The Candidate (Romantic Suspense) (The Candidate Series) by Josie Brown Page B

had fallen through the front door slot, of course she recognized her sister’s handwriting.
    But unlike Ben, she was not convinced that Abby’s anger would blow over.
    That didn’t faze him. “Even if it doesn’t, what does it matter? She doesn’t have a say as to whom I see. Or whom you see, either, for that matter.”
    “You’ve said it yourself: He listens to her. So, if you don’t drop me, you’ll be out of a job.” Maddy shrugged. “Ben, every family has its black sheep. In ours, I’m it. Believe me, I knew this day would come for us. Let’s just take our lumps and move on.”
    “Andy needs me just as much as I need him. And we respect each other. Andy will be happy for us. And he’ll help Abby put it into perspective. You’ll see.”
    She didn’t say another word. Not that she had to. Her love play, fierce and tender both, said it all.
    Afterward he didn’t remember closing his eyes, but when he opened them again the room was filled with sunlight, his cell phone was buzzing, and Maddy, his sweet Maddy, was nowhere to be found. 
    He did find her note, however, which she’d left on her pillow:
    Goodbye, Lancelot. —Maddy
    What?...That’s it? Hell no. No way...
    The cell’s buzz brought him to life. Was it Maddy? He grabbed it.
     “Hi, Mr. Brinker, this is Tasha Sullivan with the Washington Post . Can you give me a quote on a story I’m doing about Senator Mansfield—”
    “ What? —No! I’m...” He couldn’t even finish the sentence. He snapped the phone shut. 
    Blinded with anger, he hurled it at the wall. 
    Fuck Maddy. And fuck Abby, for ruining what I shared, finally, with Maddy.
    When he calmed down enough to pick it up and open it, he was surprised to hear the reporter still on the other end. “Did I catch you at a bad time?” she asked hesitantly.
    He sighed. “Nah. Couldn’t be more perfect. So, what’s up?” 

Chapter 24
     
    “Ah, Ben! Welcome!” Abigail Mansfield’s false cheeriness barely hid the slight quiver in her voice. 
    She had rushed to answer the door as opposed to letting Andy get it. It was her one rule with Andy that, whenever he was not on the road, Sunday was to be their one day off. No one was in the house, not even the maid. 
    Andy’s usual Sunday routine was to jog after church. That would have given her all the time she needed to read Ben the riot act and allow him to collect himself before Andy came home. But as it turned out, Andy had been on the phone with Sukie since the moment they returned from early morning services. She’d apologized for interrupting their Sunday, but had something urgent to tell him about some senate bill he was sponsoring. His being there when Ben showed up wasn’t the ideal scenario, but Abby would have to make do.
    No matter. Ben would see it her way, or else.
    Civility dictated that Ben be smiling, that he should say something pleasant back to her, shake her extended hand warmly and sincerely. She was, after all, the wife of his employer. And besides, they’d become friends, too. At least, she’d thought so. Two road warriors fighting the same cause, protecting the same precious cargo:
    The reputation of the future president of the United States. 
    But no. Ben’s posture was stiff, his nod curt. He stared back at her with cold, cruel eyes. He didn’t smile as much as bare his teeth, as if to dare her to try her best to change his mind.
    About Maddy.
    Abby was the enemy now. That much she knew. 
    All because of Maddy.
    But Abby knew full well the extent of the emotional damage Maddy could cause. Maddy’s disregard for her own reputation, her own safety, had been a sore subject between the sisters for some time now. No, it was up to her to make Ben Brinker aware of what his involvement with her careless, petulant sister could cost them. There could be no other alternative. 
    And if Ben wasn’t smart enough to see her point, she’d have no choice but to ask Andy to dismiss him immediately. It would mortify her