Impeached

by Brenda Trim

  “Not sure, but he wasn’t thrilled about seeing her. Check the exercise room. He goes there when he needs to blow off steam,” Patricia replied then continued down the hall.

  “Will do. Thanks,” Erika called out before she turned and walked in the opposite direction.

  She had some news she wanted to share, and hoped he would be as happy about it as she was. As she passed the study, she heard a crash. It sounded like glass breaking, startling her. Wanting to check the cause for the noise, she stepped inside the dark room and flipped the light switch.

  Bart was sitting on a leather chair and he was slumped over, cradling his face in his hands. Shards of glass covered the hardwood floor near the chair, and a half-empty bottle of Jack Daniels was by his foot. Oh, hell. That wasn’t a good sign.

  “Bart?”

  He didn’t reply or even look at her. Erika walked to his side and crouched by the chair. She leaned to where she could see his face. “Hey, you okay?”

  His eyes met hers, and Erika’s heart dropped when she saw the hurt in his gaze. Still, he said nothing.

  “You’re scaring me. What happened? Is this about Kelly?” she asked and placed a hand on his shoulder.

  Bart sighed and leaned back against the chair. “How did you know she was here?”

  “Patricia mentioned it,” Erika admitted. What in the hell happened to upset him like this? He was in the best mood when he left for the office. Something huge went down to cause this complete turnabout.

  He nodded slowly. “Yep, Kelly was here. And, she brought a friend with her.”

  “Friend?” Erika asked.

  “Elaine Jensen.”

  “What?” she blurted.

  “Apparently, they’ve been collaborating. That’s how Elaine knew we were going to Nashville, and Kelly’s been reporting to her ever since,” he explained as he stared straight ahead.

  Erika wasn’t surprised to hear Kelly was a traitor. The female was evil to her core. Erika’s wolf sensed it from the very beginning. It certainly explained why Kelly was cozying up to Bart. She didn’t care for him. She was a mole, infiltrating his career, and life.

  “What did they want?” she asked as her gut twisted in knots. Instinct told her she didn’t want to hear the answer.

  Bart stared silently at her for so long she wondered if he heard her. Erika was about to repeat her question when Bart replied. “Do you know why I wanted to become a politician?” he muttered flatly, his voice monotonous and weary.

  Erika shook her head as she regarded Bart. Her mind went in a thousand directions, trying to figure where he was going with his comment. Nothing came to mind, and Erika was more confused than before.

  “I’ve lived in Chattanooga most of my life. I love this city, and, more importantly, this state. I wanted to give back. Make others proud to live here, too. I thought I could make a difference,” Bart murmured as he stared Erika’s way, except he was looking through her instead of at her.

  “And, you have. Don’t let Elaine deter you from your goals. Stay true to yourself, and it will work out. I believe that in my heart,” she voiced, and placed her hand on his.

  Bart shook his head. “I wish it was that simple, but it’s not,” he replied and finally met her gaze.

  “Trust me,” she assured and squeezed his palm.

  “Erika…” he sighed.

  “I’m serious. It will work out,” she confirmed.

  “Kelly recorded us at the guest house,” he blurted.

  Erika froze. “Come again?”

  “That noise you heard outside the window last night. It was Kelly. She has the entire thing on video. Elaine came here to threaten me. Either I stop pursuing those abusing shifters, or she releases the video to the media.”

  “That’s blackmail,” Erika shouted.

  “Yep. And, there isn’t a damn thing I can do about it,” he professed. “I nearly strangled Kelly,” he confessed and stared at his hands. “I’ve never felt such hatred toward someone as I do Elaine,” he added, and Erika knew that feeling all too well. Too many times, she imagined killing Elaine Jensen.

  “You’re not alone there. So, what did you say when she threatened you?” Erika hated that Elaine had something over Bart. She felt it was her fault that the female had ammunition against him. Bart suggested they go to her bedroom, and she balked at the idea.

  “I told her no. I don’t back down to bullies. Unfortunately, I don’t think she’s bluffing. The video will go Live, and you need to prepare for that. Lawson will know about us, so you should tell him first,” he advised as he picked up the bottle of liquor, taking a deep swig. “So, you can see why I felt the need to drink.”

  “Well, Lawson isn’t an issue. I called him this morning after you left and told him about us. I was so happy, and wanted to share it with him.” Truth was, Erika was happier than she’d been in a long time. It seemed silly to keep it a secret.

  “Really? And, what did he say?”

  Erika chuckled. “He said he knew. Apparently, he did see us kissing at the cabin but figured I’d tell him when I was ready. He said he was thrilled for us.”

  “I’ll be damned. Well, that’s one issue resolved, but I have no idea how the citizens of Tennessee will react when they get wind of us. It could get real ugly, Erika. You might want to bow out now while you can,” Bart suggested as he absently played with a strand of her hair.

  “Nope. I’m in it with you. No matter what.”

  He exhaled and she saw relief cross his face. “I’m glad you said that. I need you in my corner,” he confessed with a half-smile.

  “It’ll be fine. Elaine is the one in the wrong. Karma will catch up to her eventually. Now, where’s a broom and dustpan?” she asked as she glanced to the nearby broken glass.

  “You never cease to amaze me, Miss Pittman. Here I thought you’d be furious about the video.”

  “Oh, I’m not happy about it, but I don’t blame you. And, last night was incredible. I refuse to let Kelly, Elaine, or anyone else take that away from us,” she admitted and reached to caress his cheek.

  “Last night was beyond incredible,” he countered, and Erika watched desire fill his brown eyes.

  “Let’s just make sure the blinds are closed next time,” she added with a wink.

  Patricia stepped into the study, capturing their attention. “Sorry for the interruption, boss, but you might want to turn on the news,” she winced.

  “Wow, Elaine doesn’t waste any time,” Erika admitted.

  “I guess not,” Bart replied as he stood and walked to the sofa table, grabbing a remote. “It’s show time,” he relayed and pointed the device at the flat screen television.

  Erika nodded and stared at the screen. Her heart pounded against her chest as she waited to hear what the media thought of the governor of Tennessee hooking up with a wolf shifter. If things went south for Bart, would he feel differently about her?

  She should’ve known life was going too good. Good didn’t happen to her. Ever.

  Chapter 16

  “What day are we meeting the Hendricksons?” Bart asked Erika.

  His dark-haired beauty looked up and replied, “Next Tuesday. I confirmed with Sandra this morning.” She glanced back to her laptop and continued typing. She was so incredibly beautiful. He could stare at her for hours and never tire of it.

  Surprisingly, the media was quiet since the video released. A week passed, and Bart suffered minimal casualties, considering the vindictive source behind the blackmail. Maybe humans weren’t as concerned about his personal life, after all. At least, that’s what Bart was hoping.

  “Perfect,” he replied and his mind wandered aimlessly.

  The Hendricksons lived in the small city of Townsend, and Bart and Erika were going there to discuss the disappearance of a young shifter. The rural area was outside Gatlinburg, and he thought he and Erika could make a weekend out of it.

  “Would you like to leave Saturday morning, and see the sights? There’s some great wineri
es near Townsend,” he suggested as he walked over and tugged her away from the computer. His arms instinctively wrapped around her waist.

  Erika smiled and nuzzled close. Her arms circled Bart’s neck and his body immediately reacted. His cock sprang to life, eager to pound her into next week. He would never get enough of her, he thought. It didn’t help when her vanilla and lavender fragrance attacked his senses. He couldn’t resist the temptation, and gently kissed along her jawline then down her slender neck.

  “How can I possibly turn you down while you’re doing that? You know my weaknesses,” she declared with a tilt of her head, allowing him better access to her tender flesh.

  “Mmm, you’re delectable,” Bart muttered against her skin then pulled the fabric of her blouse and peeked inside. Her cleavage spilled from her bra, and he fought the urge to strip her bare and fuck her on his desk.

  A knock at the door startled them and Bart quickly released his hold. Erika straightened her clothing as Patricia stepped inside the office. His assistant’s serious demeanor had him on instant alert.

  “Mr. Smith, Senator Hartwell is here to see you.”

  This was unexpected. Larry typically called first. Bart wondered if the senator’s unannounced visit had anything to do with the video of him and Erika.

  “Please show him in, Patricia,” he instructed and shared a look with Erika.

  When Patricia exited the room, Erika whispered, “Is this good or bad?”

  “Not sure. Guess we’ll know soon enough,” Bart answered with a slight smile. “On the positive side, Larry and I usually see eye to eye on most subjects.”

  Before Erika could respond, the door swung wide and Larry Hartwell stepped into the office. “Bart, old friend, it’s been a while,” the man announced and walked over, extending his hand.

  “Yes, it has. How have you been, Larry?” Bart asked the older gentleman as they shook hands.

  “Doing well, thank you.”

  “How’s Honey?” Bart asked, referring to Larry’s wife. Her given name wasn’t Honey, but the sweet lady raised honeybees and was known across the state for her award-winning butters and soaps derived from her honeycombs.

  “Sweet as ever. She insists you come for a visit soon,” the senator shared.

  “I promise I will. Larry, I’d like you to meet Erika Pittman,” Bart introduced.

  “Hello, Mr. Hartwell,” Erika greeted and held out her hand.

  “Miss Pittman. I barely recognized you with your clothes on,” Larry said then eyed Bart as he shook Erika’s hand.

  Erika flushed red, and her eyes widened. She glanced at Bart and he knew she was dumbfounded by the comment, so he intervened. “I was hoping you were out of the country, and didn’t see my censored ass splayed across national TV,” Bart explained.

  “Trust me. I wish I’d been out of town, too,” the senator joked with a deep laugh.

  “Is that why you’re here?” Bart asked.

  Larry turned to Erika. “Could you give us some privacy, darlin’?”

  Erika glanced to Bart and he nodded slightly. Her brows drew together in confusion then her gaze traveled back to the senator. “Of course. It was very nice meeting you,” she stated then left the office, shutting the door behind her.

  “You’ve got your hands full, pal,” Larry said. The male’s usual friendly demeanor was absent, and he crossed his arms over his chest.

  Bart nodded but didn’t reply. He wasn’t sure where the senator stood on the issue of shifter rights, and didn’t want to assume that they were on the same page.

  “Look, you know I support you ninety-nine percent of the time. This, however, is the other one percent. This issue is far too delicate. Now, perhaps in the future I’ll feel differently, but not right now. There’s too much at stake,” Larry explained.

  “What are you saying, exactly?” Bart asked even though he had a general idea where the conversation was headed.

  “I came here as a friend, and I’m telling you to walk away from this crusade. It’s political suicide, Bart. Your career is on the line,” the senator offered.

  How could Bart do that? He’d seen the cruelty with his own eyes. If he didn’t stand up for shifters, who would? The answer came automatic. Nobody.

  “I can’t. They deserve the same rights as you and I. Surely, you agree with that,” Bart insisted, and glared at the senator.

  “It doesn’t matter if I agree. What matters is the people, and they are not in support of this. That’s not to say they hate shifters, but they need to know you put humans first. This is about fear, Bart. They’re afraid if shifters have equal rights, they might take it a step further and gain control over them. You need to stop while you can. Furthermore, you should probably end whatever you’ve got going with Miss Pittman, at least for a while. Let things cool down,” Larry suggested.

  Bart rubbed his forehead and sighed. Was there not one single human on his side? Why was it so hard to see his viewpoint? He felt like he was stuck in the twilight zone. Bart thought about other times in history when Americans fought for civil rights. It took someone brave enough to stand against the system and say no.

  Could he be that person? He wasn’t sure. He loved his job, and his political career. He wasn’t ready to walk away from it, but this issue was important. Question was if he was willing to risk losing everything for Erika, Lawson, and the others.

  It was a lot to consider. Maybe he should put it on the back burner for now. But he promised Erika and Lawson. How could he look either of them in the eye and explain that it was in everyone’s best interest to temporarily stop searching for those abusing shifters? They’d never agree with that notion.

  “Just think about what I’ve said,” Larry advised. “You have a great future in politics, Bart. Don’t ruin it.”

  Bart sighed and shook his head. He knew the senator meant well, but his advice was a huge disappointment.

  “I have another meeting, and I need to get going, but I hope you’ll pay us a visit. Honey would love to see you. I’ll show myself out,” the senator added and took his leave.

  Bart watched Larry leave his office then walked to the large window and looked at the guest house. He cared for Erika, and didn’t want to lose her. But his career meant a great deal to him, as well. So much for minimal casualties, he surmised as he thought about what he’d say to Erika. No matter his decision he was fucked either way.

  Erika chewed her fingernail to the quick. It had been fifteen minutes since the senator walked past her office. Why hadn’t Bart come to see her, and update her on Mr. Hartwell’s visit? She knew they were talking about her. Why else would the senator make his snide comment? The old fart probably thought Bart was too good for her. Not that it hadn’t crossed her mind, as well, but who did he think he was to pass judgement against her?

  Just as she was about to go to Bart’s office, he strode through the doorway. His stoic expression told her nothing, so Erika returned to her nail biting.

  “Got a minute?” he asked and walked toward her chair.

  “Sure. How did it go?”

  “It went,” he joked but she sensed the conversation was about to turn serious. “Senator Hartwell strongly suggested that I put my quest on hold, at least for a while.”

  “Quest for…”

  “Shifter rights,” he answered.

  “And, what did you tell him?” she snapped. Bart had been steadfast and true up to this point. Surely, he hadn’t changed his mind after one conversation with an idiot in a fancy suit.

  “I didn’t say anything, but his argument is valid. Erika, I won’t be able to help shifters if I lose my political status. If that happens, then all this was for nothing,” he explained, and Erika knew his decision was made. He was turning his back on them. On her.

  “But what about the Hendricksons? They’re expecting us. Their son is missing right now,” she practically yelled.

  Bart sat on the edge of her desk, close enough she should be able to determine what he was thinking
, but she couldn’t. “By all means, continue what you’re doing. I just can’t be privy to it. Lawson was in charge before I became involved. He will continue his search for laboratories, and rescue any shifters he finds.”

  Erika’s heart twisted painfully. She truly thought Bart was different. That he was a male of his word. She couldn’t have been more wrong about him. As soon as the road turned rocky, he did an about-face and trotted in the direction of a smooth path. What a coward.

  “You’re right. Lawson will continue to fight because he doesn’t quit. I thought you cared,” Erika blurted and then her mind went in a different direction. Was he ending things between them, too?

  “And, what about us, Bart? I put it all on the line and told Lawson how I felt about you. Was that a mistake?”

  “Of course not. Erika, I care deeply for you. I’m also confused and scared about my future. Honestly, I don’t know how to answer your question,” he sighed and shook his head.

  Emotion clogged her throat as she stared at Bart. He was ending their relationship, and didn’t have the balls to say it to her face. She was such a fool, believing in him. He was no different than every other male she’d been intimate with. Self-serving bastards.

  Erika stood then grabbed her handbag. She needed to get out of there before the tears spilled, and her anger was mistaken for weakness.

  “Where are you going?” Bart asked as he reached for her hand.

  Erika snatched it from his grasp. “Home, I guess. I’m clearly not needed here. I assume that speech was your way of firing me, so I might as well return to Safe Haven.”

  “Don’t be like that. You don’t have to leave, especially since it will be dark in a couple of hours. Stay tonight and let’s talk about everything. Maybe we can figure a way out of this,” Bart offered and tried pulling her into an embrace.

  “There’s nothing to figure out,” she countered and wormed her way out of his hold. “I hope your job stability is worth it, Governor,” Erika spat as she looked around the room.