16. Raegan
Chapter sixteen
Raegan
I spend the next couple of days at the library researching the man on the paper from Elias via Kit. Turns out he’s a congressman, which is lucky for me because the internet is bursting with information about him.
A man in his fifties, been in the government for half of his life, and well-liked by his constituents. I had to Google that word; I’m not gonna lie. Government and the legal system were not something we went into great detail in understanding on the island. And the streets didn’t teach it either.
His wife passed away from cancer seven years ago, and he’s been somewhat of a popular bachelor since. He was even named sexiest man of the year by his state last year, which is apparently a thing. For every party and event he attends, he has a different girl on his arm. The standard seems to be young, blonde, and pretty.
He crossed the underage line at least once and was called out on it in a scandal four years ago. Seems he’s been more careful since then, and he’s played it off as helping law and political science students experience work and life as a congressman in a short-term work study. It explains why he rotates through the women so quickly and why they’re all so young.
The rest…either the people like him enough to turn a blind eye, or he’s got good support to keep his name from being smeared in the media.
Which probably brings this all back to Gifted Enterprise.
I knew that they must have had ties to the government to keep all of their experiments under wraps and out of any red tape, but seeing it still leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
After the third day of staring blearily at the computer screen—seriously, I don’t know how people can stare at a screen every day—I’ve got Congressman Joe all figured out.
It helps that he’s had enough interviews stored on the internet for literally anyone to access that I know everything from his address and general schedule to his likes and dislikes.
Including the party happening this Friday at the city mayor’s house on the beach. It’s his annual end of summer bash that’s open to the public. Security will be tight, I’m sure, but it also means that among the hundreds of guests that usually appear, I will easily blend in.
Now all I need is a flowery, summer dress and a backstory.
“So, what are you studying at school? ”
A brown-haired, brown-eyed guest, who I’ve guessed is in his thirties, takes his place at my side as I stare out at the ocean. My heels are gone, lost somewhere at the base of the deck so my feet could sink into the warm reserves of the sand for what’s left of the sun’s heat now that it’s slipped below the horizon.
There’s a dusky glow over the water still. I love watching the transition to night as the light inevitably gives in and sinks into the blanket of darkness.
I blink to break myself free of the trance I’d been in. I bring the champagne flute filled with some fruity thing or other to my lips, and I set my gaze over the rim to finally give full attention to the guest who’s been almost constantly in my shadow since I arrived.
At first, I’d given in to his attentions and flirted back to keep up appearances that I knew someone here and fit in. But this is the fourth time he’s sought me out to restart our conversation after I’d excused myself.
He’s keeping me away from the congressman. I can’t let this entire afternoon be in vain when Elias specifically mentioned this day. There’s still the rest of the night to go, but the hours of pretending to fit in here are already taking a toll on me.
I lick my lips so as not to waste what little alcohol the drink has in it and force myself to smile. “Business law,” I recite based on the university major that the congressman seems to use as his excuse for his hunting ground of young women.
“That’s wonderful. I’m an attorney, you know. If you ever need an internship closer to your field of study, I’d love to help out.” He smiles, and that’s when I can’t stop seeing the Ken doll. He looks like he had been the model for it because even his expression is spot-on.
Wide smile with bright white teeth and looking like plastic.
My stomach takes this opportunity to growl at him to back off.
His brow pinches with concern. “Didn’t you eat anything? I’m sure there’s still some left. Or the dessert should be out by now.”
“I did.” I laugh softly behind my hand. “I suppose that wasn’t enough, though. Or I’m just hungry for dessert.”
I am hungry for dessert, but I’m not sure how much I trust what they’ll be bringing out. None of the food was edible. There was shit on boards that looked like cat food. And servings like octopus balls. Really? If that’s what the rich eat, then I’ll pass and take a greasy burger or pizza any day of the week.
“Come on, then.” He jerks his head back to the beach house. “Let’s see what they have.”
“Sure.” I smile back. My face is going to be sore for days after how long I’ve had to keep my face smiling like this.
I follow him back up the beach and grab my heels on the way in to the mayor’s lavish mansion. The tables are spread with desserts now of all shapes and colors. I don’t recognize most, but I spot some original cheesecake with cherries, and yup, that’s exactly what I’m going to eat.
My body won’t be thrilled that that is the only thing it’s gotten in the last day, but hey, beggars can’t be choosers. And I’m nearly to the beggary status now.
“There you are!” someone calls out behind us and then chuckles.
I turn and blink when it’s Congressman Joe slapping his hand on Ken doll’s shoulder. “I’ve been needing to speak with you. Where have you been all day?” he continues.
Ken’s gaze lands on mine as he smiles at me. The congressman follows his look to me and his eyebrows shoot up to his hairline.
“Oh, I see. Entertaining a date, perhaps?” He moves around Ken doll and extends his hand out between us.
I try for a shy smile, which seems to work considering how the congressman’s polite smile sharpens in response, and reach for his hand. Rather than shake my hand when he has it in his grasp, he tugs me forward and plants a kiss on the back of it.
“It’s a pleasure to meet someone as…delectable as you, my dear,” Joe tries and fails to deliver seductively. Or maybe I’m too obsessed with Aiden’s voice that anyone else’s just falls flat.
The gasp that leaves my lips at the sudden jolt is real, and Ken doll takes that as his cue to step between us. “We were just discussing her new internship with me,” he says, his voice strained as he looks at my hand still in the congressman’s hold.
Joe gives me another once-over from head to toe, pausing not-so-subtly on any exposed skin. His smile borders on leery when he’s finished. “A law student as well?”
My mouth opens to counter Ken’s claim that I was already his intern. It would never work considering my false identity doesn’t actually exist, let alone go to the local university, but they’re both too wrapped up in whatever dick-measuring contest is happening between them to notice.
“Yes, business law. But I needed to get her fed before we could continue that conversation. It seems she didn’t have enough to eat earlier. ”
“I see. Or the earlier food wasn’t to your tastes…was it, dear?”
I pull my hand free of his, which he thankfully relents to without complaint. I’m not completely sure how to answer his question safely. Is it rude to admit that was the case? It’s not like he’s the actual host. I want to stay on his good side to see what more I can learn from him, though, and it seems safe enough to agree with his observation for now.
“Sorry, but…not really,” I admit softly.
Joe grins and wraps his arm around my shoulders. I have to fight back the knee-jerk reaction to stiffen at his overly-familiar touch, but he doesn’t seem to notice. “Don’t worry, my dear. The mayor tends to go overboard at these events with the eclectic menu, so there’s nothing for you to be sorry about.” I nod slowly, too focused on his touch to pay his words much attention. “A pretty thing like you can’t only eat the fluffy desserts that are left. My residence is a few streets away from here, and my cook can whip up something more suited to your tastes if you’d like.”
My head snaps up at the same time as Ken doll’s.
“Oh, I couldn’t—”
“Hey, wait just a minute, Joe. She and I were—”
“—about to discuss the internship, I know. We’ll eat something quick and be right back within the hour. I’ll have her back to you before you know it,” the congressman schmoozes with practiced ease. His face tilts down so he can turn his creepy smile on me. “What do you say…” His sentence hangs there for a few seconds until I realize what he’s asking for.
“Rebecca,” I answer with my false identity I came up with .
“Rebecca,” he repeats. “The party is still far from over, and I’m sure you’ll need something more substantial to eat in the meantime. I’ll bring you back as soon as you’ve eaten, on my honor.”
I look between the congressman and Ken doll, suddenly unsure of the situation I’ve found myself in. This was supposed to be a reconnaissance mission. Keep an eye on who Joe talks to. Listen in on any conversations I can. Look for any hints or clues that might lead to a connection with GE.
But being invited to his place?
What if it’s a trap?
Yes, but for a helpless college law student he just met. It’s not like he had this prepared in advance. If I tried to reschedule to give myself time to prepare with weapons, it would give him the same opportunity. At least doing this spur of the moment on both sides gives me more of a chance to see him with his guard down.
I could ask to use the restroom and maybe snoop around a bit. See if I can find anything there on GE.
Perfect.
Best case, he feeds me and brings me back here exactly as he promised. He does believe I have someone waiting here for me, at least, so it’s not like he would do anything to make me disappear. Still, I know a slimeball when I see one.
Worst case is that he tries to take advantage of me.
Unfortunately, I have experience with that, and I can handle it.
Ken still looks annoyed that I’m being taken away, but I note he doesn’t protest any further after Joe’s promise to bring me back within the hour. That should be comforting that he doesn’t plan to kidnap or kill me, but I need one more safeguard to be sure.
“Okay,” I acquiesce softly. “I really appreciate it, Sir. I need to tell the friend I came with that I’ll be at your place for the next hour, though, so she doesn’t worry or leave without me. Do you mind if I let her know to wait for me?”
His face doesn’t falter at the mention of my “friend,” which puts me more at ease. Good. Whatever his intentions are, he isn’t worried about bringing me back on time and well enough for me to go home with my friend. And he’ll believe someone is here waiting for me and would report that I hadn’t returned after going with him.
“Of course. I’ll call my driver to pull up out front and you can meet us there once you’ve spoken with your friend.” His arm drops from my shoulders to give me room.
I offer him and Ken a smile and then hurry off to pretend looking through the crowd for my friend . I slip into the restroom to pretend I found her in there and then make my way to the front door.
The black SUV smells of leather and fresh polish. Every shift in the seat causes an audible creak, and I can barely breathe to keep from fidgeting too much.
What would normally have two rows of seats in the back instead has two bench seats facing one another, and a black divider wall between us and the driver.
He smiles at me once I’ve buckled myself in for the short, two-minute trip to his home. Large, ornate gates slowly open when we approach, and then we drive around a brick circle to the front door.
I move to open my door, but Joe places a hand on my lap. I bite down my instinctual reaction to flinch, but enough comes through that I can tell he noticed. I try to laugh it off. “Sorry, I’m a bit nervous coming to a congressman’s home. Especially one as nice as this.”
Joe chuckles and pats my leg. “Don’t worry, my dear. It’s nothing special. I just wanted you to know that my driver will be around to open your door for you,” he explains just as his driver opens his door first, even though he’d been seated on the passenger side.
He exits out his door, and I wait for the driver to open mine.
Relax .
He’s on a time limit and he knows it. People are expecting me back. Whatever intention he has for bringing me here, it can’t be anything too terrible. And I can’t pass up the opportunity to find out why Elias wants me looking into this man. I need to find that connection before we head back to the party.
The driver prompts me to walk up the front steps to where a butler is waiting for me at the door.
“Please, this way, Ma’am. Mr. Tabershire has asked that you wait for him in the lounge while he places your food order in the kitchens.”
He guides me to one of the many rooms off the main hallway through double doors. The room is about the size of my living room and kitchen at Elias’s apartment combined, so its size isn’t overly daunting. The style and contents are more so, between the heavy maroon drapes tied with golden rope on either side of the massive window taking up one wall, to the built-in, mahogany book shelves that fill in the other three walls with more books than I’ve seen in one place aside from a public library. The furniture is all the same, shining dark wood, with tight fabrics spread over the sofa chairs and couches.
The seating area is arranged around a gas fireplace, while a desk is settled in the back corner with a couple wooden chairs.
I head straight for the desk, convinced I may spot something of value within the papers laying haphazardly across it without a care in the world.
“Ah, Rebecca.” I pause in place, even though I’m steps away from the desk and my goal. “Please, sit over here while we wait.”
Damn.
I try to peer at the contents from my current position, but after a brief scan, nothing sticks out at me from this distance. I need to get closer to the desk and I need more time.
“Oh, okay.” He’s standing at the edge of the sitting area. “Actually, I am a bit thirsty. Would you mind—”
“Curtis!” Joe shouts out before I can finish. The assumed-butler appears in the doorway as if he’d been standing at the ready just outside of it for this exact purpose. “Some drinks, if you would.”
“Of course, Sir.” Curtis looks at me. “What would the lady like?”
My teeth bite down on my inner cheek in frustration. Right. He has house servants to get these things for him. Why did I assume Joe would get me a drink?
Then why did he go to the kitchens to order my food?
Food he apparently decided on without asking me.
“Just a water, please,” I answer.
“Nonsense.” Joe waves a hand at my reply. “We’re still celebrating the end of summer and going right back to the party. A champagne will do. I saw her drinking some at the mayor’s house.”
Curtis nods and exits without another glance my way.
It shouldn’t matter that he disregarded my request like that. I don’t plan on drinking either option anyway. But the implication that I don’t have a choice stirs up old memories that coil tightly around me.
Memories of being forced to do things. Of being told how I should act or feel. Of all choices being taken from me until the only choice I could make was his .
I force my stiffened body over to the sitting area and take a seat on one side of the sofa.
I need to steer my thoughts away from Gordon. Especially now. I know I fit the image of the girls he takes advantage of. Is that how there are so many? He jumps at the first opportunity to lure them in?
“Rebecca.” Joe’s voice is keyed down low, but it’s how close it sounded that startles me.
I glance over to find him seated right next to me, but the firm cushion barely moved when he sat.
He strokes the side of my face. My teeth clench to stop myself from moving away.
“You’re a beautiful woman. I can see the fire in you, even though you’re doing your best to stay polite. I like that. You’ve learned some control over the…unfortunate emotions that women have to deal with.”
I grip the edge of the sofa.
“That’s my good pet. How should I reward you this time?”
Blood rushes in my ears as my heart thumps wildly. It feels like my skin is stretched too tight and I need to claw a hole in it to make some room. The world around me begins to spin, but Joe continues on, taking my silence for whatever he believes as implicit approval for him to keep going.
“I wanted to talk to you about that internship opportunity. I understand you were already thinking about taking one with Steve, but I’d like you to reconsider being my intern instead.”
His words are barely there. Like words spoken behind a pane of glass that I could make out if I concentrated hard enough, but I’m only able to pick out bits and pieces instead.
I need to get a grip on myself.
Gordon is dead.
This is a non-gifted human. I can use my gift if it gets too bad.
But his words are so much like Gordon’s were. I hadn’t counted on that.
“Going to school for a degree in law, and then going on to a law school, it can be a challenging road. You’re going to encounter professors you don’t like, who don’t like you. You’re going to be overwhelmed in your workload and tests. There are hundreds of thousands of nuances in laws and regulations that you’ll have to familiarize yourself with. In short, it’s going to be difficult.”
The hand on my face moves and air fills my lungs at the space. But then, he rests his hand on my exposed knee and my entire body tenses before I can hide it. I try to laugh it off nervously. “I knew all of that when choosing my degree.”
“What I’m offering is a chance to…smooth out any potential bumps in your road. Pave that road, so you can learn what you need to without the fear. The stress. The drama. I can get you to that degree, with some effort on your end of course.” His fingers start to climb up my thigh until they reach the hem of my beach dress.
Nope.
I can’t do this.
This man…he’s too much like Gordon.
I can feel panic beginning to accelerate my heart rate and make my palms sweat. I won’t be a victim again. I’ll never be a victim. This is my choice.
“You understand what I’m asking, Rebecca. Don’t you?”
I’m struggling to keep my gift from bursting out of me as it spits and hisses in my gut. He has no idea the danger he’s in, and I can’t even speak to tell him that while all of my attention is zeroed in on keeping my gift contained.
The sound of something hard rolling into the room grabs both of our attention as we look up to see what it is. A black ball spins toward us, and then smoke shoots out on either side. The doors to the room slam shut.
“What the hell is this?” Joe yells and stands.
I kick it away and cover my mouth, but I can taste it on my tongue and burning the back of my throat.
My vision swims, and everything goes dark.