Riding the River Read Online Free Page A

blue sky… It
was enough to make her eyes droop and allowed her to fall asleep
thinking --
    Horses… stillness… starry skies…
guitars…
     
    ####
     
    Former Governor Henry Hughes was astonished
-- His eyes widened, his mouth dropped open. He and Sarah were
standing in the center of campaign headquarters with staff bustling
all around them. Phones rang, placards fell and were picked up,
people were talking and laughing, political slogans hung on the
walls…
    “Sarah, you want to take off for a week now? The new gubernatorial campaign is starting and you know
that I need you… both you and Ben. I’m advising the incumbent
governor on how best to win this upcoming race. It’s going to be
incredibly close with the challenger in the primary… How can you
possibly think about leaving now?”
    Henry Hughes was an imposing figure. Over six
feet tall with a full head of silver hair, much like his son’s,
Hughes was impressive. He commanded respect and got it, although he
had a real soft spot for his only granddaughter and loved her to
distraction. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for her, but she
needed to help him too, when necessary. This was one of those
times…
    Sarah gulped looking up at him. He didn’t
mean to intimidate her, but she knew he meant business.
    “Grandfather, I haven’t had a vacation in two
years and I really need one. Couldn’t you get someone else this
time?” She thought her voice sounded whiny.
    He looked at her sternly, but lovingly. Henry
took her hands in his.
    “Sweetie, I know that you need time off, but
this isn’t the time. You are invaluable to me with all your social
and business skills. It’ll only be for about five weeks and then
you can take off. Please?”
    How could she refuse her grandfather? She
loved him more than life…
    Sarah swallowed hard. “Okay, whatever you
say. I’ll wait a while longer.”
    Walking out to her car, Robert called. “The
Governor just called me. What’s this about going on vacation?”
Sarah shook her head. Why did he insist on calling his father ‘the
Governor’?
    All this effort was beginning to weigh her
down – And she hadn’t even approached her boss yet…
    “… Dad…”
    “Honey, if you want to quit and come work for
me, I’ll start you in a few months, so you can help your
grandfather. Would that help you out?”
    “It would help out with the job, but not the
vacation. I really need some time away, Dad…”
    “I understand, but this is probably the worst
time ever to be taking off. Please think it over and call me
tonight. I have a staff meeting starting in five minutes and need
to go… Love you, honey…” And he hung up.
    Sarah opened her car door and sat down,
looking through her windshield, but not seeing. All she needed now
was a call from the absentee boyfriend reminding her of family duty
and obligation. She didn’t have to wait long… Her phone rang.
    “Hello, Ben.”
    “Sarah, what’s this about you leaving on
vacation? Your grandfather just told me. I can’t believe you’d
abandon your family obligations at such a crucial time…”
    “Good grief, Ben. Grandfather’s not running,
it’s the current governor. Grandfather is just advisory…”
    “It makes no difference. Your duty is helping
out like you always do. You must stay dependable and reliable.
Can’t we count on you?”
    Sarah was appalled. He didn’t sound so much
like a loving boyfriend, as he did Joe the Tyrant. Maybe a more
sugarcoated bully…
    “Don’t say anything, Sarah. I’ll pick you up
for dinner tonight at seven and we’ll discuss the role your
grandfather wants you to perform this time. The campaign will be
slightly different than last time, due to the strength of the
opposing challenger. The primary is going to be hot and
heated…”
    “… Ben…”
    “I’ll see you at seven.” And he hung up
leaving Sarah’s mouth open at his brusqueness. She put down her
phone on the passenger seat and continued staring out