Page 209 of The Silent Note

“How did you stop yourself from turning all the way?”

I wind the window down and take in a deep breath of the fresh, morning air. “I fell in love.”

Chapter Fifty-Five

ZANE

The roar of applause is deafening. Dad mounts the stairs and stands center stage. He turns in a slow circle, waving to the thousands in attendance.

Camera lights flicker. Flashes of silver. Falling stars blazing brilliantly before fading to black.

JAROD CROSS FOR GOVERNOR

It’s plastered over every concrete surface.

Campaign slogans blare from a banner that suspends above the auditorium. The bleachers are filled. Blue, red and white campaign posters are clutched in the hands of desperate worshipers, all here to offer their hopes at the feet of a man who would throw them to the wolves if it weren’t campaign season.

Dad gestures, trying to get the crowd to calm down so he can deliver his speech.

It doesn’t work. They keep chanting his name, keep screaming for him.

Beside me, dad’s aides grin from ear to ear.

Behind me, the television crew makes pained faces.

They’ve never seen this kind of energy at a political debate, and they don’t particularly like it.

Not that I can blame them.

The first time I stood on the sidelines and watched dad on his campaign trail, I thought the supporters screaming his name were his fans. And then, I realized there were everyday people who actually believed in his message.

Power.

It’s what dad wants.

And now he has the attention of theentire nation. People who heard his music in the mall or on a movie soundtrack but didn’t care to look him up before… today know exactly who Jarod Cross is.

And he’s soaking it up.

I watch him smirk and take one more spin for the crowd, fancy dress shoes shining. His suit is perfectly tailored, a sharp navy with the top shirt unbuttoned instead of going all the way to the neck. No tie.

Dad went viral as the first political campaigner who dared to give speeches with his shirt unbuttoned and his chest tattoos showing. His approval ratings shot up overnight. Everyone praised him as ‘authentic’.

Politics is a circus and dad fits right in.

“Everyone, please be quiet.”The host yells into a microphone. “We’re about to begin the debate.”

Dad shakes hands with Governor Chris Micheals, his biggest competitor. The bright smile on his face betrays nothing but professionalism. Only I can see the sharp teeth waiting under the mask.

I dig my fingers into the phone where Finn’s message came in five minutes ago.

Finn: You were right. Micheals was the last name.

Nerves tighten in my stomach.

Dad seemed to have suspected because he had me forward a copy of the files as soon as Finn’s message came in. If he announces the news first, my plan will fall apart.

I text Finn again.