No noise came from his inner sanctum. The board did not light up with outgoing calls being made, and the silence, he knew, was probably unnerving to his staff. He couldn’t stave off the melancholy that hung over him like a heavy cloak. He felt terrible about what happened to Warren Michaelson, the officers transporting Corbat, and the innocent woman, whose car the madman hijacked. The man was a demon, and there were many more like him, who senselessly killed those innocent individuals, who got in their way.
Bryan did not care, if he made enemies, or got ostracized for his beliefs. He was ready to take on the leadership, even if it proved to be all by himself.
---
This was the first time, that Jessica witnessed such solemnness from Bryan. She let him be. If he needed her, he’d buzz.
Everyone went about the operations of the office. Time flew rather quickly, as the staff stayed on top of the monster unleashed earlier. As soon as one call was extinguished, ten took its place. The concern ringing true throughout Bryan’s own district was overwhelming. His constituents were behind him. It would give him great pleasure in knowing that.
“I think we ought to call it quits, Jessica, what do you say,” Connor suggested, as he stepped into her office. “Seems the more we answer, the more keep calling. I’m going horse.”
Jessica chuckled lightly. “Me too, and I’m sure the staff agrees. It’s hopeless trying to keep up.”
“You want me to tell them to shut down at 5:30?”
“Let Claire know first and she can tell them. It’s hopeless at this point. Ask her to call the switch board to take over.”
Connor nodded. “I’ll be right back,” he replied and exited her office.
Jessica knew that tomorrow was going to be more chaotic than today even was. There would be no getting away from the press. All the major affiliates would be calling for personal interviews. It was all part of the game. The crazies would be coming out of the woodwork as well.
Connor returned, and plopped into one of the visitor’s chairs.
“Do you think we should check on Bryan and see if he’s alright?” She asked.
Connor shrugged, looking a little bewildered.
“I was gonna ask you the same thing. I’ve never seen him like this before. I imagine he’s preparing for tomorrow. I kind of expected him to call on us to help.”
“Well, maybe he’s confident about what he’s going to say. Look, why don’t you go? I’ll stick around a while longer and poke my head in. Go home and have dinner with your wife and kids. I’ll call you one way or the other, after I check on him. Okay?”
“Are you sure?”
“Just get out of here,” she shewed him off with a wave of her hand, smiling.
“Thanks. Seems every night I get home later and later. It’ll be nice to catch dinner with them. Make sure you call … I’ll be waiting.”
“I will … promise,” she crossed her heart.
He exited her office and she absently looked at the door connecting her and Bryan’s. The girls popped their heads in to say goodnight, as did Zachary and Nicholas, their intern. She took the next thirty minutes, to clear some paperwork off her desk and muddled over in her mind a few brief moments as to whether she should interrupt Bryan.
She mindlessly checked the time on her cell phone and decided the need to see him, was greater than having too. She rose, tiptoed over to the connecting door, and pressed her ear against the wood.
Nothing. Dead silence. She expected to hear music coming from the Pandora station he liked to listen too, or even the soft volume of news being reported on the CNN channel he always tuned into.
She scrunched her lips to the side of her mouth and turned back toward her desk. She took a step forward and bit down on her lower lip, as she tapped her foot reflectively, wondering whether she should disturb him. A moment passed, before she spun back around, placing her ear against the door one more time.
Before she could realize what was happening, the door swung open instantly. Jessica lost her balance and fell against Bryan’s chest. She was never so embarrassed in her life. She snapped back like a tin soldier, her arms stiff at her side, and hesitantly lifted her head to meet his gaze.
He looked down at her, his eyebrow raised in question.
“Umm. You … you weren’t supposed to do that,” she uttered.
“I wasn’t,” he replied, a trace of a smile curving his lips. He reached out and encircled her waist, pulling her against him.
She could feel her cheeks blush with heat. The smell of his aftershave filled her nostrils and the rhythmic beating of his heart pounding against her breast excited her. A wanton desire stirred deep within her, and she tried to further explain her actions.
“You know what I mean, Senator,” she squirmed, as she looked up into those gorgeous eyes of his.
She thought her knees would turn to liquid, as she read the same passion that was burning inside of her, reflected in their depths.
“It’s after hours, Jessica. You don’t have to call me Senator anymore.”
She pressed her palms against his chest, and could feel the tight muscles beneath his shirt. Just when she started to melt a little more and relax against him, the door to his office swung open.
“Well, looky here. Just as I expected, the tramp has got her claws into you, and I’ve only been gone a short while. Really, Bryan? I never expected you to be the type to screw your staff.”
Before either of them could react, Angela closed the distance between them, pushed Jessica away, and wrapped Bryan in an iron embrace with a kiss, that would leave most men smoldering.
Bryan grabbed hold of her forearms and pushed her off him. “That’s enough, Angela,” he barked, stepping away. “There is no us, and you god damn well know it.”
This was a scene Jessica refused to get pulled into and she spoke up immediately.
“I’ll just leave you two to do whatever.” She directed her attention toward Bryan. “Senator, I just wanted to tell you we’re all set for the news conference in the morning. Connor and I will be in at seven to double-check and take care of anything that may arise from now, until then.”
Angela stepped forward to do battle, but Bryan was quicker and placed himself between them.
Jessica respected his gallant attempt and smiled warmly. The look she sent Angela was pure disgust, and she spat out her true feelings.
“I’m too damned tired right now, to waste my breath and energy on you.” She turned on her heel to leave and walked away.
“Worthless, bitch.” Angela barked back right away.
Jessica looked over her shoulder and smugly retorted with a wave of her hand. “I’m here. You’re not. That hair color, she pointed Angela’s way, “looks way more attractive on me. Enough said. Night, Bryan. See you in the morning.”
Bryan bristled after her and called out.
“Jessica wait.” He reached for her, as she made it to the front lobby, and turned her about. “I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to connect with you and Connor today. I got engrossed with what I needed to prepare for.”
“We know that,” she replied softly, as she reached out to caress his cheek. “Are you ready? Do you need us to check anything over?”
He reached for her hand, pressed his lips to her fingertips, and held it against his chest. He shook his head confidently.
“I’m good. I really am. The input you both provided the other day helped considerably. He lowered his face and placed a long and tender kiss upon her lips. “Thank you.”
She smiled. “You’re most welcomed. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She jerked her head in the direction of his office. “Good luck with that one. You want me to call security and have her escorted out of here?”
He chuckled lightly. “No. I can handle her.” He paused for a moment and his voice took on a more serious tone, as did his expression. “I can’t tell you how happy I am to have you in my life.” He wrapped his arms around her and drew her in, softly brushed his lips over hers a
nd placed a tender kiss along the hollow of her neck. “There’s so much more I want to say to you, Jessica, but now, is not the time. Have dinner with me tomorrow night?”
“Maybe we should wait and see how things turn out first, don’t you think? I mean, all hell could break loose after the press conference.”
“That’s exactly, why I want to be with you. We can either share a last meal together, or we’ll have reason to celebrate.”
She laughed softly, shaking her head in amusement. “Alright then, it’s a date.” She planted a quick kiss upon his lips and opened the door to leave.
“Let CP know you need an escort to your car,” he reminded her, as she stepped into the hallway.
She raised her cell phone for him to see and replied, “Yes, boss.”
---
It was nearly seven in the evening, when her cell phone rang and the caller id immediately placed a smile upon her face.
“Did you survive crazy lady? I take it there was no blood spilled?”
A warm and fuzzy feeling filled her up, when his laughter radiated from the speaker on her phone.
“She was a handful, but I managed to escape without any visual signs of injury.”
“I’m pleased to hear that. Thank you for letting me know.”
“It’s not the only reason, why I called.”
“Oh?” She answered in a surprised tone.
“I’ve got a craving for a hot fudge sundae. Care to join me?”
She didn’t care if it was a sundae smothered in anchovies. She couldn’t stop thinking about that kiss he dazzled her with, before leaving the office a few short hours ago.
“Mention chocolate, and I’m your girl.” She replied happily.
“Cool! I’m outside your door.”
Jessica couldn’t help, but laugh. She adored his confidence and the fact, that she was the person he thought of to call first.
“I’m on my way,” she replied excitedly.
Jessica quickly ran a brush through her hair, threw on a pair of sweats, a zipped-up hoodie, sneakers and flew out of her room. She passed the library and noticed her aunt sitting by the fireplace reading and quickly popped her head inside.
“I’m on my way out for a short while to catch a hot fudge sundae with Bryan. Care for anything?”
The joy radiating on her aunt’s face, was a clear indication of how pleased Florence was, that she was spending personal time with Bryan.
“Not a thing dear. You two enjoy.”
When she opened the front door, he was there, leaning against the passenger side, his legs crossed at the ankles, and his hands very nonchalantly in his denim pockets. She realized then, it didn’t matter what he wore. This man was hot! Her heart skipped in her chest … a regular occurrence, she also realized, whenever he was around. It was like she was sixteen all over again, and the hottest boy in school had a crush on her.
She hopped down the stairs and greeted him with a hug and kiss, as he enfolded her into his arms.
“I can’t tell how long it’s been, since I had a sundae.”
“I’m happy to be the reason for putting such a joyous smile on that gorgeous face of yours.”
She punched him playfully in the shoulder.
“I bet you say that to all the girls.”
He raised his right hand, and placed his open palm against her cheek, holding her face for a brief pause and replied honestly. “I adore only you.”
Jessica couldn’t help, but sigh deeply. It was juvenile, yes, but she just couldn’t hold back how wonderful this man made her feel.
He pushed himself off the car and placed a tender kiss upon her nose, as he leaned over to open her door.
Jessica ducked her head, noticing a cooler on the back seat, and sat down quickly.
Bryan closed her door, before she had the chance to question, what he was up to.
“It’s a surprise,” he explained right away, “and no, I know that look. No questions. You’ll just have to wait and see.”
Jessica stuck out her tongue, making him chuckle heartily, as he turned on a great soft rock station, and placing the car in drive.
Once she got her bearings, Jessica was certain where Bryan was taking her. There was a popular, scenic, picnic spot, known as the “Overlook”, where you could see the Empire State Plaza in the distance, along with the entire city. The accent lighting on the Plaza at night was rather attractive, and the city, even looked better at night. It was a very popular spot, especially during the special holidays, when all the fireworks colored the sky.
“Oh, my god! The last time I was here, was when Jimmy Callahan thought he could get some action after our Junior Prom.” She looked at him and cut him off, before he could react. “And no,” she added quickly, “he never made it to second base.”
“Second, hah? Hmm.”
She gave him that look, that plainly read, ‘Not a chance, buster.”
Not that she didn’t want to see this man naked at some point in the very near future. God, just the thought of it had her insides shaking like a volcano nearing eruption. The growing passion between them was undeniable. The last thing she wanted though, was letting sex muddle her brain. She wanted to develop a lasting and binding connection with this man, and they were well on their way to doing just that.
Bryan walked to the back of his car and popped the trunk, responding, “Those green eyes of yours are very expressive, you know that?”
She followed him, noticing a small stack of firewood, and reached in for the remaining three logs he wasn’t carrying.
“I’ve been told that, yes, many times.” She followed him to where a fire pit, had been dug out of the ground. He took the logs from her arms. “This was such a great idea, Bryan. I got a feeling we’re making our own sundaes, right?”
“You got it. I brought along a jacket for us both, in case we get a little chilly. There’s a blanket in the trunk. Mind getting it, while I grab the cooler in the backseat?”
Jessica nodded and did just that.
In a matter of minutes, Bryan had a nice fire burning next to the blanket they had spread out, overlooking the view. It was a glorious fall night. There wasn’t a cloud hiding not even one of the thousands of stars twinkling overhead. He hadn’t forgotten a thing, as he emptied the cooler of its contents. There was also a small wicker carrier, containing a chilled bottle of Riesling and two plastic wine glasses. Since, he wasn’t certain what flavor of ice cream she preferred, he had a half-gallon of vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate along with all the toppings they needed, including whipped cream, nuts, cherries, hot fudge, caramel, marshmallow, and of course, colorful sprinkles.
It was glorious, and yummy, and romantic, and entertaining, and the dates of all dates ever. When Richard came into her life, they always dined at the most expensive restaurants accompanied by another couple, but never alone. They attended lavish galas, where they could be seen, and hob-knobbing with the rich and famous. Not once, were they ever alone. She was always in the presence of others.
With Bryan, it was different. She got to know the man, his most inner thoughts, his hopes and dreams. This moment was a topper. And the best of all, was the kisses between spoonful’s … kisses dabbled with whipped cream, or smudges of hot fudge. They shared in quick ones, in between conversation ones, and the ones she loved and craved more of were the long, melting, steamy ones, that pulled her deeper and deeper into a world of heated passion.
She let him get to second base, and really, really, close to third.
He made sure, that the night air, did not chill her exposed skin, not even once.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
The public hearing room was packed with every tv. crew from the entire capital district region. Equipment was set at every available spot, and stood in ready for Bryan’s public address to the state.
The press conference was open to the public as well. Representatives from community groups, clergy, and the public in all denominations filled the one-thousand seats of the audito
rium in record time. Banners and signs were waving with sentiments in large, bold letters that read ‘D.P. FOREVER, ‘PUNISHMENT FOR THE UNJUST’. ‘FRY THOSE WHO KILL’, ‘NEW YORK WANTS THE DEATH PENALTY.’
Anyone uncertain, as to the reason for the gathering, would most probably think a demonstration was in progress. There was a low din of chants, that could be heard. The suspense and excitement climbed, as members themselves, began to mill in from the closely-guarded private entrance to the right side of the room.
The light fixtures hovering over the solid mahogany dais floor became ablaze in light as Sen. Gallagher’s entourage filtered in. The house broke out into pandemonium, as onlookers applauded and cheered. Chants echoed the air, claps roared in unison, banners and signs waved and rose in excited accord.
Bryan’s pulse pounded like the hooves of race horse closing in on the finish line, as his eyes scanned the faces of those in attendance. The members he addressed just the other day were there in support. It was a packed house with standing room only.
Connor stood to his right, while Jessica stood to his left. Without thinking, Bryan reached out for her hand, and she did not hesitate to entwine her fingers with his.
He had spoken in front of larger crowds before. This speech though, was going to be a pivotal one in his career, because a national stage was being set by the networks in front of him. What New York decided, other states would more than likely follow.
Bryan gave himself a moment to let it all sink in, as he carefully looked at everyone in the room. He wanted them to know he saw them, and acknowledged them with a nod. Some of their faces mirrored awe, excitement, tearful rejoice, and yes, those in opposition. Then, there was one, one, that made Bryan stop, take notice, and focus on him individually.
A hateful rage emanated from the man, standing to the left of his podium, not even two feet away. There was something about him, that seemed familiar. He was casually, but slovenly attired. His long hair looked greasy and tied back into a tail. And then it dawned on him, as he poked Connor at his side, noticing the thickly, framed, black bifocal glasses.
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