Page 29 of Queen of Ruin

“I didn’t ask you to protect me,” Darren expresses.

Rausch laughs. “It’s not you I’m protecting.”

I can feel Darren’s fingers dig into my side as if he’s trying to stop himself from lunging at Rausch. I could tell him it’s not worth it, but slapping him felt better than I expected.

His expression softens infinitesimally. “I would never let Kerry’s reputation be tarnished,” he admits.

“While I don’t doubt that, I think you also didn’t want to miss the opportunity to prove me wrong and try to put a wedge between me and Evangeline.”

Rausch’s eyes travel down to where Darren’s hand rests at my waist.

I can tell it bothers him, and I delight in the fact that it does.

“I’m good at my job, Darren, especially the ugly parts,” he explains. “Politics is a dirty game, and anyone who says otherwise is a fool. Your father knew that best.”

“I know you didn’t come for a social call, so tell me, to what do we owe this pleasure?” Darren inquires through pressed lips.

“Well, Darren, there was never a question about your intelligence.” Rausch reaches into his jacket and pulls out an envelope.

“Last time you gave me an envelope, it wasn’t so pleasant.”

“And what did you do with the other information I gave you?” he asks rather sheepishly, which is uncommon for Rausch.

“I think you like riddles, but I have better things to do than play games.”

I can see the amusement in Rausch’s eyes, but whatever he’s thinking, he doesn’t give it away. Instead, he hands Darren the envelope.

“This is the report for the investigation into your parents helicopter crash,” Rausch announces solemnly. “I wanted you to be the first to know because The Post will be printing an article tomorrow.”

He takes it with trepidation.

“I also wanted to let you know that Georgetown would like to name their new non-profit law clinic after your parents,” he declares. “They would like you to attend.”

Darren looks uncomfortable, and I know speaking in public is not his favorite thing.

“You mean Walker,” he confirms with disdain.

“When the University President first approached me, I made it clear that it should be both your parents.”

Darren’s eyes widen, and he nods before closing the door.

11

ENVELOPES ARE NOT MY FRIEND

DARREN

A cup of coffee and a plate of food is left discarded on the counter while I bury my head in Evangeline's lap as she threads her fingers through my hair.

“What was Rausch talking about, when he asked about the other information he’d given you?”

I sigh but understand her trepidation given Rausch’s reputation.

I lift my head and stand up straight, but I don’t let go of her. Instead, I settle my body between her legs as her feet dangle off the counter.

“I asked Rausch about my grandfather.”

She gives me an inquisitive look while her hands rest on my shoulders and her thighs squeeze against my hips.

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