Chapter Fifty-Three
Kwame
Where the Apple Falls
I feel like shit that I’m not joining Sin for lunch. I didn’t think she’d want me there, and I wanted to put off seeing my dad until I had things squared away on this role at the DOJ. Now that it’s completely dead in the water, I’m not sure what I’m going to do next.
I run around to open Sin’s door and help her down from the car. She’s dressed in a suit for the first time since I’ve known her and looks like she belongs behind an anchor’s desk.
“Do you think I’m ready?” she asks as we walk up the short stone path to the door.
“You were born ready, Sin. But if you hadn’t been, the work you’ve put into research would have made up the difference.”
She flashes me one of her iconic megawatt smiles and my nerves settle just a little bit. She smooths a hand over her skirt. “I hope he likes me.”
“Of course he will,” I say with full confidence. She's exactly the kind of person he likes.
In truth. I’m worried that she won’t like him.
“How do I look?” Sin’s voice is a welcome reprieve from the swirl of negative thoughts in my head.
I turn around, smile, all ready to face her, and my heart stops when our eyes meet. “In another time, nations would have launched a thousand ships just to see you smile.”
“Sweet talker,” she waves away my praise.
“I’m proud of you,” I say in earnest and hand her the tote bag I’ve been carrying for her.
“Save that for when I’m done. I’m so nervous.” She blows out a breath.
I take her hand in mine. “You shouldn't be nervous at all. You're the asset here. I’m just praying you’ll still want me when I get back from DC.” I laugh but the worry is real.
She steps into me so that her chest is pressing into my abdomen and she looks up at me, her eyes shining with that affection I'll never ever get used to. “As long as the stars shine, as long as the sun rises, and even after that, I’ll want you,” she says.
I kiss her goodbye and for the first time in months, feel hopeful. I hope the Governor has some solutions for me today.
Three hours later, I’ve got the Governor of Virginia on the line confirming my worst fears.
“The best thing you can hope is for the investigation into Oz’s activities to be concluded.
Otherwise, this will hang over your head.
It won’t just be the DOJ. It’ll be any federal agency you apply to.
Even if I could help in my capacity as governor, I wouldn’t want to risk the appearance of putting my thumb on the scales of justice for my biggest donor. ”
“It’s not about him,” I remind him. “And I wouldn’t ask you to do anything improper.
I just wanted your insight.” I keep my frustration with the implication out of my voice.
I’d only told him the bare bones of my meeting with the agent.
It was enough for him to understand my predicament.
Without the details of what they suspect Oz of doing, it does sound like they think my father is involved.
“You’re a prosecutor. You know how this goes Kwame.”
I nod in silent agreement and pull into my driveway. “Either they get a lead that gives them the ability to indict or evidence that clears him of suspicion.”
“Exactly. You’ve got to decide where your loyalties lie.”
I already know. I email the agent to say I’m on my way and put the address for the Hoover building into my GPS.