Page 20 of The Politician

Sarah dropped her shoulders then lifted them again. She’d hoped they could go for a meal together, alone and without any interruption. “Are you sure?”

Kendra rubbed her hands together. “We may be close to spring, but it’s—”

“Fucking freezing,” Sarah said.

Kendra laughed, and the sound warmed Sarah.

“This way.” Kendra upped her pace.

Sarah had a hard time keeping up with her. “Have you lived in this area long?”

“Mum and Dad moved here years ago. He was a banker and a councillor. He’s retired now. I was born here.”

“He’s your man for this then.” Sarah pointed to the dumped rubbish at the side of the road.

“Yeah.Hedoesn’t have any power either.” Kendra walked up a driveway to a semi-detached house, pulled out a key from her pocket, and turned it in the lock. “Mum, it’s me. I’ve brought a guest to see you.” She winked at Sarah.

Sarah stepped inside as a young girl bounded down the stairs. She stood halfway and stared.

“You’re Kenny’s boss,” she said and glanced towards Kendra.

Kenny.Sarah cleared her throat. “Yes.”

“You’re going to be the next PM.”

Sarah smiled. “I hope so.”

“You’re famous.”

Sarah shook her head.

“Leela, don’t give our guest a grilling before she’s even through the door,” an older woman said.

Kendra glanced at Sarah. “That’s my sister, and this is my mum, Audrey.”

“At least wait until she’s had a glass of wine, Leela. Timing is everything in comedy,” a man said from the back of the house.

“And that’s my dad, Vikram.”

“Come on through,” Audrey said.

Sarah smiled and did as she was told.

“Wine or something stronger?” Vikram asked.

Sarah stared, taken aback by Kendra’s resemblance to him. The same dark hair, a slight build, and bright eyes that gave the impression that they were taking in everything around them.

He held up a bottle of whisky. “Something to warm up with. You must be frozen.”

“That’s very kind of you.”

“Not at all. Kenny’s not a whisky drinker, and Audrey doesn’t drink. It’ll be nice to have the company,” he said.

Kendra blushed, and Sarah smiled. She had offered her whisky in Wales, and Kendra had taken it without saying anything.

“I’ll have one,” Kendra said. “I’m growing accustomed to it, and I can’t feel my feet.”

“That stuff will warm your toes in no time,” Vikram said and handed them each a large glass.

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