Page 53 of Tempting God

“The suite you were in is empty, well, except for your mother.”

“Is she…”

“Dead.”

Hannah lets out a small laugh. “I feel like I should be sad or something.”

“Was she a good parent?”

She shakes her head, and, fuck, can I relate.

“Then you don’t owe her anything, including feeling sad that she’s gone.” I pause. “Is there anyone I should call?”

“No one. My Dad is in Oklahoma, and I don’t want him to come here just for this.”

“As I said before, I will stay with you for as long as you need.”

“Thank you.” She peers at me. “You never said why you were here, in Miami.”

“Fundraising,” I answer, loosening my black tie. “It’s getting down to the wire and Senator Ryans is proving to be a tougher opponent than expected.”

“Well, you have my vote, if that makes you feel better.”

“It does.” A thought crosses my mind. “Tell me, Hannah. Does it change your opinion of me, as a voter, that I’m unmarried?”

“I guess I haven’t thought about it much.”

“I didn’t think it would matter, but I’ve been told by my team that it does, indeed, matter.” I gesture to Somya and Corbin. “They’ve reminded me repeatedly.”

“It shouldn’t matter…”

“No, it shouldn’t. But I have a feeling it’s going to become my main obstacle before too long.”

“Did Brooks tell you what Senator Ryans said to me?”

I shake my head.

“He called me, threatening me. Said he heard I was going to plan your wedding. Ironically, his threat is what pushed Brooks and I to get married so quickly.”

That and the fact that Brooks has loved Hannah for years. I don’t voice this thought.

I ask, “Why on earth does he think you’re planning my wedding?”

“That’s what I said, but he must have gotten his information from somewhere.” She pauses, as if she’s choosing her words. “Brooks said the Brotherhood likes their members to be married. Could someone higher up be planning something that you are unaware of?”

My mind goes to the one person who could pull off something like this without my knowledge.

Charles Blanc.

“Fucking hell. Yes, that is very possible. It’s also possible that my team is in on it, too.”

“I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news.”

“No, this isn’t your fault. I should have seen it coming.” I straighten my shoulders. “I’ll do my duty for the Brotherhood and for my country.”

There’s a loud knock that interrupts the conversation.

Hendrix looks through the peephole and says, “It’s Mr. Henderson and Mr. Moretti, sir.”

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