Page 83 of Power Switch

“Whoa there, friend.” Randi tosses her hands out in surrender. “I never said anything about ending him. Just presenting him with the information you'll give me, threatening to release it, and proving what a son of a bitch he is to everyone, then praying he resigns on his own.”

“That is a terrible plan.”

“So is 'ending' someone.”

“If they are dead, they cannot retaliate. Which your president will if you follow through with your plan. He will not take defeat like a man.”

“I know. I'm sending my daughter away. I'll add more protection to Mom's rehab center too. Those are the only ways he can really get back at me.” Nibbling on her thumbnail, she shakes her head like she's debating Vlad's words. “No, this is the best way. I can't take him out just because he might escalate things. This is the most legal option.” Her lips twitch upward. “My law professors would high-five me for the thick gray line I seem to like dancing on. They always said I saw things too black and white.”

“We agree to disagree, then.” Raising a hand, he motions for his team to gather close. “Give me some time to find the evidence you need. It is one thing to know what is going on and another having the information available to prove it.”

“Cool, yeah. Whenever you can would be great. No rush.” She tilts her head. “Nope, wait, there is a rush considering everything you've just exposed. If I can get this done before the idiot can shove us into a war that's all for money, that would be awesome.” Both her thumbs flick up before she tucks them under her thighs. A bright flush spreads across her cheeks.

I hold back my laugh. Fuck, she's so damn random. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't love it.

Vlad smiles—legit smiles—and nods.

“We will be in touch.” He starts to turn but pauses. “What should I do about the secretary of state?”

“Don't kill him!” Randi blurts.

This time a full-body laugh rumbles from Vlad, catching everyone off guard. I swear his security team thinks he's having a stroke by the way they rush to grab him. He simply shrugs their concern off.

“I meant should I meet with him or not. Which would you prefer?” He strokes a hand over his dark beard. “But if you want me to end—”

“No, please no. Um, the meeting? I don't know. I don't see the harm in it. I really don't care what people think about Todd or if they think he's the one fixing the tension between our countries.”

“But it is not him, it is you.”

She shrugs and pushes off the table. Standing on the bench seat, she stretches her arms up high. “Yeah, but I don't care if he gets the credit. I know we're the close ones.” With a quick hop, she lands on the soft dirt below. “How long are we thinking? For the information.”

Vlad raises a single shoulder. “Not sure, I will get someone on it today. What you are needing is specific, something that is indisputable, not just vague emails or conversations. You will need pictures, recordings, proof he now knows what he has stepped into and how it all started.”

“Yeah, it's a lot.” Walking toward Vlad, she extends her hand. After a quick shake, she steps back. “Thank you. For everything. I appreciate your help.”

The Russian’s facial expression morphs to more contemplative as he looks Randi over. “It is an honor, Madam VP. One day soon you will return the favor, I am sure.”

With that, he turns and strides toward the SUVs they evacuated less than thirty minutes ago.

“I love the way they handle meetings,” I say, stepping to Randi's side. She angles her face up to mine with a questioning look. “In and out. Get what you need done, say what needs to be said, and bounce. If all politicians did that, maybe they'd get more done.”

She smirks and nods. Turning her attention to the retreating SUVs, she blows out a slow breath.

“I think that went well.”

“Agreed. Now, why did you ask me to step away?”

Instead of responding, Randi takes a cautious step to the side and starts to walk away. I follow close behind, having nothing to do with safety and everything to do with getting answers.

For a few steps, she says nothing, eyes to the ground watching the grass bend beneath her Uggs.

“If we're going to do this, you and me, us, we need to be honest with each other.” Reaching out, she takes my hand in hers, lacing our fingers together and giving a quick squeeze. “No more surprises, no more committing to things that affect this relationship without the other one's consent.” Hazel eyes slide to meet mine. “Okay?”

I nod, not understanding what she's getting at. Okay, yeah, I made a bad decision not telling her about the agreement I made with my parents for her to win the Senate and defeat the bill, but I thought we were past that misstep.

“Is there anything you want to tell me, Trey?”

I search her face, trying to figure out what she's referring to.

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