Page 33 of A Pawn for Malice
It was the only acknowledgment he needed, ashe reached up to take hold of her face tenderly. He lowered hismouth slowly, as if to torture her, making her gaspever-so-slightly. It was worth the wait though, as the warmth ofhis lips covered hers.
His kiss was firm, and slow, and consuming.This was a man, who knew how to kiss a woman and forever bond herto him. The way he held her face in his hands, made her feel like acherished, prized, porcelain collection.
She stepped closer, bodies touching, feelinghis heat pass through her, and she was spellbound.
The moments passed, and when he pulled hislips from hers, she had all to do to not whimper herdisappointment. She held strong, took a step back, managed to findthe keyhole, and whispered her goodnight.
“Seven a.m., beautiful,” he called out, asshe entered the lobby of her Aunt’s home. “I’ll pick you up with alight latte, and no sugar to go.”
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CHAPTER TWELVE
Jessica just finished a conversation, whenher intercom buzzed, and she answered it immediately.
“Yes, Senator.”
“Jessica I need you and Connor in herequick!”
“Right away,” she replied, curious as to theurgency in his voice. She quickly popped from her seat and scurriedto Connor’s office. The door was open and she poked her head aroundthe corner. “Something’s up. Bryan wants us in his officepronto!”
They entered via the connecting door just intime to see a news break flashing across the flat screen, hangingover the credenza in Bryan’s spacious office.
“Good afternoon Channel 10 viewers. This isBob Killian, bringing you a special report from field reporter,Yancy Hamilton, now live at the Governor’s Mansion. Yancy, can youtell us what is happening?”
“Bob, we’ve just received word, that GovernorMichaelson’s second youngest son, Warren, has been fatally woundedduring a conflict with convicted killer, Luther Corbat, who escapedtransport a short while ago to the state penitentiary atDannemora.
From reports coming in with officers on thescene, Trooper Michaelson, was on patrol in the Indian Lake RegionSouth of Route 30, when a call was dispatched requesting hisassistance in the interception of a late model grey, Chevy sedanbelieved to be driven by Corbat.
For those of you, who may not remember,Luther Corbat, was convicted of murder and robbery and sentenced toserve his time on death row. Corbat apparently ran a check-pointset up by Trooper Michaelson outside the town of Newcomb. Corbatbolted from the stolen car , firing. The exchange was said to lastonly a matter of minutes, before back-up from other localauthorities arrived on the scene.
Trooper Michaelson was shot, but managed toincapacitate Corbat, before he went down.” Hamilton provided.
“Yancy”, Killian continued questioning, “havewe had any word on where they have taken both? Is the Governor’sson expected to survive?”
Yancy replied. “Bob, both were transported byState Police helicopter to Gloversville Medical Center. Corbat hasreceived medical attention and will be transferred to the infirmaryat Dannemora under heavy guard within the hour. The Governor’s son,however, was not as fortunate and undergoing surgery in a fight forhis life for removal of a bullet lodged just below his heart.”
“Has the Governor left for Gloversville?”
“He is, Bob, along with the First Lady. Asyou can see,” she turned and pointed skyward, “a state policehelicopter is just now taking off.”
“Thank you, Yancy.” The camera directed backto the anchor. “Well, you’ve heard it first here and, if you’rejust tuning in, Governor Richard Michaelson’s 21-year-old son,State Trooper Warren Michaelson, has been shot by convicted killerand escapee, Luther Corbat, just minutes ago. Corbat, who was inturn shot by Trooper Michaelson, is now in custody and awaitingtransference within the hour to Dannemora State Penitentiary.
We will have a special report following thesix o’clock news this evening, and hopefully, will have an update,as to the condition of the Governor’s son, who is now undergoingsurgery in a battle to save his life. Our prayers are with him andhis family. We will now return you to the regularly scheduledprogram still in progress. This is Bill Killian reporting withChannel 10 news.”
Connor was the first to speak, breaking themoment of silence in the room, as Bryan switched off the tv.
“Senator, this, you know, will tip the scalesin your favor. Callous as it may sound, but it’s true.”
Jessica concurred. “He’s right. Michaelsonwas always borderline. Now, that this has hit so close to home, theprobability of him signing is stronger than ever. This may justprove the deciding factor.”
The look on his face was grave. Jessica knewhe didn’t want to win this way, but fate had a way sometimes,trumping the cards in one’s favor.
He vocalized her thoughts.
“I know. I … I just don’t want anyone tothink I’m riding on this personal tragedy for my own gain.” Warily,he rubbed at his forehead, rose and paced back and forth beforethem.
“Look, Bryan,” Connor spoke in a concernedtone, “let us do the worrying. You just debate the issue likeyou’ve been doing all along. The people will know you’re just doingthe job you were elected to do. It’s not anything they haven’theard before. This issue’s been debated for years. Don’t forget,three-quarters of the people in this state already wanted it. Whathappened just now,” he pointed, “will sway damn near the rest ofthem.”
