Power Switch (Power Play #3) - Kennedy L. Mitchell Page 0,86
eyes sliding to me. “The situation has escalated. The true reasons behind closed door meetings and secret alliances are coming to light.”
“What does that even mean?” Randi asks. “Stop talking in riddles, would you?”
Vlad smiles. Well, I think it's a smile. His lips twitch, at any rate. “Your president is an idiot.”
“Tell me something I don't know,” Randi mutters.
“He made promises, deals with certain players who were playing him the entire time. Birmingham was greedy, his sights only on one thing, and he was willing to do anything to get it.”
“The White House.”
“Yes. He did not see their true desires.”
“Money, right?” Randi questions.
“Yes.”
“That's what I'm asking about. The oil—”
Vlad laughs. “That is small money compared to what they are planning. You will have your work cut out for you, but I will help as much as I can.”
Randi's head falls forward. “What am I walking into, Vlad? Just tell me. If I'm successful in getting Kyle to step down, what's ahead of me?”
“There is great money during war. Panic causes prices to rise, demand to spike. That is just in commercial goods. Think about the companies who supply the metal, the gunpowder, the technology to your military. Do you not think they would benefit off the threat?”
“You're saying what Kyle thought he was doing was like a small fish in the big pond. He actually set in motion something much bigger than he ever expected.”
Vlad nods, his brows furrowing. “It will take some time to get the information you need. I hope you can end him before it—”
“Whoa there, friend.” Randi tosses her hands out in surrender. “I never said anything about ending him. Just presenting him with the information you'll give me, threatening to release it, and proving what a son of a bitch he is to everyone, then praying he resigns on his own.”
“That is a terrible plan.”
“So is 'ending' someone.”
“If they are dead, they cannot retaliate. Which your president will if you follow through with your plan. He will not take defeat like a man.”
“I know. I'm sending my daughter away. I'll add more protection to Mom's rehab center too. Those are the only ways he can really get back at me.” Nibbling on her thumbnail, she shakes her head like she's debating Vlad's words. “No, this is the best way. I can't take him out just because he might escalate things. This is the most legal option.” Her lips twitch upward. “My law professors would high-five me for the thick gray line I seem to like dancing on. They always said I saw things too black and white.”
“We agree to disagree, then.” Raising a hand, he motions for his team to gather close. “Give me some time to find the evidence you need. It is one thing to know what is going on and another having the information available to prove it.”
“Cool, yeah. Whenever you can would be great. No rush.” She tilts her head. “Nope, wait, there is a rush considering everything you've just exposed. If I can get this done before the idiot can shove us into a war that's all for money, that would be awesome.” Both her thumbs flick up before she tucks them under her thighs. A bright flush spreads across her cheeks.
I hold back my laugh. Fuck, she's so damn random. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't love it.
Vlad smiles—legit smiles—and nods.
“We will be in touch.” He starts to turn but pauses. “What should I do about the secretary of state?”
“Don't kill him!” Randi blurts.
This time a full-body laugh rumbles from Vlad, catching everyone off guard. I swear his security team thinks he's having a stroke by the way they rush to grab him. He simply shrugs their concern off.
“I meant should I meet with him or not. Which would you prefer?” He strokes a hand over his dark beard. “But if you want me to end—”
“No, please no. Um, the meeting? I don't know. I don't see the harm in it. I really don't care what people think about Todd or if they think he's the one fixing the tension between our countries.”
“But it is not him, it is you.”
She shrugs and pushes off the table. Standing on the bench seat, she stretches her arms up high. “Yeah, but I don't care if he gets the credit. I know we're the close ones.” With a quick hop, she lands on the soft dirt below. “How long are we thinking? For the information.”