Eternally Yours - Brenda Jackson [99]
“What about the other investigator?”
“I believe he’s working for the senator. I think Senator Lansing somehow got wind of what was going on and decided to check things out for himself. Both investigators are turning in what they think are accurate reports.”
Clayton rubbed his chin. “Accurate reports? That’s a laugh.”
“Yeah, and the only person who knows the truth, besides you and me, is Senator Lansing.”
“Let’s not forget Clara Boyd.”
Alex’s face hardened as he remembered his interview with the woman. She had broken down and told him the truth under his intense questioning. “Yeah, some friend she turned out to be.” He sat back down after stretching his legs some. “So, going back to my earlier question, what are you going to do with the information?”
Clayton stood. “I’m going to do everything I can to protect Syneda. She’s been hurt enough. The first thing I’m going to do is to see Senator Lansing.” He leaned over his desk and punched the intercom button. “Serena, book me a flight to D.C. as soon as possible.”
Senator Lansing looked up upon hearing the knock on the door. “Come in.”
Braxter walked in. “The investigator’s report is here, sir,” he said, handing the senator the huge envelope he carried. “It was delivered a few moments ago.”
The senator nodded, taking the packet Braxter handed him. “Have you read it?”
“No. I considered it a private matter.”
“Thanks, I appreciate it.”
“Just keep in mind, Senator, someone intends to ruin your reputation if they can with that same report.”
The senator rubbed a hand across his face. “I haven’t forgotten. And, Braxter, please hold my calls for a while. I want to go through this report immediately.” He checked his watch. “It’s almost closing time. You can go on home if you’d like.”
Braxter shook his head. “There’s something I need to work on. I’ll be out front if you need me.”
“Thanks.”
“Oh, yeah. On Sundays I always buy newspapers from major cities in Texas to see how well you’re doing in the polls. This article appeared in the society column of a Houston paper and caught my attention.” He handed the newspaper clipping to the senator. “I thought you might be interested.”
The senator scanned the article that announced Texas attorney Clayton Madaris’s engagement to fellow New York attorney Syneda Walters. The wedding was planned for June of next year.
“It seems Syneda Walters will be marrying Jacob Madaris’s nephew,” Braxter said, breaking the silence in the room.
Senator Lansing took a deep breath. “Yes, it appears that way, doesn’t it. I’ve known Clayton Madaris a long time. He’s a fine young man and an outstanding attorney.”
Once Braxton left, closing the door behind him, the senator pulled the papers out of the packet and began reading.
Laying aside the packet that had just been delivered to her, Celeste stood and walked to her bedroom and sprawled out in a chair next to her bed. She raked a hand through her shoulder-length hair, wondering why she felt so awful.
The job was completed. She was sure the packet in her living room contained information Senator Harris would be eager to get his hands on. Although Emery Fulton, her friend from college who had done the investigative work for her, hadn’t told her exactly what was in the report, he had said it contained some information on Senator Lansing that if released to the media, could be damaging.
Standing, she walked back into the living room and picked up the packet. She should call Senator Harris and let him know that she had the information he’d paid her to get. But for some reason she couldn’t make herself pick up the phone and do that.
For the past two years she had cultivated a pretty good life for herself. It was a life