At the Pleasure of the President (The Perfect Gentlemen 5)

Shorn turned back to him, lips pursed. “What’s going on? One minute we’re moving on the pipeline. The next we’re not. Now it’s back on. I’m going to get a crick in my neck from watching you play ping pong with one of the administration’s most important projects. And my environmental contacts aren’t sure the EPA’s findings are real. You could have a shit ton of lawsuits on your hands with this one, yet you don’t bother to inform anyone in this administration what you’re doing. I watched that press briefing.” He scoffed. “You didn’t even tell your girlfriend. You made her look like a fool, you know. At least now she understands what it means to be around President Zack Hayes.”

“That’s enough,” Roman barked.

“No, please let him tell me what a son of a bitch I am.” Zack sat back.

Shorn faced off with him, eyes narrowed. “You think you’re so smart, but I see through you. Something funny is going on here.”

“And what is that?”

He scanned the room before his stare landed on Zack again. “Something happened in England. You were supposed to make the announcement about the pipeline then. You were on a huge stage. It would have made world headlines. Yet you slammed on the brakes and refused to answer questions about it. Now you waltz into an everyday press briefing and announce the start of the pipeline like you’re announcing an upcoming summit. This project changes the face of the world economy, and you’re treating it like it’s a science fair project. Why is that, Mr. President?”

No one had ever said Shorn was an idiot. “I thought people would want to know my plans now that I’ve studied the final EPA evaluation. Since that’s accomplished, I’m comfortable announcing the decision I’ve made.”

“This is the project your presidency will be judged on. You’re one of the most careful bastards I’ve ever met, and yet Elizabeth Matthews had no idea what was going on. I don’t think Augustine Spencer did either. That makes me think you and Calder are up to something. Oh, and Sparks, too. I know his reputation and his line of work.” Shorn backed away. “Don’t think you fool me. Someone is poking around my background and my private life. Are you going to try some dirty tricks to force me off the reelection ticket? You think you can use my base to get elected the first time, and now that the pipeline is off the ground, you can get rid of me?”

“Who’s looking into you?” Zack was well aware that Roman and Connor had just tensed.

Shorn rolled his eyes. “Like you don’t know someone was out at my brother’s place asking questions.”

“Your brother’s place?” Zack asked pointedly. If Connor had nothing to do with that, he was deeply concerned.

“Yes,” he insisted. “My brother has a mistress. I’m sure you know that. But I find it curious that as we’re approaching the election cycle, now some very unsavory characters are asking questions. It won’t work, Hayes. I won’t step down. I won’t allow you to bully me. Before you try, you should think about the dirt I have on you.”

He turned on his overly expensive loafers and strode out.

Zack glanced Connor’s way and knew he didn’t even have to ask the question.

Connor held his hands up. “It wasn’t one of my guys. I think we’re pretty comfortable with the fact that those kids are Shorn’s.”

“Who else but the Russians would be poking into his business?” Zack asked.

Roman shrugged. “Are we sure it’s them? He’s trying to keep the pipeline going.”

“And I assure you he’ll change his mind if he’s sitting behind this desk and gets threatened with losing it.” Zack had no doubt about that. “It’s why they were okay with me picking Shorn. They knew he was vulnerable.”

“I’ll send someone to try to figure out what they’re doing.” Connor had his phone in hand. “Although I think we know. Don’t worry about this, Zack. We stay the course. We’re handling it the right way.”

“We hope,” Roman said under his breath.

“Have a little faith, huh? I’ll go do some homework and let you know where we stand.” Connor rose and left him alone with his closest friend.

The noose was tightening. Zack could feel it.

“Are you sure we should expend the time and energy to let Sara and Mad get married now?” Roman asked. “I can talk to him. Surely he’ll understand that now isn’t the time for distractions. I’m honestly thinking about talking to Gus about delaying our own wedding, and that’s still months away.”

“Let them be, Roman, and you delay your wedding at your own peril. I don’t think Gus likes kids enough to leave your balls on your body if you do that.” Zack turned and looked out the window. It was a beautiful day. He’d love to spend it by taking Elizabeth’s hand and walking through the Rose Garden just to enjoy the sunshine with her.

He wouldn’t be doing that anytime soon. He would be in hiding, protecting himself. Keeping his emotional distance from her until he knew whether she wore a white hat or an ushanka.

“Are you sure?” Roman asked.

He didn’t want his friends miserable because his situation was tenuous and dangerous. “I’m sure. Let them have some happiness.”

Because tomorrow wasn’t guaranteed. Not to anyone, and definitely not to him.

Chapter Sixteen

“Have I told you how beautiful you look? That bastard best friend of mine doesn’t deserve you.” Gabe slipped into the bunker unit the ladies had somehow managed to turn into a gorgeous bridal suite.

Sara smiled up at her brother, savoring the sense of peace that came with knowing she was finally going to marry the right man at the right time. But she was also happy that Gabe had come to let her know that all the arrangements for their midnight ceremony were finally in place.

“You might have mentioned your opinion that Mad is somehow unworthy despite being your best friend several times, but I’m happy to hear that I look beautiful on my wedding day.” Especially since she didn’t want to just feel pregnant. She wanted to feel like a bride.

“Let me see you.” Gabe made a spinning motion with his finger.

With a laugh, she twirled around so her brother had a good look at the gorgeous beaded Zuhair Murad that Gus and Holland had managed to not only find, but have tailored in less than twelve hours. Sara was afraid to ask her bridesmaids how much it had cost or how many favors they’d had to trade in. They’d said it was their gift to her. To Sara, it was both perfect and priceless.

Gabe took her hand. “Stunning. You make a gorgeous bride, and I wish we were back in New York so everyone could see you. I wish Mom and Dad were alive to see you now.”

They’d had an odd family dynamic. Their father had worked constantly, and Mother had been far more concerned with her social life and her charitable works than her children. Still, it had hardly been a rough childhood. She’d known her parents loved her. They’d merely led separate lives.

“I do, too, but Mad and I don’t intend to raise Maddie the way we were raised.”

“Maddie, huh? You know you’re asking for trouble with that name.” He grinned before he sobered. “Actually, Everly and I have had the same conversation. No nannies for us.”

“Oh, are you getting rid of the maid, too?” Sara loved teasing her brother, and it felt good to be able to joke again. To be so incredibly happy.

“Never. Everly would give me up before she let Gwen go.” He shuddered slightly. “I’ll never learn how to clean, especially to Everly’s high standards, so I’m better off not trying.”

“I agree. The maid stays, and unless Mad learns how to do more than scramble eggs, we might need a chef, but we’re going to raise this baby ourselves until she’s an adult. And she’s going to need cousins, so get busy.”

A grin lit her brother’s face. “We’re working on it.” He glanced around the normally utilitarian room, and Sara was again astounded by how the women had transformed the place with lush furnishings and carpets. A hearty tea service with accompanying snacks rested on a nearby table. Everywhere, evidence of the bridal party

primping and polishing in preparation for her big day was visible. “The ladies can work some serious magic. I’m sorry we’re doing this so late and so secretively. You should be able to walk out to the Rose Garden in the middle of the loveliest spring day. Or we should be doing this at Loyola.”