discussion with Evan, she would think not. However, it wouldn’t be unlike the senator to know that his wife had come into the city. Perhaps he was covering his bases.
“What do you want, Senator? I’m very busy.”
“I’d like to have a private word with you.”
“Not going to happen. Do you have my attorney’s number? Or for that matter, my husband’s?”
He glanced at the ring on her hand. “I heard. Won’t help.”
Her stomach twisted. She understood immediately. Campbell was here with every intention of threatening her into doing his bidding. He was gunning for Matt. She could feel his intent radiating off his body. Rage almost blinded her. Panic almost dropped her to her knees. This awful man had the law on his side and all she could do right now was wield a healthy dose of bravado.
“What do you want, Senator?” She stressed the word senator as if to say, asshole.
His voice was quiet, intended only for her ears. “I’d like to meet my son.”
From the corner of her eyes she saw Bunny talking on her cell phone. She hoped to heaven she was calling the police.
Ignoring the quake rising in her knees, she forced herself to match his tone. “I don’t have your son, Senator. I don’t have anything that is yours.” She stepped closer as outrage fueled her. Leaning in, palms flat on the counter she said, “I am not afraid of you, Buzz Campbell. I think it remains in your best interest not to believe any documents Dean Porter flashed under your nose. I am married to the father of my child. Your best bet right now, sir, is to get out of my diner before I tell every person here exactly what I know about you.”
He flashed the smile that graced millions of television screens throughout the year. Kelly knew that smile. It meant, I can’t say or do what I really want to say or do. Clearly he had expected Kelly to crumble against his veiled threat. She had surprised him, but it wouldn’t bode well in the long run.
Buzz was here to ensure against exactly what she suggested. He wanted her to remain quiet about his assault, and was prepared to strong-arm her into doing so. If she spoke out, he’d take Matt from her. His message was loud and clear. What he didn’t know was that now that Madeline and she had decided to speak out, Buzz Campbell could kiss her derriere.
His face took on a benevolent look. “I am here to let the past die between us. I’m not here to cause trouble. You misunderstand me, Kelly.”
“I am Mrs. McKenna to you, and I understand you perfectly.”
Her heart banged in her chest, but this bully was not going to get his pound of flesh from her today. She’d never called herself Mrs. McKenna before. Right now, Evan’s name on her tongue never sounded more perfect. He had offered her protection and she was using it.
Buzz sat at the counter and leaned closer so their faces were inches apart. The citrus scent of his aftershave invaded her senses setting off the worst of her memories.
“I already have the legal wheels in motion, Kelly. Your son will be mine by Christmas. You should not have run off with him. He deserves so much more than what you’ve dragged him through.”
The breath Kelly inhaled seared all the way down her throat. “You’ll have to kill me first, Senator. That child will never lay eyes on you.”
Three men sitting along the counter were listening to their conversation. One man, Harry from the construction site a block down, stood. “Hey, Kelly. Do you want us to toss the good senator out for you?”
Jake was already moving around the counter only to be blocked by the senator’s aide.
All around them, her customers started to stand. Even an elderly woman. Kelly’s heart swelled at the support her patrons were showing for her.
Kelly crossed her arms, feeling like Joan of Arc. “Now get out of Neverland, Buzz Campbell. It looks like no one here is planning on voting for you. Don’t ever darken my doorway again. Do you understand...sir?”
Buzz stood and laid a proprietary hand on the counter, spreading his fingers wide, the thick gold band on his left hand gleaming beneath the lights. “You know I’m a family man, Kelly. I take good care of those who are mine and your son is mine. I will see you in court. Madeline and I will be so happy to have