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Part VI Faith tried to maintain her attention on Jarrod. The deputy secretary was still discussing the economic hardships endured by the new East Asian republics with two diplomats. So far, the gala had been more business than pleasure.
How had her mother endured it? The public had had constant watch over the politician’s life, seemingly waiting for their idolized princess to stumble. Even some of her allies seemed ready to pounce on any misstep should Relena had made one. Faith wondered how much her birth had harmed her mother’s career. “Mr. Winner, you have forgotten your manners. You have yet to introduce me to your lovely companion.” The older diplomat smiled, studying her with stark interest. Jarrod gave a polite smile. “Forgive me. This is Alice Wilkerson. Alice, please meet Mr. Edmund Lessing, the German ambassador to Indonesia.” “A pleasure, Mr. Lessing,” Faith said, shaking his hand briefly. “The pleasure is all mine, my dear.” “What is it you do, Ms. Wilkerson?” Raul Zamora, the other diplomat, asked. “I’m a partner in a public relations firm.” “Oh, how interesting,” Lessing cooed. “How did you meet Mr. Winner? Is he a client of yours?” “I am not at liberty to say.” Jarrod laughed. “But I can. No, Edmund, I’ve not employed Alice for her skills in public relations. We’ve met through mutual circles.” “The universe is a small place after all,” Lessing said. The band started a new tune, and Jarrod took the opportunity to make a getaway. He took Faith to the dance floor, leading her confidently to the music. To any observer’s eyes, it seemed perfectly normal. “I must say I’m impressed, Alice,” Jarrod said, placing a slightly mocking emphasis on the pseudonym. “This isn’t exactly foreign territory for me. I’ve been to these things before.” He pulled her closer, allowing him to speak softly into her ear. “But it’s been quite some time, hasn’t it?” “In some ways, not long enough. I’ve been keeping an eye on various people in the room. So far, I haven’t noticed anything to suggest you’re in danger.” “I thought you were overreacting. This proves that I was right.” “That isn’t the issue. This evening isn’t over yet, Jarrod. Your crackpot letter-writer still has ample time to make his move. You shouldn’t let your guard down yet.” “You almost sound like you want him to strike. Of course, it would definitely shake things up.” “I don’t think you should joke about this. Surely you take your own life seriously.” He sighed. “Can’t you relax for once? This might be fun if you would lighten up. The world isn’t going to end if you smile.” Faith tightened her grip on his shoulder, not caring if she left bruises. She was hired to keep him safe, not to be his entertainment. “I’m doing my job, Winner.” “There’s more to life than work, Faith.” “That’s rich, coming from you. When’s the last time you took any time off?” “This is pointless,” he snapped. He whirled her out for a spin, preventing her retort. When he brought her back, he kept her at a distance, preventing anymore private conversation. Faith quickly decided it was safer for both of them. * * * * * Jarrod kept them off the dance floor for the rest of the evening. Faith, still posing as Alice Wilkerson, followed him as he made a wide circuit through the room. He would spend a few minutes with each important guest before moving on to the next. After speaking with the gala’s host and hostess, he headed toward the gardens. “I need some fresh air. Is that going to be a problem?” “Not as long as we stay relatively close to the building. I can’t vouch for the security out there. The hedge maze is definitely off-limits.” “Just as well.” To her surprise, there were quite a few people enjoying the cooler evening air. Couples and small groups toured the gardens, and several appeared to be heading to the hedge maze. It left the patio vacant. “Why the name Alice Wilkerson?” Jarrod asked abruptly. “Excuse me?” “Why did you choose Alice Wilkerson as your name for tonight?” Faith shrugged, rustling the fabric of her black gown. “It was the name of a character in a novel. Besides, it’s something normal and forgettable.” “What was wrong with coming as Faith Maxwell?” he pressed. “You didn’t want me advertising myself as a Preventer. While it’s unlikely, someone could have heard of that name.” “So, to you, one name is just as good as another.” She studied him, obviously puzzled by the conversation. “You could say that.” “You could have fit into this world, you know.” He stood close enough to her that she had to look up to meet his eyes. “You could have had a different life, Helene.” “Don’t,” she ordered, taking a step back from him. “Everyone knows that Helene Peacecraft died with her mother. All of that is behind me.” “Is it? Somehow I doubt that.” There was a lengthy pause before he spoke again. “Why did you take this job? You said you could more good at the Preventers than in politics, but here you are with me.” “You won’t understand, and I don’t expect you to.” “I want to, Faith.” “We all want things we can’t have.” “Spare me the clichés.” “Spare me your spoiled brat act. You hired me for a job, and I’ve had to fight you and everyone else to do it properly. If you are that unhappy with my performance, fire me.” “I was told that you were the best.” She suddenly a strange gleam of metal. Shouting out a warning, Faith lunged and tackled Jarrod to the ground. She did her best to cover his larger frame as bullets flew around them. |
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