the tactics they employ. Given the opportunity, Holiday’s camp will utilize any unflattering ammunition to shoot down Nathan’s reputation in the voters’ eyes.”

Vera looked at her full-on, and Leta found herself peering back, worry building in her gut. “What exactly are you saying?”

“In the event I’m unable to get through to Nathan, I can only hope you understand the import of these matters and are able to set emotions aside and do what is right for my son, for his campaign.” Her eyes narrowed. “As any future wife would.”

Leta swallowed. She tried to ignore the thoughts whipping through her brain, but they were insistent.

No matter what this woman might believe, Leta had no illusions about what Nate deserved. He was a smart and generous soul who had earned the right to ask the voters of Texas to consider placing him in the office of the governor, where he could continue to serve and act on behalf of the ones who needed him most—those with compromised health issues who needed a strong advocate in their government. He did not warrant a media circus.

Still, Leta’s disappointment was almost palpable, and her chin dipped toward her chest as if she couldn’t quite bring herself to hold her head up.

“If you continue seeing each other romantically, it is only a matter of time before news breaks and he will take a major hit. Nathan will no doubt argue that the public has no business in his personal life. But we both know the fact he ended a long relationship with a highly influential woman in this town and started up another with you will create a media stir—a diversion from Nate’s very important message. Undoubtedly, his numbers will suffer at this very critical stage. He may not recover.”

Vera gazed at her intently as though to see if she understood. “Perhaps you should consider placing your romantic feelings on hold—temporarily, of course. The election is only a relatively short time away. Once Nathan has secured the election and is governor-elect—well then, the two of you can make the happy announcement that you are a couple at that time, when the risk has passed. If staged properly, your budding relationship will garner even more connection with his constituents.” Vera paused briefly, letting her words sink in. “This is your first test, dear. If you fail to take my advice and your relationship with Nathan is discovered and leaked to the press, Holiday and his camp will take every opportunity to run both of you through the mud. No ugly stone will be left unturned. And if they can’t find a dirt-sodden boulder, they’ll create one and roll it over the campaign. Believe me on this—you do not want to be standing in its path and not see it coming.”