Dissident Read Online Free

knocked back a few to gird herself, just in case.
    “How wonderful.” Adeline tugged on Caroline’s sleeve. “And what an interesting outfit you’re wearing.”
    Damn it. She was probably going to hear about that stupid sweater all night. “I lost a bet with Tom.” She turned to Bob and gave him as crisp a salute as she could manage. “O Captain, My Captain.”
    He gave her a hug. “Hi, sunshine. Have a good Christmas?”
    “As good as could be expected.” Caroline figured it didn’t hurt to be honest with him. “I’m surprised to see you here.”
    “Christine wants to butter me up a little before she asks for an endorsement when she decides to move up in the world. I decided to indulge her.”
    That was exactly what Christine wanted. “Are you knocking the lower house of which you are in charge?” Caroline asked.
    “No, Ms. Gerard, I am not.” He winked at her.  “Merely its leadership.”
    She laughed. “Are you going straight to D.C. after this?”
    Bob took a sip from whatever mixed drink Tom had concocted for him. “It’s a little inconvenient to go back home. And I have a speech to revise.”
    “It’s not very good so far so he definitely needs the extra time,” Adeline quipped. “Plus, he has to practice banging his gavel in case any members of the Democratic leadership decide to get out of line.”
    Caroline pretended to look confused. “I have no idea what you’re referring to.”
    Bob saw a man walking past Caroline and seized his arm. “Mr. McIntyre, have you met Representative Gerard?”
    Caroline blushed. She really hadn’t planned to apologize to McIntyre while exchanging idle chitchat with the Speaker of the House. Then again, she wasn’t quite sure what the best scenario would have been for her to broach the subject.
    McIntyre turned to face the three of them. Caroline remembered watching footage of him during the campaign but he was much more striking in person. Sharp blue eyes, late forties, about six feet tall. He’d gone prematurely gray but his silver hair accentuated his handsome features. His appearance was a tad intimidating but he definitely had the capability to woo female voters and non-voters alike, if the rumors were to be believed. And those captivating eyes looked none too happy to see her.
    “No, we’ve never met,” he said coolly. “Although she seems to know me pretty well already.”
    Shit. He obviously hadn’t forgotten the campaign. Not that she expected him to, but she underestimated the depth of his anger. Bob was scrutinizing Caroline with concern, as he now realized his error.
    She gathered up her courage. “Bob, would you excuse us for a minute? I’d like to chat with Mr. McIntyre.”
    “Of course, sunshine.” He picked up a plate from the side table that contained a generous helping of leftover Christmas cookies and party snacks and kissed her on the cheek. “In case we don’t see each other again tonight,” he explained. “I’ll see you in a couple of days. Take care of yourself and give your girls a hug from me. Come on, Addie. Let’s go find Christine so she can pretend to like me.”
    Adeline gave Caroline another hug. “It’s always a joy, Caroline. I’m taking you out to lunch while I’m in Washington this week. Clear your calendar. Deep dish pizza, D.C. version?”
    Caroline smiled a tiny smile. Adeline knew she was very particular about her Chicago style pizza. “I shall ignore that wretched, heretical, downright disloyal comment because it is the holiday season.”
    “Damn right.” Adeline gave Caroline a quick squeeze on the arm before walking away.
    Caroline reminded herself to thank them later. Bob and Adeline had no doubt given her that warm goodbye for McIntyre’s benefit. She turned to him.
    “Mr. McIntyre,” she began. She had enough intuition to know that he was royally pissed, but probably refined enough to keep himself in check. Sure enough, he schooled his features before he interrupted her.
    “I’d tell