“We haven’t set a date yet. Right now, I’m focusing on the campaign.”
“Do you intend to have children?”
“I love children,” Ashley said without hesitation. “Children are our future, which is why Labor is keen to implement changes to the education, early childhood, and community sectors.”
“If you’re prime minister, how do you expect to do your job while you’re pregnant or have children to look after?” the young man fired out.
Josh watched the guy closely, but the grins from the men and women sitting nearby suggested they knew him. He was a student rather than a physical danger to Ashley.
“I will do what any modern parent does—share parenting duties with my husband and hire help where necessary. You know, nobody asks these questions of our current prime minister because he’s a man. He has children, yet they never come into the conversation. The queen had children and continued with her duties. Why should I be called out as different? Know this. If or when I have children, I will give them the best care and as much love as I can. I will nurture and shape them into productive citizens, just as my parents did with me. I can, and I will carry on with my political duties. Whatever my job or my situation, I will give New Zealand and its people one hundred percent of my effort.” She removed her gaze from the young man and smiled, warmth and sincerity pouring from her in invisible waves. “That’s all the questions I have time for today. Thank you for listening to my vision for our wonderful country. Don’t forget to grab a handout as you exit. I trust you’ll exercise your right to vote on election day and hope it is one for the Labor party.”
The students broke into chatter then. Most stood and filed outside, many stopping to collect one of Ashley’s handouts. Josh remained where he was, scanning faces as the attendees left.
Once the room had cleared, Josh joined Ashley. Nelson and Gerry stood close, alert for danger or students who came too close.
When Ashley was ready to depart for her next speaking engagement, Nelson led the way, Josh walked at Ashley’s side, and Gerry followed.
“I’m surrounded by brick walls,” Ashley joked.
“It’s our job to maintain your safety,” Josh murmured. He frowned, experiencing a faint prickling at his nape. He surveyed their surroundings, attempting to discover the source of his unease. Nothing jumped out at him, but he noticed Gerry’s scowl as he too scrutinized faces.
“Ashley. Ashley! Can we have a quick chat?” A female reporter waved her hand, and Ashley’s steps slowed.
“I can give you five minutes.” Ashley softened her words with a smile. “After that, I must leave to reach my next engagement.”
“Social media has been flooded with posts. Is it true you killed one of your friends?”
Ashley’s cheeks paled, but her smile remained intact. “When I was eighteen, the passenger in the car I was driving died when we crashed into a tree. That part is accurate, and there isn’t a moment when I don’t wish my friend was here with me today. The part that isn’t true is your implication I’m a murderer. I was young, and I made a mistake. I paid for that mistake by losing my best friend.
“Along with that, I paid fines, lost my driving license, and did community service. I suggest you do your research instead of relying on fake news from social media.”
Ashley stalked off, leaving the female reporter gaping like a fish struggling to breathe out of water. The reporter spoke to her cameraman, and they trotted after Ashley. Gerry and Nelson pushed them back when the reporter attempted to ask further questions.
Josh slid in beside Ashley, his senses still jumping in preternatural awareness. Ashley’s stalker was here in the crowd, watching. He was smart about it, though, and Josh couldn’t spot him. He waited until Nelson and Gerry sat inside the vehicle.
“Did you see anyone?” Josh asked.
“No,” Gerry barked, frustration tightening his stubble-covered jaw.
“He’s here.” Nelson scanned their vicinity. “I can sense him, but damn if I can spot him.”
* * * * *
He trembled, his anger a tangible thing. Her minders might give her the illusion of safety, but Ashley Townsend should think again.
He refused to give up.
His plan was working. He’d rattled Awful Ashley with his notes. Invading her home had upset her too. While the new security alarm might stop him rifling through her underwear, it wouldn’t stop him from achieving his goal.
She was frightened.
The online posts had caused talk, provoked curiosity.
He’d caught part of her talk about bullies.Bah!If she thought this was bullying, she’d whimper at what was to come.
An old scar on the top of his hand reminded him of the past, of punishments, the withholding of treats and privileges. No, the bitch didn’t understand what it was to be persecuted and punished for something someone else done.
She believed she’d paid for the crime.
