Politics of Blood (Gray Spear Society Book 8) Read Online Free Page B

and Haley is also an African-American. I'm sure I can get a thousand names with an internet search."
    "Just make a list. We'll worry about trimming it down afterwards."
    "Why do you think the President is in danger?"
    "Wesley told us," Aaron said.
    Bethany nodded. "We'll get started right away, sir. We didn't know it was that important."
    She and Leanna left the office.
    Perry made a face. "Did I miss something? Who is Wesley?"
    "The Voice of Truth, the Beacon of Light, and the Child of Destiny."
    "What does that mean, sir?"
    "He's a reliable source," Aaron said. "Do you understand your assignment, or do I have to explain it again?"
    "Stop the assassin. Security, itinerary, threats."
    "Get to work."
    Aaron noticed Ethel was approaching the open doorway of his office. She had a very thoughtful expression, and her bodyguard wasn't with her. He stepped out to meet her.
    "Can we talk?" she asked in a soft voice.
    "You have to ask my permission, ma'am?" he said in surprise.
    "It's a private matter."
    He had no idea what she wanted to talk about. "Not in my office. Too many ears around. Let's go up to the roof."
    They climbed the nearest stairway up to the roof. The air outside was refreshingly cool but not cold, just the way Aaron liked it. Only a few clouds dotted a pure blue sky. An easterly breeze was blowing the haze from the city into Lake Michigan. The sun made him squint uncomfortably. He wasn't a fan of bright light and open spaces.
    He walked over to stand in the shadow of a blue helicopter. Ethel stayed with him step for step. She liked direct sunlight even less than he did.
    "What's wrong?" Aaron said.
    "Wesley talked about the importance of love."
    "The twins told me several times that love is one of the fundamental principles of the universe."
    "I believe it," Ethel said. "God sent me the same message in a rather sharp and painful manner. It happened when I was talking to Xavier at the end of his life." She paused and took a breath. "Are you still in love with Marina?"
    "I thought you didn't want to know about that, ma'am. It's a problem you explicitly chose to ignore."
    "I'm choosing to pay attention now. When was the last time you saw her?"
    He looked away. This was a difficult topic to discuss with the legate. "I went to San Francisco a few weeks ago. She was here during the casino mission. Are you angry at us?"
    "No, but maybe it's because I'm getting old and soft."
    She stroked the smooth hull of the helicopter. She was a capable airplane pilot, but he didn't know if she could also fly a helicopter.
    "There is nothing old or soft about you, ma'am," Aaron said. "You could still kick my ass."
    Ethel smiled slightly. "What about Smythe and Odelia? Is the perfect love still intact?"
    "They see each other once a month. I like it when Odelia visits Chicago. She's always very helpful. She's a good mentor for Tawni and Sheryl. Being a man, there are certain subjects I can't speak with authority about."
    "Odelia is a great girl, a real asset."
    She pressed her thin lips together. She clearly wanted to talk more, but he wasn't going to push her. She would get to the point in her own time.
    "Did Wesley's message sound threatening to you?" Ethel said eventually. "God has no use for a legate who refuses to accept love."
    "It certainly got my attention," Aaron said. "Normally, his comments are vague. This one wasn't."
    She pulled a knife with a black blade from a hidden pocket in her jacket. She twirled the knife with her fingertips. It spun so fast it hummed like a fan, and the black was just a circular blur. He took a step back.
    "I don't know if I can accept love. I've only felt anger and hatred for years. I carry so many terrible memories with me. Xavier called me a dried up witch fueled by the Lord's wrath. He was absolutely right."
    "Don't be so hard on yourself," he said. "You're doing a fine job as legate."
    "Everybody fears me, but that doesn't mean I'm a respected leader." She frowned. "There is ample room for