Campaign Trail (By Design Book 9)

by J. A. Armstrong

  Candace considered Alex’s direction for a moment. Michelle was running her campaign office. Michelle was her daughter. That put her in the crosshairs, and that was not something Candace felt comfortable with. “No.”

  “Candace, if she knows she might inadvertently give someone away. Shell is great. She’s not trained for this.”

  “No,” Candace repeated. “If what you suspect is true, Shell is the person in the most danger.”

  “You have to trust my judgment,” Alex argued. “I’m trying to protect anyone who might end up in his line of sight.”

  Candace nodded. “No,” she repeated. “If you want to place agents in that campaign office then we tell Shell—either that or I pull her out of there. She needs to know who she can go to. I’m not going to hand her this picture and let her think she’s by herself in there.”

  Alex understood her friend’s concerns. Michelle needed someone to go to should she see or suspect anything was amiss. “I figured you’d say that.”

  “Let me guess; you have a solution.”

  “We have a powerful mutual friend who knows what to look for, and who we both trust. Someone who has a direct line to me, and someone Shell will trust.”

  Candace immediately understood. Alex wanted to bring former First Lady Jane Merrow into the equation. “Alex, I don’t think Jane wants to spend time in Albany. It’s Albany, for heaven’s sake.”

  Alex chuckled. “She wants you to win this election. That means you need to stay safe first and foremost. She’ll do it if I ask her. I need you to give me the green light to do that. I’m not a politician, Candace. I do know that sometimes a high-profile figure can hinder a campaign more than help it too early in the game. I don’t want to hurt your campaign. Jane,” Alex hesitated. “She’s familiar with both our worlds.”

  “I’m aware that Jane is more than the picture painted for the people, Alex.”

  Alex smiled. Candace Reid had been around politics her entire life. She’d also served on the Senate Intelligence Committee for years. That committee had held inquiries into President John Merrow’s assassination and into the possible obstruction of justice by his successor Lawrence Strickland, who had left office disgraced by innuendo and ineffectiveness. Jane Merrow shared the same intelligence training and background as her former husband, President John Merrow had. Jane’s connections ran deep in both the political and the intelligence worlds. Alex doubted that Candace knew the full scope of who Jane Merrow was or that something called The Collaborative worked under cover of the CIA. It was clear that Candace Reid had surmised there was more to Jane Merrow than a former Hollywood actress who became a fairytale First Lady.

  “But?” Alex asked.

  “There’s no but. You’re right. She could be an asset to both of us right now. I’m guessing that you ran this idea by Cassidy?”

  “She knows the drill,” Alex said. Alex’s wife, Cassidy had been married to a congressman for years—a congressman who had once been thought to be headed for the top. Cassidy knew the ins and outs of campaign life and the political arena. She also was a close friend of Candace’s. “She lived it for years.”

  “Yes, she did. So, what was her thought on this idea of yours?”

  “She thinks that with the media feeding on Ritchie’s drama, having Jane take up a presence might help you with the press.”

  Candace smiled. “I agree. The former First Lady would be an asset.”

  “But?”

  “I should make that request of her, not you.”

  “No,” Alex disagreed. “Candace, she needs to know all the reasons she’s there.”

  “I think we both know she’s ahead of the curve,” Candace grinned. “You can fill her in on all the details after I speak with her.”

  “Candace…”

  “Alex, this isn’t up for debate. I’ve heard your case, and I agree with your assessment. Nonetheless, you need to understand that I put myself in a vulnerable position when I decided to run for the White House. I can’t appear vulnerable. Do you understand? This kind of thing goes with the territory.”

  “What kind of thing? A serial killer wanting to exploit you?”

  “Anyone wanting to exploit me,” Candace said. “The reason isn’t important. I entered this race on a promise to see it through to the end. I knew the risks. We both know that the road to hell is paved with good intentions and the road to the White House is the road to hell.”

  “You sound like John.”

  “President Merrow wasn’t just our friend, Alex. He was the leader of the free world. That’s not something you seek unless you are prepared to sacrifice yourself when the time comes—whether that’s your reputation or your person.”

  Alex shook her head. If only that were true. John Merrow and Candace Reid were cut from the same cloth. They both believed in serving something greater than themselves. She also knew that many people who sought higher office only sought to serve their private interest. In Alex’s view, that put people like Candace at greater risk. She cared. Like it or not, that made Candace more vulnerable.

  “All right,” Alex reluctantly agreed. “But, you have Jane call me after you speak to her.”

  “You have my word. Alex?”

  “Yes?”

  “You find this son of a bitch and put him where he belongs,” Candace said.

  “You have my word, Governor.”

  ***

  Candace hung up the phone with Jameson and sighed. Amid the chaos of the campaign as it heated up, the last thing Candace had needed or expected was a psychotic killer closing in on anyone close to her. The story was featured on the news nightly. When— the media kept asking—would the FBI and state police capture this killer? Lawson Klein and Jed Ritchie continued to fan the flames every chance they got. What was Governor Reid doing about it? The newest line claimed that Candace was unwilling to dedicate state resources to the case, fearing it would jeopardize her ability to pass the state budget. Despite Alex’s press conferences emphatically making the point that the governor’s office had offered every possible resource, the narrative continued. Right now, Klein and Ritchie’s assertions were the furthest thing from Candace’s mind. The slightest possibility that a killer might target someone close to her made Candace sick to her stomach. Her motherly instinct told her to pull Michelle out of the campaign office immediately. Jameson had reminded Candace that Michelle would never forgive her if she did that. Candace groaned. “Damnit.”

  “Hey,” Dana popped her head into Candace’s office.

  “Is Shell here yet?” Candace asked.

  “Not that I’ve seen. Candy, what’s going on? Why was Alex here this morning? Did they find someone?”

  “They have some solid leads.”

  “Why do I think Jane Merrow’s call was not just about your campaign?”

  “It wasn’t,” Candace said. She sat back in her chair and rubbed her eyes. “She might be the one bright spot in this mess.”

  “No doubt having her spend a couple of days will shift the narrative.”

  Candace nodded.

  “That’s not what you were referring to; is it?”

  “Cooper and Spencer saw something on the television about John’s assassination.”

  “Oh boy.”

  “Yeah—oh, boy. They’ve decided they need to build a moat around The White House if I get elected to protect me.”

  Dana chuckled. “I’m sorry. I know it’s not funny but those two really are something.”

  Candace smiled. “Yes, they are.”

  “You think maybe Jane can make them feel a little better?”

  “I do,” Candace said. “Actually, I was thinking when this is over I might invite Alex and Cassidy up for a weekend.”

  “There’s more to this. I know it.”

  Candace shrugged. “Dana, there aren’t many people outside of my family and you that I trust completely right now.”

  “I know.”

  “I trust Cassidy.”

  “I know
that too. You want to bring her into the campaign, don’t you?”

  “Yes. But I know that she’ll balk at that request.”

  “You think Jane can help with that too.”

  Candace smiled.

  “Smart.”

  “I need people I can trust right now,” Candace said. “Things are about to get messier.”

  “Why do I think we are not talking about the FBI’s case?”

  “The New York Times is working a piece on Klein’s affiliation with Petru Rusnac.”

  Dana let out a long breath. “I haven’t heard that name since you left the senate.”

  “Mm. I know. If it weren’t for this debacle now, I’d consider asking Alex for some help.”

  “Are you going to tell Jane?”

  “About the story or about Rusnac? As far as Rusnac goes, I’m confident that she’s aware of his dealings.”

  Dana flopped into a chair. Petru Rusnac was a Moldovan oligarch. He was one of a few principal players thought to have begun to turn the tide in the small country away from western democratic governing and toward a more sympathetic alignment with Russia. One of the worst allegations against the man was his investment in the trafficking of young Eastern-European women throughout the world.

  “Are you telling me that Lawson Klein is involved with Petru Rusnac?”

  “I am.”

  “How closely?” Dana asked.

  “Closely. He’s taken substantial money from Rusnac’s businesses. And, wait for it—he’s sold property to Rusnac here in the states.”

  “You’re sure?”

  Candace nodded.

  “How long have you known?”

  “I’ve known there were potential ties to Moldova and Serbia for years. About his friendship with the Moldovan oligarchy? About eight years now.”

  “What changed now?”

  “I knew about his potential ties—his unsavory friendships. Dana,” Candace started and then stopped herself.

  “What?”

  “That property he sold Petru?”

  “Yeah?”

  Candace shook her head.

  “Oh, my God. You think they brought women in that way?”

  Candace nodded.

  “Jesus. Is that the story they are going to run?”

  Candace nodded.

  “Holy shit.”

  “I know,” Candace said. “They’ll wait to run it until they have a few more sources. I can’t hold it up forever.”

  “You know he is going to fire back with everything he has.”

  “That’s why I need people I can trust close. He’s thrown the kitchen sink already. I’m betting the whole house is on its way.”

  “What can I do?” Dana asked.

  “What you do every day.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Have my back.”

  “Always.”

  ***

  Jameson walked back into the kitchen and headed straight for the coffee maker. It was only eleven in the morning and she was feeling uncharacteristically exhausted.

  “Momma?”

  Jameson turned to the sound of Cooper’s voice. “Hey, buddy.”

  “Are we going to Mommy now?”

  Jameson chuckled. “Are you tired of me, Coop?” she joked.

  Cooper looked at her sadly and shook his head.

  Jameson mentally berated herself. She had been joking. Cooper was incredibly sensitive and still had his worries that he would somehow upset one of his parents. She set down her cup and crouched down. “Come here, Coop.”

  Cooper walked slowly to Jameson.

  Jameson smiled at her son and pulled him into her arms. “I was kidding, sweetie,” she assured him. “I know you want to see Mommy. We’re going to leave in about an hour; okay?”

  Cooper nodded.

  “Cooper,” Jameson addressed him again. “I’m not upset. It’s okay that you miss Mommy. I miss her too.”

  “You do?”

  “All the time,” Jameson said. “Just like I miss you when I have to go somewhere.”

  Cooper smiled and hugged Jameson tightly.

  Jameson closed her eyes and reveled in his affection. Think before you open your mouth, JD. “Why don’t you go and play in your room for a little while?” she suggested. “I’ll come up when it’s time to go.”

  “Okay,” he agreed happily before scampering off.

  Jameson stood to her full height and shook her head. “Way to go JD,” she admonished herself.

  Marianne walked into the kitchen and narrowed her gaze. “Was that Jessica’s car I saw pull out of the driveway a few minutes ago?”

  Jameson nodded.

  “JD? Are you okay?”

  “Yeah, I’m fine.”

  Marianne was skeptical but let her suspicions lie. “Was Jessica here for Mom?”

  “No. Actually, she was here to talk to me.”

  Marianne’s brow shot up.

  Jameson chuckled. “That’s surprising?”

  “A little.”

  “She wanted to talk about Cooper.”

  “Cooper? Is there an issue with his grandmother again or…”

  “No, nothing like that.” Jameson noted Marianne’s unspoken question. “She’s just trying to find her way with Grant. I think she just wanted to talk to someone who had adopted a child. She’s carrying a lot of guilt.”

  “For putting him up for adoption?”

  “I’m sure that’s on her mind but she’s feeling conflicted.”

  “About him being in her life?”

  “Not the way you are thinking. It’s more like she feels responsible for coming between Grant and his parents.”

  Marianne nodded. “That’s not her fault from what I understand.”

  “No, it isn’t.”

  “What do you think about it? I mean, Mom mentioned that he wants to go work on her campaign.”

  “Does that bother you?” Jameson wondered.

  “Doesn’t it bother you?” Marianne returned. “It’s kind of like the past smacking you in the face.”

  Jameson grabbed her cup of coffee and took a sip. “Your mom loves Grant.”

  “Yeah, so she’s said. I know Mom. But, JD this is a little weird, don’t you think? I mean all of a sudden…”

  “Most things in life feel like they happen suddenly,” Jameson interjected. “You know your mom. She’s got a big heart. Jessica was a big part of her life. I think that she took the lead with him in some ways because Jessica was so afraid she’d do something wrong.”

  “Did Mom tell you that?”

  “No, Jessica did.”

  “Huh.”

  Jameson decided to change the subject. She had no issue with Candace’s relationship with Grant Hill or with Jessica Stearns. Candace was not someone to completely cut ties with someone because a romantic relationship ended. Jameson felt no insecurity in her marriage. She was cautious where Grant was concerned only because she didn’t know him well. She did trust Candace.

  “So? You are headed to Scott’s for the weekend, huh?”

  Marianne nodded. She smiled, but Jameson detected that something was bothering her step-daughter.

  “Is everything okay with you two?” Jameson asked.

  “Everything is more than okay,” Marianne said.

  Jameson smiled. Marianne was in love. It was written in her eyes. Jameson suspected that Marianne was also terrified. “And, that is a bad thing?” Jameson asked.

  “It’s not that,” Marianne said.

  “Listen, I know it’s probably weird talking to me about this. He is my cousin.”

  Marianne laughed. “Actually, JD I think you’re about the only person I would talk to about this.”

  “Coffee?” Jameson asked.

  “Don’t you need to leave for Albany?”

  “I’m not leaving for a while,” Jameson said. She grabbed Marianne a cup of coffee and directed her to have a seat at the table.

  “I’m not sure what my problem is,” Marianne confessed
. Jameson listened. “It’s—God, JD—I love him; I really do.”

  “You don’t say?”

  “It’s crazy. It’s just that when I start thinking about where it all might be heading, I start to feel… I don’t know; conflicted?”

  Jameson nodded. “You mean guilty.”

  Marianne sighed. She hadn’t expected to fall in love again after her husband’s death. She’d assumed that if she ever decided to marry again, it would be with someone who served as a companion. In some ways that seemed acceptable. Loving someone else sometimes felt like a betrayal of Rick. She struggled with her desire for a future with Scott and the future she had planned with Rick.

  “I guess, I do,” Marianne admitted. “It isn’t just that. I do feel that sometimes. I admit it. I never expected it—loving someone again.”

  “Well, I think I can understand that. But Rick would have been happy that you found someone that loves you and that you love too. And, I have to tell you I think he would have been glad it was Scott. It’s like Coop having three moms. It’s even like Jessica and Grant. You don’t have to stop loving Rick because you love Scott.”

  “I know.” Marianne sighed. “JD… There’s also the reality of what Scott wants.”

  “Which is you.”

  “Yes, but one day I think he would like to have a child of his own.”

  “And you don’t want that?”

  Marianne sighed again. “It’s not that. It’s just—how do I explain this? I know he loves Spencer and Maddie but they aren’t his kids. You know?”

  “Is that what he said?”

  “No, of course not. It’s just that when we’ve talked about the kids, he’s mentioned how much he would like one.”

  “With you.”

  Marianne nodded.

  “And you think somehow that means he doesn’t think of Spence and Maddie as his?”

  “I… That’s not what I mean. I just…”

  Jameson smiled. “He couldn’t love those kids more if they were his,” she said.

  “But having Spencer and Maddie isn’t enough.”

  “I don’t think that’s it.”

  Marianne looked at Jameson hopefully.

  “He loves you, Marianne. It’s not easy, acting as someone’s parent when you aren’t—when they have another parent that they love. It’s kind of like walking a tightrope.”