Kim Baldwin - The Gemini Deception

“Where to now?” she whispered to Ratman as he led her off the floor and through the crowd.

“Someone wants to say hello.”

“I’ve met everyone on the list.”

“This one arrived late.”

“Who?”

Ratman stopped in front of a beautiful, middle-aged woman. Her white hair was pulled back tightly, and her dress looked very expensive and classically chic. She was of average height, but that was about the only average thing about her. Ryden had never seen a more elegantly ominous presence. Neither had she seen eyes so black, like they lacked a soul.

“Madam President,” Moore said, “I’d like you to meet Theodora Rothschild.”

According to Ryden’s briefing notes, Rothschild was one of the few guests the real president hadn’t already met in person. “Of course. Owner of the Rothschild Auction Houses. How wonderful to meet you in person.” Ryden extended her hand.

The woman took it and a chill ran through Ryden, as though her core body temperature had dropped from the cold hand. “The pleasure is all mine.”

Ryden gasped aloud. That icy voice was one she would never forget. “I…I know—”

“Stay in character, Madam President,” Rothschild warned her.

Ryden looked away. “Of course.”

“I came to see whether you’re indeed doing the wonderful job Moore is telling me you are.”

Ryden couldn’t bring herself to look at those terrifyingly dead eyes. “I hope everything is to your satisfaction.”

“Very. Keep up the great work. A new…life is just around the corner.”

“I look forward to that.” Ryden tried to keep her voice steady.

Rothschild laughed coquettishly when the Speaker of the House passed by. “No need to keep you longer. You have guests to entertain, and I have a visitor of my own to see to.” Rothschild extended her hand and Ryden had to muster all her courage to take it. “Smile and say something trivial,” the bitch ordered.

Ryden plastered on a forced smile. “Have a nice—”

“Yes, yes. Run along now.” The cold creature shooed her away with her eyes.

Ryden needed to compose herself before she could resume her duties as hostess. Even finding Tim and his ex-wife dead and the prospect of a lethal injection hadn’t frightened her more than this lifeless being.

She was grateful that at least this affair was in the White House, so she could escape to her room for a few minutes. She headed up the grand stairs to the second floor. Shaken, she turned when she heard steps behind her.

“It’s only me.” Kennedy looked concerned. “Are you all right?”

“I don’t know.” She crossed her arms. “Yes.”

“Can I help?”

“I need a few minutes to collect myself.”

She continued down the hall and heard Kennedy say from behind her, “Beacon is fine and in my sights.”

She opened the door to her room and was about to close it when Kennedy gently pushed the door to stop her. “If there’s anything at all I can do or get you—”

“I need to use the ladies’ room, that’s all.”

Kennedy reached for her transmitter and turned it off. “Then why are you shaking?”

She hid her hands behind her back. “I’m tired.”

“You look like you’re about to have a nervous breakdown.”

She looked down the hall. Two Uniformed Division guards had followed them and taken up positions nearby. “We’re drawing unnecessary attention.”

“Moore is in the East Room.” Kennedy said it like she wanted her to know it was safe to talk.

“Still, I…”

“Do you want me to come in?”

She opened the door farther and stood to the side.

“What’s going on?” Kennedy asked as soon as Ryden shut the door.

“Like I said, I’m tired.”

“With all due respect, you may be able to fool the rest, but not me. You haven’t been…well, since I arrived here.” Kennedy took a few steps toward her. “What’s going on behind the scenes may be none of my business, but your safety and well-being are.”

“I really don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“You’re scared, Elizabeth.”

“No, I’m…”

“And my guess is Moore has a lot to do with it.”

Was it that obvious, or was Kennedy on to something? Ratman had told her Kennedy suspected something. Was she trying to get her to talk? Although she trusted Kennedy and wanted to tell her everything at this moment, somehow Moore would discover any wrong move, and she’d have to face not only him but that dreadfully cold woman. Even though Moore had been the one to continually threaten her, that lifeless, treacherous being was the real danger. Theodora Rothschild would be ruthless about terminating her and whoever else revealed their scheme without a second thought. “Kenneth Moore is a fine man. He cared a lot for my husband and stood beside me after his death.” She looked Kennedy straight in the eye. “He’s been very supportive.”

“I’ve seen the way he looks at you,” Kennedy replied. “It’s not support he’s offering.”

What had Kennedy seen? Ratman had shown nothing but a professional interest in her, and if it weren’t for what had happened earlier, even she would’ve never guessed. “I resent that.”

Kennedy raised her hands in surrender. “If whatever you two have going on suits you, then I’ll back off.”

“Then back off.” She was desperate for the conversation to stop.

“Elizabeth, you’re lying.”

Why was Kennedy pressing? She couldn’t handle any more drama right now. “What if it does suit me?” She clenched her fists. “It’s none of your concern.”

“I don’t believe you, and it is my business if you’re in danger.”

“Are you jealous?”

“Of what?”

“Moore.”

Kennedy narrowed her eyes. “Why would I be?”

“Don’t think I haven’t noticed the way you look at me.”

Kennedy took a few steps nearer and stopped a foot away from her.

She would have normally backed away at such an intrusion into her personal space, but she couldn’t and she didn’t want to.

“And how is that?” Kennedy asked.

She couldn’t pull her gaze away from Kennedy. “Like…like…”

“The way you’re looking at me right now?”

It would be so easy to kiss her, Ryden thought. “I like you, Kennedy, but that’s it.” She looked away. “I’m not gay and—”

“And you’re the president,” Kennedy said. “And I’m your primary guard, and it would be highly unprofessional to…” She went silent and turned toward the door.

“To what?” Ryden asked.

“Nothing. I’m out of line. This whole conversation is out of line.” Kennedy gazed at her. “Just remember that should you need someone to talk to, I’m here.”

Kennedy had obviously said something because she saw her lips move, but Ryden had blocked it out. “It would be unprofessional to what?” Now Ryden pressed the issue.

Kennedy walked up to her and put her arm around her waist. Their lips were an inch apart and she was dizzy with excitement and expectation.

As her breathing quickened and her heart raced, she repeated, “To what?” in a whisper. She dropped her gaze from Kennedy’s eyes to her mouth.

When Kennedy brought her head closer, Ryden forgot to breathe. “To kiss you,” Kennedy said against her lips and then pulled away.

Ryden stared at her, dazed.

“I was right.” Kennedy let go of her. “You don’t want Moore any more than you want whatever he’s gotten you involved in.” She walked to the door.

“And this is how you make a point?” Ryden yelled.

“I can’t protect you if you won’t let me, Elizabeth.”

“I can have you fired.”

“But you won’t.”

“Because you’ll tell the world I wanted to kiss you?” She was furious. “Is my life a game to you, like it is with everyone else?”