Risking the Crown (The Crown 2)

I appreciated that Vaughn understood my job. He didn’t urge me to reveal Lana’s name or why her deposition on Monday was so important. I yanked the door handle and walked to the front of the house. There were geraniums in pots on the front steps along with a few pumpkins. I pressed the doorbell. The chimes echoed like church bells. I waited for Lana to answer.

I heard footsteps on the other side. The door opened.

“What are you doing here?” Her voice was hushed and urgent.

Lana quickly joined me on the porch and closed the door behind her. Her strong brow was pinched together nervously.

“Why haven’t you returned any of the calls from the clinic?” I asked. I tried not to sound accusatory. But I was pissed I was here. From where I stood, Lana looked safe and healthy.

“Shh.” She pressed her finger to her lips.

My eyes widened. “Does he not know?” I whispered.

She shook her head. “Please leave, Emily. I don’t want Simon to see you here. It’s too much to have to explain.”

“You have to tell him,” I urged. “If this turns into a news story he could find out in a headline instead of from his wife.”

Her eyes widened. “Is there a leak? Does someone know? Have you been contacted?”

Under the porch light I wasn’t sure she hadn’t turned pale.

“No. No. Nothing like that.”

I tried to put myself in her shoes. Imagine what was ahead of her. The uncertainty. The fear. Yet she was strong and certain Senator Mitcherson had to take responsibility.

“Anything else?”

“No.” I folded my arms. “I’ll go, but will you be there Monday morning?”

She nodded. “Yes, but I still have to talk to Simon.”

I moved for the first step. “Could that change things?” I wanted to know. “Is there a chance you won’t show up?”

“No. I’m going forward with it, but I haven’t told him yet. I’m waiting for the right time.” She looked over her shoulder.

“There is no right time for something like this. I’m sorry.” She had to know that by now. It had been weeks since we first met. Every time she came to the office she reported she was about to break the news to her husband before the deposition.

“I’ll do it before Monday.”

“I’m just glad you’re ok, Lana. I was worried when you didn’t call or email.”

“Thank you, but other than this god-awful morning sickness I’m fine. I couldn’t find a time to respond.”

I smiled sympathetically. “I’ll see you Monday?”

She nodded. “I’ll be there.”

“Good luck with the conversation.”

“Thanks.” She smiled wryly.

I walked to the car where Vaughn was waiting.

“Is that her?” He saw Lana watching us from the porch.

“Yes.” I snapped the seatbelt in place.

“She looks fine to me.” He started the car.