“Why? Are you afraid that someone might learn it was your father’s efforts that brought human trafficking to Tabiq?” Is it your precious reputation you’re worried about?
I saw his jaw clench and his eyes darken. “I…we,” he clarified, “are nothing like our father. What he did to Tabiq was reprehensible and nothing we can say or do could ever make up for his actions. That being said, my father has been deceased for ten years now, and your citizens can look to the future. It can grow into the beautiful country it was meant to be. My siblings and I have done everything we can to assist, but it is you, Madam President, who now holds their future.”
“If that is so, why are you here?” I asked.
“Because no one should have to face difficult times alone when someone is willing to help.” He got up and said, “If you want my help, you have it. If not, I will step aside and let you continue with your search yourself.”
I could hear my brother’s voice echoing in my mind. Don’t be like me and let your pride get in your way. Quickly, I stood up and said, “Logan, I want…need, your help. Please, use your connections and find someone you think might consider taking over for you.”
He looked down at me long and hard. “There is someone, but he won’t talk over the phone. It will require a visit. If you’d like, I’ll make the arrangements and travel with you to meet him.”
I could almost picture the rumors now, me traveling with a married man, and an American man, too. For Tabiq. “Yes, thank you.”
Logan headed to the door and said, “I can have the Henderson jet ready to leave in the morning.”
“Where are we going?” I asked. Not that it mattered, as long as we got results.
“Ireland.” Then he was out the door.
I flopped back down onto the couch. It’s going to take the luck of the Irish to pull this off.
My cell phone rang. It was Jasper. I answered with a smile. “How do you always know when I need someone to lean on?”
“Simple. I’m your brother.”
I laughed. “I have a hard time believing that.”
“Okay. The head of security called me and said that the reporter had come by and was bothering you. I figured you might need a friendly ear to listen.”
“What you mean is someone I can trust,” I stated.
He sighed. “There are people in Tabiq you can trust Reesa.”
“Please don’t say the Hendersons,” I begged.
“I was resistant at first as well. But I have changed my mind.”
“And your residence too, since you now reside in the United States,” I said bitterly. Deep down I was happy that he found someone to share his life with. He was in love with Alissa, and they seemed to have what every couple wanted. But I had no time for such hopes and dreams. I didn’t have one person counting on me, but an entire country. One mistake and they could all pay the price.
“Reesa, why don’t you come for a visit?” he suggested.
“I will, once things settle down here.”
“Are there problems?” he asked.
When haven’t there been?“Nothing I can’t handle. Now, let’s change the subject. How’s that wonderful sister-in-law of mine?”
“Alissa looks like she’s about to give birth any day now. Those are her words, not mine. To me, she’s…beautiful.”
“I thought she was only six months pregnant,” I questioned.
“Actually, she’s eight months and from what Brice said, this is normal. His wife Lena said the same thing with each of their children.”
Eight months? Time was moving too fast and I felt like I was missing a lot of it. “I still can’t believe you’re working for Brice Henderson.” Or any Henderson, for that matter.
“I enjoy it, for now. Who knows what the future holds?” he said.
“Maybe you’ll return to Tabiq and run against me for president in a few years,” I half teased.