The Longer The Fall by Aviva Gat (best new books to read txt) 📗

“I can only imagine,” Madeline responded as she stood up to offer her hand. Officer Austin gave it a quick shake and then dropped into the chair across from Madeline’s giant wooden desk. It hadn’t been easy rescheduling with the regional director of the Fraternal Order of Police. In fact, it had been rather difficult and Jane had started believing that Officer Austin was avoiding a meeting. After all, he rarely answered his phone—shouldn’t police officers be better about that?—and he always seemed to be busy—how did he have so much time to complain to the press about Madeline’s SAVER Bill? But finally, Jane was able to get a meeting on the books. Even more surprising, was that Officer Austin showed up for the meeting. “And it was a good thing our last meeting was postponed,” Madeline continued, choosing the word ‘postponed’ very carefully, rather than mentioning that Officer Austin had stood her up.

“Yes, what a strange situation,” Officer Austin commented. “Probably some kids pulling a stupid prank. They seem to do that a lot these days, especially at schools. Every time there is a big test, we get tons of anonymous bomb threats coming through.”

“Yes, but you can usually find out who called in the threat in those situations, can’t you?” Madeline questioned.

“Oh yes, that’s usually pretty easy,” Officer Austin responded. “Our squad is great at that.”

“But not so great that they found out who called in the threat for this building.” Madeline softened her tone to not sound accusatory or condescending. This was an important skill for a woman speaking with a man who believed he had all the power.

“Well, I guess they are still looking into it.” Officer Austin raised his arms as though to say he didn’t know. Madeline wasn’t sure if he really didn’t know. Something about this situation was suspicious, but she needed to focus on the real reason she was meeting Officer Austin.

Madeline quickly changed the subject. “I really appreciate that you are able to take the time to meet with me about this important issue.”

“Of course,” Officer Austin said. “I want to help, I can see you really need it. Although I don’t understand why you didn’t talk to us before you proposed the bill. We could have told you how unrealistic it is and what a waste of your time it is to pursue it. It will never pass.”

“I’d like to discuss your concerns and I think if I can explain it properly, you might actually change your mind,” Madeline responded, using every technique she knew for being a convincing speaker. She was ready to address every concern Officer Austin had detailed in multiple interviews for different newspaper. Her arguments had been running through her head all morning and they were ready to be let loose and attack every counterargument.

“It’s not necessary,” Officer Austin replied. “I’m here as a courtesy, but the FOP won’t be supporting this bill. In fact, we’re actively fighting against it. We’re actually fighting pretty hard to ensure this never sees the light of day.” His tone became sinister and deep. “In fact, I think it would be best for you if you’d just drop it altogether."

“Officer Austin, I’m sure we can come to some sort of arrangement on this,” Madeline responded. “There must be a way to align our interests.”

“Our interests are not even close.” Officer Austin’s voice was starting to sound a bit hostile. “You know nothing about what you’re saying. This bill would be a disaster, you’re a dis—"

Officer Austin was cut off short when Jane popped her head in the room.

“Madeline, so sorry to interrupt! Officer Austin, I apologize, I do!” She said, her cheeks flushed as they often did when she felt embarrassed. Jane wasn’t good at being in the spotlight, that’s why she was such a great chief of staff. “Madeline, there’s an emergency at home, Brandon called, he wants you to come home.”

“Did he say what it’s about?” Madeline’s heart began racing. Was it Noah? Was he in trouble again? Was it Adam? Being bullied still for his comment about being the Majority Whip?

Jane shook her head. “He just said, come home.”

Madeline nodded and turned to Officer Austin. “Well I thank you for your courtesy in coming. I’m sorry I couldn’t change your mind.” She was slightly glad she wouldn’t be wasting any time talking to Officer Austin who surely would never support her. She shook the officer’s hand and excused herself, allowing Jane to show the man out of the office.

“So sorry about this inconvenience!” she heard Jane saying. “I’ll talk to your secretary to reschedule again and I promise there won’t be any more hiccups!”

“It’s not necessary,” Officer Austin replied, just as Madeline was out the office door.

In the car, Madeline called Brandon’s cellphone. She couldn’t wait the fifteen-minute drive to know what was the emergency.

“Madeline? Where are you?” Brandon said without any greeting when he answered the phone.

“I’m driving, I was just worried. Is everyone OK? What happened?”

“Everyone is OK, just come home.”

“I am, but can you tell me what’s going on?”

“I can’t. I have to show you.” The conversation ended abruptly with a click and Madeline continued driving, her heart pounding and her blood boiling.

Madeline pulled into the driveway, half expecting to see police cars or black vehicles parked out front. But there were none. Nothing unusual outside the house, nothing that could clue her in to what this emergency was. She quickly parked the car and walked inside. Brandon was sitting in his usual spot at the kitchen table, fingering the edge of one of the crocheted placemats in front of him. She squeezed his shoulders as she walked past him to sit in her spot.

On the table was a ripped open envelop with the edge of a picture hanging out. Next to