Election Day (By Design Book 10) Read online

  Dana was growing frustrated. Candace’s reaction wasn’t what she had suspected. “I’m not following.”

  “How long have you worked with me?” Candace asked.

  “What?”

  “Well?”

  “Over fifteen years.”

  “Um hum. Stop thinking like Glenn and Doug. That’s not what has kept you at my side all this time.”

  “You think it’s a smoke screen?”

  “Don’t you? Dana, we’re in a different ballgame here. This story? This story is going to command the headlines for at least a week. You know that as well as I do. Every news show and network is going to lead with this barring some tragedy. Let them. You let Doug and Glenn obsess over the headlines for the next couple of weeks. Pay attention to the story on page three, Dana. There is a reason this is happening now. It’s not about me.”

  Dana considered the information. “You think they’re trying to bury something?”

  “Someone is always trying to bury something. Something is being thrown shade. That’s what we need to figure out.”

  “You think whoever did this—you think we can use this as ammunition down the line?”

  Candace made her way back to her desk. “I think it’s pertinent down the line—yes.”

  “You’re not referring to the election?”

  “No.”

  Dana took a sip of her scotch. “You think this has implications if you win the election.”

  Candace smiled. “If I win? That’s not an option. Pay attention to what would have made the front page. Trust me.”

  “What aren’t you telling me? Dana asked.

  “Can’t tell you what I don’t know,” Candace replied. She raised her glass and then took a final sip. But I intend to find out.

  ***

  Jameson closed the bathroom door and climbed into bed beside Candace. She took the phone in Candace’s hands and placed it on the bedside table. “I think that’s enough for the day.” She removed the glasses from Candace’s face and put them beside the phone. “You need to rest.”

  “I don’t know if I can.”

  Jameson laid back and pulled Candace into her arms. “You never will if you don’t try.”

  “I can’t help it. I’m tired. I admit it. I feel so wired, Jameson. There are a million things that I need to take care of and…”

  “Stop. Please, stop. I don’t want you to crash. We both know if you keep going at this pace, that’s what’s going to happen. Just close your eyes. Even if you can’t sleep, just close your eyes and rest. Please?”

  Candace nestled closer to Jameson. “I can’t believe she’s gone.”

  “I know.”

  “Jonah told me that she used to let him eat cookies in bed when he stayed with my parents.”

  Jameson chuckled. “I think that’s every grandmother.”

  “Maybe so.”

  “You never thought of her that way,” Jameson guessed.

  “No. She wasn’t that way with us as kids. Jonah—she was always softer with him for some reason.”

  Jameson stroked Candace’s back as she listened.

  “I don’t know what that was,” Candace mused.

  “Jonah has that way about him,” Jameson observed. “Even now, he’s got this innocence. I can’t explain it.”

  “You don’t have to. I think I know what you mean.”

  “You wish you’d seen that side of her,” Jameson guessed.

  “More like I wish she could have shown that side of herself more—to anyone. I realized today when I was sitting with her, there was always this sadness in her eyes. I guess I was so caught up in what I felt, I never took the time to think about what she felt.”

  Jameson pulled Candace closer. “She did love you. You do know that?”

  “I do.” Candace shifted so that she could look at Jameson. “I remembered this time when I was little? I was sitting there with her, and I don’t know why it came back to me. David socked me a good one in the face. I was little, maybe six. I never forgot that bloody lip. I don’t know how I forgot about my mother.”

  “What about her?”

  “She cleaned me up. I remember her looking at me. I swear, I can see it right now as if she were standing in front of me—clear as day. I was crying. I think my feelings were hurt more than my lip. She cleaned my face up so gently. I remember, she kissed my forehead.” Candace felt tears begin to bathe her cheeks. “It’s like I can feel them still resting there, Jameson—her lips on my forehead.”

  “Maybe they are,” Jameson offered. “Look, I don’t know what happens when people die, but sometimes? Sometimes I think it gives us both permission to let go; you know? Maybe she wanted you to remember that because she always did. Maybe that’s her way of letting you know how she still sees you.”

  Candace kissed Jameson tenderly. “I wish she could have known you before she started slipping away.”

  “Me too.”

  “Thank you for everything.”

  “You don’t need to thank me for anything, but if you really want to, you can start by getting some rest.”

  “Not going to give up, huh?”

  “When it comes to you? Never.”

  Candace settled back into Jameson’s arms and closed her eyes. “I love you.”

  “I love you too, Candace. I love you too.”

  FOUR DAYS LATER

  “Is the governor going to make any comment?”

  Dana smiled. “Governor Reid is focusing on her family right now.”

  “She must have an opinion on this story,” a reporter called out. “No statement? Dana, it’s been two days since the story broke in The Post. Still no official comment? Hasn’t Governor Reid read the news?”

  “The governor is abreast of all the news. I’m certain if and when she has any thoughts to offer, she will. She’s never been accused of shyness.”

  The media laughed.

  “Dana? One last question?”

  Dana pointed to a young woman. “Go ahead.”

  “Is Governor Reid considering Senator Keyes as a running mate.”

  Yeah, like that would ever happen. “I believe Governor Reid is considering several qualified candidates.”

  “But is one of them George Keyes?”

  “I’m certain she and Senator Keyes have had discussions since the primary in Pennsylvania. I can’t speak to what they discussed. Again, the governor is focused on her family this week. She’ll be making visits Friday to New York City, New Rochelle, and White Plains early next week to discuss community policing initiatives. I’m sure she’ll take some questions then.”

  Dana made her way up the capital stairs and groaned.

  “They are relentless,” Glenn offered. “How is Candy?”

  “Tired, I think,” Dana replied. “I’m heading there later this afternoon after the burial.”

  “Shitty week, huh?”

  “Just a week,” Dana said.

  ***

  “What the hell are you doing about this?” Lawson Klein bellowed.

  “Me?” Jed Ritchie laughed. “What do you want me to do about it, Lawson? I can’t believe you were stupid enough to leave a trail.”

  “I’d be careful, Jed.”

  “Is that a threat?”

  “No, just looking out for you.”

  “Right.” Ritchie sat down on the arm of a couch. “You’d better make sure none of the campaign’s funds can be traced to Rusnac.”

  “Give me a little credit.”

  “A little? Okay. Is it true?”

  “What’s that?”

  “Did Rusnac use that house to pimp out girls?”

  “How should I know what he used the house for?” Klein bit back. “I sold him property. He paid cash. Last I knew, I didn’t need a reference check for a cash payment.”

  “You’d better hope this doesn’t bite Wolfe in the ass.”

  “Oh?”

  “You think Wolfe is your flunky; don’t you?” Ritchie chuckled at the consternation in L
awson Klein’s eyes. “You have no idea who he is; do you?”

  “I know who he is. I wonder if you know who he isn’t.”

  Ritchie’s chuckle grew to sarcastic laughter. No idea, Lawson—no idea at all.

  ***

  “I’ll be done in about an hour.”

  “I’ll let Pearl take charge of the asylum,” Jameson offered.

  “Very generous of you.” Candace placed a kiss on Jameson’s cheek. “If you need me, I’ll be in the office.”

  “I’ll make sure no one interrupts you.”

  “Just come get me if…”

  “I know how to pour wine—and scotch.”

  Candace smiled. “You are talented,” she agreed before beckoning Dana to follow her.

  “Where’s she off to?” David asked.

  “Conference call.”

  “Campaign life never ends,” he said.

  Jameson’s eyes remained fixed on Candace’s retreating figure in the distance.

  “JD?”

  “Nope. It doesn’t.”

  “Everything okay?”

  “As okay as it ever is, I’d imagine.”

  “That doesn’t sound encouraging,” he goaded her.

  “How are you?” Jameson shifted the conversation.

  “Grateful you and Candy hosted this.”

  Jameson laughed.

  “Momma,” Cooper tugged Jameson’s hand.

  “Hey, Coop. I thought you and Spence were outside?”

  “Spence hurt himself.”

  Jameson almost groaned aloud. Again? “Where’s Spence?” As if on cue Spencer appeared, holding his nose. “What happened, buddy?”

  “The swing hit him in the nose,” Cooper explained.

  “Never a dull moment,” Jameson muttered.

  “I looked for Marianne,” Cooper said.

  Jameson smiled and put a hand on each boys’ back. “She’s upstairs with Shell. Come on, let’s go clean you up.”

  “Do you want me to go find Marianne?” David offered.

  “Don’t worry about it,” Jameson said. “She’ll appear sooner or later.”

  ***

  “Shell? Are you sure you’re okay?” Marianne asked.

  “Would you two stop fussing?” Michelle scolded her sister and her wife.

  “You look a little flushed, babe,” Melanie said.

  “It’s been a long day. I don’t get to face it with wine like the two of you.”

  Marianne rolled her eyes. “Well, just lie down up here for a little while and humor us.”

  “I’m not dying, you know? I’m pregnant,” Michelle reminded them.

  “Babe,” Melanie urged her wife.

  “Oh, for God’s sake!” Michelle protested. “Mom’s got a conference call now. I told her I’d be there.”

  “One look at you, and she’ll send you to bed too,” Marianne said.

  “Oh, please. She’s done this more than the two of us put together. I’m fine.”

  Melanie sighed heavily. “You’re impossible.”

  “No, I’m reasonable. You two are impossible. Now, I’m going downstairs to see Mom. You two go do whatever it is you do when you’re not harassing me.”

  Melanie covered her face with her hands. “I give up.”

  Marianne put an arm around her sister-in-law. “Let her go. She knows her limits.”

  “Does she?” Melanie questioned. “You know, the doctor told her yesterday that she could go any time now. Twins. She said it’s not uncommon.”

  “She also told you everything looked good, right?”

  “Yeah, but…”

  “Would it be terrible if she went early?”

  “That’s almost a month early!” Melanie’s voice cracked.

  Marianne sensed Melanie’s unease was greater than she had realized. Michelle’s pregnancy had been uneventful for the most part. Truth be told, Marianne could tell that her sister was fatigued, uncomfortable, and nervous. Michelle’s way of handling all three was to deny she felt any of it and keep going. That had always been Michelle’s way of dealing with stress—throw herself into a project, make jokes, and avoid thinking about what was bothering her as much as possible.

  “She’s nervous,” Marianne said.

  “Not according to her.”

  “You know Shell. She talks a good game. If I were you, I’d get ready for those two little ones to arrive sooner rather than later.”

  “Why?” Melanie asked.

  “Call it intuition. Shell’s a bundle of energy when most women would want a nap.”

  “And you think that means she’s going to deliver early?”

  “I think it means Shell senses something.”

  Melanie turned pale. “Oh, God.”

  “Mel, relax.” Marianne giggled. “Shell’s at 36 weeks.”

  “Which is why she should rest. Doctor Bridges said 38 weeks is optimal.”

  Marianne tried not to laugh. Optimal for who? “Didn’t she also say 37 weeks was the average?”

  “Yeah. That’s why she hesitated to let Shell go to Pennsylvania. It was too much. Now, this—What if…”

  “Everything will be okay,” Marianne said.

  “I’m sorry, Marianne. I don’t mean to be dumping on you. You just lost your grandmother.”

  “And, you’re about to become someone’s mother. It’s okay. I get it. Believe me; I get it. Shell alone could make you nuts. Shell pregnant with twins? Hell, I’d saint you myself if I could.”

  Melanie laughed. “Thanks.”

  “What do you say you and I go raid JD’s beer?”

  “Think there’s any left?” Melanie asked.

  “I know where she hides the stash. It’s not far from Mom’s cookies.”

  “That didn’t sound good.”

  Marianne shrugged. “At least it’s not near the Bible.”

  ***

  Candace listened intently to the conversation taking place. She was interested to hear what her colleagues and her advisers were thinking. That did not mean that anyone’s perception would change Candace’s intentions. She would listen.

  “It hasn’t had any effect on the base—not from our polling,” Glenn offered.

  “No, but it hasn’t had any on Wolfe’s either,” Doug chimed. “And, right now he’s a sure bet to secure the nomination in California. So, we’re not getting any wind in our sails from it either. We’re running neck and neck for a general. I wish we knew who leaked this and why now.”

  “There’s got to be something we can float to tamp down interest in this story,” Glenn said. “Dana?”

  Dana cleared her throat. “I suggest we let it a have as much oxygen as it needs.”

  Candace smiled.

  “What?” Doug raised his voice. “Why? We’re not getting any messaging out right now with this taking up all the air.”

  “It’s only a few days in,” Dana replied calmly. “Let it run its course.”

  “Candy?” Doug asked for Candace’s support over the line.

  “I agree with Dana,” Candace said.

  “You can’t be serious,” Glenn said with disbelief.

  “I’m completely serious. Let it suck up the oxygen. The hotter it burns, the faster it will die out.”

  “Not if you don’t contain it,” Glenn argued.

  “It’s contained,” Candace said.

  “We must not be looking at the same papers,” he said.

  “Glenn, let it be. Dana is right. Let it consume itself or be consumed by the next big thing.” Candace looked up and saw Michelle as she walked through the door. She tilted her head curiously. Michelle looked a bit unsteady. “What else?” Candace asked.

  “You have a call with Reverend Gilford Sunday afternoon before the roundtable of local policing Monday,” Doug said. “We need his support.”

  “We’ll have it,” Candace said. “Is that it?” She kept her eyes on Michelle as Michelle adjusted her position in a chair.

  “I wonder if we should be asking you that,” Glenn
said. “I can’t help but feel there’s something you aren’t telling us.”

  “There’s always something I’m not telling you,” Candace quipped. “The question is whether you need to know it.” She chuckled when she heard an audible groan fly from both Glenn and Doug. “Stay focused and on track,” she said. “You let me worry about my job. You worry about yours. I’ll see you both Monday.” She disconnected the call. “Well, that went well.”

  “Sorry, I was late,” Michelle apologized.

  “You didn’t miss anything,” Dana said. “Believe me.”

  “Shell? Are you okay?” Candace asked.

  Michelle offered her mother an unconvincing nod.

  “Dana, would you…”

  “Sure. I should get home unless you need anything else,” Dana replied.

  “No, just keep your eyes on what we discussed.”

  “On it,” Dana promised. “See you later, Shell.”

  Michelle nodded, took a deep breath and released it.

  “Feel like telling me what’s going on?” Candace asked.

  “I’m not sure.”

  “Okay.” Candace made her way around her desk to Michelle. “Something’s bothering you.”

  “Just don’t say anything to Mel.”

  Candace’s brow shot up into her hairline. “Michelle, what is going on?”

  “I told you; I’m not really sure. I just… Mom…”

  Candace sighed. “Are you having contractions?”

  “I don’t know. Cramps. Kind of. It started a while ago. It’s probably all the water I drank.”

  Candace pursed her lips. “Possibly. How strong are they?”

  “Just uncomfortable.”

  “You need to tell Melanie.”

  “Mom, she’ll have me on the way to the hospital before I even get to say no.”

  “I’m not so sure that’s a bad idea.”

  “What?”

  “No offense, sweetheart, I can tell you aren’t feeling like yourself.”

  “You try having two bowling balls sit on your bladder.”

  Candace smiled. “I know you’re scared. You need to call the doctor.”

  “She’ll tell us to come in too.”

  “Maybe. Maybe not. And, if she does that is where you need to go.”