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That’s when I see Carter walking up the steps to the deck that leads to my front door.
His motorcade is quietly waiting for him in my driveway.
“We need to talk, Liam,” Carter says. “I think we need to figure out a way to fix this now that they’ve started attacking Vivian.”
I nod. And smile—slightly.
“I’m willing to work with you if it means protecting Vivian,” I say to him. I mean it.
I was angry at Carter for talking down at me. But I can’t let anger cloud the…love…I feel for her.
“I think I would agree if you said, ‘We’re going to make those fuckers sorry they ever fucking bothered to fuck with us’,” Carter says with a smile.
“What the fuck? You think I’m 12 years old or something, Carter?” I ask with a smile.
“No,” Carter says, extending his hand.
“But I’m willing to work with you to find a solution to this mess. Because I can’t the two of you out of my head.”
It’s a good sign if we’re already thinking the same fucking thing.
Carter walks inside. We’re going to have a lot of talking to do.
28
Vivian
I’m staring out of the window as the car cruises through NY traffic. It’s rush hour, and I should be using the time to go through the dozens of emails sitting in my inbox. Or maybe I should return a few phone calls and try to find a foothold in this New Kingston debacle. But tired as I am, all I do is look out the window, taking in the moving view of the city.
The sidewalks are full with people going on about their day, the intricate Albany politics nothing more than a footnote to their personal lives. It never ceases to amaze me how the fate of millions are decided by a handful of people, and how little everyday Americans actually care about it. But that’s why people like me exist; as a Senator, it’s my duty to carry their burden, doesn’t matter how heavy.
Of course, that’s also Liam’s and Carter’s burden. Governor, Mayor, Senator—it really doesn’t matter what they call us, what matters is that we exist to serve. Too bad that everyone has their own definition of service, and that’s exactly why we’re all sharpening knives even though we’re on the same team.
“And here we are,” my driver says, looking at me through the rearview mirror. He reaches for the handle of his door, ready to go around the car and open my door, but I just wave him away.
“Don’t worry, Bill,” I smile at him, clutching my briefcase to my chest as I open the door. “Have a good evening.”
“Likewise, Senator,” he responds merrily, changing the radio station to something more to his liking. By the time he settles on a station, I’m already standing on the sidewalk. I turn toward the entrance to my apartment building and I freeze. I have to blink twice in order to make sure that what I’m seeing isn’t a hallucination.
Carter and Liam stand in front of the door to my apartment building, talking in a hushed tone. I walk toward them as fast as I can, a panicky feeling growing inside my heart. These two are prone to share words and fists, and I want to get between them before that happens.
“What’s going on?” I ask them as they turn toward me. Liam has his usual smirk on his lips, but Carter is donning a smile as well. I’m taken aback by their easiness, and I look from one to the other, trying to get an answer to my question.
“Here she is!” Liam says, glancing at Carter. “Right on time.”
“We were just talking about you,” Carter continues, a serious but carefree expression on his face, if that’s even possible.
“About me? What’s going on, guys?” I repeat, looking from one to the other. They remain in silence, but finally Carter reaches for the building’s door and pushes it back.
“Why don’t we get inside? Before anyone decides to start snapping pictures.” I nod, and walk past the two men. They follow after me, still in silence, and I call for the elevator.
“You’re not punching each other, so I guess that’s a good sign,” I tell them, leaning against the marble wall as I wait for the elevator.
“Smart as always, Senator,” Liam says in a mocking tone, folding his arms over his chest. I open my mouth to respond, but I’m cut short by the sudden ding of the elevator doors; they open and the three of us step inside. I press the button to my floor, and in a couple of seconds, we’re being carried all the way to the top.
“So, what’s this all about?” I start, anxiety making me eager for answers. I look from one to the other, my heart beating fast as I realize I’m all alone with them.
“This… This is about doing the right thing,” Carter says, taking one step toward me. I look him in the eyes, not really sure of the meaning behind his words. I turn to Liam, but he simply nods at me, agreeing with Carter.
