Restless (Element Preservers, #4) by Alycia Linwood

Philip Elroy from the Elemental International to show up. My security hadn't found anything suspicious, which made me feel a bit better. I didn't know what I would have done if it turned out I had fallen for Ethan's act and let him into my office so he could spy on me. I only hoped Adrian hadn’t lied to me when he said he wouldn't go after Ethan.
    Katherine opened the door and let in a middle-aged man in a black suit. Philip's lips spread into a smile as he strode across to room, extending his hand toward me. His brown eyes assessed me up and down as we shook hands.
    "Please take a seat," I said, settling myself into my chair.
    "Thank you. I'm glad I finally have a chance to meet you." He ran his hand through his short black hair and took a seat opposite from me.
    "What can I do for you?" He wouldn't have come all the way to my office just to meet me, so there had to be something else he wanted to talk about.
    "I've talked to many people during my stay in your city and I must express my discontent and worry about the new law. I'm sure you know which law I'm referring to."
    "Yes, I know about the new law, but why are you worried about it? I'm sure it won't affect any international laws." I found it strange that he hadn't expressed his discontent to the president of the country or someone in a higher position, but came to me instead.
    "I believe the law is the first step of a major plan, which could affect the whole world." He leaned forward, clasping his hands. "Do you know anything about that?"
    I frowned. "Well, the law will certainly bring in more money and help promote pure elements, so it's a good deal for everyone." I couldn't trust this guy and openly tell him I disagreed with the new law. The only reason I was still the president of the EP was because the government thought I wasn't really working against them.
    "Yes, of course," Philip said, his voice filled with suspicion and disapproval. "But my analysts believe there is more to that decision. My organization is not happy that our problem with energy shortage was partially revealed. Independent scientists and spies could discover the truth very easily if they decided to investigate the matter. It was a risky move, just like revealing the secret about sub-elements and carriers with elements." He eyed me under his thick eyebrows.
    "The information about sub-elements and carriers would have leaked sooner or later. I stand behind my decision." Honestly, I’d expected some kind of a reaction from people, but many simply shrugged their shoulders and went on with their lives like that particular information didn't concern them. Others already knew the truth, and a small group somewhere probably went into hiding for fear they'd lose their precious element.
    A smile quirked the corners of Philip's lips. "That's good, but I'm worried about the new politics your government leads against carriers and those with weak elements. Since you exposed some of the laboratories that mistreated carriers, I supposed you wouldn't approve of the new law. Your generation is more tolerant in general, so maybe you should try to find out what your government plans to do before it's too late. I'd do it myself, but I'm not allowed to meddle in the politics of another country. You know how badly that usually ends."
    "Well, I can't promise you anything because I don't have that much power to change a law, but I assure you that I will do everything for the good of my country." And now I sounded to myself like a model trying to win a beauty contest and wishing for peace in the whole damn world. Working for the government like mine surely did turn a person into a perfect bullshitter.
    Philip got up and I did the same, offering him my hand. "It was nice to meet you, Ria."
    "It was nice to meet you too."
    He squeezed my hand and went for the door. His words still rang in my head after he closed the door behind him. Was there really something else the government was trying to do? Something that could