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Rudd was leaning against a column, his face partially concealed in the shadows. ” Rudd took a long puff of his cigar and the orange glow illuminated the harsh angles of his face. He looked like a man, Brad thought, who wouldn’t hesitate to murder an enemy. Victor regarded Brad through narrowed eyes. “I always head straight for the bar at these blasted things. ” Rudd’s face told the story of exactly how he’d become one of the most powerful men in the world. With razorsharp features, piercing gray eyes, and a perpetual downturn at the corner of his mouth, he’d let greed, cynicism, and ruthless business acumen forge his worldview as well as his success.

The political stakes have never been higher, Mariette. ” As a high-level political operative, Charley had enjoyed a front-row seat to the spectacle of Mariette’s divorce from Senator Max Arnold. He knew exactly what kind of price she’d paid for playing with political fire. ” “He’s a hero. ” She couldn’t suppress a bitter laugh. ” “Get smart, Mariette. ” “I’m his mother. Right now, it’s my right and my responsibility. ” Charley looked like he wanted to argue, but Nero leaned forward and gave him a shrewd look.

Marcus placed a hand on Mariette’s arm. “Randal would be the first to tell you that you need to make that meeting. ” She looked unconvinced. ” With a slight twinge of grief, Brad recognized her expression and her tone as similar to responses he’d received from Christine. ” Christine had been among the faithful believers who’d been raptured, and Brad missed her, along with his three children, fiercely. ” Marcus was looking at him curiously. ” Brad swallowed the sudden knot in his throat. “Fine. Sorry.