Access to Power
Page 26
“He’s under arrest, Lieutenant,” the U.S. Attorney said.
“No, he’s not,” Grimes said. “You are.”
The U.S. Attorney didn’t get it. Randolph gave the cops a nod and they seized the U.S. Attorney and his men in suits.
The limo pulled forward, looking for a way through the throngs of people. As the car inched past, Frank saw Juliana staring out the window at the U.S. Attorney being carted off. She turned toward the limo driver like she wasn’t sure at first. Two Metro cops were sitting up front in their uniforms. Frank noticed the cop in the passenger seat staring back at her, unable to hide his smile as he glanced at the campaign button pinned to her dress.
She knew. She must have known because she lunged for the door handle, ripping at it with both hands. She was locked in. Frantic. She turned to her husband, still oblivious to what was really going on as he waved back at a man and woman pressing their hideous faces into the glass before him.
“This is the greatest day of my life,” Merdock said with satisfaction.
Juliana’s campaign pin was still broadcasting loud and clear and Frank had heard it.
The greatest day of his life.
Frank looked at the TV cameras, the hellish crowd. When he turned back to the limo, Juliana was staring at him coldly. Her face had turned to stone and he saw fear creeping into her eyes.
“There’s your shot,” Frank said to Bobby. “Get it before it’s too late.”
Bobby dropped down on one knee, raised the camera and took the shot. When the crowd rushed forward, rocking the limo on it wheels and beating it with their fists, the kid spent the rest of his film.
“You think they’ve got any idea where they’re really going?” Randolph asked his partner.
Grimes laughed, still eyeing Juliana. “The TV people don’t get it yet, but it looks like she sure does.”
Frank watched as the royal couple disappeared into the rabble. He was alive again. Clean again. The monster he’d created, wounded beyond repair. The president would probably get the news from Stewart Brown in a few hours. It would be a rough night with his new consultant. Scheming. Posturing. His legacy turned to dust and tossed into the wind.
Frank felt Linda squeeze his hand and gave her a look. She moved closer, pressing her body into him. Her eyes drifted down to his mouth and then back again. As he gazed at her face, he noticed that her lips were parted and he touched her cheek with his fingers. Her skin felt soft and smooth and unexpectedly warm for a cool night in November.
“Where’s Jason Hardly?” he asked.
“Philadelphia. He’s asked me to marry him.”
“You should,” he said.
She nodded, even smiled, the smell of her skin intoxicating.
“Kiss me,” she said.
And he did. Pulling her closer and unable to let go.
About the Author
ROBERT ELLIS is the national bestselling author of Access to Power, The Dead Room, City of Fire, The Lost Witness, and Murder Season. His books have been translated into more than ten languages and are available in all formats. Born in Philadelphia, Robert moved to Los Angeles where he worked as a writer, producer, and director in film, television, and advertising. Visit him online at www.robertellis.net.