Page 4 of Shadowed Agenda

He watched as Regan’s smile froze, and her hands clenched together. It was the first time he’d seen her at a loss for words.

“You can’t always believe what you hear or see, Char,” Pavlo jumped in. “I think everyone remembers the embarrassing photograph of me published in a prominent magazine.”

The audience nodded, remembering the incident.

“I was insulted when I saw the photo. They could have at least used someone that had spent a little time in a gym.”

The room filled with laughter.

They’d never been able to identify who had snapped the shot of Pavlo getting on a Shadow Defense plane in full gear. Fortunately, nothing in the photograph could be linked to their private military company. Javier, one of his partners and their tech guru, had decided to claim someone had manipulated the photo would be their best bet. They’d been lucky it had worked.

The incident dramatically boosted sales of his books. His other three partners, Cade, Drake, and Seb, still ribbed him, insisting that had been the intent all along. They jokingly accused him of paying someone to take the photo.

Pavlo’s role in Shadow Defense Security was low key. He was the perfect undercover agent when they needed information from the local police. They were more than willing to let the Navy SEAL turned author tag along as part of his research for a current book. What he didn’t overhear, Pavlo found using other skills.

Regan shot him a look of gratitude. A few minutes later, the director paused the taping, and they exited the stage. The crew backstage rushed around, preparing for the next guest.

“Thank you,” Regan said as she dug into her handbag to turn on her cell phone. A text dinged, and her eyes narrowed as she read the message. She looked up and scanned the people bustling around them.

Pavlo didn’t like the worried expression on her face.

She looked down again at the screen. Pavlo deliberately bumped into her. The cell phone clattered as it hit the ground.

“I’m sorry,” Pavlo said, bent down, and scanned the text message as he picked it up.Don’t disappoint the Senator’s wife.

He looked at her.

“It’s nothing to worry about,” she said and motioned to the cell phone, but her body language didn’t match the casual tone of her voice.

Pavlo shrugged and passed it to her. He’d expected the response. Regan Christenson didn’t need his help. She’d made it clear she could take care of herself.

At least there was no chance of wandering close to relationship territory, something he avoided after Mia’s betrayal.

“Everyone thinks the morning show went well,” Isla said as she approached them. “I know you were uncomfortable when Char asked about the private book signing. The two of you handled it very well.”

“How did they find out, Isla?” Pavlo asked, and she flinched at his tone that suggested she was responsible. Good. He didn’t want to play games with the woman.

The publisher had assigned her as his publicist. Their relationship was cordial, nothing more. She did her job well, which was all that concerned Pavlo.

“Maybe the Streaming PR team released the information.” She shrugged. “I updated the schedule and sent it to them.”

“Without consulting me?” Regan hissed.

“Why don’t we have an early lunch and discuss it?” Isla said.

“There’s nothing to discuss,” Regan said, her voice firm. “I’m not meeting with Mrs. Aster. You should have consulted me when the Senator’s office contacted you.”

Isla turned toward Pavlo, looking for his support.

He held up both his hands, palms out. “I agree with Regan.”

Isla huffed and shook her head.

Pavlo’s gut said things would get as hot as the unusually scorching August weather.

When Regan wasn’t around, he’d talk to Isla and ask her to cancel the book signing. It would be more difficult to do without blaming Regan now that Char had focused everyone’s attention on Regan and the event.

Maybe they could find an angle to make accepting more palatable for Regan. Whether or not she liked it, Regan may have to meet with Mrs. Aster to avoid angering the Senator’s supporters. It was the lesser of two evils.

---