Perhaps, Someday

Chapter 2-2

Caiden walked in to John Hildebrandt’s headquarters, the picture perfect image of the man he was supposed to be, down to the small scar on his elbow—left over from a childhood run-in with an angry dog. Several of the people in the room were familiar to him because of the videos he’d watched.

One of the men came over to him. “John? I thought you were going to be out of town for a lot longer. Problems?”

“Long’s wife needed emergency surgery.” It was the truth, and Zander suggested Caiden take advantage of that to explain his—Hildebrandt’s—early return. “Obviously, he’s distracted so I suggested now was not the time to worry about business and came home.”

The man accepted the excuse and then filled Caiden in on what was going on. The thing that most interested Caiden was a fundraiser being thrown for one of Hildebrandt’s political compatriots. “If you show up, it will make his day.”

Caiden said he’d be there, and went into Hildebrandt’s office. Since, as John, he had been out of town for two days, he needed to catch up on business, which included replying to some letters that required answering. Because no one had expected Hildebrandt back, there was nothing planned that Caiden needed to be involved in. By mid-afternoon, he was ready to call it a day. Closing the office door, he picked up the phone and dialed. Someone answered and he asked for Elizabeth.

When she came to the phone, he explained why he was already back in town and then said, “I was wondering, if you’re not busy tonight, if you would like to go to a party.” He paused. “Well, a fundraiser, but in party form.”

She said she’d love to, they chatted for a bit, and then he arranged to pick her up at seven. With that done, Caiden left, going to John Hildebrandt’s place. He greeted the doorman on the way in, then took the elevator up to Hildebrandt’s condo, where he relaxed, while once more going over what he knew about Elizabeth—and Mrs. Waugh. Then he showered and changed into a tux, since it was that kind of event.

He picked up the car he had left in the building’s garage, and headed to Elizabeth’s.

She lived in a high-rise that was just as fancy as Hildebrandt’s, only she had a penthouse suite. When she opened the door, Caiden stood for a moment, gazing at her. Her pictures hadn’t done her justice. She was beautiful.

She laughed quietly, asking, “Are you all right, John?”

“Yes. I’d forgotten how lovely you are, and that dress accents it.” Taking a breath, he said, “Are you ready to leave?”

She nodded. “Just let me get my wrap.” She was back in a second and Caiden escorted her down to the car.

The hotel where the fundraiser was being held had valet parking. Caiden helped Elizabeth out of the car, tossed the valet the keys, and he and Elizabeth headed inside to the ballroom. It was crowded and noisy, the way those things tended to be. Slipping an arm around Elizabeth’s waist, Caiden escorted her to the bar. Once they got drinks they began to mingle. They were stopped several times by people who welcomed Caiden—well, John—back, or asked him questions that, since he had done his homework, Caiden was able to answer without faltering.

Then Elizabeth stopped suddenly, frowning.

“What’s wrong?” Caiden asked.

“My mother’s here.”

Caiden scanned the room and saw her. “You didn’t know she would be coming?”

“John, you know how I feel about her. Do you really think I’d have come if I’d known?” Elizabeth glanced at Caiden, a puzzled look in her eyes. “If it was possible, I’d leave, but I’m afraid she’s seen me, too.” She pasted a smile on her face and led Caiden over to Mrs. Waugh.

“Mother.” Elizabeth nodded slightly.

“Elizabeth! I’m so glad you came. And with my favorite young man in tow.”

“Mrs. Waugh, I’m delighted to see you again.” Caiden smiled, while keeping his arm around Elizabeth’s waist so she wouldn’t run off. “I wasn’t aware you supported our favorite candidate.”

“My dear man, I support any candidate who will help our fair city grow and improve.” She took Caiden’s free hand and squeezed it. “And that includes you, when you decide to run for office.”

Caiden felt Elizabeth stiffen at that comment, and gave her a small hug.

Mrs. Waugh and Caiden chatted for a few minutes and then she turned to leave. She stopped long enough to tell him, quietly, that she’d like to see him the next day if he was free. He told her he was, and she left.

Elizabeth was almost hissing when she asked Caiden why he had agreed to see her mother.

“Because the middle of a party is not the time to make a scene,” he replied. “You know she’s quite capable of doing that, in a very politically correct way, if I’d told her to go fly a kite.” He winked at Elizabeth and was rewarded with a small smile.

The rest of the evening went much better. Caiden and Elizabeth danced, drank a bit more than they should have, and then decided it was time to leave.

When they got to Elizabeth’s place they were both feeling a bit giggly. She fumbled with her keys, trying to get the door unlocked. Caiden took them, opened the door, and escorted her inside.

Elizabeth carefully sat on the sofa, patting it to let Caiden know he could join her, which he did.

“So, did you have fun tonight?” he asked.

“Um-hum, once mother dearest left us alone.” Elizabeth shook her head. “I wish she’d do that on a permanent basis.”

Caiden took her hand, stroking the palm. “You never told me exactly why you dislike her so much.”

“Dislike? I hate her for what she did to my…my father.” Her eyes teared up.

Caiden put his arm around her and pulled her close so her head rested on his shoulder. “Want to talk about it? I’m a good listener.”

“I don’t want to ruin our night, John.”

“It won’t. Getting it out will make you feel better, which will make the night better.” He twirled a lock of her hair between his fingers.

She relaxed. “I was fifteen when it happened. My mother, in case you haven’t noticed, is a very driven woman. She runs her own company, goes to every function that can get her good publicity, which she needs.” That last was whispered softly under her breath. “She spends 24/7 working, one way or another. Anyway, like I said, when I was fifteen, my father got tired of never having her around. He threatened to divorce her if she didn’t start spending time with us. He loved her heart and soul and thought that threat would make her change her ways.” Elizabeth laughed bitterly. “It didn’t. She told him to go ahead. That she had two other men waiting in the wings if he did. I was there the night she said that to him. They were in the living room. I heard them arguing and crept down to listen because it was so loud. The worst argument they’d ever had.”

She was trembling, so Caiden held her close, stroking her hair. “You don’t have to do this, Elizabeth. It’s okay.”

“No, you were right, I need to talk about this. I never have before, not really.” She sighed. “I heard the fight. She tore him down John. It was awful. When she was done she just walked out of the room. She didn’t see me but I saw her. She was smiling like she’d won some big prize or something. And I guess in a way she did, because the next day my father drove his car onto the Greater New Orleans Bridge, stopped, and then…then.” She buried her face in Caiden’s shoulder, sobbing.

“God, Elizabeth. I’m so sorry.” Caiden knew that was banal, but what else could he say at that point. He held her until she stopped crying and looked up at him.

“John, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to do this to you tonight. I’ve ruined everything. You can leave if you want.”

“You haven’t ruined anything. And I’m not planning on leaving quite yet.” He held her close, letting her know he was there for her if she wanted.

* * * *

Caiden woke up the next morning in John Hildebrandt’s bed. He had gotten Elizabeth calmed down and they made plans to meet for dinner and then…who knew what. He realized, although he’d only known Elizabeth a short time, she was a nice woman. He wanted to help her, and in the process, take down her mother—which was his primary job.

Before that evening and dinner, however, he had a meeting with a tycoon. He dressed accordingly and headed to the building owned by Mrs. Waugh’s company. It took up a full city block, towering over everything around it. Mrs. Waugh’s office suite filled the entire top floor and was opulent in the extreme. The woman knew how to put on a show.

She greeted Caiden, before leading him to an intimate seating area. Then she sent her secretary, a tall, dark-haired, good-looking man, for coffee.

“John,” she said once they both had coffee, “I’m glad you came. I wondered if you would, after seeing how Elizabeth reacted to me last night. She’s not too happy with me at the moment, unfortunately. But she’ll get over it eventually. She’s a wonderful, bright young woman, which I’m sure you’ve discovered.”

“That she is,” Caiden replied. “It’s too bad she seems upset with you, but as you said, I’m sure it will pass in time.”

Mrs. Waugh nodded then said, “The reason I wanted to meet with you is because I’d like to help you when you make your run for the City Council seat your boss is planning on vacating.”

“Thank you. I’m flattered you think I’d be a good candidate,” Caiden replied, feigning a combination of pride and self-consciousness.

“It’s not flattery, John. You’ll make a good councilman—if you get elected. And I can help make that happen.” She looked at Caiden, a predatory gleam in her eye. “I will help, if it’s what you want.”

Caiden stood and began to pace, as if considering her offer, then turned to her. “It is. What do you want in return?”

She tilted her head, acknowledging his question and its meaning. “Not much. Just an occasional vote when I need it. Other than that, you’ll be free to follow your conscience.” She watched him, obviously trying to gauge his reaction.

“That would be acceptable,” he replied.

“Very good, John. Consider my support given, then. Now, I have other things to take care of, if you don’t mind. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you often now. Perhaps with my daughter, if things work out the way we hope.” She smiled, and ushered Caiden to the door.

As soon as Caiden was out of the building, he called Zander to let him know what had happened. As he figured, Zander replied that it was a good first step, but far from enough to bring Mrs. Waugh down.

* * * *

That evening, when Caiden picked Elizabeth up for dinner, she apologized for how the previous evening had ended. He assured her no apology was necessary.

“I can understand how you feel,” he said. “Unfortunately, your mother doesn’t.”

She stared at him. “You met with her, didn’t you? How could you! After what I told you last night, how could you?”

“I needed to see what she wanted. It was interesting. Very interesting. She is powerful, Elizabeth, and can help me with my career, if I let her.”

“John, you wouldn’t!”

“No, I wouldn’t,” Caiden replied. “I’m not a fool.” They were walking through one of the city’s parks, on their way to the restaurant. He took her hand, turning her to face him. “I’m…I like you, Elizabeth. I don’t want to do anything that would hurt you.” He traced a finger lightly over her lips, then put his arm around her waist, starting to walk again. “I just had to see what she had in mind.”

“I’m glad you’re not going to get involved with her,” she whispered.

They spent the rest of the evening at the restaurant, dining and dancing. When they arrived back at Elizabeth’s place, Caiden went up with her. They talked a bit about their childhoods, Caiden using what he’d read in the file on John Hildebrandt. Then, Caiden touched her cheek before leaning forward to kiss her. A calculated move to reinforce the fact that, as John, he wanted their relationship to deepen—and as Caiden, to ensure that he would see more of her. He kissed her again before moving away, smiling.

“I liked that.”

She blushed. “I did too. But now…”

“I should leave. I know. But I intend to see you again tomorrow, and many more days beyond that.” He stood, drew her up, and when they reached the door, kissed her again before leaving.

On the drive home, he felt a small twinge of guilt. He was, after all, only standing in for John, as it were. If, when this was over and the man returned, he didn’t feel the way Caiden was portraying him, Elizabeth would understandably be hurt. But Caiden needed her, in order to figure out what to do about her mother. Somehow, he had to use Elizabeth’s hatred for her mother to learn what Elizabeth might know about her mother’s illegal dealings—if anything.