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“If there’s an ounce of truth to this rehearsed bullshit, then you need to get your ass back to Virginia and handle your business before it reaches back to Poppy. Leaving your wife, denouncing Presidential interest, all of it is going to send the piranhas hunting.” The thought solidifies my inclination to get back to Charleston so I can insulate Poppy from the backlash of Marco’s decisions.
“I’ve spent the last forty-eight hours making sure she will stay protected. These last eighteen months of my term will go on as if nothing is happening. I’ve secured a trustworthy team to help roll through our agenda. Karen’s pissed, but she will do nothing to jeopardize her reputation and standing. We will announce the split after I leave the office.”
“And Natasha?”
“I have handled her. And by handle, I mean she’s been stripped of all her positions and duties. This morning, I officially accepted her resignation as an advisor and wished her well on her journey to help build schools in Uganda.”
“Are you kidding me? That bitch gets off scot-free looking like a saint? She needs to be brought to her fucking knees.”
“I don’t disagree, but this was all about protecting Cait—Poppy,” he corrects himself. “In reality, Natasha will have to figure out her next steps by herself.”
“You’re throwing another daughter aside.”
He flinches, the guilt clear on his face. “No, I’m being a father. What Natasha did can’t be overlooked. Her actions are inexcusable, and for the first time in her life, she is facing repercussions. She not only hurt Poppy, but she also had legal action taken against our entire family.”
“So it’s about image?”
“No, Evin, it’s about Poppy. Someone will uncover those restraining orders, and it will pull Poppy into the spotlight. The trail leading back to her relationship with us will make news. For years, we’ve stuck with the story she was a performer in California. Another reason I worked my ass off to keep the focus on my work in the state and placating my skeptics.”
“You said you ensured her anonymity.” A knot coils low in my stomach at the chance she may be linked back to them after all this time.
“I did.”
“How?” Dante asks.
“Greasing palms and kissing babies never stops. It just gets more detailed,” he throws Dante’s words back.
“Go home,” I break in, crossing my arms.
Marco cuts his eyes to me. “Not without seeing—”
“I’m offering you a deal. Take today to dry out, sleep, clean yourself up, and do whatever you need to do. As soon as you’re on a plane, I’ll lift the protection orders on Karen and you. Natasha’s stays.”
“The restraining orders are a moot point.”
“It’s no question that I don’t like you, and if it was my choice, you’d never see or speak to Poppy again. That’s not my choice. It’s my wife’s. I’ll relay what you’ve shared, and she can decide how to proceed. Right now is not the time to force this on her. Go back to Virginia and resume your life to keep up appearances. Give Poppy some time to come to terms with all that’s happening and focus on her recovery. If you’re serious about anything you’ve said, time to prove it.”
He studies me, the familiar defiant glint of green in his eyes sparkling back at me. Poppy’s face crosses my mind, and I fight grinning at the image of her this morning. I focus back on the stare-down, knowing the instant I’ve got to him.
“My agreement to this doesn’t mean I’m conceding.”
“It’s not a concession to put Poppy’s wellbeing above your wishes.” I pull a business card out of my pocket, flicking it onto the table.
“There’s my compromise. If you want information, contact me. If Poppy has a problem with it, we’re done and this is over. No more blindsiding her. This is your only choice, take it or leave it.” My voice is firm and resolute, leaving no room for argument.
He sinks into the chair, slumping over and scrubbing a hand through his hair. When he looks up, his eyes are no longer defiant. They’re tortured. “I have no choice but to take it.”
“You have anything else?” I ask Dante.
His expression reflects how I’m feeling. He’s skeptical for a reason. Marco Bindel is a professional politician, but the man in front of us is broken. If his intentions are serious, there’s a good chance we’ll see him again.
“Yeah, I have a question. This all started with Isaac Blake, who was quick to turn on you and didn’t hold back his disgust. How the hell does he fit into the picture?”
Marco’s lips curl on one side, and he gives a satiric chuckle. “Isaac and I came to an understanding after the draft. His image and newfound fame were an excellent influence on my campaign. He’d broken up with Natasha, but he carried guilt over Caitlyn. I took advantage of that guilt. Once elected to the Senate, I carefully chose a handful of charities each year that he donated to generously. These charities are based on causes I felt Caitlyn would support. We also donate to the endowment for the arts at UNC. We both benefit mutually in our professions from the attention it attracts. To keep up the appearance of a strong relationship, I attend one of his games each season and he attends an event of mine. Outside of that, we rarely communicate.”
