“Buthedid save their lives, sir?” the reporter shoots back.
“It was a group effort. Mr. Titan didn’t do it on his own,” Salizar says in a shaky voice and clears his throat. “There were a handful of us who fought by his side that day, even with our injuries, and not all of us made it out alive. He didn’t do anything special or heroic that day. He’s just a glory hog using the death of his fellow soldiers to gain a position in the American government that he doesn’t deserve.”
“So you’re calling him a liar?”
“If Jude Titan deserves a medal, then so do I.”
“Mr. Salizar, Carter Morris from theIllinois Observer. So you’re saying that the account from that night is inaccurate and that Jude Titan didn’t save the lives that night?”
“As I said before, I fought by his side that night. I did everything he did, yet I don’t have a medal. I’m not running for Senate. Jude Titan is just a poster child with a pretty face who’s using his experience for his own personal gain. He doesn’t care about anything or anyone but himself.”
There’s a murmur in the crowd, and I can’t listen to him talk anymore. I push open the sliding doors and step out onto my balcony. Carl’s phone has been ringing nonstop since he walked in, and soon mine starts to follow suit.
I reach for it, my heart pounding frantically in my chest with the hopes that Reagan is calling me. When I see it’s Jim, I hang my head but answer.
“What the fuck is up with Salizar?” Jim says quickly before I can even say hello.
I lean my body over the railing and grip the metal in my hand, trying to squeeze out my anger and frustration. “I don’t know. We knew he was an asshole when he started this shit years ago, but I never thought he’d come out during my campaign spouting the same bullshit that had already been put to bed.”
“He’s the glory hog in this entire ordeal.”
“Well, he’s talking, and the media is listening.”
“Don’t worry, Jude. The guys and I have your back. The text messages are coming in already, and we’re going to find a way to shut his mouth and prove you’re the man everyone thinks you are.”
“Jim, I appreciate the gesture. But I don’t want you guys exposed any more than you already have been. To relive that day is too painful for many of the guys. Just let things play out. I’m sure the media will find a new story to follow soon, and Salizar will quickly be forgotten.”
“You let me do what I need to do here, buddy. I’ll always have your back like you had mine. I know all the guys feel the same too.”
“Jim—” I say, but he cuts me off.
“Got to run. The other line is ringing, and I have plans to make.”
“Don’t,” I say, but it’s futile—he’s already hung up.
Carl’s chattering on the phone in the living room and pacing around my loft when I turn around. He started this mess. Releasing the photos of Reagan’s father was the flame that ignited the explosion today.
I promised Reagan the photos would remain hidden and the story buried. She fought back the only way she could—by trying to ruin my name in the same manner.
I don’t have an affair or a secret love child in my closet, but since I run on my honor and my word, it’s the easiest thing to try to destroy.
It isn’t the words of Salizar or the possible end of my candidacy that makes my chest ache—it’s the thought I’ve lost Reagan forever.
Chapter 26
I gripthe edges of the lectern, hoping to still my shaking hands. After a deep breath, I look right at the cameras and say the words to the gathered crowd of reporters that I can still hardly believe myself.
“Thanks for coming today. It is with a heavy heart that I announce I’m dropping out of the Senate race, effective immediately.”
There’s a collective gasp of surprise. Everyone thought I called this press conference to respond to the news of my father’s infidelity. It’s two days into my week-long break, and yesterday I told Lexi I needed to do this. I told the rest of my staff this morning.
Questions are hurled at me so fast I can’t make out a single one of them over the noise. I put up a hand for quiet and go back to my prepared statement.
“To my supporters: I’m deeply sorry I can’t finish what we started together. Your support has meant so much. Please know this is the right decision for me. I won’t be taking any questions or granting any interviews in the immediate future. Thank you.”
The questions are shouted out rapid-fire.
“Is this because of your father’s affair?”
