Page 2 of Power Play

“You tackled a sixty–year–old man,” the director says on an exhausted sigh. She seems to do this a lot with me. If she didn't like me so much, she would've canned my ass years ago. Having the Benson family name doesn't hurt either.

“Did Vice President Nick submit a report regarding my actions?” I ask before correcting myself and adding, “Ma'am.”

Her pointed annoyed glare says everything I need to know. Of course that limp dick of a bastard didn't write a formal complaint regarding my actions yesterday. I caught him red-handed sexually harassing the woman when I barreled into the library. The director knows all this too. She hates Vice President Nick as much as, if not more than, our team does. Something tells me his hand, along with many other slimeballs’ in this city, has found its way to her ass more than once.

Fuck, I cannot wait until the next election. Can't get this asshole out soon enough. Not that the next guy will be any better. At this stage in anyone’s political career, they're all the same.

“He didn't, which you know, or you wouldn't be smirking like a kid who robbed a candy shop and got away with it. But dammit, Trey, we can't have our agents tackling dirty politicians any time they feel they’re in the right.” She lets out an incredulous huff. “There wouldn't be anyone left in DC.” A small smile pulls at her lips before she purses them tight. “I've been directed to make an example out of you. Out of the entire team.”

Tension tightens my shoulders. The cheap chair frame pops under my white-knuckle grip.

Well, fuck. Didnotexpect this. Accountability? What the hell.

“Gators,” Tank grumbles, shooting me a death glare.

“Ma'am, it was my choice. Hell, the guys weren't even around to try and stop me.” I jab my middle finger against my breastbone. “Punish me, not them.” I may be an idiot at times, but my antics are my own. No way can I live with the team being canned because of my actions.

“You're a team.” The chair squeaks again as she leans forward. “You're officially removed as alpha team for Vice President Nick.” Her hand juts out, stopping my rebuttal. My lips snap shut, my jaw clenching tight to keep from speaking out of turn. “Beta team will shift into the alpha spot, and Charlie team will replace beta team.”

The reality of the situation drops like a lead weight in my gut. I suck in a breath in an attempt to keep a level head. “Ma'am, you know why I did it,” I grit out.

Her deep forehead wrinkles smooth a fraction, sympathy seeping into her clear blue eyes. “I do understand, but that doesn't change the impact of your actions. This isn't like your previous antics. You attacked the vice president, and something has to be done.”

“Where does that leave my team, ma'am?” Tank asks, voice solemn. Elbows on his knees, hands clasped between them, he drops his head forward.

Double fuck.

“As punishment, your team is now beta team's backup. When the primary elections are finished and the nonincumbent candidates are selected, you will then move back to alpha team for one of the delegates. Dismissed.”

The primary election? Nonincumbent delegates?

That's next fall, over a year from now.

I draw in a breath, ready to protest and ask for leniency, but Tank's tight grip on my bicep hauls me toward the door.

“Mr. Benson,” the director calls before I'm out the door. Adjusting my suit jacket I turn back toward the office. “The woman, did she press charges?”

Hands fisted, I shove them deep into my pockets. A thick chunk of dark brown hair falls out of place, sliding across my forehead as I shake my head. “No, ma'am, just like the others. Tank tried to talk to her after, but she refused. Said she didn't want to risk her political career over a misunderstanding.”

“Misunderstanding. Right.” She sighs, her unfocused gaze landing on the wall behind me. “One day I'd love for someone to stand up to these pricks.”

The longing in her voice urges me deeper into the office. “Why don't you? You know exactly what goes on behind closed doors.” From harassment to bribes and dirty dealings, not to mention all the affairs going on amongst the small political circle, the director knows enough to take down half the men in this city. Then again, those secrets are how she landed this influential role in the first place.

Her perfectly cropped blonde hair swings along her jaw. “No, not me. I'm too deep in this city. I wouldn't survive. Maybe someday someone will come along who doesn't have as much on the table to lose.”

Who knows? One day someone could move into this town who still has some morals left and is ready to wreak havoc. But considering I enjoy living, I won't hold my breath for that person to appear any time soon.

Chapter One

Randi

April

No. Please no. Not today. I dip my head into the sink and look up into the still-dry spout.

I'm onCandid Camera, aren't I?

I glance around the trailer, waiting for someone to pop out and shout, “Gotcha.”

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