Chapter 1
“Madam President, can you explain why you have visited three different countries in the past month?” The reporter practically shoved his microphone through my half-open driver’s-side window. Barry Patrell may be Tabiq’s top news reporter, but he had a lot of nerve approaching me in my driveway. And to be fair, he’s our only news reporter.
“I have no comment,” I stated firmly. I respected his tenacity, but the persistence that made Barry a good reporter also meant he pissed a lot of people off. Showing up at my residence had crossed the line - it was time to set some boundaries. And I’m not prepared to share details regarding my travels just yet, either.
He jabbed the microphone in my face. “The people of Tabiq have the right to know if you are out exploiting Tabiq’s treasured resource.”
I knew exactly what he meant by treasured resource. It still sickened me to hear the women of Tabiq referred to in such a manner. It took all my self-restraint not to react strongly to this appalling accusation. I fought to become president of Tabiq for one reason only: to ensure no one ever exploited the country or its women ever again. His words were like a knife twisting in my gut. My country and my people are my life.
“If you would like to schedule time to speak to me at my office,” I said in the most professional tone I could muster, “I’d be happy to address your questions and concerns at that time.” I opened the door forcefully, causing him to step back suddenly and yank his microphone out the window. I added, “If you’ll excuse me, I’m tired and hungry and would like to go inside.”
If Barry didn’t respect my request, I’d push the panic button on my cell phone, and my security team would remove him from the property. I didn’t want it to reach that point. It was difficult enough being president, but the fact that I was a woman made it more important to demonstrate that I was strong enough and wouldn’t crumble under pressure.
Barry looked as though he would stand his ground, and I was about to press the button when he finally nodded. “Madam President, I’d clear your calendar if I were you, because I have a lot of questions that need to be answered.”
He turned and walked back to his vehicle. I stood, watching as he drove away. Being secretive wasn’t in my nature, but it quickly became part of my job. If the truth got out, I’d be scrambling to do damage control, and that wouldn’t be good.
Looking at my watch, I knew I didn’t have much time before Logan Henderson arrived. He was the one person I didn’t want to see in the office. Before I even could make it inside, his black SUV pulled into the driveway.
God, don’t let him have passed Barry on the way. I didn’t need Barry sneaking around trying to snap a photo of us together. Looking around, I let out a sigh of relief. There weren’t any cars in sight.
I waved to Logan to follow me as he got out of his SUV.
“You look…anxious,” he said, following me inside. “Does this mean you’re about to deliver bad news?”
I shook my head. “No. Just trying to avoid Barry.”
Logan arched a brow. “He was here?” I nodded and he asked, “What the hell brought him to your home?”
“Why don’t you take a seat and I’ll tell you all about it. Can I get you a drink?”
Logan declined and sat on the couch. I grabbed a glass of ice water before joining him. “Barry is questioning my trips outside of Tabiq.”
“I assume you did not tell him,” he said.
“Not at this time, but I’m going to have to tell him eventually.” The longer I put it off, the more suspicious he will become.
“There is a reason I haven’t told any of the staff at the hospital. And we can’t let them hear it from a reporter,” Logan said.
“I agree. But so far, each candidate you’ve given me has declined my offer. It seems I am not offering them enough to relocate to Tabiq as our chief of staff and head of surgery.” It was disgusting to think that people might perish due to lack of good healthcare, simply because of greed. Greed has always been the downfall of Tabiq. I won’t let it continue.
I saw an opening to ask Logan something that had been bothering me. “From what I understand, you have not taken a penny from Tabiq in all the years you have come to our hospital. Why is that?”
I knew his family were billionaires. He probably would’ve laughed at the salary we were able to pay. But it didn’t explain why he came each month and donated not just time, but equipment as well.
Logan’s tone softened. “There is a history that’s best not discussed. But trust me, I will not abandon the people of Tabiq. I won’t leave until someone qualified takes over from me.”
I had asked my brother Jasper for all the information he had on the Hendersons, but he refused to share it with me. Jasper only said that this generation of Hendersons were not like their father had been. Although I never knew James Henderson, his legacy of cruelty to Tabiqian women would never be forgotten.
For me, trust didn’t come easy. Even now, knowing all Logan had done for Tabiq, I still had concerns. My options were limited, however, and I had no choice but to take Logan at his word.
“I’m glad to hear that, because I don’t see a line of volunteers rushing to take your place.”
“It will happen Reesa. You might just need to change your approach,” he suggested.
“I have been nothing but honest with them,” I blurted defensively.
“Exactly. But it is your opinion of Tabiq and that might be…clouded by the past. You cannot share with them the difficulties that Tabiq has experienced.”