Page 3 of The Press Secretary's Passion
And then before I could utter a single word, but not before I could open my mouth to try, he bends at the middle and comes at me, driving his shoulder into my belly, making me let out a soft “oof.” And then I’m going up… up… up as he stands and bounces me on his shoulder to get a better hold on me before he carries me through some of the not so well-known exit tunnels to a dark, unmarked SUV.
He beeps the locks with a key fob and pulls open the back door before tossing me inside. I try to pull at the door handles, but he has the child lock engaged! I let out a little growl as I try the door again.
He pulls open the driver door, climbs behind the wheel before taking one look at me in the throes of my escape attempt, and just says, “No,” and then he starts the car like kidnapping is no big deal.
“This is insane,” I snap. “Just let me go.”
“No,” he repeats as he drives. He doesn’t even bother to look my way, like I’m not a person; I’m a nuisance. “This is important.”
“Well, I would know that if you would tell me what this is,” I say snottily like the spoiled brat he proclaimed I am.
Fortunately for me—or unfortunately, as the case may be—he doesn’t say anything else to me as he drives me through D.C. and then farther and farther until we pull up to a deserted farmhouse. He pulls the car into a faded red barn next to several others and parks the car.
Captain Black steps down from the vehicle, and I watch as he closes his door and pulls open the rear door on that side, not the one I’m sitting next. I think he’s done with his barbarian routine and will finally let me have some answers, because one look at me would show I’m spitting mad. Although, one look at him should have told me the same thing, only I wasn’t paying close enough attention. And then he wraps his large hand with its deliciously calloused fingertips around my slim ankle and yanks me out of the car.
“Not this again,” I mumble, but again he gives me no reply.
He catches me and throws me over his shoulder once more before storming up the back steps of the home. I don’t even bother to scream, because there’s no one around for miles and miles.
I manage to wiggle out of his arms with a quick elbow to his not at all soft middle. I cannot believe the nerve of this man! Who does he think he is, hauling me around and manhandling me like this? I storm my way through the house, determined to get away from him, when he reaches for me again, grabbing me by the back of my arm.
“Would you kindly get your paws off me!” I snap before coming to a halt when I notice the full room. I’m instantly alert. “What’s going on here?”
“Sit down, Jules,” Jake says quietly. “This is serious.”
“What’s happened?” I ask before I settle myself on the arm of a sofa.
“Rachel has been taken,” Rick says to the room.
Jake closes his eyes for a second before opening them again, and when he does, they burn bright with determination and retribution. This is what I love about our president, not only for our country, but for one of my closest friends. That loyalty is hers to harness, and I am over-the-moon happy she has someone like that.
“Is there any connection between her kidnapping and this morning’s revelations?” Jake questions.
“I think so,” Rick answers quietly, and my gut clenches.
I don’t have any children, and at the rate I’m going, I probably never will, so I can’t imagine what they’re feeling. But it crushes my heart and lights a fire in my gut. What kind of monster would take a child? I know now that I will do whatever they need me to do to help. I haven’t been friends with Cara and Rick for years like I have Grace, but that doesn’t matter. These are my people, and for them, I’ll go to battle.
I met Grace—and our other bestie, Angie—at NYU during Freshman Rush. I don’t know how or why but we stuck. Even though Angie has since moved to Texas and married the love of her life, a former professional football player and is in the middle of living her dream and popping out beautiful football loving babies, Grace and I remain close with her. Grace and I have been inseparable. Although, that’s easy to do when you stay in the same town.
About a year ago, Grace was swept off her feet by then hot bachelor U.S. Senator Jake. It was hate at first sight for Grace but good old Jake had some tricks up his sleeve. With the help of his long time friend and campaign manager, Rick, Jake was able to win over Grace.
When Jake won the big election the first thing he did was sign Rick and I on as his inner circle. Rick is now one hell of a Chief of Staff and I make the press room my bitch. I absolutely love my job.
We had thought that what your saw was what you get with the always grouchy Rick but that couldn’t have been farther from the truth. Imagine everyone’s surprise when his long lost ex-wife showed up with their adorable daughter. Grace and I instantly took them in. They’re part of the family now.
“Is this place even secure?” Captain Black bites out. I turn only my head to look at him where he stands against the far wall. He’s with the group but separate, and that pings in my heart, but I don’t know why.
And he’s angry.
His voice stings as it whips around the room, and I realize he’s angry atme. What the hell could I have done now?
“Yes,” Jake says calmly. “This property is secure and off public records. Rick and I meet here often.”
“All right.” Ryan nods.
“What makes you think the two events are connected?” Jake asks.
I watch with rapt attention as Rick folds Cara into his arms while he sits on the arm of the sofa where she’s sitting. The move is intimate and familiar, and I wonder how long this has been going on. It was clear months ago that they knew each other, but I was always under the impression that Rick hated her, and poor Cara just seemed so…sad. There’s clearly more here than meets the eye.
