“But his work still carries on,” Daphne murmured. She stared off into space for several seconds, and Tessa could practically see the wheels of scheming in the other woman’s head. “Don’t cancel plans on my account. Keep your lunch date.”
“It’s not a date,” said Tessa quickly. “Not that kind of date.” Daphne continued as though Tessa hadn’t spoken. “And while you’re there, see if your friend’s come across one Dr. Nico Cassidy.” The name meant nothing to Tessa.
“Who’s he?”
“A person of interest,” said Daphne, after a bit of consideration. “Someone who spends an awful lot of time with Senator Darling’s political party.”
“Maybe he’s their doctor,” suggested Tessa.
“He’s not a medical doctor. He’s their wellness counselor—if you believe that.”
“Well, there you go. That’s why he spends so much time with their party.” Tessa might be getting more out of this internship than she’d expected, but jumping on board with every conspiracy theory still wasn’t her style. Part of the RUNA’s healthcare system required psychiatric evaluations every few years, along with citizens’ normal physicals. Those deemed to be in stressful or high profile professions— like the military or politics—received them more frequently, and unlike in Panama, mental health issues had less of a stigma here. A political party having its own therapist on hand to monitor members was standard practice.
Daphne clearly thought otherwise. “There’s something weird about this guy. I’ve tried to research him, and he’s been remarkably difficult. I had a source that suggested he might be involved with a religious group, but I haven’t been able to find any other leads.”
“Maybe there are none,” said Tessa. “Maybe your source was wrong. And besides, not everyone involved in religion is newsworthy.”
“They are if they’re advising a major political party,” Daphne countered. “Especially one that’s carrying the next consul. The people have a right to know the truth, and if you care anything about this country, you’ll use your inside connections to find out more about Dr. Cassidy.”
Tessa somehow doubted Daphne was as concerned about the country as her career. “Sorry. Unless he walks right up to me and tells me his story, you’re out of luck. There’s no way I’m going to make Darius abuse his position to get us a story. It’s wrong.”
Daphne shook her head in mock sympathy. “And here I thought you had the makings of a real journalist.”
Tessa tried to ignore the jab as she and Rufus made their way to the senate. She believed in the truth, but that didn’t mean taking the immoral routes Daphne always seemed to suggest.
“Darius can only sign in one guest,” Tessa told Rufus as they approached the senate steps. “Do you mind waiting? There are a few cafes around here.”
Rufus frowned. “I’m not supposed to leave you.”
“It’s just like leaving me at school,” she explained. “You trust their security. It’s probably better here.”
He paused and surveyed the line of black-uniformed praetorians standing guard out front. Tessa knew most of the actual security screening took place inside, but they were still a formidable array. “I suppose,” Rufus admitted gruffly. “Though at your school, I know I can come in at any time. Call me as soon as you’re ready to leave, and I’ll meet you back here.”
Tessa agreed and made her way into the senate alone, feeling surprisingly free, as though she were getting away with something after being shadowed these last few days. Darius met her at the main security checkpoint, where she was screened and checked for weapons before he was allowed to bring her in with a visitor’s pass.
“I’m so glad you could make it,” he told her, eyes shining. He was wearing a suit and tie that looked a little too big for him. “In just two days, I’ve learned so much.”
“That’s great,” she said, trying not to gape. Even in late afternoon, the senate was abuzz with activity. Tour groups viewed the public areas while lobbyists, politicians, and aides hurried back and forth through the crowded corridors, everyone intent on their destination. She couldn’t help but share a little of his awe at the wheels of the Gemman government turning around them. Darius gave her an informal tour of the building parts that were open to her and then led her to the cafeteria. “This is only one of them,” he clarified. “There’s another more exclusive one that the elected officials use, but a lot of them still come down here to eat with us workers. Isn’t that great?”
Tessa wondered if that was truly out of a desire to bond with ordinary people or was more for show. She then wondered at what point during her time in the RUNA she’d become so jaded.
She wasn’t that hungry but followed him into a serving line, one that advertised various grilled sandwiches. It was one of the longest lines, so presumably it was good. He happily chatted away about his day’s goings-on as they waited, and she found herself charmed, in spite of herself. Suddenly, he gasped and clutched her arm. “Do you know who we’re standing behind?” he whispered.
Tessa didn’t and shook her head. All she could see of the two men in front of her were their backs.
“That’s Magnus Mercado. He’s the chair of the Citizens’ Party.” She knew the name. It was hard not to. Lucian Darling might be
poised for greatness, but at the moment, Senator Mercado was the most powerful person in their party, elected by its members. Since Darius had gained his internship through Lucian, she knew his work here involved a lot of errands for that particular party, but she got the impression Darius rarely dealt with its high-ranking members. His starry eyed look confirmed as much.
Mercado glanced back just then, causing Darius to gulp. The senator was a striking man, handsome even in his early fifties, with a bit of silver almost artfully touching his black hair. He smiled a showman’s smile as his dark eyes fell on an awestruck Darius.
“Well, hello there. Demetrius, right?”
“Darius, sir. But I mean, you can call me D-Demetrius if you want, sir.”
Mercado gave a great booming laugh. “Ah, I love a sense of humor. I hope you’re settling in nicely? Everyone’s treating you well?”
Darius, who clearly couldn’t believe the senator even knew he was alive, nodded vigorously. “Yes, sir. Very much, sir.”
“Good, good. We were just talking about the importance of today’s youth showing interest and involvement in our country.” Mercado turned his smile on Tessa. “Hopefully you’re recruiting more for the cause.”
Even Tessa couldn’t help but feel a little flustered under that powerful gaze. “I’m just visiting today, sir.” Hoping she wasn’t being too forward, she offered her hand. “Teresa Cruz.”
Mercado took it graciously. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Cruz. Do you mind me asking where you’re from?”
She blushed, not from the attention so much as realizing that no matter how good her English was, she still hadn’t shaken her accent. “Panama, sir. A family friend helped me get a student visa, and I go to school at Creative Minds now.”
“Her friend knows Senator Darling,” piped in Darius. “He’s the one who helped get me here too.”
Mercado’s attention was on Tessa, though, and he nudged the man beside him. “You hear that? Creative Minds is a great school. It’s a long trip to there from the provinces. You’re living the Gemman dream, Miss Cruz.”
“Thank you, sir,” said Tessa uncertainly.
“You should have her come speak to your kids.” Mercado had turned his attention back to his companion. “I think it’d be highly informative for them.”
The man, who was younger than Mercado and had typically plebeian features, nodded in agreement and gave her a charismatic smile. “I think so too. They’re all enthusiastic, but I think it’s important for them to talk to others of different backgrounds.”