Page 72 of Dead Serious with Benefits
“If you’re asking if I specifically have any one person or group in mind, no, and the police have not offered up that it was a deliberate act of arson either. I will not speculate whether this was intentional until I hear otherwise.”
“But you can’t think of?—”
“Honestly, no, I cannot think of someone who would do this. I come from a family of businessmen and politicians, Miss Edgecombe. Yes, I recognize you, and those vocations offer a lot of opportunities to anger people, even if I’m not involved directly. So no, there is no point in trying to theorize, and I’m most certainly not going to make any accusations. A new question?”
“Are the police suspecting you could be the reason?”
“If they are, they’re keeping their mouths closed on the matter and keeping it to themselves. And no, before you ask, I’m not worried about a potential investigation. I did not make this fire happen...I rather liked my home, thank you. Next?”
“Attempts to reach the governor have so far been unsuccessful. Is there a reason for that?”
Ward laughed. “My mother is the governor of Oregon, and has been working on gaining a seat in the Senate. To say that she is a very busy woman would be an understatement. She had already called me after the news, so she is neither unaware nor ignoring it. She is, however, confident that I can handle my own affairs, but I promise you, if I require my mother’s help, I ammore than capable of reaching out to her and asking. One more question?”
“Who is that with you?”
Ward glanced at me, and something flickered in his eyes as he searched my face. “This gentleman accompanied me to my mother’s charity gala last night.”
“Is he the reason you weren’t home? Or was there another reason?”
Ward grinned. “I said one more question already, and now you’re adding two extra. That will be enough for now. I hardly know more about this situation than you do. Now, if you’ll excuse me, my friend and driver are waiting anxiously for me, and I don’t want to keep them waiting. I’m sure by now you know the number to call if you want any further statements from me or the rest of the family. Thank you.”
He took hold of my arm, leading me away from the reporters, still trying to push forward and ask more questions. I was glad for his presence because the noise and energy were enough to throw me off. I had been useless the entire time I’d been standing there, fighting the urge to cringe from the crowd and keep my expression neutral.
“Come on,” I heard Will say, and he appeared out of nowhere as he set a hand on Ward’s back and guided him toward the curb. A new vehicle was waiting, a luxury SUV from the looks of it. Will opened the door, and Ward pulled me, so I was the one who got in first. He walked around to the other side to get in.
“Thank you,” I muttered.
“Where to?” Will asked.
“Doesn’t matter, just get us out of here. Drive around while I figure things out,” Ward told him with a sigh. “I’m going to connect to the car’s Bluetooth, so please keep your mouths shut when I make this call.”
“No worries there,” I said as I glanced back to see the crowd of reporters still milling around on the sidewalk. “That was...something.”
“It’s been a while,” Ward admitted as the vehicle announced that the Bluetooth had connected. “Alright, let’s get the worst part over with.”
I shut my mouth as a ringing echoed through the car; there were three rings before a familiar voice answered. “Warden. Nice of you to finally call me back.”
“Well, as I’m sure you’re aware, I have had a busy morning. I was trying to deal with things before I called you,” he said, tugging at the shirt that didn’t fit properly since it was one of mine.
“Yes, I noticed,” she said, and there was noise in the background that was growing quieter. It was gone when she spoke again. “Your interview was live.”
“I’d hardly call it an interview,” he said as he leaned back in his seat. “Just a few questions.”
“Ones you handled decently,” she said, and I could see the surprise flash over Ward’s face. “Though your appearance and your...date will certainly raise further questions.”
“Probably because the few times I’ve had to be in front of the camera, I’ve never had anyone with me,” he said with a chuckle. “And I figured wearing the clothes I have on was marginally better than the tuxedo I wore last night.”
There was a pause. “So you did spend the night with...what was his name? Arlo?”
“I did indeed. I’ll spare you the details, but it did involve chicken dip and Tyra Banks being a bitch to underfed women in the 2000s.”
Another pause. “Charming.”
“I don’t know about charming, but it was certainly enjoyable. Isn’t it strange how much fun you can have with another person? And I didn’t even have to pay for the opportunity.”
I resisted the urge to sigh as she clicked her tongue. “I see he mentioned the conversation he and I had.”
“As a matter of fact, he told me in what I assume is the correct detail. Amazingly, he’s nothing like you and me, Mother. He’s the sort to speak the truth and not hold back, can you imagine?”
