Josh stared, seeing her excitement, yet taking a beat to reconcile the words with what they meant. “You’re in charge?”
She nodded. “As of two hours ago. I’m so glad we booked late afternoon flights because I have a press conference at one.”
“Congratulations.” Josh grinned because her dream stood that much closer, although worry slid through him. As the leader of the opposition, she’d have a higher profile. She’d present a bigger target, and with the increased public appearances, his job to watch her had become more difficult.
Ashley threw her arms around Josh. “I’m so excited. This is such a big deal. I hope I can turn around the poll numbers.”
Josh hugged her back, still concerned, but not willing to share his disquiet where others might note her reaction. “You’ll be great. I know it. What does this mean for your workload?”
“It means I’ll be traveling more and campaigning countrywide instead of around Auckland. I have a proposed schedule, and I’ll get Robert to book the travel, hire a car, and organize accommodation where necessary.”
Josh nodded. “Are you ready to go now? Where is your press conference?”
“In front of the parliament buildings. The Beehive.” Ashley speed-talked and grabbed his forearm. “I’m starving. Can we have a sandwich and coffee?”
Josh slung his arm around her shoulders. “We can’t have your stomach grumbling loud enough for the reporters to hear.”
She grinned. “No, we can’t.”
The press conference took place with quick efficiency. Josh stood away to the side, close enough to get to Ashley, but most of those present were Labor Party supporters, curious tourists, and several bored reporters.
It didn’t take long before the reporters perked up. Geoffrey Turbott, the former party leader, announced his intention to step aside for the younger guard and announced Ashley Townsend was the new party leader.
“Did he say Legs?” a man standing near to Josh asked.
“Yeah.”
“That should make this campaign more exciting. It’s not a hardship to look at Ashley Townsend.”
Josh’s hands curled into tight fists even though he agreed with the man’s assessment. While her rise in the ranks thrilled Ashley, Josh saw problems keeping her safe. He needed to make a request for the Diplomatic Protection Squad to protect her now, given the threatening notes arriving so regularly. The members of the Protection Squad carried weapons while he couldn’t because of New Zealand’s current laws.
“Is it true you’re engaged?” a reporter asked.
“It is.” Ashley flashed her engagement ring.
“When will we meet your fiancé?” a female reporter asked.
“Just this once, since this is a day of new beginnings. Josh.” She turned to where he stood off to her right. “Josh, the reporters want to meet you.”
Josh snorted under his breath. For a woman who stressed minimizing lies to the press, she didn’t have a problem drawing attention to their engagement.
“How did you meet?” the female reporter asked.
“We met through my brother,” Ashley said.
“Have you set a date for the wedding?”
“Not yet.” Ashley gave a throaty chortle. “I’m busy for the next few weeks.”
Most people surrounding Ashley laughed, apart from one man in a gray suit. Josh scrutinized him, taking in the man’s tension. Although he’d fastened an impassive expression to his features, his sharp brown eyes gave away his turmoil. He was pissed.
Josh snapped a photo of Ashley with his phone before taking a clandestine one of the grim man.
Ashley continued answering the questions the press fired at her. The woman was in her element and offered smart, concise replies while sending a few zingers that made the reporters and cameramen laugh.
Finally, she wrapped up the session, and the crowd dispersed.
“You’re really doing this,” Josh murmured. “Frog will be so proud of you. Who is the guy in the gray suit? Do you know him?”
