“Alex?” I asked, filled with anger.
Mikal shook his head. “Logan.”
Logan had never reached out to me, so his unexpected visit piqued my interest. “See him in.”
“Yes, sir.”
When the door opened again, it was Logan. “Thank you for seeing me on such short notice.”
“I assume it is important,” I said, folding my hands on my desk as I leaned forward.
“It is. Your election is fast approaching, yet your platform regarding the hospital isn’t clear. I have concerns about…rumors. That you are thinking of no longer accepting staff that have been trained outside of Tabiq,” Logan said.
I had to choose my next words wisely. Logan was a world-class neurosurgeon and no matter my feelings, Tabiq was lucky to have him here, even only on a part-time basis. That didn’t mean I wanted him to make decisions for us as a country.
“We do have a medical school here,” I reminded him.
“I’m well aware of that. What you’re lacking is specialty training and that does not have anything to do with Tabiq. Many countries send their physicians to the United States for additional education and experience. If you take away that option for your medical staff, it is your people who will pay the price. I don’t know much about you, but I do know that is not something you want.”
He was correct, but mistaken about my bending to the will of a Henderson request. Meeting his gaze I said, “As you say, rumors. I have made no such decision. If and when I do, my decision will be strictly in the best interests of the Tabiqian people. Now, is there anything else?” I asked. As far as I was concerned, this meeting was over.
Logan rose from his seat and said, “I’m glad I was provided misinformation. It would be a shame for all the work we have done to be lost at this point.”
As he headed to the door, I clenched my fist. I know exactly what you’ve done to Tabiq and I’ll never forgive you for it. It might not have been him personally, but he hadn’t distanced himself from his family. Guilt by association. The Hendersons were loyal to one thing only–their family.
One positive thing came of Logan’s visit. My lingering doubt about whether the Hendersons could continue to stay in Tabiq after I became president, vanished. They had to leave my country. The Hendersons might thrive on control, but the harsh life experiences of growing up in Tabiq and battling its evils had given me a strength outsiders just couldn’t recognize. Judging by Logan’s expression, he and his family had a lot to learn about me.
I brushed Alysa’s résumé aside and picked up the photo that had been included. Although she wore large-framed glasses, I could see her pale blue eyes. She looked so…naïve, so innocent. What would make someone like her travel halfway around the world for a temporary position? Was she running from something? Tabiq was a place one could hide.
Hope you know what you’re getting yourself into, because there’s nothing easy about being in Tabiq. Especially as a woman.
It was too late. I’d agreed to let her come. People knew that once I made up my mind, I didn’t change it, so I was positive that Mikal had already notified her of my acceptance.
If I were a true gentleman, I’d keep her here close to me where I could protect her. Instead, I’d be sending her to spy on the wolves right in their den. But since Logan’s visit, I knew I needed someone on the inside more than ever before. Logan normally spent his time working at the hospital when he was in Tabiq. I didn’t believe for one minute that Logan showed up here just to discuss a rumor. He easily could’ve resolved that with a phone call. Obviously, his brothers had gotten involved in where they didn’t belong.
I tossed Alysa’s photo back onto the desk and leaned back in my chair again, this time closing my eyes and forcing myself to concentrate on what was important, the upcoming election. People knew my name, but being thirty, many thought I might not have the experience my opponent Ocalla did. Granted, he was sixty, but I didn’t trust him at all. He was power-hungry and never seen without his bodyguards. What is he involved in that he needs such protection?
The only good thing about the Hendersons was that they weren’t backing Ocalla. For some unknown reason, they wanted me to win. Not that I wanted or needed their assistance but was glad they hadn’t teamed up against me.
I opened my eyes and sat back upright. Maybe I was going about this the wrong way. Instead of pushing the Hendersons away, I should be more welcoming. Keep my enemies close and I won’t have to worry what they’re doing behind my back.
I picked up my phone and called Mikal.
“Yes? What do you need, sir?” he asked.
“Book me a suite at the New Hope Resort as well.”
“You want Miss LaHouse to have a suite?” he asked sounding confused.
“No. The suite is for me. I’ll be staying there for a few weeks,” I explained.
“Is there a problem with your home? I mean, you don’t ever go to the resort.”
“It will be more convenient for me to meet with people prior to the election,” I stated.
“And for Miss LaHouse to report to you as well,” Mikal added.
“Exactly.”
“I’ll make the arrangements now. Will you need anything else while you’re there?” he inquired.
“Not that I’m aware of, but I’ll let you know if that changes.”
I ended the call, got up, and left my office. I’m not waiting around for any more surprise visits. It’s time to show them who is in control.