Road Blocks (By Design Book 8) Read online

  “I don’t hate people,” Jameson said. “Klein comes close,” she admitted.

  “I know.”

  “I thought all was quiet on the FVI front?”

  “It has been,” Candace said. “He isn’t with FVI any longer. Apparently, he has partnered with a new associate. And, from what I understand his plans are grandiose.”

  “Where do you fit into this picture?” Jameson asked.

  Candace sighed heavily. “He’s pouring capital into his own horse.”

  “You mean he’s getting behind a presidential candidate? Candace, only three people have announced a candidacy. Who?”

  Candace closed her eyes.

  “Candace?”

  “Bradley Wolfe.”

  Jameson sat up. “Bradley Wolfe? As in the billionaire mogul?”

  “That would be him.”

  “So? Candace, he’s not a politician. He’s a loud mouth.”

  “With a lot of money.”

  “Is this why you are reluctant to form a committee?” Jameson asked.

  “Partly—only partly.”

  “Candace?”

  “Jameson, Wolfe is unpredictable. He has money tied up all over the globe.”

  “So?”

  “So, his reach is far. Money talks sometimes. You know that as well as I do.”

  “Are you worried about Cooper?”

  Candace groaned. “I’m worried about everybody. He will do and say anything.”

  “Doesn’t make it true.”

  “No, it also doesn’t mean it can’t cause damage in its wake.”

  Jameson looked at Candace intently. “Fuck him.”

  “What?” Candace laughed.

  “I’m serious.”

  “I’d rather not,” Candace tried to lighten the conversation.

  “There’s something you aren’t telling me.”

  Candace nodded. “There is.”

  “Candace?”

  “It’s not my story,” Candace said. “But, if I run it could put things I have in motion at risk.”

  “What things?”

  “The complete demise of FVI and Lawson Klein.”

  “You’ve already taken them to task in court,” Jameson said.

  Candace had charged her Attorney General with bringing fraud charges against the organization for inflating financial statements. It seemed to Jameson that Candace had played by the rules and pinned FVI against the ropes. FVI had dismissed Lawson Klein from its ranks, although he had been subpoenaed to testify in the case. Being implicated in the fraud case had further deteriorated Klein’s reputation in the conservative community. Jameson was curious as to why Candace would be concerned.

  “Yes,” Candace agreed. “And, we’ve had some success keeping FVI from growing in influence. But, that’s akin to cutting off an arm, Jameson. Somehow, Klein has managed to secure standing in the upper echelon of the beast. Slaying the beast is not so simple.”

  “Let me guess; that’s what you are trying to do?”

  “I’ve been trying to do that for most of my career,” Candace replied. “Klein’s moves toward Cooper and Laura only served to strengthen my resolve.”

  “And, change your tactics, I am guessing.”

  Candace sighed. “Yes.”

  “Want to enlighten me?”

  Candace nodded. “I have someone on the inside.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “It means that I have an ally working at FVI who is closely connected to all of it—including Bradley Wolfe.”

  “What kind of ally?”

  Candace closed her eyes and shook her head. “He’s Jessica’s son.”

  Jameson sat dumbfounded. “What did you just say?”

  “I said, he is Jessica’s son.”

  “Jessica doesn’t have kids.”

  “Yes, she does,” Candace said. “One. She had him when she was seventeen.”

  “You’re not kidding.”

  “No.”

  “How did…”

  “He found her when he was in college. We had just gotten together.”

  Jameson shook her head. “Who else knows?”

  “No one,” Candace said. “Just Jessica and Grant.”

  “Grant? You are not talking about Grant Hill? Tell me you are not talking about Grant Hill.”

  “Jameson…”

  “Candace!” Jameson hopped to her feet. “Grant Hill? The head of FVI? The same guy I saw on the news bashing your morality and integrity? That Grant Hill?”

  “Jameson, please,” Candace reached out and pulled Jameson to sit. “Please, trust me.”

  “I do trust you. You want me to trust Grant Hill? The guy is a weasel, Candace. He stands for everything you are against.”

  “No, he doesn’t,” Candace said.

  “This is what you’ve been afraid to tell me?”

  “Jameson, it isn’t my story. Grant was raised in an ultraconservative home. He’s struggled most of his life to feel accepted. That’s why he looked to find Jessica.”

  “So? Why not walk away?”

  Candace sighed. “It’s not that simple, honey. I said he was raised in a conservative household. I didn’t say his parents were horrible people. He loves them. You have to understand what it has been like for him. His parents never told him he was adopted. He found out by accident. And, honestly? What do you think the affect would be on Jess if he made it public? He loves her too. Honestly, he does. Living two lives has been painful for him.”

  “So, why do it?”

  “Jameson, it’s not that simple. Grant is trying to do what he thinks is right. He’s always tried to pull the movement more to the center—quietly.”

  “Doesn’t look that way to me.”

  “Well, sometimes what we see and what is underneath are not the same thing. You know that.”

  Jameson sighed. “You trust him.”

  “I’ve spent a lot of time with him. Jess and I were together a long time. He was like a son to me,” Candace said. “He is like a son to me,” she sighed. “I’ve wished so many times that he would tell his parents about Jess. He’s made a choice now, Jameson. He’s aligned himself with an entirely different agenda than people believe he has.”

  “You’re worried that with Wolfe in the equation that Grant might be exposed.”

  “I am. Jameson, politics at this level is not like anything you have seen. It’s not just dirty; it’s deadly.”

  “Candace?”

  “He’s the reason I know about Wolfe, the reason that Klein was dismissed from FVI, and the reason I know that Klein and Wolfe want an epic battle in the general election.”

  “With you,” Jameson guessed. Candace nodded. “Why?”

  “Because it’s the biggest stage in the world, Jameson. Everyone is listening to what you say.”

  “Okay, but that doesn’t mean anything they say about you is true.”

  “No, but you are not the rule, honey. It’s easy to make people question. It’s easy to ruin a person’s reputation, their family, their career. All you have to do is talk the loudest and the longest.”

  “Are you afraid of Bradley Wolfe?”

  “No,” Candace said. “I’m aware of what he could do to the people I love.”

  Jameson took Candace’s face in her hands. “I can’t tell you what to do,” she said. “I will love you no matter what you decide. If it matters what I think…”

  “It does.”

  “I think you should accept the challenge and show these assholes who commands the ring.”

  Candace laughed. “You are a little nuts sometimes.”

  “No, I just believe in you.”

  Candace sighed. “Sometimes, Jameson, the risks outweigh the benefits.”

  “Do you think that’s what Grant Hill would say?” Jameson wondered. Candace looked down. “Or how about Jessica? Do you think she’d want you to step aside because of her?”

  “It’s not that simple.”

  “Maybe not,” Jameson admitted. Sh
e leaned in and kissed Candace gently. “I believe in you,” she said. “You can tell me anything. No matter what, I’m going to be here.”

  Candace stroked Jameson’s cheek. “Thank you.”

  “Promise me one thing?”

  “Anything?”

  “Don’t shut me out,” Jameson requested. “I might not always agree or understand, but I will listen.”

  “I know.” Candace pulled Jameson down on the bed and into her arms. “Do you know what I want to do tomorrow?”

  “What?” Jameson asked.

  “Nothing.”

  Jameson laughed. “Your wish is my command.”

  “Ah, Cooper has you pegged, you really are Genie.”

  CHAPTER TWO

  “Momma?” Cooper looked up at Jameson.

  “Yes, Coop?”

  “Is Mommy sick?”

  Jameson smiled. To say it was unusual for Candace to sleep late would be a dramatic understatement. The last time Candace had stayed in bed this late, she had been recovering from surgery. “No, buddy. Mommy is just tired.”

  “But she has to work,” Cooper observed.

  “Not today,” Candace replied as she entered the kitchen. Cooper bolted toward her, and she scooped him up. “You are getting heavy,” Candace laughed.

  “Cause I am five now.”

  “You certainly are,” Candace said as she set Cooper down.

  Jameson noticed Candace’s slight grimace despite her effort to conceal it. She leaned down to their son. “Why don’t you go into the big room and we’ll watch some cartoons with our breakfast?” she suggested. Cooper nodded happily and scurried off. Jameson moved to stand in front of Candace. “What’s going on?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Nice try.”

  “I’m fine, Jameson.”

  “Oh? Like the time you landed yourself in the hospital?”

  Candace sighed. “My back is a little stiff, that’s all,” she promised. Seeing evident worry in Jameson’s eyes, Candace smiled. “Jameson, I promise. I am all right. He’s getting bigger, and I am getting older,” she joked.

  “Candace, if…”

  “I promise, Jameson,” Candace assured her wife. “I’m okay. We have a whole weekend and I have no place I have to be but home.”

  “Do you want to head back to the house?” Jameson asked.

  Candace shook her head.

  “Really? I thought you’d be eager to get away from this place?”

  “I just want a little time with you and Cooper,” Candace gave her reason. “Just a little.”

  Jameson nodded. While she was sure that Candace missed their home in Schoharie and her older children, life there was a bustle. Marianne was living there with two of their grandchildren, and the rest of their brood showed up at will. Occasionally, Candace needed to breathe. Jameson had felt that need palpably the night before. Candace needed time with Jameson and Cooper; time without anything or anyone else to cloud her thoughts and emotions. And, Jameson suspected that part of that need stemmed from the fact that Candace was close to making a decision about whether she would run for the highest office in the land. The Executive Mansion was home away from home. In some ways, it lacked the feeling of connection to family that both she and Candace held dear. It also provided a shelter from outside forces.

  Jameson kissed Candace on the cheek. “Let me make you breakfast.”

  Candace smiled gratefully. She made no argument. Jameson needed to help, and making breakfast for Candace was a contribution she could make to Candace’s solace. “I would love that,” Candace told her.

  Jameson moved to pour Candace a cup of coffee and handed it to her wife. “Start with that,” she said. “Pancakes?” she asked.

  “Surprise me,” Candace countered.

  Jameson’s eyes twinkled. “I can do that,” she said with a wink.

  Candace laughed. “I’ve no doubt.”

  “Why don’t you go sit with Cooper?” Jameson suggested. “And, I will bring it in.”

  Candace placed a gentle kiss on Jameson’s lips. “Thank you,” she said.

  “Go on. Don’t thank me ‘til you see what I come up with.”

  “Lunatic,” Candace chuckled as she left the room to find her son.

  Jameson grinned and headed across the kitchen to start their breakfast. “She loves lunatics.”

  ***

  Candace leaned in the doorframe, content to silently observe Jameson and Cooper building with Legos on the floor. She had been pulled away for nearly two hours on an impromptu call from her Chief of Staff. Bad news traveled fast sometimes. And, as governor any news that had the slightest chance of becoming significant, that implicated or effected The Empire State landed in Candace’s lap. It was one of the realities of leadership that made Candace reluctant to seek higher office. The truth was, being governor had divided her time more than serving in the US Senate ever had. A presidential campaign would take her away for lengthy periods of time. A successful campaign would land her in a position that would force her to make life and death decisions. She smiled watching Cooper explain his building plans to Jameson. Often, Candace was reminded that she did not need to travel far to find meaning and purpose in her life. Ironically, that knowledge was what drove her to take on more professionally.

  Jameson sensed Candace’s presence behind her. She shifted so that she could meet Candace’s gaze. She was immediately struck by the affection glistening in Candace’s eyes. She could also see evidence of deep concern. Whatever had called Candace away, it had affected her emotionally. That was not unusual. Candace was a master of appearing empathic and yet in control outwardly. Jameson had learned that underneath her controlled exterior, powerful emotions coursed through Candace. Hints appeared at the corner of her eyes, in the way she deliberately steadied her breathing, and in the genuine smile that was laced with just a touch of melancholy. Candace’s life was always a mixture of the best and worst people had to offer the world.

  Jameson leaned in and whispered to Cooper. He smiled and nodded enthusiastically. She pulled herself off the floor and made her way to Candace, leading Candace silently from the room.

  “Want to talk about it?” Jameson asked.

  Candace smiled. “No.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Positive. Not tonight,” Candace replied. “Tonight is for the three of us. I told Bill not to call unless it was unavoidable.”

  “Candace, Cooper and I will be okay.”

  “I know that. I need this, Jameson. I need to take a breath.”

  “I know,” Jameson conceded. “So, what do you think? Chicken wings, a bottle of wine, and maybe a little…”

  “Bible study?” Candace raised her brow and drew closer to her wife.

  Jameson snickered. “I was going to say Aladdin, but I’m not opposed to getting down on my knees.”

  Candace stared at Jameson blankly for a second and then erupted into raucous laughter.

  “What?” Jameson feigned innocence.

  Candace shook her head and brought her lips to Jameson’s with an ardent kiss.

  “Why are you laughing?” Cooper’s voice asked from behind the pair.

  Candace pulled back and wiped some lipstick from Jameson’s mouth. Her eyes sparkled with mischief and adoration. She smiled at Jameson and turned her attention to their son. “Your momma is silly,” Candace said.

  “Yep,” Cooper agreed.

  “You think I’m silly?” Jameson asked Cooper.

  Cooper giggled. “Yep, like Genie,” he said.

  “Yeah, but I’m not blue.”

  “Nope,” Cooper agreed. “But you like blue.”

  “I do?” Jameson asked Cooper.

  “Yep. You said Mommy’s beautiful in blue,” he commented innocently.

  Candace lifted her brow. “Is that so?”

  “Yep,” Cooper said. “Momma said.”

  “In blue, huh?” Candace whispered.

  “I like you better out of it,” Jameson mut
tered, receiving playful whack from Candace.

  Candace laughed.

  Jameson shrugged and pulled Cooper against her hip. “Why don’t you show Mommy what you were building?”

  Cooper grabbed Candace’s hand. Jameson started for the kitchen.

  “Where are you going?” Candace asked.

  “I’m off to complete mission chicken wings for the governor. The junior architect there will show you all his plans.”

  Cooper smiled proudly. “It’s a castle,” he told Candace.

  “A castle, huh?”

  “A big one,” Cooper said.

  “And, a blue one,” Jameson commented.

  “Of course, it is,” Candace said.

  “It’s Addlin’s,” Cooper explained.

  “Aladdin’s?” Candace clarified.

  “Yep,” Cooper replied. He pulled lightly on Candace’s hand.

  “Better go, Governor,” Jameson said.

  “Don’t fail me on this mission,” Candace deadpanned.

  Jameson saluted. “Check on the chicken wings.”

  “And, extra fortune cookies.”

  “Yes, Ma’am.”

  “And wine.”

  “Anything else?” Jameson inquired.

  Candace winked. “We’ll negotiate that later; assuming your mission is successful.”

  Jameson shook her head and moved down the hallway. “And, she calls us lunatics.”

  ***

  “Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Grant Hill asked. “Baiting the governor with this idea that Wolfe’s agenda is so dangerous for her ideals, and that he is gaining so much steam, she has no choice but to challenge him?”

  “Why wouldn’t it be?” Daryl Robertson asked.

  “For one thing, you don’t know that his candidacy can survive primary season.”

  “No, but hers will.”

  “If she chooses to have one,” Grant reminded Robertson.

  “It’s our job to make sure she does.”

  Grant nodded. “Why is it so important to you that she gets into this race?” he inquired.

  “Candace Reid is the folk hero of the left, Grant. Liberals love the woman. She gets them all warm and fuzzy inside.”

  Grant almost snorted at Robertson’s assessment. “Warm and fuzzy?”

  “Have a better description?” Robertson countered.