Page 57 of Line of Sight

The first person I spotted was Jason, sitting at a table, Greg beside him. There was no sign of Jennifer nearby, but I soon caught sight of her at the far end of the room. I knew she’d seen me, however. Just like the cliche, our eyes met across a crowded room, and then she quickly averted her gaze.

I found that rude, considering the effort I’d gone to on her behalf.

Amy wasn’t around either, but I didn’t find that too surprising. I recalled her reaction to my proposal.

Jason raised his glass of wine. “Hey, you made it. We thought after not seeing you at the last two that you’d died and no one knew.”

I hadn’t seen the point of flying all the way from Toronto—twice—to attend a class reunion with people I hardly knew andcertainly didn’t like. Besides, I’d had… other things to occupy my time.

Greg’s expression grew solemn. “By the way, I saw the news. If it isn’t too late to offer them, my condolences. Losing both parents like that….”

“Thank you.” I managed a shrug. “That was why I came home—for the funeral.” Which had been two years ago, but I’d seen no reason to contact any of them in the intervening time.

If they wanted my services, they had to come tome.

I glanced at Jason. He’d filled out since college. He had his fair share of gray hairs too.

“I hear you’re running for senator.” Like it wasn’t obvious. Everything about him screamed politician, from his conservative suit to his red tie, the way he held himself, the practiced smile. The sight of the heavy wedding band reminded me. “I also heard you got married.”

Jason smiled, but there was something off about it. As though it wasn’t real. “That’s right on both counts.”

I grinned, unable to resist the urge to yank his chain a little. “Want me to bump off the opposition?” I mimicked firing a rifle.

I didn’t miss Greg’s reaction. He flinched but quickly recovered. “Whatisyour political opponent like, anyway?”

“He’s a strong candidate,” Jason informed us. “To be honest, I’m not really sure if I can beat him. He’s very popular. He’s got a lot of support.”

God, he sounded soweak. He didn’t deserve to win.

Then it hit me.Am I missing an opportunity here?That faltering smile piqued my interest.

“What you need is a team to drum up more support.” And it might be useful to have a senator in one’s pocket. “When’s the election?”

“End of next year.”

Greg beamed. “And I’m getting married next year. We just set the date. June 8, and you’re all invited.”

I did what was expected of me and congratulated him, as did Jason. I assumedallincluded Jennifer and Amy. Around us, people joined in, and I made my escape to grab a drink at the other bar.

I couldn’t be bothered to paste on a smile.

I bought myself a glass of whiskey, but as I turned around to find a quiet corner in which to drink it, I discovered Jason had followed me, his glass of red wine still in his hand.

I had a feeling I knew why.

“Hey. Do you want to join me?” I gestured to a couple of chairs standing against the wall. “Let’s grab those.”

That same feeling was telling me we shouldn’t be overheard.

I sat, my legs stretched out in front of me. “So… politics, eh? Not that I’m surprised. You harbored the same ambitions back in college.”

And listening to you today? I wouldn’t vote for you.

“It’s what I’ve always dreamed of.” He bit his lip. “Oh, thanks for the laugh, by the way. Killing off the opposition might look a little too obvious, don’t you think?” He chuckled, but it sounded forced.

I fired a shot in the dark. “What does your wife think of your plans?”

When Jason sighed, I knew I’d hit my target.