"I have no information with which to answer that question, and no comment on his charges."
Before she could pick another reporter, the man that had asked for Robin's name interrupted with a question of his own, ignoring the scalding looks from the reporters in the seats next to his. "Is it true that Congressman Saunders has video evidence of your relationship?"
Immediately realizing what the sleazy reporter was asking, Tess frowned. "What on earth are you talking about? No!"
"Is it also true that you were involved with a prostitution ring?"
This time, Tess openly glared at the annoying reporter. "Sir, I have no idea what tabloid you work for, but I assure you that I am not involved with sex workers." She was secretly relieved that Samantha had stopped charging her years before. It made her statement feel like less of a lie. "Next question. You."
"What do you think the LGBT community's response will be to all of this media attention?"
Tess tucked a lock of blonde hair that had escaped back behind her ear and adjusted her glasses, managing to make even those nervous habits look professional and poised. "I hope that they will understand why I wanted to keep my private life private until I was ready. I have never attacked or demonized the LGBT community – my community – like some of my colleagues, and I hope they'll welcome my support now."
"Do you find that being a Republican candidate and a lesbian is a conflict of interest?"
"No, I do not."
"What has the GOP's reaction to your relationship been?"
"I do not speak for the party. No one person does. I can only speak on my own behalf." She did not mention that several of her donors had withdrawn their support in the last forty-eight hours. Fortunately, it did not make much of a difference. Most of the money she used was her own. Even though he was retired, her father's name was still very valuable capital in Washington.
"Is it true that your parents disowned you because of the scandal?" the tabloid reporter spoke up again, obviously annoying the rest of the press. "Have you been in the company of several different society women during your campaign in order to solicit votes?"
"I am running for Congress, it is part of my job to solicit votes." Tess purposely ignored the question about her family, swallowing down the lump in her throat. Honestly, the fact that her father had not yet contacted her stung, and she did not want to be reminded of it.
"I meant –"
"I know what you meant, sir, and I resent the implication. Please remember that I am giving this press conference of my own free will, and I may leave at any time. I think some of your colleagues would like a chance to ask more important questions about my campaign." Looking a little chagrined, the reporter typed something on his small, portable laptop.
"Ms. Daubney, what made you decide to speak with us today?" a television correspondent asked.
Tess took a deep breath. "I have always believed that politicians should be open and honest with their constituents. Even though I have not yet been elected to Federal office, my integrity would not allow me to do anything less."
"What would you say to fellow Republicans who have accused you of being immoral?"
Tess blinked. "They are entitled to their opinion. As you obviously noticed on the way in, there are several protesters outside already." The sight of the homophobic signs several hundred yards away from where the press conference was taking place had made her shiver as she passed them in her secure black car, making her grateful for the tinted windows.
"What was your father's reaction to this announcement?"
"My father –" Tess paused to clear her throat. "My father is..." Before she could answer the question, the tiny bud in her ear exploded with noise. As she listened to the words coming from it in disbelief, a harried looking assistant ran onstage, almost tripping in her high heeled shoes as she whispered frantically in Christine's ear. Shocked, her campaign manager stood up.
"It is my pleasure to announce that Senator Daubney has decided to honor us with a visit in order to make a statement in support of his daughter."
Even though she knew that hundreds of cameras and video-recorders were zoomed in on her face, Tess could not keep her mouth from falling open in complete astonishment. No word for twenty-four hours, and now...
Tess immediately stood up as a large, familiar figure walked out onto the raised platform, opening his arms. He was not smiling, but there was tender concern in his blue eyes. Completely forgetting where she was, the blonde hurried over to give her father a tight hug. "Oh, Dad... I'm so sorry... I never – I didn't –"
Making sure that his lips were blocked from view and whispering softly, away from the microphone attached to his daughter's neck, Senator Daubney said, "I came as soon as I heard and left your stepmother gaping like a fish. By the way, there's a certain FBI agent I need to speak with after this."
Remembering where she was, Tess bit her lip to keep from laughing aloud and smoothed out her pencil skirt, trying to regain what remained of her professionalism. Thankfully, she was not crying as she took her seat. Christine stood, shaking the Senator's hand and introducing him to the eagerly waiting media.
Epilogue
Cincinnati, Ohio: November 2nd
Robin yawned, leaning back on the sofa and closing her laptop. She stretched her arms above her head, trying to work the kinks out of her shoulders. Since her superiors had basically put her on a temporary leave of absence from the FBI, she was doing what she could to help Tess's campaign. Honestly, Robin appreciated the time off. She would use the space and extra hours to figure out what she wanted from her future. All she knew was that she wanted Tess to be a permanent part of that future. She wasn't nearly as sure about the FBI. It really depended on what their investigation into her actions, and the entire Saunders scandal, turned up.
She heard footsteps leaving the bedroom, and a sleepy but pleased looking Tess wandered in to join her in the living room. "Hello there, handsome," she said, bending down to kiss Robin's cheek. "What are you working on? And why are you using my computer?"
"Nothing anymore," Robin said. "I was actually going through some of your e-mail. I never knew you had to answer so many!" Tess's inbox was always full, and she insisted on looking through the bulk of the messages to her legitimate account personally instead of passing the job off to a staff member. Wanting to help, and partially to stop Tess's griping, Robin had volunteered her assistance.
"You know, most people would get very upset if they found their significant other trolling through their e-mail."
The agent smirked. "You're not most people. Besides, all of your work e-mail is totally boring. No juicy stuff yet, although I did get a message from Louph. He's back in Washington, and he says thank you for the new turtle terrarium."
"I knew he'd like it," Tess said. "Besides, it was a lot cheaper than two million dollars."
As she looked up at her lover, who looked several years younger in her oversized t-shirt and bare feet, Robin was struck with the sudden urge to be closer to her. She patted the empty space beside her on the couch. Tess obliged the non-verbal request and sat down, tucking her chin against Robin's shoulder. "You look happy," Robin said, noticing Tess's smile.
"I should be. A really sexy woman has commandeered my laptop, and I have a big lead on Saunders in the polls. Apparently, coming out as a lesbian is less offensive to Republicans than taking bribes is to Democrats. A lot of them are jumping ranks and supporting me."
"Are you sure your good mood isn't because of the way I woke you up this morning?" Robin teased.
"You only woke me up the first time. I woke myself up the second time."
"I'm just glad you got some rest before your interviews today," Robin replied. Unfortunately for Tess, the local and national media refused to redirect their attention to her political agenda instead of her personal life. As much as she wanted to hole up in her apartment for the next thousand years, Tess knew that she had to make at least a few appearances. Copies of the Cincinnati Sun were
selling like hotcakes, and their website hits had doubled thanks to Tess's exclusive.
"I'll be fine. Christine's pre-approved what I'm allowed to say, and I'm used to it..."
Robin's smirk turned into a frown, and she draped her arm around Tess's shoulder, pulling the politician against the line of her side in a slightly protective manner. "Just because you're used to something doesn't mean you should do it if you're miserable. Let the reporters nose around all they want. You've already told them more than they're entitled to, and the rest is none of their business."
"My job makes it their business. Voters have a right to know what they're getting when they cast their ballot."
"Then they can pick up a copy of the Sun or read one of the dozens of reprints online."
Tess sighed, letting her head fall onto Robin's shoulder. "You're right. I'll call Christine later and see if I can clear up my schedule for tomorrow."
"Really?" Robin asked, her voice and eyebrows lifting hopefully. She looked so excited at the prospect that Tess had to smile.
"One day won't kill me. Maybe we can do something fun..."
That suggestion made Robin's smile return. "Like what?"
"A picnic."
"A picnic? I hate to break it to you, sweetheart, but the weather's a bit chilly for that."
Tess snorted. "Yes, cold and cloudy with a chance of tabloid photographers. I wasn't thinking about an outdoor picnic."
"What other kinds are there?"
"An indoor picnic," Tess said lightly, as if the idea of having a picnic indoors was completely normal.
"An indoor picnic, hmm?" Robin leaned closer, bending down slightly until her nose was almost brushing the blonde's. "Do you think I might get lucky during this so-called indoor picnic we're having?"
Tess pressed her lips to the corner of Robin's mouth. "That," she said, adjusting her aim for a full kiss, "is a distinct possibility.”
The End
Table of Contents
copyright
Acknowledgements
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Epilogue
All The Pretty Things Page 23
