I bury my face in my hands. Though it’s true, it’s something that hurt Abby deeply, and it has no place in a political campaign. It’s all I can do not to throw open the door and attack Carl.
“So what?” Jude says. “That’s got nothing to do with Reagan.”
“True,” Carl says, his tone smarmy. “But it does have something to do with Senator Preston. Apparently, he drove Abby to the clinic and wouldn’t let her leave when she said she couldn’t go through with it.”
That’s also true. Abby was inconsolable over the whole thing, and our parents told her an abortion was her only choice. They said it was best for her. She’s never forgiven herself for listening to them.
“Is that it?” Jude asks, his tone still bland.
“Is that it?” Carl repeats, incredulous. “It seems our family-focused senator forced his knocked-up daughter to get an abortion. This came from someone inside the clinic. It happened, Jude. We can hit the senator’s credibility with this, which will also hit Reagan’s.”
“No, I don’t want to.”
“Are you fucking kidding me?”
Jude raises his voice a little. “Do I look like I’m kidding? That’s got nothing to do with Reagan or this campaign. I’m not interested.”
“Don’t worry, your name won’t be anywhere near it,” Carl says.
“I said no, and I meant it. I’m not destroying Abby Preston for a few political points.”
I sigh softly, tears of relief burning my eyes. I couldn’t stand to see my sister hurt by my campaign. She’s a teacher with a serious boyfriend, and she doesn’t deserve to have a painful secret from her past dredged up by my political opponent.
“We’ll see how you feel when the election’s closer,” Carl mutters.
“I’ll feel the same. Better to lose with honor than win with deceit.”
“I think you’ll be interested in the other thing my guy dug up.”
“Why don’t we talk about it tomorrow?” Jude says. “I’m tired.”
Does he know I can hear the conversation? I wonder if he wants to spare the feelings of the woman he was just getting hot and heavy with or keep his campaign details from his opponent.
“It’s too good,” Carl says. “Back in her college days, Reagan apparently had itbad, likereally bad, for an older guy. A guy involved in politics.”
“That was a long time ago,” Jude says.
“Maybe. Maybe not. She could be having a long-term affair with a married guy or something.”
A few seconds of silence pass. “You think she’d do that?” Jude asks.
“That crazy bitch ain’t getting laid by no average guy,” Carl says. “She’s a man-eater.”
“Hey, watch your mouth,” Jude says. “Don’t be an asshole.”
“Well, would you fuck her? Shit, she’d probably argue the whole time.”
“Still being an asshole,” Jude says sharply. “And I don’t give a fuck about who she used to have a crush on in college.”
“It was more than a crush. This guy was her first. My guy found out from one of Reagan’s former sorority sisters. She was head over heels for him, and he broke her heart.”
“There you go, then. No long-term affair to chase after.”
“Our source says Reagan was determined to get him back. I think we should keep digging.”
“All right,” Jude says dismissively. “But anything you find comes to me for a final decision.”
“I have a feeling about this,” Carl says. “I think it could be the break we need to bring her down. Did you have someone in here? Why are two glasses on the table?”
