Page 167 of Knights Game

I have many admirers, which is flattering, I’m making waves. Unfortunately for me, the press has a field day with my good looks and pin my success on the female voters. Which irks me no end, but Jules says a vote’s a vote. And I need to focus on that.

“Have I got time?”

She looks at her watch and nods. “Car’s due in 30 minutes, plenty of time. From the Capitol building we will head straight to St Thomas', okay? You’re due to open the new wing at 4:00 p.m., then you’ll be free for the day.”

“Make sure you don’t miss Gemma’s performance.”

She looks at me with a raised perfectly shaped eyebrow, her blue eyes sparkling behind the frames of her glasses. “I’m supposed to beyourassistant.”

“But I’m your boss.”

“Hah.” She laughs. “We know that’s a lie, a little seven-year-old is my boss. But don’t worry your head, Matt is going to pick me up from here. It’s all sorted.”

“Good.”

I pick up the larger of the envelopes and turn it over. “No stamp?”

She shrugs. “Maybe one of your constituents hand-delivered it. You had an open house this week, it sometimes takes a few days to clear security. Right, I’ll leave you to open your fan letters. One tea coming up.”

“I can get another assistant, you know.”

“You can, but they wouldn’t be as good as me.” She flips me the bird and flies out the office as quickly as she came in.

Jules is the best, and we’ve been on this journey together from when I was a lost newbie canvassing the local area, pleading for votes and building confidence.

She must have seen something in me, the fear, the lack of organisation and felt pity.

We’ve been with each other ever since, professionally that is. Jules is married to a quality bloke, and a mother to a seven- going on seventeen-year-old. The teenage years are going to be fun to watch her navigate, and I can’t wait to wind her up.

I open the envelope, and a small square object falls out, along with a letter. I say a letter, but it’s a note from a man I thought was dead.

My Dear Friend,

I’ve known you for a short time when I think about how much we have both been through as individuals. Life can deal a cruel hand. But know this, you’re one of the best men I know, honest, full of integrity and grit. And I trust you with my life.

For that reason, I leave something of the upmost importance in your possession. It is in our usual exchange spot, open it on a secure device, preferably your own, not one that is networked.

Upon seeing what it holds I trust you will do the right thing.

I’m sorry my friend, this is a responsibility that will be a heavy burden to hold, one you cannot carry alone. Please take the necessary precautions going forward; Apex Security will be able to provide you the service you need.

Fate is a choice, what will yours be?

I wish you luck in what comes next my friend.

I’ll see you in the next life,

Luca Knight

I turn the page over, looking for anything else, a number, an address, anything. But it’s just the note from the man who is the reason why I’m sitting where I am.

“Jules,” I call and she pokes her head in. “We need to make a stop on the route.”

“Why?”

“I need to pick up something for a friend.”

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