A woman that Bella didn’t recognize wearing a doctor’s coat was standing in the doorway holding a clipboard. “The body has arrived,” she announced.
She must’ve have been Niyah’s new intern and sadly, the replacement for the intern that had been murdered. Her presence was Bella’s cue to leave. She was clearly in the way.
“I’ll leave you to it, Doc.”
Niyah nodded. “I’ll see you later.”
“Yes, later.” Bella left Niyah’s office, saying hello to her new intern on the way out. She didn’t know whether her friend was telling the truth or not, but one thing was certain: she’d be paying better attention moving forward.
CHAPTER 34
VICTOR
Victor stepped off the elevator swarmed by his campaign staff and the Secret Service. As he walked the long hallway of the Waldorf Astoria to his suite, he listened to Kena giving him a rundown of the week ahead. She was on maybe the fifteenth appointment when he realized she had only covered two days. A sigh was the most he could manage.
Seemingly, noting Victor’s apprehension, Kena offered a sympathetic smile. “It’s almost over.”
“I know,” Victor agreed with a nod. “But the press has been brutal.”
“Yeah, thanks to your raggedy-ass sister-in-law,” Kena grumbled. With a sigh, she closed her eyes and sighed, realizing that she was talking to her boss. “Sir, I’m sorry. That was out of line,” Kena apologized.
But Victor chuckled. “You were being kind. I can think of worse things to call my sister-in-law.”
“Governor, Senator Ballard hit it out of the park at the Phoenix townhall Q and A,” Nathan announced.
Victor smiled. He knew she would. He couldn’t have picked a better running mate.
Not only was Corrine Ballard a powerhouse on the senate floor, but much like Victor, she was a progressive conservative. The senator shared a lot of his views on most of the issues coming up in the campaign. She was well-qualified and unwavering when arguing on the floor. And it didn’t hurt that she was an attractive, black, married mother of four. She was strong and decisive, not at all intimidated by the racist rants hidden behind commentary from right-wing media outlets and social networks.
Renee cleared her throat to interject. “Yeah, she was great. But the temperature of the questions indicated that they’re gonna beat you upside the head on Right to Life, police reform, and some of your personal entanglements.”
“Nicole’s baby?” Victor grumbled.
“Not just that,” his press secretary warned. “There are still rumblings about a connection to Luca Savelli via Jack Storm.”
Victor blew out a frustrated breath. “I’ll handle this business with Nicole, but I have no comment about Jack Storm and Luca Savelli.”
“Yes, sir.”
When they reached the door to the hotel suite, Victor’s reach for the doorknob was intercepted by Greger, who, after the fastest training in history, had recently been assigned to his Secret Service detail. When a few agents entered to secure the suite, Victor turned to Kena. “See if you can get Jack Storm on the phone for me.”
“Will do,”
“In the meantime, sir,” Renee Griffin, Victor’s press secretary, interceded, “We must find a way to answer this question of paternity. Your sister-in-law is throwing a monkey wrench in this campaign.” Renee rolled her eyes. “Really,” she scoffed. “Refusing to allow her son to be tested until after the election!” Renee blew out a frustrated breath. “It’s sabotage pure and simple!”
Victor placed his hand on Renee’s shoulder and looked her in the eye. Renee didn’t often show anger, but Taylor’s sister has tested every ounce of his press secretary’s patience. “I got it handled, Renee. Give me a bit of time.”
Renee pushed her curly hair out of her face and nodded. “Okay. But I need a response sooner than later.”
“Yes, ma’am, I understand. I’ll have your response by this evening.”
Renee smiled and stepped aside, making room for Victor to enter the hotel suite. Once inside, his dream of laying his head on a pillow was dashed. His staff had created a small campaign office in the living area.
“You're up five points with black women, Governor,” Cammy, the pollster announced enthusiastically before he could put his briefcase down. “The good people of the United States don’t seem to care if you fathered a child with your wife's sister.
Victor cringed at the thought. “Good to know. Thanks,” he muttered as he made his way through a sea of campaign workers, fielding questions along the way.
A young man who Victor didn’t recognize handed him a stack of cue cards. “Debate prep,” he offered, noting Victor’s confusion.
