Mixed Reality (Indigo Love Spectrum), page 13
“When did Rory get here? Let me rephrase that. How did he get past all the media?”
“He came in the back way,” Doug answered.
“That was smart.” She sighed. “Doug, did Kevin talk to you?”
“About what?”
“He had something he really wanted to share with you. He didn’t mention anything?”
“No. Why don’t you tell me?”
“I’d rather he tell you. Go in the kitchen and ask him.”
“I will.”
Just as Doug was about to go, Wendy walked out. “Elle, it’s good to see you.”
“Hello, Wendy. It’s nice to see you, too.”
“If you don’t mind, I need to steal your husband for a few minutes.”
“Sure. Doug, don’t forget to ask Kevin.”
“I won’t.”
Elle continued to the kitchen while they went back into the living room and sat down.
“All right, Rory and I have talked things over and we have a plan.”
“Good,” Doug said as he sat and crossed his legs.
“We’re going to get him back into the house tonight. I’ve already called the police to meet us there, so that’s taken care of. As for the situation with Elle, I’ve advised him to stay away from her until this blows over. Even though we know the whole accusation is bogus, I think it’s the best course of action.”
“You agreed, Rory?” Doug asked.
“Yes.”
“Doug, I know this is something both you and Elle didn’t ask to be involved in, but if I were you I wouldn’t answer any questions. This is Rory’s divorce battle, not yours.”
“Right.”
“We can issue a statement saying that both you and Elle are saddened by the breakup of the marriage but that it’s a private matter, or something like that,” Ki offered.
“That sounds good.” Wendy looked at her watch. “We’d better get going. The police are going to be there soon.” She got up.
Doug, Ki and Rory stood up, too, and Rory helped Wendy put her coat on. “Thank you, Rory,” she said.
“You’re welcome.”
“I’m going to get home, too. I’ll see you tomorrow morning. I’ll have a statement ready by then,” Ki said to Doug.
“Thanks, Ki.” He patted him on the back.
“I’ll talk to you soon, big brother.”
“Hang tough,” Doug said and hugged Rory.
“Will you say goodnight to Elle and the boys for me?”
“Sure.”
They walked to the foyer. Rory got his coat from the closet and so did Ki.
“Are you ready to walk the plank?” Wendy asked Rory.
“As ready as I’ll ever be.”
“Remember, don’t say anything. I’ll do the talking.”
“Okay.”
“I don’t have to say anything to you, Ki. I’m sure you know the drill.”
“Intimately,” Ki confirmed.
Doug stood out of camera range to open the door. Flashbulbs popped furiously as Doug closed the door. I hope they don’t go blind. He headed for the kitchen. Elle and the boys were still sitting at the table.
She looked up. “All done?”
“Yes.” He kissed her and sat down.
“Did Uncle Rory leave?” Kyle asked.
“Yes. Don’t worry, he’s going to be all right.”
“Okay, Dad,” Kyle said.
“Kevin, isn’t there something you wanted to tell your dad?” Elle said.
“Yes. Tell me,” Doug said to his son.
Kevin produced a piece of paper from his pocket. “I want to run for president of the student council. A freshman has never run before, but I think I have a chance.”
Elle watched as Doug’s chest filled with pride. “I think you’d make a great student council president. You have my vote.”
“You can’t vote, Dad.”
“I know. But if I could I’d definitely vote for you.”
“Thanks.”
“Have you thought about your campaign platform?”
“Yes. I’m for personal responsibility and the right to make our own choices.”
“You’re talking about the vending machines, right?” Elle asked.
“Yes. I think we’re old enough to decide whether or not we want a soda or juice with our lunch. The only thing getting rid of the machines succeeded in doing was increasing the number of kids who cut class to go out and get what they want. I think they should put them back and let us make up our own minds.”
“It sounds like you really thought this out.” Doug was impressed.
“I have.”
“Terrific. What about you, Kyle? Are you going to run for anything?”
“No.”
“You can be your brother’s campaign manager. You can help him design flyers and buttons…”
“Don’t get carried away, Doug, the school has placed limits on that stuff. Remember most of these kids come from money and flyers could easily become billboards,” Elle added.
“That’s true.” He chuckled.
“I would love for you to help me, Dad.”
Elle got up. “I’m going to let you talk strategy and opponents.”
“Are you feeling okay, honey?”
“I’m still a little tired. I’m going to lie down.”
“I’ll be up in a little while.”
“Okay.”
As Elle walked out she listened to Doug talk excitedly with the boys. Another Brennan enters the political arena, even if it’s just school politics, she thought as she went up the stairs.
Once Elle was upstairs she slipped into a hot bath. Doug is tickled pink to have a son follow in his footsteps. I know he’d like to have both of them involved. But Kyle is more like Rory; he has no problem ceding the spotlight to his big brother. She sighed. Rory. I hope he’s going to be okay. At least he has Wendy in his corner. Hopefully this will go away sooner rather than later. God knows I need it to go away sooner.
When Doug got to the bedroom he noticed Elle had dozed off while reading. He quietly went over and gently pried the book from her hands.
“Oh,” she said and yawned. “What time is it?”
“It’s a little after eleven.” He put the book on the table.
“Are the boys in bed?”
“Yes.” He smiled.
“Did you work on Kevin’s campaign?”
“Yes. He’s really got a good head for politics.”
“Gee, I wonder where he gets that from.” She grinned.
“I guess he takes after his old man. And Kyle is going to be his campaign manager and pollster.”
“I know he especially loves the idea of crunching numbers.”
“I wonder who he gets that from.”
Elle laughed.
“Rory was my campaign manager when I ran in high school.”
“I know. And now he’s going through a rough time with Angela,” she said.
“Don’t worry about that stuff, baby. It’s just a bunch of posturing by her lawyer. Wendy will have everything under control soon. I’m sure of it.”
“I hope so.” Elle ran her fingers through his thick hair.
He gently kissed her hand. “I love you.” He climbed in bed and snuggled with her.
With Doug’s arms around her, Elle felt safe and cherished and drifted off to sleep.
Chapter 10
Doug was looking forward to a relatively light day at City Hall. Instead of using the Blue Room to make dire pronouncements about the city’s budget he was traveling to the Harlem Armory to make an announcement with Tony Evans, the Deputy Mayor of Health and Human Services, about a gain in the life expectancy for New Yorkers. Relishing the chance to slow his morning routine down, Doug took a leisurely hot shower.
Elle poked her head in. “Doug?”
“Yes, baby?”
“Your sons are eager for you to see the campaign flyer they worked on this morning.”
“Already?”
“You got them fired up.”
“Okay. Honey, can you hand me a towel please?”
“Sure.” She walked in to the bathroom and grabbed one. “Here you go.”
“Thanks.” He pulled the towel and Elle into the shower.
“Hey!” Both Elle and the towel became drenched.
“Aww, honey, we have to get you out of those wet things. It’s not good for you.”
“Is that right?” she said skeptically.
“Yes.” He pulled her nightgown off and tossed it on the floor.
“You know that was one of my favorite nightgowns.”
“I’ll buy you another one.” He pulled her closer. “Besides, I’m kind of partial to your birthday suit.”
“Are you?”
“Yes.”
They kissed passionately as the hot water streamed down their bodies. Elle’s body quivered as Doug kissed her shoulders then softly kissed and caressed her breasts. She then let the water lead her lips down his chest to his waist, hips and just beyond.
Doug moaned. The warmth of the water and her lips drove him wild as she lingered.
“Baby,” he said breathlessly.
She continued to explore and tease him until his body was about to explode. He had to have her right there and then. When he lifted her up against the wall, Elle could barely catch her breath as their bodies came together. They held onto to one another tightly as they rode wave after wave of ecstasy.
A little while later Doug joined Kevin and Kyle in the kitchen.
“Good morning, boys.”
“Good morning, Dad.”
Doug got a cup of coffee. “Your mom said you worked on a flyer this morning.”
“Here it is.” Kevin handed it to him.
Doug studied it. “It looks good. I like it.”
“You aren’t just saying that because you’re our dad, are you?”
“No, Kevin. I really think it’s good.”
Kevin and Kyle’s faces lit up.
Elle walked in with her head wrapped in a towel.
“You’re not dressed yet, Mom?” Kyle asked.
“I’ve got time. I’m working from home today.”
“Dad liked our flyer,” Kevin said, beaming.
“I told you it was good.” She smiled. He’s still home, I should tell him now. “Doug?”
“Yes, babe?”
“Can I talk to you for a minute?”
“Sure.”
Just then Theo walked in. “Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Brennan.”
“Good morning, Theo. How are you?”
“I’m good, Mrs. Brennan. The bus is here, guys.”
Kevin and Kyle jumped to their feet and put their coats, scarves and hats on.
“Do you have everything?”
“Yes, Mom,” Kevin groaned.
She picked up a pair of gloves. “Who do these belong to?”
“Mine,” Kevin said sheepishly as he took them. “Thanks, Mom.” He kissed her on the cheek.
“I’ll see you later. Have a good day.”
“See ya later, Mom.” Kyle kissed her as well.
“You have a good day, too. Let me know about the math homework.”
“I will.”
“Check you later, Dad. I’m going to submit the flyer.”
“Let me know how it goes, Kevin,” Doug said.
“I will. I’m out.” Kevin made the ‘peace out’ gesture.
“See ya later, Dad.”
They ran out of the kitchen.
Doug looked confused. “What was that Kevin did with the victory sign on his chest?”
Elle chuckled. “That means ‘peace out’.”
“Oh, I must be getting old or something.”
“You’re still young, baby.” She kissed him lightly on the lips.
“Before I forget, you wanted to talk to me.”
“Yes.” She took a deep breath. “I have some news…”
Suddenly his cell phone rang. It was Ki’s distinct ringtone. “Sorry, honey. I have to take this.”
“That’s okay.”
“Hold that thought.” He answered the phone. “Yes, Ki.” He paused. “You need me to come in now? The announcement at the armory isn’t until later. Is there something going on?” He paused. “Okay. I’m leaving now.” He shut his phone.
“You have to go.”
“I’m sorry. He’s got some poll numbers we need to go over.” He paused. “But what did you want to tell me?”
“That’s okay. It will keep until later.”
“Thanks, babe.” He kissed her. “We’ll pick this up later.” He quickly walked out the kitchen.
Elle sat down at the table. Frieda came in. “Would you like anything for breakfast, Mrs. Brennan?”
She rubbed her stomach. “Wheat toast and tea is fine with me.”
“No problem.”
It figures that Ki would call him about work. But I can’t blame him. I had more than enough time to tell him this morning. Elle smiled to herself. Then again I was distracted by the same thing that got me pregnant in the first place.
* * *
To avoid the media blitz outside the house, Doug went through the back. However when he arrived at City Hall he was met with even more reporters and news vans.
He looked out the window. “Did every outlet send two sets of reporters out? It must be a slow news day.” He sighed as the car drove through the gates. As soon as he stepped out of the car, a few reporters called out.
“Mayor Brennan, how do you feel about your brother’s love nest?” a reporter shouted.
“How do you think this latest revelation will affect your chance to be senator?” another shouted.
Don’t tell me there’s something new. What love nest? Doug thought as he smiled, waved and continued walking to the security booth.
“Good morning Mayor Brennan,” the police officer said cheerfully.
“Good Morning, Chip.” Doug smiled as he put his briefcase on the conveyor.
“Looks like you’ve got quite a following this morning.”
Doug stepped through the metal detector. “Don’t I know it.” He picked his briefcase up. “You have a good day, Chip.”
“You, too, Mayor Brennan,” he said and smiled.
Doug knew NYPD would keep the reporters at bay while he made his way up the stairs and into the building, but eventually they’d be in City Hall’s press room busily working on their laptops and waiting for another opportunity to ask their burning questions.
Ki was waiting for him when he walked into the lobby.
“If it’s possible the press is even crazier today.” Doug took a deep breath. “Before you say a word, there’s been a new development, right?” They continued walking through the hallway.
“I’m afraid so.” Ki handed Doug a copy of The Post just as they reached his outer office.
“Good morning, Mayor Brennan.” Alice sounded somewhat subdued.
“Good morning, Alice.” He opened the paper as he went inside. It was a photo of Rory with an African-American woman. The caption read: Rory Brennan canoodling with woman at love nest. Estranged wife believes it’s his sister-in-law, New York City’s first lady, Elle Brennan.
“Damn!” He dropped his briefcase and tossed the paper on the desk.
“It’s been reported in every paper. There are also a bunch of negative articles about your possible senate appointment led by…”
“Don’t tell me. My old friend Mort,” he said sarcastically.
“Yes.”
Doug sat at down. “Have we heard anything from Wendy yet?”
“I called her this morning. She says she’ll get back to us after she speaks with Rory.”
Doug looked at the photo and shook his head. “Just when I thought I could get a handle on the situation, this happens.”
“You know it’s going to come up during the press conference at the Armory.”
“Was there any doubt?”
“I put the statement I prepared last night on your desk. I’m thinking that maybe I should revise it.”
“Why?” He leafed through some papers until he found the statement. “Here it is.” Doug read it. “This looks good to me. We’ll go with this.”
“Well, it seems a little too clinical. I think I should flesh it out to give it a little more depth and make it more personal.”
“What would you have me say? My sister-in-law is a bitch who is just out to get more money out of the divorce and she doesn’t care if she drags me through the mud to get it?”
“No, of course I wouldn’t. Even if it is the truth. And by the way she’s not just dragging you through the mud; it’s about Elle and your family.”
“Don’t you think I know that?” Doug was offended.
“Sorry,” Ki said and backed off quickly.
“No. I’m sorry. I guess I’m a little sensitive.”
“I understand.”
“Thanks.” He checked his watch. “I should give Elle a call before she gets her day started.”
“Yeah, you don’t want her to get sucker-punched with this.”
“Yeah.” Just as Doug reached for the phone there was a knock.
“Mayor Brennan?”
“Come in, Alice,” Doug called.
Alice opened the door. “Sorry to bother you, sir, but the police commissioner is here.”
“Oh, God, I almost forgot. Give me a minute and send him in please.”
“Yes, sir.”
He dialed the phone. “I have to make this quick.” He looked at Ki.
“Good morning, Brennan residence,” Frieda answered.
“Hello, Frieda. Is my wife still there?”
“I believe she is but she’s in the bathroom. Should I get her for you?”
“No.” He looked at his watch. “Will you ask her to call me as soon as she gets out, please?”
“Certainly, Mr. Brennan,” she answered.
“Thanks.” He hung up. “So what’s the story with the polling data?”
“What?” Ki seemed confused.
“Don’t you remember? You called me about the polls.”
“Oh, that’s right. To be honest it slipped my mind once I saw the paper.”
“Okay. So how do the numbers look?” Doug asked without missing a beat.
“Sixty-four percent of the people polled think you’re doing a good job as mayor.”
“That’s nice to hear. What about the senate question?”
“Nearly sixty percent think you’re a qualified to be in the Senate.”
