Page 41 of Line of Sight (Second Sight #4)

I HADN’T intended going to the class reunion. Hours of mingling with people I didn’t remember, the effort required to appear as if I was interested in their boring-as-fuck conversations and reminiscences….

Then I reconsidered. The others would be there, two of whom had already taken advantage of my offer. Watching their reactions when I arrived promised to be entertaining.

Maybe the evening wouldn’t be a total waste of time after all.

Several people nodded or smiled at me, and I politely returned them as I snaked my way through the crowd, heading for one of the bars that had been set up at opposite ends of the room.

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 and certainly 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 to me .

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. “What is your 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 so weak . 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 assumed all included 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.

“Heather is the real fly in the ointment. Running a campaign isn’t cheap, and… well, she holds the purse strings.”

His flat tone and lack of expression were much louder than his words.

“This wasn’t a marriage based on true love, I take it?”

Jason rolled his eyes, and I sensed relief. “What gave it away? I think she’s only doing this because she wants to be a senator’s wife. And if I don’t win”—his expression grew gloomy—“well, she’ll never let me hear the last of it.”

I leaned toward him. “Level with me. There’s no love between you at all, is there?”

Jason glanced around before speaking in a low voice. “Not anymore. It was sort of a strategic marriage. She’s great at putting on an act in front of others, but when we’re alone? The shutters come down, and there’s no one at home.”

My initial assessment had been correct. He was a weak man.

That didn’t mean he couldn’t be a useful one.

I studied him as he sipped his wine, contemplating my approach.

This had to be handled with care.

“You know,” I said in a conspiratorial whisper, leaning toward him. “There may be a way to help you get elected.”

Jason’s expression didn’t change, as though he doubted my veracity. “Really?”

I nodded. “What you need is a wave of public sympathy. Public support.”

He folded his arms. “And how do you propose organizing that?”

I smiled. “You don’t need to know.”

I could see when my words registered. His face went slack, his mouth open.

“Hey… you’re not talking about…?”

I hadn’t said a word, and it would stay that way.

He didn’t need to know I’d already decided on the date when Mrs. Kelly would meet her maker.

June 8, 2013.