Page 86 of Heston
“I know damned well why you’re here today. You’re not accepting my offer of VP.”
“Correct,” Alex replied, not sure what his being VP had to do with Heston or Tuesday Smart. “It’s time I step back and let the young men handle The TEAM. They’re as much a part of it as I am, and these days, they’re a helluva lot smarter.”
“I doubt that. But if you step back from your TEAM, you’ll have more time on your hands. We can make this work. You’ll be my team.”
Alex chose to wait his president out instead of arguing with him. Tom might rely on that country boy charm of his in public, but in private and in combat, he was a tough son of a bitch who usually got what he wanted.
Not. This. Time.
President Adams huffed. “The reason I asked about Heston is Ms. Smart needs a bodyguard. Senator Hyde from Texas asked who I’d hire. I recommended you. Thought Heston would be good for the job, but if he’s busy—”
“I have other agents who are every bit as good as Hes.”
“Understood. Just thought it’d be a good match if they were already tight.”
“They’re not, and Heston is unavailable for at least the next month. I only hire good men and women. Send me the specifics and we’ll take care of Ms. Smart.”
“You sure you’re not VP material? Winnie would sure appreciate having a close friend like Kelsey in this damned mausoleum.”
Alex dipped his head in the affirmative. “I know Kelsey would love spending time with Winnie, but right now she needs me at home, sir, and I’d—”
“Tom.”
“Tom. I appreciate the trust you have in me, but my mind’s made up. I will always serve you, but this time, I cannot serve with you.”
“That shit with the Irish Mafia?”
“I’m lucky she’s alive.”
“Yes, you are.”
“That and I’ve promised Kelsey for years I’d retire. It’s time I honor her by living up to my end of our deal. I’m not getting any younger.”
“And neither am I.” Tom shoved his chair back and stood, ramrod straight with his right arm extended. “I understand, Alex. We would’ve made a great pair.”
“Yes, we would’ve.” Alex lifted to his feet and accepted the handshake. “Thank you again for your continued friendship.”
“You don’t have to be my vice president to have that,” Tom replied, releasing Alex’s hand. “Tell Kelsey that Winnie and I would love to drop by when she’s up for a visit.”
“Will do.”
“We sure married up, didn’t we?”
“Yes, we did. Good seeing you again, Mr. President.”
“Tom, damn it.”
“Yes, sir. Tom.”
“Give that wife of yours our best.”
“Will do.”
On the drive back to TEAM HQ, Alex stopped by a florist and selected a simple bouquet of red roses for the love of hislife. For now, he and his family were staying in a private suite inside TEAM HQ, near the Intensive Care unit. Libby, Judy, and McKenna were adamant she needed more care than they’d be able to give her if she were home. So Alex asked Mark to collect his kids and bring them to TEAM HQ. Lexie and Bradley needed their mom, and it would do Kelsey good to see them. Alex couldn’t wait to have his family together again.
Once inside TEAM HQ, he crossed the lobby to the elevators and ran into Mother. “You shouldn’t have,” she said, eyeing the bouquet.
“I didn’t. Any news yet on who in that hospital worked for Lancaster? Besides Jolie Montgomery?”
