Page 59 of Escape into the Night

Theo and Connor sat on the couch with Toby and Anna curled up at their feet. Caleb didn't miss the way Toby not-so-subtlykept his fingers twined around the hem of Theo’s shirt as if afraid the man would disappear into the ether. Parker, with adolescent heart eyes, was busy yammering poor Anna’s head off. To her credit, she was eating up every word and still starved for more. Bella and Lily shared a blanket on the opposite end of the couch, their legs tangled together in the easy intimacy of a long-standing, forever kind of love. Across the room, Luke and Taz had claimed the largest of the bean bag chairs. Well, Luke was sitting in it. Taz was practically fused with his lap like a goddamn barnacle. Cay rolled his eyes but didn't comment. The two had barely let one another out of arm’s reach since the raid. Honestly, after everything, he wasn't about to tease or tell them to get a room.

Instead, he refilled wine glasses and turned toward the archway, where Elias stood watching over it all with a soft expression filled with pride, love, and adoration. Swoon. He crossed the plush carpet and nudged his partner gently with his elbow.

“Take a picture, baby doll. It'll last longer.”

“Mm. I don't need a picture. I just need this.”

Okay, double swoon. Caleb pretended he wasn't about to melt into a goddamn puddle of sappy feelings. He decided to be mature and productive instead—by taking a picture for himself.

The television played in the background, muted but waiting. The news broadcast displayed a countdown to a presidential address that was poised to begin at any moment. The second it shifted, four sets of hands grappled for the remote before finally managing to turn the sound back on. The seal of the United States appeared on the screen moments before the war-weary face of President Adelaide Montgomery appeared and the room fell deathly silent. Her voice was clear and measured, her expression grave but resolute.

“Good evening. Tonight, I address you not as your President, but as a citizen of this great nation. One who, like you, has witnessed a painful truth come to light. The recent FBI operation against elements of the CIA has revealed a vast and sweeping network of corruption, deception, and betrayal at the highest levels of our intelligence agencies. A network that not only sought to undermine our government but to manipulate it for personal and political gain. These individuals, sworn to protect this nation, have betrayed us. Their power was not used in service to the American people, but against them. They have framed the innocent, silenced the brave, and endangered our national security in ways we are only just beginning to fully comprehend.”

Caleb huffed quietly before silencing himself with his wine glass. The source of his derision? He'd caught a glimpse of none other than the Evans brothers standing on the sidelines as Addy bared her heart. They were both looking particularly punchable with their sour expressions. He turned his attention back to the President as she continued her speech.

“I'm here to assure you that we will not falter. We will not allow corruption to define or derail us. The work to rebuild begins now. The Department of Justice, in coordination with the FBI, will ensure that every individual responsible for this betrayal is held accountable. No one is above the law. We have seen dark days, but we have also seen heroes rise in the face of the darkness. People who stood for truth when it was dangerous to do so. People who risked everything to protect this nation from those who would see it fall. And it is because of them that I stand before you with hope.”

Caleb snuck his hand into Elias’ and squeezed. This was it. This was the moment. This was the reason they were all gathered here. He held his breath and stared at the screen.

“For the past year, I have considered my role in the future of this country. I have reflected on the path forward and I have come to a decision. I am formally withdrawing my candidacy for re-election. I believe that the Democratic Party, and this nation, need a leader who has fought on the front lines of this battle. Someone who has not only exposed the truth but has also defended it at every turn. America needs a leader who has dedicated his life to justice, to integrity, and to the unwavering pursuit of what is right. That leader is Elias Cohen-Williams. Tonight, I offer my full endorsement for Elias as the next President of the United States.”

The room exploded in cheers. The din was so loud, the windows shook in their frames. Surprisingly, Theo was the first to reach Elias, grabbing his shoulders with a little shake.

“You're really doing this.” Theo’s eyes glittered with tears.

Elias chuckled a little breathlessly. “Looks like it.”

Theo pulled Elias into a hug and stifled a soft sob. “You're the only one I'd trust with this. You have my full support, Eli. Always.”

Elias’ hands clenched in the back of Theo’s shirt, tightening the embrace before he pulled away. When they separated, Caleb pounced. The rest of the room gave them space, drifting back to conversation as they processed what had just happened. Caleb was perfectly happy to steal this moment as he wrapped Elias in his arms and stopped just short of climbing him like a tree, his wine glass abandoned to the sideboard as Elias held him back.

“You ready for this, boss man?”

“Absolutely the fuck not.” Elias laughed into the hair atop Caleb's head.

“Pssh. Baby.”

“Quit. I'm not ready yet,” Elias whispered lower. “But I will be. Because I have you.”

Okay, triple swoon. Caleb studied him for a moment and then leaned in, pressing a hard kiss to his husband’s lips.

“You do. You've got me always. Every step of the way.”

“And that’s all I'll ever need.”

Chapter Forty

Elias

OneMonthLater

The rhythmic crashing of the waves, the scent of sea salt in the air, and the warm Caribbean breeze should have been the perfect recipe for Elias to find true relaxation. Caleb had said he owed him, and Elias had delivered with a well-deserved week-long vacation in a tropical location. Unfortunately, old habits died hard. He looked the part, at least, wearing board shorts and sunglasses, his flip flops abandoned beside the lounger as he scrolled through the Wall Street Journal on his tablet.

The headlines were more of the same—fallout from the CIA raid, the shifting political landscape, and quite a few mentions of his name in bold print. The front runner for Democratic vote, the man tapped to lead the nation through its most volatile reckoning in decades. Him. He was so absorbed in the breaking news, he barely heard the scurry of little feet before a high-pitched whine broke his concentration.

“I want sex on the beach!”

Elias nearly choked on his mineral water. His tablet wobbled precariously in his lap as he turned to find Parker standingbeside his chair with his arms crossed over his chest in frustration.

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