“No problem,” Camden said as he eyed the white and gray marble covering the entryway and leading into the next room. Cold, stark, not to his taste—which ran to casual and comfortable—but typical of some actors who liked to show off a bit.
Shoes removed, Bennett led them past the kitchen which put Camden in the mind of a marble vault complete with a huge sarcophagus in the center with an offering of fruit in a cut-glass bowl that probably cost a month’s paycheck. He’d seen dozens of kitchens like this and always wondered how much cooking actually went on in them. He couldn’t see Elena working in a space like this, even though her food deserved a palatial kitchen.
Bennett ushered them into a den off the kitchen that at least had warm wood floors and paneling, with a view of the pool in the manicured backyard.
“Have a seat. Can I offer you guys something to drink?” He gestured at a glass-doored mini-fridge. “I’ve got sports drinks, bottled water, beer if you’re so inclined. Coffee’s in the kitchen and still hot.”
Camden glanced at Jake. “Coffee’d be great.”
“Same,” Jake said.
“Cream and sugar if you’ve got ’em,” Camden added to give them extra time alone.
“Can do.” Bennett left and Camden waited until he was out of earshot before leaning toward Jake.
“I checked, but…Bennett’s bank account really covers the monthly nut on this place?”
“This, plus the kids’ private school makes it tight, but yeah, it does. His wife’s some sort of trust fund baby, but her money goes for her stuff only.”
“Doesn’t leave much margin for error does it?”
Jake shook his head. “Nope. He totally relies on contributions for his campaign because he doesn’t have a penny of his own money to spare for it.”
Bennett returned, carrying a tray with three coffee cups, a pitcher, and a bowl of sugar cubes. “Jake, it’s good to see you again. How’s your mom?”
“Real good, thanks for asking. She’s a fan of your work.”
“That’s great, as long as she’s a bigger fan of my campaign than my acting.”
Jake laughed. “She likes what you’re proposing about healthcare.”
Bennett took a seat across from Camden and Jake. “I’d love to get her input, actually.”
“I’ll let her know.” Jake sipped his coffee. “There’s a Bette’s Backyard Bash coming up, maybe I can wrangle you an invite.”
Bennett smiled wide. “I’d love one. I’ve never been to one of her parties.”
Excellent, Camden thought, glad that he’d thought to bring Jake along. Though he’d never used his friend for his connections, he saw how handy they were coming in at Watchdog.
“Nice place you got here,” Camden said as he grabbed a mug, dropped in a sugar cube, and splashed in a drop of half and half after it.
“Thanks. It’s Cici’s house, she just lets me live in it,” Bennett joked, though good-naturedly. His tone and the light in his eyes told Camden the man adored his wife. Camden had seen Cici at a few events but hadn’t talked to her. She seemed to be in love with her husband, supportive and good-natured.
“I’ll have to complimentheron the house, then,” Camden took a sip of his coffee.
“She’s in and out all day today, but we might see her when she drops off the kids before she goes to her next meeting. This afternoon’s the one on free daycare for all, I think.” Bennett chuckled.
“Actually, it’s affordable housing,” Jake said, and Bennett raised his eyebrows.
“When you hired Watchdog and gave us your family’s schedules, we memorized them,” Camden explained. “We like to know where everyone is at all times, especially since we don’t have guards on them yet, and it slows us down if we have to constantly check a calendar.”
Bennett grinned. “You’ve got the job as my personal assistant too if you want it.”
Camden smiled. “Think I’ll stick with personal bodyguard for now. So, can you tell us more about what you need from us?”
Bennett’s grin faded and the man became serious for the first time since they walked in. “I never thought I’d need something like this, back when I was acting. I didn’t have a rabid fan base like some of my co-stars. Never felt like I was being stalked or anything like that. When I got recognized, people were always cool about it. But now that I’ve decided to run—and yes, I do want to go for the presidency eventually, but that doesn’t leave this room—I’m feeling uneasy.”
Camden and Jake exchanged looks. “Why is that? Has someone approached you in a threatening manner? Any emails or phone calls?”
