“The girl suggested the blue cod.” Stephen moaned around a mouthful of fish. “This is delicious. The batter is crisp while the fish is tender.”
Watching the man eat and hearing his growls of appreciation pushed Robert’s buttons. With a trembling hand, he took a big sip of wine. It tasted different. He frowned before deciding the deep-fried food had probably coated his taste buds. He took another sip. Tasted fine.
Halfway through his meal, Robert yawned. His eyes had become heavy.
Stephen caught him with his eyes closed. “You’re exhausted. I was right. That bitch is working you to the bone.”
“No,” Robert protested, his tongue thick and the word coming out garbled.
“That does it,” Stephen said. “I’m taking you home right now.”
Robert didn’t offer a protest. His head swam, and his limbs trembled. He remained seated while Stephen hastily packed up everything.
“Your computer. Do you turn it off too?”
“Yes,” Robert murmured. “I’ll do it.” He tried to stand, and his legs failed him.
“I’ll tend to everything,” Stephen said. “Let’s get you into the car first. Then I’ll do a quick cleanup here. We don’t want your office stinking of fried food.”
Stephen helped him to stand and supported him during the walk to the car. He’d been fine. Robert couldn’t understand what was wrong with him. He’d worked long hours before. Perhaps the late nights were catching up on him, and Stephen was right. He wanted the Labor party in power again. The long hours were worth it if he could be a part of that happening. Ashley—she was a marvel. She’d swung the polls and was handling the press with grace and ease. She was blooming before his eyes. When her fiancé had turned up, he’d worried the man might split her focus. Robert’s fears had never realized, and he was starting to admire the man. It took a special someone to wait in the background.
Stephen.
Robert smiled as Stephen settled him in the passenger seat. He thought he might’ve found his exceptional home support too. Stephen would be perfect once he got over his strange dislike of Ashley.
14 – Booby Trap
“You’re certain that’s your assistant’s writing on the parcel?” Nelson asked.
“Positive. I’d recognize his scrawl and distinctive loops anywhere. Look, this is stupid. It’s probably campaign stuff he wanted me to have on hand. I told him I might not make it to the office in the morning.” Ashley brushed past Nelson. “I’ll open it. You’ve confirmed there’s no suspicious ticking.”
“Wait,” Josh said. “Let me cut the tape. Then, you can lift the lid and retreat if something is odd.”
Ashley huffed. “You’re behaving like a bunch of old women.”
“That’s our job,” Gerry said drily. “To keep you alive.”
“I’ll sayI told youso once I prove the parcel is harmless.”
Josh sent her a look reminiscent of one Matt might give her. A wave of shame engulfed her.
“I’m sorry. I’m acting like a brat. It won’t happen again. Josh, do your thing and open it for me. I’ll stand back here.”
Josh collected a sharp knife from the kitchen. With a steady hand, he sliced the tape. After setting the blade aside, he lifted the lid off the box and peered at the contents.
Unable to stand the suspense, Ashley edged closer. “What is it?” she asked.
Josh straightened. “You’re right. It’s political brochures.”
Ashley frowned and edged close enough to see. “That’s strange. Why would Robert send me these?” She plucked the top bundle out to study them. Something burst from inside the box and flew at her. She screamed and jerked as a hard object struck her head. Liquid streamed into her eyes.
Josh seized her and pulled her away to safety.
The DPS officers converged on the box to survey the contents.
“Hold still,” Josh ordered. “Let me check your head.”
“W-what hit me?”
