Page 116 of Sins of the Father

I reach into my jacket pocket and pull it out.

I’m not giving him a penny.

I move closer to Harper, and position the checkbook so only she and I can see.

I fill out a check, and when it comes time to put in the amount, I write, “A million fuck yous.”

Harper bites back a laugh, and I rip the check off and throw it in the donation envelope.

Almost through this night.

Hasn’t been that bad. At least Harper was with me.

I can’t wait to get home and make her scream all night.

I glance over at my mom, who suddenly looks old and sad to me. And my heart hurts.

I’m so focused on her, I hardly hear the next words out of Maximillion’s mouth. “I also have a huge surprise for you. Now, he’s a little shy. Where are my CPA’s in the room?”

People raise their hands.

“Yeah, you’ll relate.”

They chuckle.

I finish off my glass of Merlot.

“I’ve promised him he doesn’t have to come on stage tonight, but I’m pleased to announce thatMarquis’sTop Ten Under Forty Professionals,Chicago’s own, Steven Sinclair, VP of HKCG Insurance, has accepted the role as the head of finance for my campaign.”

The room stands in ovation.

Harper’s color drains from her face and her mouth hangs open.

My gut twists so fast, I work hard at swallowing down bile. Air becomes thick in my lungs, and I get dizzy.

Dudmeyer stands over me and leans down. “Stand up and wave.”

But I don’t. I can’t find the strength in my legs to stand. Harper puts her hand on my neck and stands close to me.

When everyone sits again, the only person I see across the room is my mother. Her lip shakes and she looks scared.

18

Harper

It’slike watching dominoes fall. One bad thing after another evolves quickly. And I watch in horror, not sure how to stop the destruction or help Steven.

As soon as the governor steps off the stage, Steven comes out of his shock. He turns to his boss and quietly says, “I’ve told him I’m not joining his campaign.”

“I already assured him you are.”

Steven’s eyes turn to slits. “You had no right.”

“This is good for the company. I’ve already interviewed staff to take over your duties at the company while you work on the campaign. As soon as the election is over, you can resume your normal role.”

“No.”

Dudmeyer leans closer to Steven’s ear. “Are you handing in your resignation?”

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