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“We must have had a misunderstanding, Senator Walsh. It won’t be possible for me to leave the country.”
“There was no misunderstanding, Apollo. Your passport is current, and you’re at liberty to take a short leave from the office.”
“That’s not how this is done, Senator. Representatives from?—”
“We have commitments from all the parties involved.”
“Then there’s nothing standing in the way of a resolution.”
Another laugh. “You’re standing in the way of the resolution. But you’re not going to be the man who throws a wrench into protecting United States interests abroad. I wouldn’t let that happen to you.”
“Senator Walsh?—”
“Time is of the essence. I’ve sent directions to the airfield.” His email pops into my inbox. “A representative is in place for when you land. Security won’t be a concern. You have my gratitude, as well as the thanks of the American people.”
He ends the call before I can answer.
Who in the fucking crickets does Senator Chris Walsh think he is?
Does he really think I’m going to trot out of my office and get on a plane because he acted like it was a done deal?
I’m scrolling absently, reading the words on my screen but not taking them in, when my phone buzzes.
Artemis: Something happened at home, going there with Daisy
Apollo: ???
Dots dance on the screen of my phone while I’m throwing my coat over my arm.
Artemis: Calliope said something happened. She said she’s ok but she was crying
Artemis: Asked me to come home, so we’re going
Artemis: Everyone’s okay
Artemis: Well, except Calliope
Artemis: I think she’s ok health-wise
I’m not okay health-wise. My heart pounds so hard I can feel it in my teeth.
Apollo: On my way
My phone buzzes with more texts from Artemis during my conversation with Delphi and my walk to the parking garage.
Artemis: You don’t have to leave work. I really think she’ll be ok!
Artemis: Seriously—if it was dire, I would call. We have a deal ha ha ha, but I mean it, you don’t have to rush across the city to my side
Artemis: Unless
Artemis: If you’re not ok then have someone drive you!!
I get behind the wheel of my SUV, start the ignition, and read over Artemis’s texts.
Apollo: I’m okay. Don’t freak out
Artemis: I’m not freaking out. You’re freaking out.
