by Carsen Taite
“Who paid for the computer?”
Stevie paused for a moment, struck by his focus on extraneous details, but sensing he has some important reason for wanting to know. “I did. I plan to try to expense it, but you don’t need to worry about that. There’s no cost to you.”
She detected relief in the way his shoulders relaxed and the concern in his eyes dissipated slightly. She imagined that whatever he’d been thinking when he chose to send classified documents out into the world was nothing compared to the reality of sitting in a jail cell, not knowing who you could trust. She wanted to ask him if he had friends or family to be a support system while he was going through this mess, but she shoved her questions aside. Considering how little he spoke at all, she couldn’t waste her time with him on things that didn’t directly pertain to the case. “You ready to start looking at documents?” she asked, hoping her plan to involve him in this document review would get him to open up more.
His only answer was to fire up the laptop and reach for the drive. He studied it for a moment and then plugged it into the USB port. She watched, fascinated, as his hands sped over the keys and the screen in front of them turned into a giant bunch of unintelligible letters and numbers. Screens whizzed by faster than she could read them, but she suspected it wouldn’t have mattered anyway since what little she did see was nonsense. After a few minutes of this, he minimized all the open windows on the screen and turned the laptop so that it was situated directly between them.
“Do you want to drive?” he asked.
“I think you should,” she said, earning another look of approval.
“There’s an index, but it’s not very helpful. Probably designed to bury important information.” His fingers flew as he spoke. “We should come up with a list of keywords if we want to find anything specific, but aside from that, we’ll have to page through all of these if you want to know the scope.”
“How many documents are there?”
He opened the utilities on the computer and clicked on the drive. “This drive has a capacity of two hundred and fifty gigabytes, and it’s about fifty percent full. Each gigabyte can comprise anywhere from two thousand to five thousand documents, assuming they are only documents and not videos or large-scale images.” He tapped his fingers on the desk and furrowed his brow. “I’d say anywhere from fifty thousand to a hundred thousand pdf documents.”
She held in a groan. This wasn’t the first time she’d worked on document heavy cases, but they weren’t that common in the PD’s office, since the kind of cases that usually generated that kind of paper tended to be the kind with big money on the defense side. “Well, either I’m going to have to move in here with you, or we’re going to have to figure a way to plow through these documents in time for a July trial date.”
They could probably push the trial date off, but she hated to do that with him in custody since it only delayed his chance at freedom. It might be time to start trying this case in the court of public opinion. She’d held off on speaking to the press for all the usual reasons, but maybe it was time to make them work for her instead of the other way around. Emily hadn’t asked for a gag order, probably because she knew who she was dealing with, and Solomon’s protective order about the discovery only pertained to revealing the contents of the documents she’d been provided, but was silent on whether she could talk about the case in general. Generating sympathy for her client in the media might bring Emily around to a better plea offer that didn’t involve Barkley flipping on someone else since she didn’t hold out much hope the scant conversation they’d shared today was going to suddenly morph into him running his mouth.
She filed the idea away, resolving to speak to Joe and get his advice, and turned her attention back to the computer screen. Despite her determination to focus, the words started to blur and her thoughts wandered. In just a few days, Meredith would be back on her side of the country. The polls had her neck and neck with Lankin with Meredith a lock on both coasts and Lankin still with a slight lead in the South, but Stevie didn’t give a damn about polls. All she cared about was that she was about to see Meredith again, and this time she was going to make the most of what little time they would have together. Meredith had already sent her a plane ticket and instructions for the car service that would drive her to Meredith’s apartment building, undetected. At least Stevie liked to think that Meredith had been involved in the planning, but it was more likely the arrangements had been made by Jen or one of the interns working on the campaign. She didn’t care how it happened as long as it happened.
She shook off the distraction and focused her attention back on the computer screen. Just get through this work, and you’ll get your reward. Believing the promise, she spent the rest of the next hour letting Barkley explain the documents they were viewing. A lot of it was fluff, designed to slow down her ability to review everything, which, based on her experience, meant there was something exculpatory contained on the drive. They just had to find it.
Chapter Thirteen
“What do you mean the plane is grounded?” The minute the words left her mouth, Meredith regretted the shrill delivery, but the idea that she would be stuck in Atlanta watching the election results while Stevie was in New York at her apartment, was bitter icing on the shit cake of a day she’d just had.
“We’re working on it,” Gordon said, “But worst-case scenario, we switch up the schedule and stay here tonight. I’ve already got someone checking on a room block downtown.”
“That’s definitely a worst-case scenario. Gordon, I need a night at home. In my apartment surrounded by my things. I need to sleep in my own bed.”
“Someone’s grouchy again today. This wouldn’t have anything to do with meeting up with a certain someone would it?”
She scanned his face for clues about his reaction to what he apparently already knew and decided it was pointless to try to hide how she felt from him. “It might. How did you know?”
“It’s my business to know. Besides, one of my people overheard Jen making the arrangements.”
Meredith raised her hands in surrender. “Is it wrong that I want to have a little personal time with someone who has nothing to do with this campaign? Because I’m telling you right now that if I don’t get this, I’m not going to make it for the long haul.”
Gordon pursed his lips and studied her like he was trying to figure out how to deliver unpleasant news. She poked him in the arm and said, “Out with it.”
“Fine. It’s not wrong for you to want some private time. Key word private. But just how on the down low do you think you’re going to be able to keep this? If I found out, someone else will too.”
“Trust me, we’ll be careful. The last thing Stevie wants is to be caught in the eye of a media hurricane.”
“And that’s the last thing I want for you too.”
His statement was emphatic and stoked a fire of rebellion in Meredith. “You object to me dating someone?”
“No, I object to the candidate dating someone while trying to land the highest office in the land. It’s not just about you anymore.” He pointed toward the crowd of campaign workers waiting on the other side of the room. “All these people, and thousands more across the country, are giving their time and money to do whatever they can to help get you elected. You owe them a duty to stay focused on the prize, and the prize right now is getting elected.” He lowered his voice. “Not getting laid.”
“It’s not like that,” Meredith hissed, ready to punch him in the mouth. “She’s—”
“Amazing? Wonderful? I know, I know. She may be all of those things, and you can indulge in all of her wonders. After you’re elected.”
Meredith started to fire off a response, but she knew in her heart she owed it to him to at least consider his advice or why else have him lead her campaign in the first place? Was he right? Did her growing feelings for Stevie affect her focus? She reflected over the past few days. She’d been at times excited and grumpy and out of sorts. The
excited part had nothing to do with the campaign and everything to do with the knowledge that if she could just hang in there for a bit longer, she could escape it all with a beautiful woman and a few blessed hours of privacy. If thinking about what she was missing was affecting her this much so early in the campaign, what did the next seven months have in store?
She couldn’t think about it right now. Not while she was standing in the airport watching the plane with her name emblazoned across the side be put out of commission. Not while she waited for the results of today’s primaries to roll in. Eleven states were up in the air, and Lankin was nipping at her heels. She was already so on edge, what would happen if she didn’t see Stevie tonight?
Nothing, because not seeing Stevie tonight wasn’t an option. Maybe Gordon had a point, and if she survived tonight’s delegate count, she could reevaluate, refocus, and put things on hold while she finished out the campaign, but tonight she wasn’t going to move the goal. She’d counted on this reward for getting through the last month of nonstop travel and appearances, and she damn well deserved it. Tonight, whether she was victorious in the polls or not, she was going to have a win.
* * *
Hannah poked her head in Stevie’s office. “We’re headed to happy hour after work. Are you coming with?”
“No thanks. I’ve got plans.” Stevie barely looked up from the work on her desk, not because she was focused, but to avoid Hannah’s natural lie detector. She did have plans, just not ones she could tell Hannah or anyone else about because she was determined to keep her trip to New York as clandestine as possible.
“Plans, huh?” Hannah walked into her office and plopped down in one of the chairs across from her desk. “Let’s see. You can’t possibly have plans with the hot chick who’s running for president because she’s going to be pretty busy tonight.”
“What? Oh, yeah, I guess that’s right.”
Hannah narrowed her eyes. “Wait. You do have plans with her, don’t you? But how? She’s in Atlanta and you’re here. Are you going to have phone sex with the next president of the United States? I could totally sell this story to the National Enquirer and retire to that beach house I’ve been dreaming about.”
Stevie stifled her visceral reaction to the Enquirer reference because she knew Hannah was kidding. She knew Hannah pretty damn well, and it felt weird not to share her plans. “Shut the door.”
Hannah leaned over and pushed the door shut. “Spill.”
“This is top secret, like if you tell anyone I’ll rip your tongue out top secret. Got it?”
Hannah mimed locking her mouth shut and throwing away the key. “Mmm-mmm.”
“You’re a goof. I’m flying to New York this afternoon and staying the night at Meredith’s place in the city.” She watched Hannah’s face for some reflection of her own excitement, but she got nothing but a puzzled expression. “What?”
“Does Meredith know you’re coming?”
“You’re hilarious.”
“No, really. CNN says her plane was grounded in Atlanta and her campaign coordinator there is looking at hotel space for her entire team and a ballroom where they can watch the returns.”
Stevie’s stomach pitched, and she inched a hand toward her phone, but she’d checked it just seconds ago and there’d been no message from Meredith or anyone else about a change of plans.
“You didn’t know.”
“No, but I’m sure there’s a good reason.”
“Of course there is. I’m sure she’s planning to let you know.”
Hannah’s voice was full of soothing tones, but it did nothing to shut out the disappointment Stevie felt at the idea she wouldn’t see Meredith tonight. If tonight didn’t happen, who knew when they would see each other? It could be weeks, months. Her brain was already scrambling for solutions, thinking of ways she could catch up with Meredith on the campaign trail again. The next Super Tuesday was over two weeks away. Would Meredith come home to watch returns again, or set up shop in one of the big states that was sure to swing her way?
Her internal voice shut down the spiral. You have a job, and a caseload, and trials, and hearings, and clients. You can’t shut your entire life down for a night with a woman whose life is headed into complete insanity. There was barely room for her to be in Meredith’s life now. The general election and, if she won, the presidency were going to be all-consuming for Meredith. There would be no time for a personal life, which made Stevie question why she was investing so much energy in a future that would never be. “It’s for the best.” She murmured the words and willed herself to believe them.
A loud ring pierced through her thoughts, and she looked down to see her phone flashing an unknown number.
“Are you going to answer it?”
Stevie looked up at Hannah and back at the phone. She didn’t feel like talking to anyone right now. “It can go to voice mail. Not in a headspace to talk to anyone.”
“What if it’s her?”
What if it was? Two competing factions warred in her head—one that urged her to go with the flow and the other warning her to resist the rising tide of chaos that could consume her, make her want things she’d never have with Meredith. Another ring and another. Time was running out, and she snatched the phone and punched the answer button. “Hello?”
“Thank God you answered. It’s been a hell of a day.”
And just like that, Stevie curled into the warm curve of Meredith’s clear pleasure at being with her, even if it was only on the phone. “I’m sorry. I heard your plane was grounded.”
“Key word ‘was.’ I’m pleased to report that we’re boarding now, and I’ll be in New York soon. I’ll tell you all about it when I see you. What time does your flight leave?”
Hannah stood, made a heart out of her fingers, and headed for the door. Now was the perfect time to bow out, but it seemed chickenshit to do it on the phone. They did need to have a talk, but not tonight, another big night in Meredith’s campaign.
“You’re still coming, aren’t you?”
Meredith’s voice carried a trace of worry, a hint of insecurity, not emotions Stevie usually associated with her. “If you want me to.”
“Knowing that I was going to see you tonight is the only thing that’s gotten me through the last week.”
It was a big admission, a vulnerable one, and one that deserved something better than a “not sure I want to be caught up in your crazy life” response. Stevie’s mind drifted to the plane ticket saved on her phone and the packed bag under her desk. A few hours ago, she would’ve agreed that knowing she was about to see Meredith was the one thing that had gotten her through this week too. Nothing had changed really, and now, hearing Meredith’s voice on the phone, her determination to let go wavered. One night. They deserved at least one full night together before they went their separate ways.
“I’ll be waiting at your apartment.”
Chapter Fourteen
Tuesday evening, Meredith paced the hallway outside her suite at the Peninsula Hotel, waiting for the next round of returns. Inside, the rooms were crackling with energy and packed with the key players in her campaign, but she couldn’t help but feel like something very important was missing. Make that someone. Everyone here had a vested interest in a victory, but they were all rooting for what was best for their party, their political interests, and their country. Even her family, all of whom had decided to make the trip, were more interested in her professional future than how winning would affect her personal life or whatever personal life she could fit between the obligations of her candidacy.
Any resolve she’d formed to reevaluate her relationship with Stevie was fading fast. What she had with Stevie, however infrequently they saw each other, was a connection to a life she hadn’t known she wanted until now. A life with something outside the job and public service. A life with someone to share it with, and even if that person wasn’t ultimately Stevie, she wanted to make the most of this opportunity to be with her and navigate what it mea
nt to have a portion of her life that didn’t belong to her constituents.
Gordon poked his head out the door. “They’re about to call Texas, Oklahoma, and Minnesota.”
She glanced down the hallway toward the door marked Exit. “Guess it’s too late to make a break for it.” She tacked on a smile so he would think she was kidding, but a tiny part of her was serious. When had her life’s dream become a liability? “I’ll be right there.”
He ducked back into the suite, and she took a few deep breaths and focused on getting her head right. All the people in that room and thousands more across the country were working hard to get her elected. It wasn’t just about her dreams anymore, if it ever had been. She’d made a decision early on to dedicate her life to public service, and that meant personal sacrifice. She brushed her hands down her skirt and straightened her jacket. With her armor in place, she was ready to face whatever fate the ballot box had to offer. She took a step toward the suite but stopped when she spotted Jen coming down the hall toward her.
Things had been rocky between them, but family meant you were in it for the long haul, no matter what road bumps you encountered along the way. She embraced her sister. “Where have you been?”
“Checking on a few details downstairs,” Jen said. “Congrats on Georgia. That’s a big get.”
“They’re about to call three more big ones.” Meredith nodded toward the door. “Come in and hold my hand?”
“Absolutely. And speaking of holding hands,” Jen lowered her voice to a whisper. “She’s here. Well, not here, but at your place. Erica made sure she’s squared away.”
Meredith glanced wistfully at the exit door again, wishing there was some way she could sneak off and watch the rest of the returns with Stevie by her side. “We should go in.”
