“Of course I can. When did she want to get together?”
“Tomorrow evening, if possible? At transition headquarters.” He laughs. “Also known as ‘Chaos Central,’ or ‘Kev’s Fifth Ring of Hell.’”
“Is Fullmer’s crew being difficult with the transition?”
“Not particularly, but we’re almost at the finish line now. So, eight p.m. work for you? Bring your husband, too, if he can make it.”
I pull out my work phone. “Hmm. The time works, I think. I’ll let you know if I can’t make it. But if we’re talking shop, I’d rather not involve Daniel. I don’t want any hint of conflict arising.”
“Ah, got it. No worries. I’ll touch base with him through Effings’ office.”
“Anyone else going to be there?”
“We’re reaching out to a few lawmakers who we think might be amenable to working with us. From both parties. We want to map out all our best options now, before there’s even more press scrutiny on us.”
“Smart.” He verifies he has my work and personal cell numbers before parting ways with me. I continue on to my office, where I find the usual controlled chaos of a first day already in full swing. My chief of staff follows me into my office, going through my morning schedule with me as she also issues orders to others and is probably juggling her own metaphorical chainsaws.
The swearing in is the biggest event of the day, of course. Coffee is put in my hands, my morning meeting is taken care of, and I’m pointed in the direction of the swearing in when the time grows close.
I’m not being sworn in, because I wasn’t newly elected or re-elected. And we have to go through two swearing in ceremonies, the official one after credentials are presented to the Senate, and then a re-enactment in the Old Senate Chamber, so pictures can be taken, because we have stupid procedural rules that prohibit photography in the Senate Chamber.
Yeah, I don’t get that part, either. It’s a pain in the fucking ass.
I take a moment to stop by my hideaway office. I’ve already laid down the law that if I’m there, I don’t want to be disturbed except for emergencies. Only my chief of staff and my husband are allowed to have access unless I summon a staffer there.
I say it’s because it’s small, and if I’m there I’m probably trying to work, or talk to someone, but mostly I made the declaration to prevent anyone stumbling across me and Daniel getting hot and heavy in there during lunch hour or something. In my little windowless hideaway I have a sofa, a small desk, and a chair. Not even a fancy chair.
I also have a small TV, because I’m not an animal.
The door has a secure lock, and the office is only a few steps from a private bathroom.
In other words, it’s the perfect rendezvous office for me and Daniel to enjoy the hell out of.
Believe me, I plan on enjoying it.
Smiling, I lock the door after me and head downstairs to the Senate Chamber. There, I get waylaid outside the entrance by the senior senator from California, who wants to talk about co-sponsoring a bill with him. Once we wrap that up, I’m about to head inside again when I feel…something.
Like a pair of eyes are devouring me.
I immediately dismiss that sensation, until I approach the door and then glance back.
Which is a mistake, because I nearly walk into the doorframe.
But…
As I stand there frozen in place, staring, I see recognition—and dare I say more?—in the pair of blue eyes staring back at me.
“Hello, Liam,” he softly says, and I am truly struck speechless.
Ward.
It’s Ward Callahan.
