Page 43 of Bling

Garrett dragged a hand down his face as he pulled out his phone. “Looks like Regina tried to call. One of my staff must have gotten him to the hospital and knew where we were. Regina would have known how to get in touch with your nieces.”

He pressed a kiss to Isabelle’s forehead. “I need you to wait right here with security while I talk to some people.”

Isabelle gripped his upper arm. “You can just put me on a commercial flight home if you need to stay. I know this is important to you.”

He frowned. “Stop, Isabelle. I’m taking you home. I just need to smooth a few ruffled feathers while I wait for the pilot to respond. Stay here.”

As he turned to leave, David stepped through the doors. “Everything OK, Garrett?” he asked.

Garrett shook his head. “Isabelle’s uncle has been hurt and I need to get her home. Can you make excuses for us at the table? I was supposed to have a drink with Senator Harris after dinner.”

David waved his hand. “Go. I’ll handle it.”

A secret service agent came through the doors as David was leaving. “Sir, the president is ready for you.”

Garrett drew in a deep breath. “Tell him I’m available.”

The doors to the ballroom opened, and two more secret service agents stepped out along with President Michael Donovan.

“What’s going on, Garrett?” the older man asked, his voice filled with the gravel of years of experience and one too many cigars.

“A family emergency, Sir. And a work one. You have my personal number, though, and we can conference at any time.”

The president nodded. “I’m coming through Pennsylvania day after tomorrow. We can meet then.”

Garrett winced. “Sorry, Sir. I’m working out of one of my Colorado facilities the rest of the week.”

He gave a huff, not used to being told no. “Fine. I think I’m in Colorado at the end of the week anyway. We’ll make it work.”

Turning to Isabell, the president gave her a smile. “It’s good to see Garrett with a woman he seems to actually give a damn about, young lady. Hope to see you again sometime.”

Isabelle seemed frozen in place as the president and his security moved back into the ballroom.

“Did that seriously just happen?” she screeched.

Garrett laughed and nodded. “It sure did. And there you have it, now you have to come to these things with me more often. The president of the United States said so.”

Isabelle shook her head. “If I weren’t so worried about my uncle, I might think that was funny.”

Garrett sobered. “I’m sorry, Doll. I’m not trying to make light of the situation.”

She smiled. “It’s OK. I just need to get back.”

Garrett’s phone buzzed. “Car is ready. Let’s go.”

Together, they walked to the waiting car.

As they walked, the crowd of reporters sprang into action, shouting questions.

“Mr. Oliver, are you leaving because the president fired you?”

“Who is your date?”

“Did you meet her at a club called Solitaire?”

The last question nearly made him turn and growl, but he managed to keep his cool and prayed Isabelle hadn’t heard it.

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