The next few days found Jarrod to be in a foul mood as he was forced to vote per his blackmailer's instructions. Jarrod sighed in disgust as he ran his hands through his hair and paced in his office. He knew exactly what their plans were and Jarrod had to give them credit because by the time anyone figured out what was going on it would be too late. They were submitting legislation in small parts so as not to draw any unwanted attention to their plan and each time a different Senator would introduce the new legislation which made Jarrod wonder if he was the only one being blackmailed.
Jarrod looked out his office window and cursed under his breath. He knew he should have been grateful the newspapers did not report on the last Senate voting but all it did was prove Ben was correct; they also controlled the newspapers which worried the raven haired man. He knew they were powerful and most likely had quite a few people on their payroll but now he wondered if he was fighting a losing cause.
He leaned against the window and looked around his expansive office. His father told Jarrod he would go into politics one day and make a difference for the people in the Valley. Jarrod frowned at spat quietly, "Well father looks like you were right I am going to make a difference but not the kind you would approve of." Jarrod stuck his hands in his trouser pockets as he turned to look out the window again and his thoughts went to his family.
Jarrod hadn't been home in several weeks and after the next vote he would most likely not be welcomed by his family or the people in the valley. He knew Leah's birthday was coming up and hoped Heath's wife planned on having the celebration before the upcoming vote. He made up his mind he would go back to the ranch one last time in case Ben couldn't find what he needed to release Jarrod from his own personal hell.
Jarrod sat down and propped his feet on the desk as he thought of Jessica. He couldn't help the smiled that tugged at his mouth and chuckled lightly as he recalled her attempts to rectify his foul mood. In the past Jessica never knew what caused Jarrod's ill mood swings but now that she was aware what was going on she did her best to cheer him up. She cooked dinner for him one night, they went on a few picnics in the park and Jarrod took her to the opera but when he arrived back to his apartment the feelings of despair took him over once again.
Jarrod was so engrossed in his thoughts he didn't realize someone entered the office. Jarrod looked up startled and barked, "What are you doing here?"
The intruder closed the door and sat down, "I've been looking for you Senator, where did you disappear to this weekend?"
Jarrod glared at him as he answered, "That's none of your business, although your colleagues should be pleased that I did not make the papers this weekend."
"They noticed."
"What do you want?" Jarrod demanded.
"Tsk, tsk, Senator is that any way to speak to me?"
Jarrod cut his eyes at the man and said, "I am busy, what do you want?"
"I delivered your message to my boss and he has agreed to meet with you."
Jarrod leaned back in his chair, "Oh?"
The man smiled knowing he had Jarrod's attention, "Yes, although he was not pleased with your so-called threats."
Jarrod shrugged his shoulders as he replied, "They weren't threats, I was stating facts."
"Whatever they were, he did not appreciate it and is extremely upset with you right now."
Jarrod shrugged his shoulders, "So?"
Glaring at Jarrod the man said, "He has decided to meet with you to straighten out a few things since you have forgotten your original agreement."
Jarrod glared back and spat, "There was no agreement, it was blackmail."
The man smirked as he spoke, "That is between you and my employer. He will meet you tomorrow night at The Palace, seven o'clock." The intruder stood up and left before Jarrod could say anything.
Jessica watched the man leave and once she was satisfied he was gone she went into Jarrod's office to find him standing with his back to the door looking out his office window.
She walked behind him and asked, "Well?"
Jarrod turned to face her with a frown on his face, "Well I meet him tomorrow night and according to messenger boy he is rather upset with me."
Jessica asked, "What's wrong?"
"I fear I may have woken a sleeping giant. I wish your father would let us know what's going on."
Jessica jumped and ran to her desk and came back with a letter, "I'm sorry Jarrod I was going to give this to you but when I saw him go into your office I thought I better wait."
Jarrod smiled as he kissed Jessica's forehead, "That's okay Jess." Jarrod took the letter from Jessica and tore it open. As he read it he smiled widely.
Jessica asked, "Good news I take it?"
Jarrod nodded his head, "Yes your father is arriving this afternoon so I will have more information before my meeting tomorrow night."
"Thank goodness, maybe we can get rid of this mess once and for all."
Jarrod smiled, "I certainly hope so but they're not going to go away without a fight. As they like to remind me every chance they get they have invested a lot time and money into me." Jarrod moved toward his inner office door and said, "Your father wants to meet us at your house so I'll send my driver for him and meet you over there later?"
Jessica frowned at him, "Are you going somewhere?"
Jarrod smiled as he answered, "I have a few errands to run but I'll see you later." He kissed her full on the mouth before turning to leave.
As Jarrod left he smiled to himself knowing for the first time in a long time he had left Jessica speechless and laughed.
