Page 2 of Power Twist

“We have to make good on a few promises made through the campaign and before. That's where I need you. We have to put the main pieces in place day one, without Walmart catching wind of our plans.”

“She could always disappear now, solve all our problems.”

I curse under my breath. He’s relentless. A dog with a bone, and that bone is Randi Sawyer.

“Just focus on the EPA regulations I tell you to and start a search for the best oil-rich federal land. We're on a deadline.”

“You'reon a deadline,” he says, smiling around the cigar.

Damn bastard. Even though he's right. I'm the one who made foolish deals to win the White House and am now on a time crunch to keep them.

I shiver and tuck my chin into the collar of my coat. The people I’m now indebted to make Shawn seem kind. He’s not the only man in this city with no qualms about taking a life for payback.

I shake my head to disperse the dark thoughts and weight of what needs to be done this first year.

“We get this shit done quick, day one. I distract Walmart while you shift the pieces in place to settle my debts.”

“And what do I get in return?”

“The VP spot, the one she took from you.” No harm in stoking his anger, considering it's a blazing forest fire already.

His lips peel back into a sinister smile.

Fuck.

Watch out, Walmart. You've made enemies even I can't protect you from.

Chapter One

Randi

January

Maybe I smell andthat'swhy no one will talk to me. Hell, even stand close to me.

With a quick glance left and then right, checking for the all clear, I inconspicuously dip my nose to my right shoulder to take a nonchalant whiff. Huh. Not stinky, just powder fresh like the deodorant label promised. Something else must be repelling these fancy-ass people; why else would I be bored in the corner still holding my first flute of champagne?

I glance around the packed room, a wide fake smile plastered across my face, desperate to make eye contact with someone in hopes to initiate a conversation. But no such luck. Like it’s been all night. Well, let's be honest, it’s happened since the day I stepped on the campaign trail. Only my do-or-die secret service team welcomed me in this town, and tonight is no different.

The White House sparkles like the strings of diamonds around every woman's neck and wrists in attendance. At least seventy-five couples fill the various rooms, all here to celebrate this morning's events.

Inauguration day.

Vice president of the United States, makeup perfect, killer dress with the coveted red-soled shoes, and still not a single person will talk to me. The women cut their eyes in my direction before turning up their noses and looking away, while the men get a calculating gleam before turning back to a ‘worthier’ partygoer.

“You look creepy.”

The stretched fake smile turns into a genuine one. “I'm trying to look approachable,” I say over my shoulder to T, also know as Davis Washington or Tank, alpha secret service team lead and my friend.

A massive shadow floats over me as he steps to my side. Glancing up, I take in my second-favorite agent. His bald head reflects the overhead lights while his massive frame encased in his usual black suit seems to soak it all in.

“You sniffed your pit and are now smiling like the freak fromSaw.That does not make you approachable. It confirms their thoughts.”

“I'm poor white trash made up to look like a DC socialite?”

I can’t help but chuckle at his answering growl. “No, that you're not one of them.”

“Thank fuck,” I mutter, which earns me an almost smile. I'll take that win. Getting the tough guy to smile while on duty is a true feat. “Which one's Rachel?” Since no one is talking to me might as well search the crowd for Trey’s ex-girlfriend. She left Trey for Shawn Whitt, the idiot, who was invited to the celebration tonight no doubt.

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