Page 28 of Shadowed Agenda
“Nicholas,” Regan said, her voice cool.
“Regan, I’d like you to meet my campaign manager, Vania Jacobs,” he said. “She’s a fan.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Vania extended a hand and a pleasant smile. Regan shook the woman’s hand. “I’ve read all your books. When I mentioned that to Nicholas yesterday, I hadn’t imagined he’d wrangle a couple of tickets so I could attend tonight. I hadn’t realized he knew you.”
“I’m so glad Nicholas could get tickets,” Regan said, relieved that the woman wasn’t aware of their relationship. Vania seemed genuinely thrilled to meet her.
“I was just on my way to the restroom. It was nice meeting you,” Vania said and turned to Nicholas. “I’ll be right back.”
Nicholas held out the palm of his hand as Vania walked away. “Before you ask, we are not sleeping together. She’s a damn good campaign manager, and I wouldn’t want sex to screw up our business relationship.”
Just like Regan didn’t want sex to screw up whatever truce she seemed to have with Pavlo. One kiss had caused enough damage.
“You never told me what party you’re running for. Let me guess. The same party as Senator Aster?” Regan decided she might as well get to the point before someone interrupted them.
“Why would you be interested in my friendship with Lane? I met him after we’d divorced.”
“I heard you were the owner of two companies in which the Senator has heavy investments,” Regan said, determined to push Nicholas until she got the truth.
“Why would that interest you?” A harsh note had entered Nicholas’ voice. Fine, she’d get to the point.
“I found the note in the flowers you sent me. I don’t understand how you would think it would change my mind about meeting with Senator Aster’s wife?” Regan wanted Nicholas to bring up Pavlo. She needed to know if he objected to Shadow Defense’s involvement or herseeingsomeone. Infidelity hadn’t bothered Nicholas during their marriage, as long as Regan didn’t practice it.
“What are you talking about?” Nicholas asked. He ran a hand through his hair, his face blank. “I didn’t send you flowers, and I’m surprised Lane would invite you to meet with his wife. The two of you are polar opposites.”
Well, at least one person agreed with her.
“Who else would send me a bouquet of tulips, Nicholas?” Regan asked, suddenly not as certain as she had been that he’d sent the bouquet.
“It certainly wasn’t me.” He sounded offended that she’d even considered it. “Yes, Lane has investments in two of my companies. He’s also my mentor. He encouraged me to run for office.”
“I would suggest you pick better friends,” Regan said. There was nothing to lose by telling Nicholas what was happening. “I refused the private book signing with Mrs. Aster. Your pal has been threatening me so I’d agree to do the signing for his wife.”
“As usual, you think too highly of yourself. You’re not important enough for Lane to bother with.”
“Threatening text messages, attacked while on a run, my hotel suite broken into, and a threatening note in a vase of flowers.” Regan listed off the events of the last two days. “I disagree.”
“Wait. You think I sent you those flowers?” He stared at her.
Regan crossed her arms and said nothing.
“You can’t be serious,” Nicholas said and rubbed his hand across his brow. “I know Wila’s a princess, and Lane goes to ridiculous lengths to please her, but threatening you? That’s not Lane’s style. He’s a good guy.”
Regan dug her cell phone out of her purse and scrolled to the first text message. Javier had forwarded the text messages to her in case she needed them in the future. Regan held the phone up so Nicholas could read the message. She scrolled to the last one and did the same.
Nicholas grabbed the cell phone out of her hands and re-read the text message.
“This can’t be Lane’s doing. His supporters must be acting on their own.” Nicholas let out a deep breath. “I’ll call his office and arrange for a virtual meeting. I’ll find out what’s going on.”
“Thank you,” Regan said, surprised he’d offered to help.
He held out her cell phone. She took it and dropped it into her handbag.
“Don’t thank me yet. The Senator’s extreme right-wing supporters aren’t the type to listen to reason.” Nicholas’ voice took on an ugly tone. “I don’t care why you don’t want to sign the books, Regan, but tell your publicist to announce the private book signing details have been finalized. If the Senator’s supporters find out you’re my ex-wife before we reconcile, it could be a PR disaster for my career.”
“Your career?” Regan seethed. He was more interested in his career than the safety of his daughter. “I’m concerned about them finding out about Emmeline and tracking her down.”
“If you don’t deal with this, I’m going to tell the judge you are willing to put Emmeline in danger,” Nicholas threatened. “There’s no reason to postpone the inevitable. I’ve asked my lawyer to schedule an in-chambers meeting with a judge for Friday.”