Page 9 of Power of Shadow

“I’ve never... I swear! I love them. I would never...” The first tears roll down his round face, his lower lip trembles, and immediately afterward, sobs shake his whole body.

“Shhh...” I whisper, putting my finger to my lips. “This can be our secret. No one needs to know. You already aware what you have to do tomorrow.”

There’s a moment of silence. I’m generous enough to give him something precious. “Think it over. Sleep on it, ironically. I expect you to make the right decision and tomorrow, when I’m drinking my morning coffee and watching the news, I’ll find confirmation of that.”

With that, I turn on my heel. I don’t want to look at this tearful, snotty moron who brought this on himself.

Before I open the door, I turn and say, “Oh, and one more thing. It’s nothing personal, Mr. Vice President. I wouldn’t want to come back to haunt you if you don’t keep your mouth shut.”

Chapter 2

Ashley

The switched-on TV draws my attention, and the latest news is being reported in hushed tones. Something has happened that has caused quite a stir in the country.

“Can you turn it up?” I ask, staring at the screen.

“Sure,” Zoe says.

The announcer’s words flow from the speakers.

“...is silent. As we know, he resigned this morning. Vice President Winston Cartwright refuses to give a reason for his decision. Word on the street is his wife Elisabeth’s health, but others claim it’s a political strategy. Unfortunately, we don’t yet have any confirmed information. We’re currently awaiting an official press statement, which is expected in less than fifteen minutes. Hopefully, this will shed some more light on the whole situation. Stay with us; we’ll keep you updated on events.”

The video shows the former vice president silently walking down the hall, under security’s watch, as the announcer speaks.

“That’s strange,” Zoe comments.

“Yeah, I agree. Nobody quits a job like that without any warning. It’s irrational.”

“I wonder what really happened. God knows that damn politics is choking on its own lies.” But then, excited, almost jumping in her chair, she changes the subject. “So… How was it?”

My thoughts return to last night.

The rhythmic click of my high heels perfectly mirrored the nervous beating of my heart. I was so pissed off at the time that there was no way it was going to slow down.

For my safety, I should’ve called a taxi or an Uber. Walking by yourself in Los Angeles might have a fatal outcome. Meanwhile, I marched alone, surrounded by a warning aura of “don’t come near me or I’ll kick your ass.”

A wicked smile spreads across my face. I actually kicked his ass.

And I don’t regret it. He absolutely deserved it.

So, last night I had a date.

Is it too much to ask for one nice evening in the company of a charming man? What more could a girl want after almost six months of celibacy?

Well, maybe it’s too much.

Not only was the evening anything but nice, but the guy wasn’t charming either. Correction. He was charming when complimenting himself, completely excluding me from the fun. Before the waiter could give me a second glass of wine, I was already bored. And then it only got worse.

Zoe’s words make me face reality. “Come back for a second, because I’m confused. You went on a date with Dan, or Zan, or whatever his name is, the one you were so into. So how on earth—”

“Honestly, Zoe… How is it possible we share the same genes? Even though you’re incredibly smart, sis, you can be so clueless at times,” I say in disbelief.

“Oh, shut up. It’s not my fault it’s hard to keep up with you.”

I take a sip of coffee. “My date with Bane was a product of a hormonal imbalance, not sound judgment. That’s for sure.”

“Talk about great timing,” she comments and snorts.