The receptionist escorts them to the conference room. While I wait, I scroll through my phone, looking for a dress for the Senate gala in New York.
An hour passes, and I’m down a rabbit hole of shoes and celebrity gossip about Angelina Jolie’s kids.
I check my email and see that Lisa sent over some apartment listings. I toss out seven of the ten. I’m taking a deep breath when they finally knock and re-enter, both wearing satisfied smiles.
A notification pops up on my phone from her. She’s informing me that I am strictly forbidden from wearing any dresses orsuits not designed by her. She’s already sent over a suitcase with clothes for every possible occasion.
Great, now I can go home and get my bags.
" Your Honor, we’ve reached an agreement. Everything is settled." Calama’s lawyer speaks up.
The prosecutor nods and sees himself out.
"Can I have a moment of your time?" Ryden asks. I gesture for her to take a seat.
"Ms. Calama asked me to pass along her best wishes for your new chapter in Washington." She hands me a small blue box with a silver ribbon.
"I don't accept bribes. And there’s no way she could know about my move to DC. I haven’t even signed the transfer papers yet." I push the box back toward her. She places her hand over mine, a sly smile playing on her lips.
I can’t tell if this lawyer is just exceptionally beautiful or if I’ve been single for far too long.
"Your Honor, it’s not a bribe. Ms. Calama didn't even use her own accounts to have this delivered. And she mentioned that your father would be very happy to see you in the capital."
How did she know about the transfer
With my curiosity peaking, I smile back at the lawyer and take the gift box.
"Thank her, and tell her that any actual attempt at bribery will land her in a cell." My voice is steady. She pulls her hand back and smiles as she stands to leave.
I swivel my chair away from the door. I carefully open the box to find a delicate necklace with a small white gold pendant. It’s a stunning gift from someone I’ve never spoken to someone who seems to know exactly where I’m going.
"I believe you’ll be seeing each other in DC. Have a safe trip, Your Honor." She nods and closes the door, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the weight of the pendant in my hand.
#7
"Me desculpa, mas eu não quero ter cuidado. Quero uma paixão de estragos, daquela que fingimos não querer" - Luisa Sonza and Baco Exu do Blues.
Moving to New York wasn’t a hard decision, and neither was waking up next to Julia. She was a submissive from the same BDSM club I used to frequent, just in a different state.
"Do you think he’ll like me?" Her voice was sleepy and drained, a clear sign that today wasn't the day for a second round.
"You’re perfect, don’t worry." I climbed out of bed in my boxers and threw on a robe to go have a smoke. "Just remember what we discussed."
"He’s a sucker for the chase. I got that much the last time we 'accidentally' ran into him. He even sent flowers to my office." I nodded. Frank had been circling Julia since our second date—a move I’d orchestrated specifically to put them in each other's path.
"And you’re playing your part perfectly. I have a briefing to get to. Head back to your room and I'll see you at the gala tonight." I returned her smile as I lit my cigarette and took a long drag. "I’ll send the hair and makeup team to your suite."
"Thank you, Ma’am. It’s my pleasure to serve you." She stepped closer, silently asking for permission. I slid my hand over her bare hip and kissed her, exhaling a cloud of smoke against her lips.
Once Julia left the suite, I pulled on a shirt and opened my laptop, establishing an encrypted connection. I waited for the prompts to clear, ensuring the line was secure before starting the call.
Giorgia appeared on the screen, looking sharp in a tailored suit with her hair in a side braid. Even when I knew she was relatively relaxed, it was always hard to know how to handle her. She could be many things, but normal wasn't one of them.
"It took you two days to return this call, Kelsey. Is everything alright?" I saw something moving rhythmically in her hand—likely a pen she was fidgeting with.
"Just travel logistics. I’m in New York for the party conference. Since it wasn't an emergency, I figured I’d spare you the interruption."
"The shipment arrived at the destination without a hitch. I’ll send the next dates disguised as accounting spreadsheets and payroll logs."
