“Perhaps,” Ashley said, instinct leading her to tell the truth. “Last night, what I thought was a courier package from my office turned out to be a prank. When I opened it, the head of a soft toy flew out and splattered me with red dye. I could throw out my clothes, but the ink stained my hair. I could’ve gone to a hairdresser to get my hair dyed back to the original color, but I’m busy with the campaign. The last thing I want is to cancel and disappoint people, so on the advice of a friend, I decided to display Labor party colorsandfix my hair.”
“You made lemonade out of lemons. What sort of toy was it?”
“That is correct, Mike. It was a dog. Is it time to discuss policies now? I’m eager to hear what my fellow politicians have to say.” She smiled at each of the men. The man standing nearest to her had clenched his teeth, and his return smile held strain.
“Quite so,” Mike said, and he launched the first real question of the debate.
When it was over, Ashley thanked Mike and the producer before walking over to join Josh, Nelson, and Gerry. “How did I do?”
Josh entwined their fingers and kissed her knuckles. The sizzle of heat no longer took her by surprise, but the parallel yearning gave her pause.
“Great job,” Josh said. “It was an even debate—at least between you and the National leader. All that matters is you answered the questions while sounding informed and intelligent.”
“Are you ready to leave?” Nelson asked.
“Yes.”
“Gerry will get the car and collect us outside at the front door,” Nelson said.
“What do you fancy for dinner?” Josh asked.
“I’ve been craving a cheese omelet and salad. Something that isn’t too heavy.”
“I’m terrible at omelets,” Josh said. “My last attempt turned into a burned, watery mass of rubber.”
“Then we’re lucky I’m the champion of all things egg.” Ashley wiggled her brows. “If you want to help, you can make the salad. Did you hear two New Zealand students won the World egg-throwing contest yesterday? They did a throw of sixty meters to beat the Canadian team.”
“You’re kidding,” Josh said.
“Nope. According to the students, they took a crack at it.” She laughed at her egg pun while Josh groaned.
Even staid Nelson’s lips twitched. His phone rang, his smile vanished, and he answered in his usual abrupt manner. “Yes.” He listened. “Car okay?” He paused. “Yeah, I’ll bring Ashley out now.”
“Something wrong?” Ashley asked.
“Someone tagged your vehicle while we were in here.”
Ashley closed her eyes, took a deep breath, but it didn’t halt the snakes of fear from writhing through her chest. “Let me guess.Murdereror something along those lines.”
“Not sure of the exact wording,” Nelson said.
“At least it’s dark and not many will see us on the way home.” Josh embraced her in silent comfort.
Ashley shivered, her feel-good mood dispersed with the call. “I wish I knew what I’d done to deserve this harassment. Have the police located Robert yet?”
Gerry pulled up outside the door.
Ashley grimaced at the blue paint and the slogan that saidVote National.“Charming. I should’ve kept my mouth shut about my hair color.”
Josh ushered her into the vehicle. “Two reporters heading this way, Ashley. Keep your head lowered, so they don’t get the money shot.”
“This is the part of politics I loathe,” she muttered as Josh joined her in the back. She ducked and pressed her face against Josh’s chest.
“You’re shivering,” he murmured.
“Yes.” His chest muffled her reply.
“Are both sides of the vehicle tagged?” Josh asked.
