Page 54 of Senator

“Before I go anywhere, I will inform my team about my whereabouts.”

The agent opened his mouth as if to argue, but then decided against it when he saw Oscar and a few of his team approach.

“Senator, is there a problem?”

“No, everything is fine. It looks like the president would like to have a word. Would you mind telling Tyler where I am?”

Oscar glanced at a short, heavily built man. “I will accompany you.”

“That won’t be necessary,” said the agent, giving Oscar a glare that would have had a lesser man shaking in his pants.

“As I said, I will accompany Senator Camden. Personal security is allowed as long as they have authorization. I have clearance at all levels.” Oscar held the man’s stare.

Oscar was former military and FBI who’d maintained all credentials when he’d moved into the private sector. If there was anyone who knew protocol, it was him.

After a few moments of scowling, the agent turned. “Follow me.”

We were led to a bank of elevators and then to the third floor. I entered a private lounge where the president sat smoking a cigar.

“President Edgar, you asked to see me?”

He remained seated as he glowered at me. “You think you’re so clever, don’t you?”

“I don’t follow,” I said. It was better to pretend ignorance than admit anything.

“You got Amanda involved behind my back. Now if I oppose anything Tara Zain does, it’ll look like I’m against my wife. Zain is marrying one of my opponents, and because of you, my wife has all but aligned herself with them.”

I stared him in the eyes, not giving him even a flicker of uncertainty. This plan was risky, but until this moment I hadn’t realized how.

I knew without a doubt if I were a man, the current tactic of a private meeting to intimidate me would never have happened. I would have received a pissed-off phone call at most.

“I honestly have no idea to what you are referring. Mrs. Edgar’s involvement in the No Bride Initiative has nothing to do with me.”

“So, you’re saying Amanda contacted Tara Zain on her own and had no assistance from you?”

“This is something you should ask her. Mrs. Edgar is an intelligent woman who sees the merits of what Tara Zain is trying to accomplish.”

“I do not want my wife involved in some feminist crusade.” He slammed his hand on the table next to him.

“Saving the lives of young girls is not a feminist crusade.”

“Then what is it? Except a thorn in my side.” He stood, coming toward me. “You will advise her to step down. Do I make myself clear?”

I lifted my chin. He thought towering over me would scare me. Men in politics had used this move too many times to affect me anymore.

“I will do no such thing. Besides, you need this as much as Mrs. Edgar does.”

“Pray tell, young lady. Why do I need Tara Zain’s project?”

“To save the negative legacy of your administration, of course. If the polls are accurate, then your approval rating is at an all-time low and in severe need of a boost if you want any chance of reelection.”

I dared him to deny what I was saying. Instead, he laughed and patted me on the shoulder.

“Girl, I knew you were good, but this shows you can cut it with the big boys. Richard Camden is the best at behind-the-scenes negotiations. I’m glad he taught you well.”

Was the condescending man trying to turn this into something he orchestrated to show my skills?

“I am not my father’s puppet, nor yours.”

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