Page 42 of Dirty Politics

She sat at her desk, willing her brain to work.More coffee.

Liv woke up with a splitting headache that morning. She’d hit the snooze button instead of going for a run then she overslept and had to throw herself together.

While fixing another cup of coffee, she popped ibuprofen in her mouth and then chugged a whole glass of water while she waited.

“Hey Liv,” Senator Sterling called from his office. “Will you come in here?”

Liv closed her eyes.

Shit.

“Big night last night?” he said when she came in. She tried to smooth her hair; she knew she looked a mess.

“I don’t...we don’t normally...” She closed her eyes for a moment.

“It’s none of my business,” he said, shutting his mouth into a straight line.

“Did you need something?” she asked, eager to change the subject.

“Sit down,” he said.

He waited for her to sit and then continued. “Speaker of the House Miller is looking for a new Chief of Staff. I think you should do it.”

“Me?” Her mouth fell open.

“It’s a great opportunity,” he said. “She has an all-female staff.”

“I know...I know,” she said. She did know. Miller’s office was legendary. This would be the most coveted position open in years.

“Are you upset with my work?” she asked, sweat starting to run down her back.

“No,” he said. “No, it has nothing to do with your performance. I’m an idiot to send you away, but I think it would be a great move for your career.”

“Did I do something?” she asked.Like strike you out in front of your colleagues, have a panic attack in the elevator, or cry on your shoulder?

“No...No...” he said, shaking his head. “It’s a raise and a lot more exposure.”

“What about BV90?” she said, her hands trembling. “That’s all I care about.”

“I want to show you something,” he said, turning his computer monitor towards her. “I sent your folder over to my buddies atThe Times.

She stared at the screen, not sure what she was looking at.

“I don’t understand...”

“They started digging. This is the information on just fifteen more states. Liv, the numbers are staggering. There’s no way the other side can ignore this any longer.”

She blinked several times trying to absorb what he just said.

“We need to let them finish the investigation; they have vast resources to accomplish this sort of work,” he said. “We need to sit tight while this comes together.”

Liv bit her lip.

“I’m close with the Speaker of the House. If I put in a good word...”

Liv felt bile rise in her throat. Her stomach churning. Was it the hangover or the way her boss was subtly firing her?

“You have to promise that I can continue to work on BV90,” she said, her head pounding.

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