“Indeed, sir.”
“The Sinclairs are a very wealthy, very powerful family. Like your own. This event could tarnish you forever. So, you see, it’s vital you come clean about this woman and what exactly happened.”
Forbes needed to speak to Jason Iverson. The lawyer’s number was on his cell phone. Should he just walk out of the office and make the call? Then again, maybe he should just sit tight and play for time.
“Now there’s two ways this could play out. The dumb way or the smart way. The dumb way involves you dragging this out and refusing to cooperate. Your name will be confirmed. The smart way, you tell me who the hell she is, and we manage this situation.”
Forbes nodded as he stared at the mug of steaming hot coffee on Skinner’s desk.
“We will not confirm your name as being the guy in these photos, which you clearly are. We will put pressure on the reporter, insinuating that her newspaper will lose any contact with official sources within the White House, effectively shutting down their political coverage. We will give them nothing.”
“I understand.”
“We will stand by you, but only if you tell us who the fuck she is. And, before you ask, no. You can’t call a lawyer. Deal with it like a man, or face humiliation. Think of the humiliation to your father. The family. Your mother.”
Forbes closed his eyes.
“Do you think Jenny’s parents will allow this relationship to proceed when they read about your activities with another woman? What if they see the photos? ‘Can he really have feelings for our lovely daughter,’ the Sinclairs will say, ‘if he’s fucking this other woman?’ I don’t fucking think so, son. Now, either wise up or face the music. That’s your choice.”
Forbes nodded but didn’t say a word.
“You will be asked to leave, and you will be given glowing references, of course. The best and most loyal body man a president has ever had. And you know what, I’m good friends with several guys at the networks. Studios. Producers. You want to make a name in Hollywood, right?”
“At some point, yes.”
“Well, you’re in luck. I can help you. But I can also crush your dreams. Believe me when I say that. Just ask my ex-wife.” Skinner smiled tightly, as if afraid to show his teeth.
Forbes felt his throat tighten. “This is difficult for me, sir.”
“How so?”
“I don’t believe in betraying trust.”
“I’m asking you a simple fucking question, Andrew.”
Forbes experienced a stabbing pain in his right knee and winced. He stared at the coffee. An idea slowly began to form in his head.
“You okay?”
“Just my knee injury.”
Skinner nodded empathetically. “It’s a bitch. Had the same sort of deal after an accident in Aspen three years ago.”
“Slow recovery, but I’m getting there.”
“I imagine jogging with the President doesn’t help?”
“It’s fine, just needs time to heal.”
Skinner’s cell phone rang. He checked the ID display. He held up a finger. “Never a fucking break. Two minutes, Andrew. Don’t move.” The chief of staff left the office, shutting the door softly behind him.
Forbes sat motionless. His breath grew faster. He didn’t have much time. He needed to do it now.
He took out a small plastic bottle from his jacket pocket, unscrewed the rubber dropper. He leaned across the desk and dropped six minuscule shots of oxycodone in Skinner’s coffee.
He sat back down, screwed on the dropper, and carefully put the bottle back in the inside pocket of his jacket.
Forbes reached into his other pocket, pulled out a pen, and stirred Skinner’s coffee for a few seconds.
His heart pounded like it was going to explode.
What the fuck had he done? Was he losing his mind?
Forbes took a few deep breaths, trying to calm himself down. He leaned forward, careful to pick up the correct coffee cup. He sat with the untainted coffee. He took a large gulp.
Time dragged. The caffeine and adrenaline coursed through his system.
The door opened.
Skinner was smiling as he shut the door quietly behind him. He sat back down and placed his cell phone on his blotting pad. “I’m sorry about that interruption, Andrew. If it’s not one thing, it’s something else, right?”
Forbes sipped his coffee. “Not a problem. I really appreciate you being up-front with me. I very much respect where you’re coming from and also for giving me a chance to wrap my head around this.”