“He is smiling,” Alex said.
“They’re like actors, too,” he said. “They know how to give the public a show.”
After speaking with one of the president’s handlers, Brad and Alex were ushered into a roped off area where Michaels stood, flanked by a pair of Secret Service agents.
“Mr. President, I want you to meet someone,” Brad said as he shook Michaels’ hand. “This is my good friend Christina . . .”
“Harper,” Alex said as she offered her hand to shake his.
Michaels pulled back and folded his arms. He narrowed his eyes and stared at her while pursing his lips.
“You look vaguely familiar,” Michaels said.
“I don’t think we’ve met,” she said while forcing a laugh. “I probably would’ve remembered that.”
“No, no,” he said, pointing at her. “I know where I know you from.”
Alex swallowed hard and held her breath.
There’s no way he recognizes me.
“Stay cool, Alex,” Hawk said over the coms.
“Little Rock, three years ago,” Michaels said. “You were working for my campaign there, weren’t you?”
Alex shook her head. “I’m afraid you’ve got me mixed up with someone else.”
“No,” he said, refusing to admit defeat. “I know you from somewhere. I just can’t put my finger on it.”
Alex put her hand out again. “Either way, why don’t I give you a chance at a fresh start?”
Michaels shrugged. “Well, alright. I guess I can go along with that. It’s always a pleasure to meet a smart and sophisticated woman,” he said before dropping his voice to a whisper. “Not to mention drop dead gorgeous. But don’t tell anyone else I said that.”
They shook hands, and Alex went to work. She gave his hand a squeeze and then patted the outside of his hand with her left hand. Then she winked at him.
“Your secret is safe with me,” she whispered back.
The latch on the watch broke free and slipped off Michaels’ wrist and onto the floor. Just as she’d practiced, Alex knelt down and made the switch, right underneath the eyes of the watchful Secret Service agents.
Michaels joined her close to the floor.
“Here, let me get that,” he said. “That was awfully clumsy of me.”
Michaels picked up the watch and tightened the band around his wrist, giving it a swift tug before threading the extra band into place.
“There,” he said, giving the watch a little twist as he stood up. “That won’t happen again, will it?”
Alex shook her head. “I think your watch is secure now.”
“So, Miss Harper,” Michaels said. “I hope you’re enjoying yourself at this fine gala this evening and finding my administration to suit your interests.”
Alex smiled. “Absolutely. Just keep doing what you’re doing. And don’t let those Europeans steal all our wealth.”
“You mark my words,” Michaels said. “It’ll be over my dead body that those running the Federal Reserve cabal will continue to exert such undue influence and control over our country’s financial system.”
Samuels joined in on the coms. “Michaels better be careful what he wishes for.”
“I’ll let you get to more important guests,” Alex said. “Thank you for your time. It was a great honor to meet you.”
Brad leaned in and gave Michaels another hug.
“Thank you for the introduction,” Michaels said to the actor.
“Any time, Mr. President.”
With that exchange, Brad ushered Alex out of the roped area and toward a buffet of hors d’oeuvres.
“You sure know how to make it up to a girl,” Alex said to Brad. “I appreciate it.”
“My pleasure,” he said. “You know, later on me and some of my friends who are working on my latest film are going to be hanging out. I’d love it if you would join us.”
Alex’s eyes widened. “Me?”
“Yeah, you,” he said. “I’d love to get to know you better.”
“I’m sure he would,” Hawk said.
Alex chuckled. “Well, that’s quite flattering and all but—“
“She’s coming with us,” said a man behind her.
Before Alex could turn around, she felt a firm hand grab her bicep and give it a swift tug.
“What’s the meaning of this?” she said.
“It’s best that you didn’t ask any questions or make a scene,” the agent said.
“What makes you think you can just cart me off like some common criminal?” Alex said, her volume rising with each passing second.
“Order of the president, ma’am,” the agent said. “Now, let’s not make this any more difficult than it has to be.”
Alex resisted, attempting to shake free. “I demand to know where you’re taking me right now.”
“Ma’am, if you want to maintain your dignity, I suggest you pipe down before we take more drastic measures.”
“Stay cool, Alex,” Hawk said on the coms. “I’ll get you out of this.”
“You better,” Alex said.
“Excuse me,” the agent said. “Did you say something?”
Alex looked up and glared at the man.
“Nothing,” she said.
“Good,” he said. “Let’s keep it that way.”
He gave her a firm shove and urged her ahead through the crowd. Alex could feel the eyes of the fundraiser attendees following her with every step.
So much for staying invisible.
“You’re going to be okay, Alex,” Hawk said. “I won’t let Michaels do anything to you. I swear on my father’s grave.”
“Don’t take your pledges lightly,” she said. “I’m going to hold you to it this time. I guess we’re going to find out how good you really are.”
CHAPTER 19
HAWK AND SAMUELS WATCHED the security feeds until the agents and Alex disappeared from the screen. Clicking through every camera, Hawk was frustrated after realizing she was nowhere to be seen.
“Where could they have taken her?” he asked aloud.
“There are only so many ways out of that building,” Samuels answered. “Unless there’s an underground route we don’t know about.”
Hawk sighed. “This is Washington. The entire city is practically sitting on top of a vast network of underground tunnels.”
“So, getting her back just became much more complicated.”
“That’s one way to put it,” Hawk said. “More like next to impossible.”
Samuels patted Hawk on the back. “Since when did you let a little challenge get you down? My sister will be fine.”
“You don’t
