“Are you working Michaels’ fundraising gala tonight?”
Big Earv nodded subtly but remained quiet.
“I need some helping getting in.”
Big Earv chuckled and looked wide-eyed at Hawk.
“You? You’re going to crash this black tie event full of million-dollar donors?”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Your friends at the Secret Service would riddle me with bullet holes before I had a chance to speak.”
“So, what’s your play?”
“Have someone swap out the president’s watch so we can record his conversations and his movements.”
Big Earv stroked his chin and glanced over his shoulder as if he were still scanning the deck.
“That’s a bold move, Hawk. Who’s hustling this swap?”
“Alex Duncan.”
“Alex? Your handler?”
“I know. Shocking, isn’t it? Turns out she’s got some skills that extend beyond writing code and monitoring CIA intelligence satellites.”
“She better have more than just skills—she better be like a goddess when it comes to swapping out the Michaels watch. Our guys will be looming over him. If they suspect anything, she will get arrested immediately. And I suspect that’s not something you’d want.”
“Alex is a pro. She’ll be careful. If she has to abort, she will.”
“I’ll get her name on the list and have an invitation left at will call. Just be careful, okay? There’s only so much I can do to protect her, especially when my sole responsibility is to protect Michaels.”
“Use the legend of Christina Harper. She’ll be posing as a philanthropic CEO of a new startup that’s worth millions after just one year of operation.”
“And she’ll be able to substantiate that with documentation should anyone look?”
Hawk nodded and handed his phone to Big Earv.
“She’s already created a company site along with inserting several dummy articles on major news channels.”
“Impressive,” Big Earv said as he scrolled through the list. “This should be sufficient. I’ll make sure she gets in. After that, it’s up to her.”
“Understood,” Hawk said as he took his phone back.
Big Earv moved toward the door when Hawk put a hand on his friend.
“Thanks,” Hawk said. “I really appreciate this. You know if it wasn’t important, I wouldn’t ask for your help.”
“I know. You can count on me.”
Hawk watched Big Earv get out of the car, scan the deck, and walk casually back to the stairwell entrance.
Once Big Earv disappeared, Hawk dialed Alex’s number.
“You’re in,” he said.
* * *
THE NATIONAL BUILDING MUSEUM sparkled beneath the glare of the spotlights casting their beams on the magnificent structure. The red carpet event attracted some of the city’s most powerful political brokers along with a fair share of A-list celebrities. Elegant music pumped through the speakers as attendees presented their invitations before making their way inside.
Alex, wearing a tasteful sequined black gown, sidestepped the welcoming party, posing as a journalist. If she intended to avoid drawing scrutiny, the last thing she wanted was to be photographed at the event. Slipping behind the gawkers and celebrity critics, she ditched her microphone in a nearby potted plant and pulled out her identification.
“Christina Harper,” she said, holding out her fake credentials for the woman managing the will call table.
The woman leaned forward, peering over her glasses while she read the name. Methodically, she flipped through the stack of envelopes until she stopped and pulled one out.
“Sign here, ma’am,” the woman said, pointing to the back of the envelope.
Alex complied with the instructions.
The woman handed Alex her invitation. “Enjoy the event.”
A pair of Secret Service agents almost immediately approached Alex.
“Good evening, gentlemen,” she said. “Is there a problem?”
“Just protocol, ma’am,” one of the agents said as they began waving their wands around the contours of her body.
“You’re free to proceed,” he said after a few seconds.
She exhaled slowly and handed her invitation to a woman before entering the event.
“Just breathe,” Hawk said over the com tucked inside Alex’s ear.
“So, this is what it’s like to be on a mission and have someone in your head the entire time,” she said. “I should’ve never put you in that truck.”
“I’m enjoying this,” Hawk said. “I’ve got a full selection of security cameras to choose from and a microphone to use if I want to bug you.”
“This isn’t a game, Hawk.”
Hawk chuckled. “I know. But it sure is fun to be on the other side of this for once.”
“I prefer we not make a habit of this, okay?”
“Roger that.”
Alex proceeded to get a drink and strike up a conversation with a leading political author she’d seen on television before. He droned on about his latest project and how the “the other side” was unfairly lambasting it just because it didn’t agree with their political position. After three minutes, she moved on.
“There’s a reason I never pay attention to politics,” Alex said. “Too many petty people bickering over things that don’t matter.”
“Meanwhile, nobody pays attention to the things that do matter,” Hawk added.
“Exactly.”
Alex glided from one dull conversation to the next until she grew tired and sat down.
“What’s the matter?” said a man, who took a seat next to Alex. “Nobody here interesting enough for you? Some people are just too enamored with their own brilliance to bother to even take notice of the world around them.”
Alex cast a glance at him before returning her gaze to the sea of people.
“You’ve noticed this too?”
He shrugged. “At times, but I know it must be true since there’s an exquisitely beautiful woman sitting all alone here.”
Alex blushed. “At least someone noticed.”
“Yes,” he said. “Would you look at her?”
He pointed across the room toward another woman sitting by herself.
“Not a soul around her.”
Alex felt sheepish for even considering that the man was referring to her before he broke into a laugh. She hung her head and nodded with him in agreement, trying to play off what she’d just done.
“I’m teasing you,” he said. “Of course I was referring to you. Besides, that woman is my wife and I know for a fact that she’d rather be alone in a room with a book than talking with some stranger about the latest scandals in the political cycle.”
“Charles Freeman,” he said, offering his hand. “MIT, Professor of Thermodynamics.”
“Impressive,” she said, trying to avoid a discussion that involved talking about herself.
“And you are?”
A short pause. “Parched and dying to meet President Michaels. Isn’t that the only reason anyone ever comes to these things anyway? To drink and meet famous politicians?”
Alex got up and walked toward the bar to order a drink. But she didn’t make it that far. A man wasn’t looking where he was going and spun around, crashing into her and spilling his drink.
“Oh, I’m so sorry,” the man said. “Here let me help you.”
He rushed over to get several napkins from a nearby waiter carting drinks.
Alex eyed the man closely before studying the drenched portion of her gown. It wasn’t that noticeable given the dark color, and she was getting far more attention than she wanted. A small crowd had gathered around her, mostly women gasping and murmuring about the horror of getting a dress soiled.
“I’m really sorry,” the man said, returning with a stack of napkins.
“It’s okay,” Alex said as she took the napkins and blotted her gown.
“No, it’s not. I wasn�
�t paying attention and should have been more cautious. The fact that I didn’t see a beautiful woman like you means that I really am completely self-absorbed. Shame on me. Let me make it up to you.”
“Don’t fall for it, Alex,” Hawk chimed in.
“Wait, I know who you are,” Alex said. “You’re the actor who—”
“Stop right there,” the man said. “Just call me Brad. Don’t look at me any differently just because you’ve seen one of my films. I’m just a normal person, just like everybody else.”
“Oh, no, I haven’t seen your movies, but I’ve heard about you,” Alex said.
He laughed nervously. “You can’t believe what you read in the tabloids.”
“Well, Brad, thank you for the napkins,” Alex said, satisfied that she’d thwarted his aggressive advances in an effort to remain virtually invisible.
“That’s not all you’re going to thank me for, Ms. —”
“Harper. Christina Harper,” she said offering her hand. “Really, I must be going.”
“Nonsense. I’m going to make it up to you by introducing you to the president.”
Alex swallowed hard. “What did you say?”
“Let’s go meet the president,” Brad said. “I hosted a fundraiser for him in Hollywood last election. We filled his coffers with fifty million dollars. I’m sure he’ll take a minute to speak with me.”
Alex’s original plan to meet the president consisted of befriending—and charming—Francine Dobbs, a senator from New Hampshire, who had Michaels’ ear on all things related to women. Alex aimed to share with Dobbs her equal pay campaign that included a green wristband to signify standing in solidarity with women fighting to reduce the gender pay gap. Michaels had sung a constant refrain on the campaign trail about reducing the pay gap. He’d yet to take any action, but it was a popular stance among his constituency—even though his opponent held the same view on the issue.
But Alex opted to go a more direct route when she realized that she might actually be able to get an audience with Michaels in a different manner, especially one that included an A-list celebrity standing right next to her. With the agents likely to be focused on and enamored by her superstar escort, she figured she’d be able to accomplish what she needed to do with a simple handshake.
“I take that back, Alex,” Hawk said. “Roll with it.”
A faint smile spread across Alex’s lips. She was already thinking the same thing.
“In that case, you better buy me a drink first,” Alex said to Brad. “I wasn’t prepared to meet the most powerful man in the world like this.”
“Of course,” he said as he hustled off to the bar.
He returned shortly with her drink before placing his hand on the small of Alex’s back to guide her toward President Michaels.
“The president is a really nice guy,” Brad said. “He can be a little moody sometimes, but I think that’s how all politicians get. I’m sure he’ll be giddy tonight.”
“He is smiling,” Alex said.
“They’re like actors, too,” he said. “They know how to give the public a show.”
After speaking with one of the president’s handlers, Brad and Alex were ushered into a roped off area where Michaels stood, flanked by a pair of Secret Service agents.
“Mr. President, I want you to meet someone,” Brad said as he shook Michaels’ hand. “This is my good friend Christina . . .”
“Harper,” Alex said as she offered her hand to shake his.
Michaels pulled back and folded his arms. He narrowed his eyes and stared at her while pursing his lips.
“You look vaguely familiar,” Michaels said.
“I don’t think we’ve met,” she said while forcing a laugh. “I probably would’ve remembered that.”
“No, no,” he said, pointing at her. “I know where I know you from.”
Alex swallowed hard and held her breath.
There’s no way he recognizes me.
“Stay cool, Alex,” Hawk said over the coms.
“Little Rock, three years ago,” Michaels said. “You were working for my campaign there, weren’t you?”
Alex shook her head. “I’m afraid you’ve got me mixed up with someone else.”
“No,” he said, refusing to admit defeat. “I know you from somewhere. I just can’t put my finger on it.”
Alex put her hand out again. “Either way, why don’t I give you a chance at a fresh start?”
Michaels shrugged. “Well, alright. I guess I can go along with that. It’s always a pleasure to meet a smart and sophisticated woman,” he said before dropping his voice to a whisper. “Not to mention drop dead gorgeous. But don’t tell anyone else I said that.”
They shook hands, and Alex went to work. She gave his hand a squeeze and then patted the outside of his hand with her left hand. Then she winked at him.
“Your secret is safe with me,” she whispered back.
The latch on the watch broke free and slipped off Michaels’ wrist and onto the floor. Just as she’d practiced, Alex knelt down and made the switch, right underneath the eyes of the watchful Secret Service agents.
Michaels joined her close to the floor.
“Here, let me get that,” he said. “That was awfully clumsy of me.”
Michaels picked up the watch and tightened the band around his wrist, giving it a swift tug before threading the extra band into place.
“There,” he said, giving the watch a little twist as he stood up. “That won’t happen again, will it?”
Alex shook her head. “I think your watch is secure now.”
“So, Miss Harper,” Michaels said. “I hope you’re enjoying yourself at this fine gala this evening and finding my administration to suit your interests.”
Alex smiled. “Absolutely. Just keep doing what you’re doing. And don’t let those Europeans steal all our wealth.”
“You mark my words,” Michaels said. “It’ll be over my dead body that those running the Federal Reserve cabal will continue to exert such undue influence and control over our country’s financial system.”
Samuels joined in on the coms. “Michaels better be careful what he wishes for.”
“I’ll let you get to more important guests,” Alex said. “Thank you for your time. It was a great honor to meet you.”
Brad leaned in and gave Michaels another hug.
“Thank you for the introduction,” Michaels said to the actor.
“Any time, Mr. President.”
With that exchange, Brad ushered Alex out of the roped area and toward a buffet of hors d’oeuvres.
“You sure know how to make it up to a girl,” Alex said to Brad. “I appreciate it.”
“My pleasure,” he said. “You know, later on me and some of my friends who are working on my latest film are going to be hanging out. I’d love it if you would join us.”
Alex’s eyes widened. “Me?”
“Yeah, you,” he said. “I’d love to get to know you better.”
“I’m sure he would,” Hawk said.
Alex chuckled. “Well, that’s quite flattering and all but—“
“She’s coming with us,” said a man behind her.
Before Alex could turn around, she felt a firm hand grab her bicep and give it a swift tug.
“What’s the meaning of this?” she said.
“It’s best that you didn’t ask any questions or make a scene,” the agent said.
“What makes you think you can just cart me off like some common criminal?” Alex said, her volume rising with each passing second.
“Order of the president, ma’am,” the agent said. “Now, let’s not make this any more difficult than it has to be.”
Alex resisted, attempting to shake free. “I demand to know where you’re taking me right now.”
“Ma’am, if you want to maintain your dignity, I suggest you pipe down before we take more drastic measures.”
“Stay cool, Alex,” Hawk said on the coms. “I’ll get you o
ut of this.”
“You better,” Alex said.
“Excuse me,” the agent said. “Did you say something?”
Alex looked up and glared at the man.
“Nothing,” she said.
“Good,” he said. “Let’s keep it that way.”
He gave her a firm shove and urged her ahead through the crowd. Alex could feel the eyes of the fundraiser attendees following her with every step.
So much for staying invisible.
“You’re going to be okay, Alex,” Hawk said. “I won’t let Michaels do anything to you. I swear on my father’s grave.”
“Don’t take your pledges lightly,” she said. “I’m going to hold you to it this time. I guess we’re going to find out how good you really are.”
CHAPTER 19
HAWK AND SAMUELS WATCHED the security feeds until the agents and Alex disappeared from the screen. Clicking through every camera, Hawk was frustrated after realizing she was nowhere to be seen.
“Where could they have taken her?” he asked aloud.
“There are only so many ways out of that building,” Samuels answered. “Unless there’s an underground route we don’t know about.”
Hawk sighed. “This is Washington. The entire city is practically sitting on top of a vast network of underground tunnels.”
“So, getting her back just became much more complicated.”
“That’s one way to put it,” Hawk said. “More like next to impossible.”
Samuels patted Hawk on the back. “Since when did you let a little challenge get you down? My sister will be fine.”
“You don’t know Michaels like I do. I just saved that bastard’s life, but he’s going to ruin the people who are the reason he’s breathing on the planet at this very moment.”
“Ruin isn’t the same as murder.”
“You’re right,” Hawk said. “One can be more painful than the other, which is why we need to stop him—not only for Alex’s sake but for the good of the country. This situation is starting to spiral beyond our control.”
Hawk fired up the van and headed back toward their safe house. He needed to regroup and think of a way to draw Michaels out in order to get Alex to safety.
“This might all be pointless,” Hawk said as he bumped along the pothole-laden streets of the capital.
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