Page 19 of The Devil Goes to Washington

“Let’s talk about the upcoming schedule. We have the event at the French Ambassador’s Residence next week. But Michael, now that you’re on the ‘short-list’, we need to increase your visibility as a family. Is Evelyn on any committees yet? That could help. Maybe she could meet you for lunch to show off more of that couple vibe from last night.” Sabrina rattled ideas off, while Ethan and Blake nodded in agreement.

“Evelyn’s calendar should be wide open. Although participating in committees wasn’t part of the agreement.” Michael reminded them.

“Just tell her what to do and she’ll jump to it,” Heath stated in the blasé manner of their fathers.

“What kind of caveman attitude is that?” Meghan jumped up and shouted into the speaker.

“Admit it. It’s what you all want.” Heath leaned back and flicked his hand as if to brush off Meghan’s concern.

“Watch yourself, Counselor. This is a professional meeting and you are not required to be present,” Sabrina warned.

“Noted, ma’am,” Heath responded, not sounding apologetic.

The others may have been surprised by Heath’s attitude, but Michael knew it to be the true man. The question on Michael’s mind was what had caused the crack in the usually perfect facade.

“You might want to look at Evelyn’s calendar before you start scheduling anything.”Meghan handed Michael an electronic tablet.

“What are these blocked-out spots on her itinerary? Some are daily, others weekly.” Michael swiped through the weeks, finding the pattern consistent.

“I don’t know. She’s very good at slipping away unnoticed,” Meghan shrugged.

“You are supposed to be keeping track of everything!” Michael banged his fist in emphasis, making everyone startle.

“This is easy enough to figure out.” Always resourceful, Blake shared his screen showing the popular tabloid site. “Here we go.”

The images switched to a collection of Evelyn. Michael watched as Blake sorted the sightings into chronological order.

“Right. Give me the first date we’re looking for.”

“She has something every Thursday at 11 am.”

“Probably a lover’s tryst considering it seems to be the same day and time each week,” Heath commented.

“Here she is with Micah, walking into an office building.” Blake enlarged a picture. “It’s a medical building.” He switched to another photo.

“Can you zoom in on the placard in that last pic?” Michael requested.

“It’s a pediatrician?” Ethan asked, as surprised as Michael.

“This scam of hers gets more and more convoluted. I wonder how this will tie into her plans to get more money out of you.” Heath brought the suspicion back to Michael’s mind.

“Have you considered an alternative theory?” Meghan suggested.

“Ha! She has taken you in! You forget that I know all about her lying and conniving ways. I even have the pictures to prove it. It’s just a matter of waiting her out.” Michael ridiculed his assistant’s gullibility.

“Why are you so convinced she is out to get you?”

“Because she dumped his ass as soon as she thought he wasn’t useful anymore and found herself another meal ticket.” Heath blurted. Michael was astonished to hear Heath sharing his personal story without permission, but more shocking was that the version had changed, painting Evelyn in an even darker light.

“Man, that’s brutal.” Ethan sympathized.

“Did you want to look at anything else?” Blake asked, ready to get the meeting back on track.

“What about the daily visits?” Heath supplied.

“Here’s the latest shot from just a couple of hours ago.”

“That’s a lot of boxes!”