Page 226 of Incisive

“Look.” I lean forward, my elbows on my knees. “Call me tonight once you have the talk. No matter how late it is. Let me know either way. Or even have Ily call me to talk, if you want. Whatever works for you. If you need more time I’ll understand that, too.”

“No, she knows I want to run and that I want to announce. And that it needs to happen soon. Especially with midterms next year.”

“She likes to let you dangle for a little while?”

He smiles. “I never said I didn’t enjoy it.” His smile fades. “I hear Ellis is talking about filing to run again for his old seat.”

I shrug. “I honestly don’t know. Leo and Jordan don’t feed me that info unless I ask for it.”

“Benchley Evans was ‘accidentally’”—yes, Ciro uses air quotes—“captured on a hot mic yesterday at a GOP donor retreat. He said there will be a blizzard in Key West before Ellis ever holds an elected office again. And that if anyone endorses Ellis, any current or future aspirations they have for their own political career can be kissed good-bye because he’ll personally make sure they’re turfed.” He grins. “Although turfed isn’t the word he used.”

“What word did he use?”

“Rhymes withbat-duck.”

I snort. “That sounds like the Benchley I know and fear.”

“He said he’s sick of the radical right sabotaging the GOP’s chances to become relevant again with the moderates. He made it clear to all the donors present that if anyone breaks ranks and funnels Ellis’ money, either directly or tries to disguise it through a PAC, he will personally launch a scorched earth campaign to ruin them and make them wish they’d never donated a single penny to any candidate.”

“Damn,” I mutter. “I hadn’t heard about that.” It sort of bothers me, because that’s the kind of juicy gossip Leo and Jordan would be dying to share with me.

Apparently he reads my expression. “You won’t have heard about it yet because I first heard about it this morning from a friend of mine who’s married to someone who attended. They banned all phones and recording devices from the room. I mean, they literally ran everyone through metal detectors and used signal jammers. No spouses or partners allowed in. Sterile environment. Crazy level of security for the meeting.”

“Holy shit.”

“Yeah. It wasn’t just Ellis who Benchley went after, either, but Ellis was the most visible and egregious asshole. Benchley and his cronies are doing one last deep purge before they retire in an attempt to eliminate the bad seeds.”

I snort. “Good luck withthat.”

“Right? As much as I disagree with the GOP, at least Benchley’s trying.”

“Wait… You said he was captured on a hot mic. How did that happen if they prevented all recording and devices?”

Ciro points at me. “Bingo. I had another contact tell me this morning that they heard a recording they suspect was made and leaked by Benchley. Hasn’t made it to the news outlets yet. I suspect that will blow up by this afternoon.”

I laugh. “That tricky old bastard. Controlling the message.”

“You know it.” His smile fades. “I expect Ellis and Stella to respond in some way. Ellis isn’t totally without allies, even if they are a fading minority in the GOP.”

I once again think about Kayley’s warning after our wedding. “There’s not a lot Ellis can do at this point. If Benchley’s staunchly against him and tightly holding the party’s reins, no one’s going to cross him, especially not donors. Benchley still has the power and the kompromat to ruin people. He won’t underestimate Ellis a second time.”

Ciro’s head tilts slightly. “I’m guessing your sister still has no clue about certain personal aspects of your life?”

“Fuck, no. We haven’t even told my parents about Jordan.”

He slowly nods. “Ily will want…assurances.”

“That there won’t be a massive public scandal?”

He taps his nose.

“Seriously, feel free to have her call me. Or to have her come by to talk in person. I think my afternoon’s clear. I can ask Jordan to block out the time.”

He lays his palms on his thighs and slowly rubs them up and down his legs. “I will do that. But may I offer you a bit of advice?”

“Sure.”

“Don’t think you’ll convince her. Don’t push her. Let her ask you questions. Answer them, but not in a way like you’re trying to direct her decision. I’m not saying she’d punitively say no just because she feels pressured but she won’t be happy saying yes if she feels that way. Know what I mean?”