Chapter 21
Reesa
I had to come out of my room eventually. For the last two days, I didn’t want to see anyone. It was hard. Finn would text me, checking on me, and I would respond, but I felt so…broken. I’m not a weak person, but the reality that I had come so close to being killed, was hard to get over. If I hadn’t agreed to fly to see Jasper and Alissa, they might be burying me now.
I’ve thought long and hard about what I was about to do. This decision wasn’t one I took lightly. And that’s why I had to be alone. It needed to be mine, without anyone’s influence.
Grabbing my cell phone, I called Barry Patrell. He answered immediately. “President Florraz, I have left you many messages. I have questions. The people of Tabiq have questions that need to be answered.”
“And that’s why I’m calling. Be at New Hope in one hour. I have an official statement I must make. I will inform the resort that you are expected. Please come alone because no one else will be admitted.”
“Yes. I will be there. Will I be able to record our conversation?” he asked.
“You may. But this will not be a Q & A. I will do all the talking. Understood?” I stated.
“Then I hope what you say is what the people need to hear,” he said. “I’ll be there.”
I ended the call, then reached out to Bennett.
“Good afternoon Reesa. Is everything okay?” he asked.
“Yes. I have asked Barry Patrell to meet with me today at the resort. He will be here in an hour. I would like it if you could accompany him to my suite.”
“Of course. Is there any particular reason why you want him here?” he inquired.
“Yes. I need to address my people.” I just don’t want to be in danger doing so.
“I’m always happy to help in anyway I can. Is there anything else?” he asked.
“No. Not now. Thank you, Bennett, for all you’ve done for me and my family.” I had never mentioned the past, as I tried not to dwell on it. But it was time to do so. “Bennett, we have never addressed the things that occurred several years ago when your brother-in-law Alex arrived in Tabiq. There is much speculation as to how the government had been overthrown. I understand that the details cannot and will not ever be shared. With that said, I would like to say that if it had not been for all who had participated back then, I would not have been able to become the president. Thank you from me and my people.”
As I expected, he didn’t take credit, even though I knew he should. “I’ll see you in an hour.”
That left one more call. I was glad he’d stuck around and didn’t return to Ireland. When I dialed his number, he answered immediately.
“Hello Reesa. It’s nice hearing your voice again. I’ve missed you,” he said.
I know he wanted to be here for me, and he was, even though we weren’t together. I felt his support, his kindness and most of all, his understanding.
“I’ve missed you too.” More than I imagined I ever would. “I was hoping you could come to my suite. I have a meeting in an hour, and I’d really like you here with me.”
“Of course I’ll be there. Is there anything I should prepare for?” he asked.
“No. Your just being here is enough. Thank you, Finn.”
“You’re welcome. Did you want me to come now? Because I am just sitting in my room looking at the wall,” he joked.
I knew better than that, but I wanted to see him. “That would be great. See you shortly.”
I ended the call and went to double check my appearance. The bags under my eyes weren’t as pronounced as they had been yesterday. Lack of quality of sleep and the amount of stress I’ve been under, I’m shocked I didn’t look worse.
A few minutes later, there was a knock on my door. When I opened it, Finn was standing there holding a single red rose. I took it from him and said, “Thank you.”
Once he was inside, I kissed him. “It’s beautiful.” I wished that I could be like others, and be free to kiss him in public, but I wasn’t ready for that just yet.
“Not even close to the sight before me,” he said.
I smiled. “I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to all the compliments.”