Chapter 11
CHAPTER ELEVEN
“Thank you for taking the time to speak with me.” Isaiah Bennett poured a glass of Scotch and offered the tumbler. It was beyond late, and they were inside the living room of his suite. She should’ve been at the FBI office, but when the guy you’ve been assigned to protect beckons, you go.
“I’m working,” she said with a gracious smile, “but thank you.”
He tipped his head to say okay then took a sip from his glass. “So, I know you’re very busy, but there was something I wanted to ask you.”
Busy was an understatement.
After questioning Chelsea, they’d interviewed absolutely everyone Aaron knew, and no one had any information that could help the case. The Feds assigned detail to Chelsea and the cousin in case they were lying or if Aaron decided to pay them a visit.
“Of course, sir,” she finally answered, and he waved her to the couch along the wall as he sat on the one across from her.
“Kathleen okay?” She’d meant to say Mrs. Bennett, but she’d known the family for forever, and she’d slipped.
Another reason business and personal shouldn’t be mixed. She’d have to learn to call him Mr. President if he was elected. Of course, maybe she would never have any interactions with him.
She thought of what Knox had said to her early that morning and took a deep breath, hoping the influx of extra oxygen would calm her down. The idea of losing her best friend because of her job made her feel as if she’d been the one punched in the face instead of Chelsea.
“Kathleen’s going over some talking points with my campaign manager in the suite next door.” He turned toward Chen, one of the Secret Service agents quietly standing against the wall. “Can we have the room?”
Chen nodded at Isaiah before leaving.
“How’s the case going? I obviously saw the news today. The media’s saying a SEAL sniper is responsible.” He leaned back and crossed his ankle over his knee, showing a polished shoe. “Does my boy know him?”
“Not personally, no.”
And I can’t even talk about any of this with Knox or you, but she couldn’t lead with that, could she?
“I imagine Knox isn’t taking the news well. He hasn’t returned any of my calls.” He finished the rest of his drink and set the glass on the end table next to him.
She checked the time on her watch. 11 p.m. “I haven’t spoken with him since this morning,” she admitted.
Mendez had only given Adriana her two cell phones back after he’d personally escorted her to Isaiah Bennett’s door, as if he didn’t trust she wouldn’t make a beeline for Knox’s room unless he played watchdog.
She’d had to chew on her lip to bite back the string of curses she wanted to shoot his way at the sight of so many missed calls and texts from Knox.
“I believe Knox and his colleagues are probably going to be running their own investigation,” Bennett said.
“Is that going to be a problem? I don’t want him to get into any kind of trouble.
” He clutched his ankle. “You know we haven’t had the best relationship since I screwed up by not supporting his choice to join the Navy, but I really hope that changes. ”
For the sake of your campaign?
“He’ll come around if he believes you’re sincere,” she answered as honestly as possible.
He angled his head to the side. “You and my boy, you go way back. You haven’t had an easy life, and I’m glad my son never abandoned you when he—”
“He didn’t abandon you,” she interrupted without thinking. “Er, sir.” She scooted forward on the couch as she sought the right wording to redeem herself. “He abandoned the political spotlight to follow his dreams.”
“He says he wants me to be president now, and given our history, I guess that surprises me.”
Me too. “Do you not want his support?”
“I want him to be happy. However that looks. Whatever that means. And I also want what’s best for this country.”
Was this the answer of a politician or a father?
“But I’ve gotten sidetracked. I asked you here for a reason, and I’m hoping you’ll say yes. I’ve already spoken with the agent in charge, Rodriguez, and I put in the request before you got here.”
Was he going to put her on his protection detail? At least she’d be out from under Mendez’s thumb, but she also wasn’t prepared to leave the investigation. Plus, there was Knox to consider. He’d lose his mind to know she’d be standing on guard for his dad.
“I’ll be hosting a fundraiser ball in Atlanta on Saturday. Going back to where I first got my start in politics,” he said after a moment. “And I’d like you to attend the event.”
“Oh.” Her hand went to her chest. “I’m honored. I won’t let you down, sir.”
He held out a hand. “I think I misspoke. I want you to attend as my guest. I’ll be honoring men and women who have served abroad and at home, particularly those who’ve lost their lives.”
She lifted her eyes to the ceiling, hoping to keep her emotions at bay. “My mom.” Her voice remained soft, so it didn’t crack.
“She’ll be one of the honorees, yes, and I’d like you to say a few words on her behalf, as well. Her old partner will be speaking. Your dad’s also invited to attend.”
“I don’t know what to say.” She wasn’t afraid of public speaking. She used to lecture to a hundred students at GW. But talk about the greatest loss of her life in front of a crowd?
“I know it’s a last-minute request, and I wasn’t planning on putting you on the spot like this, but since you’re here, it’d mean a lot.”
She forced herself to stand. “I really should focus on the case.”
“From what I hear, there are too many people crowding the FBI office as it is.”
“Will Knox be there?” she asked.
“If he’d ever answer my calls, I planned on requesting his presence in a non-working capacity as well.”
“I don’t know if he’ll take the night off.”
“He would for you.” He smiled, and now she couldn’t help but wonder if she got the politician-pull-over. AKA . . . played.