I help him on with the harness—a move we practiced this morning—and he shrugs back into his jacket. “Rafael is…difficult. But he is a master of political strategy. Without him, Manuel and President Garcia would never have been elected.”
“Well, if he keeps talking down to you, he’s going to get a black eye.” I start to protest, but he quickly adds, “After the election.”
“Do I look all right?” I ask, smoothing my hands down my blouse.
He cups the back of my neck, his eyes locked on mine. “You’re perfect.”
The first sliver of excitement stirs deep inside me. Rallies are overwhelming—even frightening. But there is no better feeling than hearingmywords inspire people.
“Come. Manuel and the rest of the staff will be waiting.”
* * *
“Finally,”Rafael says under his breath as Leo and I enter the locker room. Manuel stands in front of a full-length mirror while his stylist—a point of contention between him and Rafael—brushes lint from his jacket.
“Mr. Vice President, are you certain you do not want the light blue shirt?” the man—I think his name is Michael—asks.
“Yes. Now leave me alone. If I do not have a few moments to myself before the speech, I will be no good to anyone.”
The stylist throws up his hands. “I will be waiting at the end of the tunnel, sir. For any last-minute needs.”
Cortez steps off a wooden box in front of the mirror and turns to the rest of the staff sitting on benches around the room. “We have come far, my friends. You have all worked miracles over the last six months. I would not be here without you, and I am grateful,” he says with his hand over his heart, “so very grateful. On Sunday, we will celebrate our victory. For Panama!”
Everyone applauds, even Leo. He leans close to whisper in my ear. “How much of that was you?”
“None of it.” Smiling as Manuel makes his way around the room to shake everyone’s hand, I explain. “What you hear outside? That is me. But this? Manuel was born to lead. In almost six years, I have never seen him be anything but genuine.”
“Domina. And…Leo, is it?” Cortez asks when he reaches us. He offers Leo his hand, and the two share a brief, intense look. “Thank you for coming.”
“Wouldn’t have missed it,” Leo says. “And for what it’s worth, Mr. Vice President, if I were a citizen, you would have my vote.”
“You are too kind. I am afraid I must leave you now so I can take a few moments to prepare, but my staff is gathering at Estrella Brillante after the rally for a small celebration. I do hope you can join us there as well.”
Rafael edges his way between Manuel and Leo. “The coach’s office has been readied for you.” He snaps his fingers, and one of the aids rushes in with a thermos—Manuel prepares for speeches with lemon ginger tea he brings from home. “Domina and herguestcan make their way to the staff box.”
His dismissal stings, and Leo tightens his grip on my hand. “After the election,” he grumbles. “That prick is going to—”
“He will be the communications director for the President of Panama,” I hiss.
“On election night, then. Before the winner is declared but after the polls close.”
I stare at him, certain he must be joking, but his expression is deadly serious. “Leo, you cannot. Rafael is harmless. And very good at his job. Ignore him. Please?”
He sighs, slides his hands up my arms and presses a kiss to my forehead. “For you, I’ll give him a pass. But he damn well better start treating you with more respect.”
My heartbeat quickens. This is what a relationship should be. Leo cares for me. Since the moment we met, he has done nothing but try to protect me. From Daniel Pinzon, from whoever broke into the campaign offices, even from Rafael.
“You okay, baby?” Leo asks.
He’s so concerned, and I smile up at him. “I did not expect…you.”
“Me? I don’t understand.” He drapes his arm around my shoulders and guides me out of the locker room. The crowd cheers from the stands as one of the other speakers finishes.
The rest of the staff—all but Rafael—pour into the tunnel. Larissa grabs my arm. “Comeon, Domina! We need to get to our seats.”
Omar and Tomas flank us. I glance over at Leo and mouth,“Sorry.”
“We’re finishing this conversation later,” he says with a chuckle.
