Riding the River (The Westerners, Book One)
Page 6
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Former Governor Henry Hughes was astonished -- His eyes widened, his mouth dropped open. He and Sarah were standing in the center of campaign headquarters with staff bustling all around them. Phones rang, placards fell and were picked up, people were talking and laughing, political slogans hung on the walls…
“Sarah, you want to take off for a week now? The new gubernatorial campaign is starting and you know that I need you… both you and Ben. I’m advising the incumbent governor on how best to win this upcoming race. It’s going to be incredibly close with the challenger in the primary… How can you possibly think about leaving now?”
Henry Hughes was an imposing figure. Over six feet tall with a full head of silver hair, much like his son’s, Hughes was impressive. He commanded respect and got it, although he had a real soft spot for his only granddaughter and loved her to distraction. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for her, but she needed to help him too, when necessary. This was one of those times…
Sarah gulped looking up at him. He didn’t mean to intimidate her, but she knew he meant business.
“Grandfather, I haven’t had a vacation in two years and I really need one. Couldn’t you get someone else this time?” She thought her voice sounded whiny.
He looked at her sternly, but lovingly. Henry took her hands in his.
“Sweetie, I know that you need time off, but this isn’t the time. You are invaluable to me with all your social and business skills. It’ll only be for about five weeks and then you can take off. Please?”
How could she refuse her grandfather? She loved him more than life…
Sarah swallowed hard. “Okay, whatever you say. I’ll wait a while longer.”
Walking out to her car, Robert called. “The Governor just called me. What’s this about going on vacation?” Sarah shook her head. Why did he insist on calling his father ‘the Governor’?
All this effort was beginning to weigh her down – And she hadn’t even approached her boss yet…
“… Dad…”
“Honey, if you want to quit and come work for me, I’ll start you in a few months, so you can help your grandfather. Would that help you out?”
“It would help out with the job, but not the vacation. I really need some time away, Dad.”
“I understand, but this is probably the worst time ever to be taking off. Please think it over and call me tonight. I have a staff meeting starting in five minutes and need to go… Love you, honey!” And he hung up.
Sarah opened her car door and sat down, looking through her windshield, but not seeing. All she needed now was a call from the absentee boyfriend reminding her of family duty and obligation. She didn’t have to wait long. Her phone rang.
“Hello, Ben.”
“Sarah, what’s this about you leaving on vacation? Your grandfather just told me. I can’t believe you’d abandon your family obligations at such a crucial time.”
“Good grief, Ben. Grandfather’s not running, it’s the current governor. Grandfather is just advisory…”
“It makes no difference. Your duty is helping out like you always do. You must stay dependable and reliable. Can’t we count on you?”
Sarah was appalled. He didn’t sound so much like a loving boyfriend, as he did Joe the Tyrant. Maybe a more sugarcoated bully…
“Don’t say anything, Sarah. I’ll pick you up for dinner tonight at seven and we’ll discuss the role your grandfather wants you to perform this time. The campaign will be slightly different than last time, due to the strength of the opposing challenger. The primary is going to be hot and heated.”
“… Ben…”
“I’ll see you at seven.” And he hung up leaving Sarah’s mouth open at his brusqueness. She put down her phone on the passenger seat and continued staring out the windshield of her car. When was the last time he’d held her or kissed her… When was the last time they’d made love or looked into each other’s eyes. Did he really love her? She knew she’d stopped loving him some time ago, if she ever had. She was going to have to talk to him tonight when they had dinner. The end of her rope was within sight.
And then she called Abby to reluctantly tell her that the vacation was going to be delayed indefinitely. She couldn’t fight them all.
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CHAPTER FIVE