Devastating Secret: Book 2 - Secret Series

by M Brereton

  “You did that on purpose, didn’t you?” Noah complained to Wayland through his smile.

  “You’re out in two months, now you want to focus on your duties,” Wayland replied.

  “You’re still mad about that!”

  “You made history Noah! You deserve two terms. Is Eva alright? I heard she was a little shaken up.”

  “She’s fine. It’s being handled.”

  “That’s why you two are made for each other. She told Ana the same thing.” Wayland remarked sourly. “Eva’s always a rock, if something scares her it must be serious.”

  “It’s being handled.”

  “Legally, I hope. I know you like being her hero, but let the Secret Service do their jobs!”

  “What do you do when they’re the problem?”

  “What?!”

  “Leave it be, Senator Marshall. I hear Theresa is staying on.” Noah said effectively changing the subject.

  “Fine!” Wayland growled knowing there would be no more argument.

  48

  We The People

  Noah smiled and waved, picking up Amelia as he played to the cheering crowd. A chant of ‘Four more years’ started and swelled, drowning out the music. Eva glanced uncomfortably at Noah who was offering a shaky apology to Eric. It was his night, but the people had other plans.

  Noah walked up to the podium and the chant was now accompanied by claps and stomps. He quieted the crowd with a simple wave of his hand. Once he had silence, he introduced Eric.

  “Your President-Elect! Eric Waterman!” He stepped back applauding, but the chant picked up again as Eric approached the podium.

  “Four More Years! Four More Years! Four More Years!”

  “Did you set this up?” Noah asked his uncle angrily.

  “Of course not! This is in poor taste and embarrasses Eric and Olivia!” Wayland pointed out. “It’s your own fault for quitting on them.”

  “I didn’t quit on them!”

  “No? You just put yourself before service to your country.”

  “SERVICE!!” Noah had to practically shout over the chants. Eric couldn’t get a word in edgewise. This was a disaster! “Those people are the same ones hanging me out to dry when I increased military funding! I don’t need this!”

  “Noah, I think we should leave. This is Eric’s night and it’s ruined.” Eva suggested.

  “You can’t leave! This may turn into a riot!” Wayland declared worriedly.

  “So, what do we do?” Eva asked.

  “We send the children back, in case this gets ugly.”

  “You have to charm them into relaxing,” Wayland suggested.

  “I’ll have Ana take the kids back,” Eva stated, and Noah was about to argue, but he saw the look in her eyes. She wasn’t leaving him.

  Eva followed him to the podium and took her post as if she was a part of his detail scanning the crowd. Noah cast a worried glance to Sam and he moved to her left in front of her, mimicking her position. She wouldn’t be taking any bullets tonight.

  She watched Sam and then turned and smirked at Noah who now satisfied with the security arrangements began his speech.

  “I’m feeling the love!”

  They hooted and whistled and Noah silenced them with another wave of his hand.

  “But the elections are over. I wasn’t the winning candidate, but I was glad to serve. Eric will be even better at the job, he actually knows what to do.”

  The crowd laughed, and he continued, “You’re actually getting an improvement and I’m not just saying that because he’s married to my cousin. He actually dreamed of being President and he believes in this country, in all of you!”

  “Don’t you believe in us?” One supporter asked, and the crowd nodded.

  Noah paused wanting to speak his mind, but not wanting them to turn he said as honestly as he could “I’ve heard the talk about my ‘foreign’ wife, my military budget, my alliance with Russia and the Middle East. I’m apparently too friendly with foreigners for the American people. I had a simple strategy of making all our so-called enemies our allies. Why can’t we be allies? Why should America dictate how another country does its business unless they’re outright killing its citizens or starving them to death? That should not be our focus! If the citizens are made safer and are well taken care of, frankly I don’t care! Free trade for everyone! Makes the price of everything lower and everything you buy is now cheaper.

  But this is not how an American president should think, so now you have one. Eric, I wish you the best of luck for your next four years!”

  He walked off to absolute silence. Eric hustled to the podium and made some hasty joke about Noah speaking his mind while Eva and Wayland picked their jaw off the floor and followed him.

  “Are you out of your goddamn mind?” Wayland hissed once they were backstage.

  “They asked.” Was all that Noah said.

  “I think we can leave now,” Eva suggested casting wary glances at the crowd.

  “You were supposed to charm them! Instead, you hit them in the head with a sledgehammer and walk away!”

  “I said what I had to say and believe me when I say, I was holding back!”

  “Noah, let’s go now!” Eva repeated as the crowd grew noisy again.

  “Now they won’t want four more years,” Noah said coldly as he walked off.

  “Seriously Noah, you could’ve done that better.” Eva chastised as they were hustled to the SUV.

  “Everyone gets to say and do as they want in this democracy except me…”

  “You are the President. You’re supposed to set a better example!”

  “Like you are?” Noah countered then whispered “If they knew the truth about you, your beloved public would eat you alive! You think they give a fuck about anyone but themselves! They sit on their fat asses and judge people they barely know and don’t do a thing for anybody and glorify the fact that they pay taxes so that the gardener that mows their lawn can get food stamps. This is their America! The one I want is a lot fairer, but nobody wants that! They want to claim they’re fair while the one percent feeds us scraps!”

  “Technically, we’re the one percent.” Eva muttered with her head low.

  “I didn’t mean…”

  “Yes, you did,” Eva replied quietly. “You always say it. We don’t need the expensive ‘shit’ as you put it. I grew up with expensive shit. I don’t want to give up …”

  “What your drug dealing daddy gave you?”

  “My God, Noah!” Eva whispered harshly. “If you must know, none of the money I have is daddy’s money! Once I realized how he earned his money I donated it to the Vatican. The money I have now is what I earned on my own by selling the expensive gifts men gave me and investing them. Then I bought and sold shares in companies, even the payments made from my side jobs were only used to buy equipment. I never bought anything for you with that money if that’s what you’re worried about…”

  “Eva, that’s not what I meant….”

  “It’s what you implied!” Eva hissed.

  “This is exactly why I’m glad I’m not doing this anymore. People keep putting words in my mouth!” Noah gritted out. “I only meant we can keep running the country listening to everyone who is only out to serve themselves. We have to stop and think of how our actions affect others. We all are getting caught up in our own little worlds…even you! You just made the entire thing personal when it wasn’t!”

  “You’re just mad you don’t get to act like a dictator expecting everyone to follow your orders and don’t ask questions! Regular people need more than barked orders!”

  “Regular people? None of the people I’ve met doing this job was anything, but regular! Yet, they expect me to follow their barked orders!”

  “Noah, what’s going on?” Eva asked, puzzled, her temper cooled as she registered his words. Was someone trying to control him? Is that why he’s mad?

  “I don’t even know why I’m arguing with you. This isn’t on you. Ju
st forget it.” He sighed and turned away.

  “Noah is someone…”

  “Just drop it, Eva!” Noah growled angrily.

  For now. Eva thought, even if she had to torture it out of him she would find a name then she would end that fucker!

  To relax him she snuggled into him and picked up his hand and kissed it. She looked up at him with soft eyes filled with love and he melted, wrapping his arms around her.

  “I’m here for you always, baby.” Eva reminded him.

  “Not like that you will be,” Noah replied gruffly as he kissed her forehead. “Never like that.”

  “You should just tell me…”

  “Now, I know why you kept your secrets,” Noah whispered.

  Sitting up straighter, Eva pleaded, “Please let me help…” Noah shook his head, “Don’t do that. Just as you want to protect…stop shaking your head damn you!” Eva cried, slapping his arm.

  Noah just pulled her tighter in his arms to silence her. She would never be pulling out her little bag of tricks to help him. Besides, even Eva couldn’t single-handedly take on the United States government.

  * * *

  She should have known. No one else he would be afraid of but someone powerful enough to take down the US government. And they must have used her past to threaten him. He wouldn’t be afraid for himself, but rather for her and the kids. Whoever they are, they must have connections on the other side. That was their mistake. Now she could find out who was digging into her affairs.

  “I have an errand for you.”

  “What do you need?” Tyler replied on the other end of the line

  She couldn’t take any chances, so the conversation had to go like this:

  “Just for you to pick up some personal items.” (I need information)

  “Can’t Kate handle that?”

  “I need Kate to stay here to assist me. We’re preparing for Christmas.” (We’re being watched)

  “Okay.” Tyler replied, catching on. “I got a pest problem, so I need to go to the store anyway. Send me the list. It may take some time…do you need it right away?” (I’m being watched too. Use our channels. Is it urgent?”)

  “No really, but I like to be organized. You know me. (Yes)

  “I’ll see what I can do. I should do some Christmas shopping as well. (I’ll prepare for what’s coming) Bye.

  “Thanks, Ty.”

  After the conversation in the limo, Eva realized she should’ve seen that coming, but she was so caught up in her own messes and her past she wasn’t paying attention to the present.

  There were a few before his inauguration, but she thought the CIA and the Secret Service were her only problems, she didn’t think she’d have to fight the members of the party…well not really those puppets, but the puppet masters, the money men.

  49

  Brother

  “I thought you had him under your control.” Noah’s campaign contributor replied unconcerned. “He’s no longer in the chair, so what happens is no longer any concern of mine. Too bad, I like him.”

  “This isn’t the Group’s doing?” Eva asked, shocked.

  “What? No! They got better things to do. You should know that!”

  “True, but some of their lackeys…”

  “Always do their own thing. They already run the world. No need to broadcast the fact.”

  Eva thought for a moment then replied, “Some pets just need to know their place then.”

  He said nothing. Just walked away leaving her to her schemes. In their world no more was needed. They were overstepping their lane and he knew the Group would support any moves she made, pets need to be reminded of their place.

  * * *

  Moving Day…

  Ninety percent of their personal effects were already returned to their old home and all that was left to be done was the handing over ceremony then they would be free. Eva couldn’t wait to be under her own roof again and away from public scrutiny 24/7. But most of all, she was now afraid to completely relax in the White House.

  Ever since the incident in the guest bedroom, she was always on alert and she knew Noah was the same way. By some unspoken agreement, they had both started taking shifts in the nursery near the kids. Without a word spoken, both understood the protection of their kids was paramount and Eva wasn’t about to let anyone hurt her family.

  As for Tucker, he quit the Service and returned to active military duty. Noah guessed it was because of all the suspicion thrown his way and Eva couldn’t care less as long as he was far away from them she was happy.

  Veronica and Roland separated, and Roland returned to the states in time for Eric’s Inauguration. He was still depressed over the split and Noah offered him a job at Homeland Security, but Roland joked he would need plastic surgery to live here so instead, he opted to accept a job in Japan. However, for a few weeks after the inauguration, he would be sleeping in one of their guest bedrooms.

  “Home Sweet Home!” Eva remarked cheerfully as she waltzed through the front door.

  “Finally! We’re done!” Noah remarked.

  Then they looked at each other and smiled. Noah opened his hand and Eva took it and they danced in the foyer like children, skipping and laughing.

  “You know,” Amelia remarked as the twins joined their parents in joy. “I don’t think all parents are like this.”

  “Were any of those kid’s Dad the President?” Noah asked and when she frowned thinking, he finished. “Trust me, baby, this is normal!”

  “For us at least!” Eva chimed in.

  The twins hooted in agreement and feeling left out Amelia reluctantly joined in. Noah twirled her around as Eva and the twins danced around them.

  “Can a man get any luckier?” A voice called from the stairway.

  “Ro!” Noah called, smiling. “I’m done, man!”

  Roland chuckled “You may want to hold off on the party, I hear Homeland Security is no cakewalk.”

  “Maybe, but I’ll be calling the shots there!” Noah replied.

  “Still…”

  “Are you comfortable, Roland?” Eva interrupted switching into hostess mode.

  “Just fine, Evaline. Your staff treated me like royalty from the moment I arrived, and it was no less than expected of Miss Evaline.”

  “You mean Mrs Marshall, don’t you?” Noah corrected teasingly as he hugged Eva to his side.

  “How could I forget?” Roland replied, smiling back.

  “Oh, I know!” Eva said brightly. “I think we should have a special dinner tonight…I’m thinking a roast and maybe some mash potatoes…I’ll whip something up.” She decided, stepping away to begin but Noah stopped her, dragging her back to his side.

  “How about we let the housekeeper cook and you just relax. After the kids are asleep I could spend some time taking care of you.” Noah teased as they rubbed noses.

  “Ahem!” Roland interrupted. “Is that going to the standard here? Will I be listening to strange noises all night?” He teased.

  “You’re married…” Noah began then paused. “Sorry…I …uh…”

  “Forget it man, not all of us can be the hero and get the girl,” Roland commented sadly as he turned and left.

  Noah wanted to call after him, but the words wouldn’t come. Something about that statement left a bad taste in his mouth. He swallowed uneasily and stepped away from his wife.

  “Are you okay?” Eva asked, looking up at him worriedly. Noah had gone pale all of a sudden and he looked ill.

  “I’m fine, but I need to apologize to Roland.”

  Eva nodded and called to the kids “Come on guys, let’s get settled and Amelia, we can show the boys their new rooms and give them a tour of their new home tomorrow.”

  Wow, Noah thought. The boys have never been here, and the last time Amelia was here she might be too young to remember. The difference four years makes. Then glancing towards the stained glass windows as though he could see them, Noah thought about his new security detail. Sam, he was us
ed to, but having someone protect him who wasn’t Eva or Cooper…now why did he think of him? Noah shook himself and followed the route Roland had taken. He found him in the den.

  “I remember the last conversation we had in this room,” Roland said by way of greeting.

  “I didn’t mean anything by it, man. It just…” Noah began, but Roland cut him off shaking his head.

  “Water under the bridge man,” Roland assured. “You got some good stuff here man.” He commented after taking a drink.

  “Yeah, well Eva chooses the stuff. Beer and Jack suit me just fine.”

  “She got good taste.” Then after checking the label, eyes popping out wide, Roland added as he set the bottle down carefully on the minibar. “Expensive taste too.”

  “High maintenance, that she is.” Noah agreed with a smile.

  “I’ve been meaning to ask,” Roland pondered casually. “just how did you meet her?”

  “Cooper set us up.” Not a total lie.

  Roland’s eyebrows went up. “He let her pass him without a taste …or was she a hand me down?”

  Noah frowned and replied coldly, “She never liked Cooper and they never had a relationship.”

  “Coop didn’t do relationships either if I recalled correctly,” Roland joked, missing the look of rage on Noah’s face.

  “She was never one of Coop’s anything!” Noah stressed.

  Finally sensing his anger Roland put up his hands, “Okay, I get it!” When he saw Noah calm down he continued, “But how come he never…?”

  “She didn’t like him,” Noah said honestly. “We saw her from a café entering a yoga studio, we gave chase and he shot his game and she shot him down. She asked me out to coffee, however.” Noah ended with pride.

  “She asked you out!” Roland asked in shock. “She didn’t know you yet, didn’t she?” He teased.

  Noah ignored the barb and poured himself a drink. He swirled the contents and stared into the glass thinking as he commented, “And I was foolish enough to take that gift for granted. I won’t anymore.”