Page 57 of Oathbreaker

Always one step behind.

I release the tension in my neck, allowing my head to drop back against the headrest.

“Holy shit,” Max says, his voice several octaves higher than usual. He jumps up from his seat, and when he does, chip crumbs cascade from his lap.

Moving to the side table, he grabs the thin television remote.

“What now?” Leo asks Max, running his hand over his prickly jaw.

Max lets out a dark chuckle. “Well, you’ll see,” he says, flipping to CNN.

“Mr. Winthrope, thank you for joining us today,” the blonde newscaster says. She sits at a large U-shaped desk built for television. Although the seating arrangement allows for multiple guests, the only ones on the screen are the show host, Morris Winthrope, and Blair.

“Thank you for having me, Addison,” Morris says, smiling brightly. He wears a blue tie and a gray suit. Next to him, Blair looks poised in her complementary dress and muted lipstick.

“Mr. Winthrope, it’s an exciting time at Winn Corp. Today you announced that you’re stepping down as CEO and chairman of the board for the company your father began more than five decades ago. This news came as a shock to the nation, especially to your shareholders, who described the news as ‘blindsiding.’ What do you have to say about this development?”

Morris’s face is impassive as he stares the newscaster down while she speaks. “Well, Addison, the truth is that Winn Corp. is stronger than ever. Our profits are record-breaking, the company morale has never been higher, and we’re more efficient than ever. So while I’m taking a step back to focus on the most important things, including family, I’m doing so with the company in the strongest position possible.”

Morris smiles again, and the manufactured look on his face turns my stomach.

“I see,” Addison replies, a sly smile on her face. “Speaking of family, Miss Winthrope, I believe congratulations are in order?”

Blair preens. “Yes, thank you. I’m very excited.” My mother’s ring flashes on her finger.

“Of course, we’re talking about your upcoming nuptials to Hunter Brigham, CEO of BwP Technologies. Tell us about your fiancé. How did you meet?”

“Well, Hunter and I have known each other since we were kids. We attended the same school, and our parents have been friends for many years.”

Blair has the audacity to become misty-eyed. “Hunter is one of my best friends. What started out as a companionship has turned into love.” Blair sighs. It’s a gentle expulsion of air. “I’m so happy he asked me to marry him.”

She smiles at Addison.

Addison returns a look filled with adoration. “That’s so lovely, Blair. Mr. Winthrope, I’m sure this is what you mean by ‘stepping back to focus on family,’ yes?”

Morris leans into his daughter’s shoulder. “Indeed, Addison. My Blair here will be tying the knot with Hunter in three short months.” Morris turns to look at Blair. “And I hope not too long after that, I can welcome in some grandkids.”

“Dad,” she says, blushing.

“Do you hear that, Hunter?” Morris says, looking toward the camera.

Except when it pans to a spot off the set, I double over with the wind knocked out of me.

Standing there in a suit is...me.

“What the actual motherfucking hell!” Leo shouts, rushing closer to the screen until he’s inches from my digitized face.

The Hunter on the screen laughs, though the sound is muted. He waves off Morris’s words and blows a kiss to Blair. When they pan back to the Winthropes, she pantomimes catching it.

“Well, I can tell you now that America will love this love story,” Addison says, leaning closer to Morris. “Now, you know I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the murmurings floating around Washington about you, Mr. Winthrope. Is it true that there may be hopes for the presidency in your future?”

Morris chuckles. “Now Addison, if I were to run for president, I promise you’d be the first to know.” Then he winks.

The table chuckles. “Well, on that note, let me thank our guests again, Morr?—”

Max turns the TV off.

I can’t form words. Leo stares at the floor, also speechless. Rio looks disturbed, and Max simply hops up and down on the balls of his feet like a rabbit on coke.

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