Page 71 of Sins of the Father

I open the folder for my first meeting, reviewing the information, and preparing as best as I can—my phone buzzes. I glance at it. A picture of Harper and Hope pops up. I punch in my code to read the message and respond but stop. I turn my phone to silent with no vibration.

Focus. You’re going to screw up millions of dollars of revenue and cost people their jobs if you mess up today.

Somehow, I manage to get through three meetings. Shira saves my ass several times, as does the data team. Around one o’clock, I have a thirty-minute gap before my next meeting.

I study the next file, cursing myself over how many times Shira had to step in.

Shira knocks on the door. She has a thick, legal-sized envelope. “This was just delivered. It’s marked urgent and confidential, so I haven’t opened it.”

I sit back in my chair and hold out my hand. “Thanks.”

She leaves and shuts the door.

The white envelope reads, Mr. Steven Sinclair, and has the stamped marks Shira discussed.

What is this?

I open it and pull out a stack of papers.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I mutter.

All of Maximillion’s campaign finances are listed. Information about his donors and agenda fills the pages.

“Fuck.” I slam the stack of papers on my desk.

Why did I open the envelope?

I quickly shove the papers back into the envelope, tape it up, and I intercom Shira.

“Yes? You rang?” she teases.

“Can you come here?”

“Sure.”

She comes inside. I hand her the envelope. “Please send this to the governor’s mansion in his name. Make sure it’s sealed perfectly.”

She inspects it. “You do realize it looks like you used an entire roll of tape on this?”

I grunt. “Make sure it’s registered mail so I know it arrived.”

“Okay. Are you ready for our next meeting?”

I blow out a big breath of air. “Nope.”

“Well, it’s good I got your back, then.” She beams.

“Yes, it is. If you get me through today, I’m adding an extra zero to your bonus.”

“Seriously?”

“Yep. Let’s go.”

I’ll pay for it out of my own pocket.

I can’t believe I’ve allowed this to happen.

Shira gets me through every meeting, making me look like I know what’s going on. The majority of the sessions, I’m only half listening. All I keep coming back to is what does Maximillion want from me?

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