Flash

compromise. I'm not good at compromise."
    Todd gave him a knowing look. "You like to be in charge, is that it?"
    "Yeah. Speaking of politicians, how are things at Lancaster campaign headquarters?"
    Small, troubled furrows appeared on Todd's intelligent forehead. "Dicey, to say the least. This morning's polls were not good. People feel sympathy for Eleanor, but they've lost respect for her judgment."
    "Any way you cut it, she's a politician who ran for office on the money she inherited after her husband was killed by one of her most trusted campaign aides."
    "Unfortunately, that's the way the public sees it." Todd frowned. "We're off-message while we try to explain things to the media. It's too late in the campaign to be off-message. Still, with a little luck, we may survive the primary. If that happens, we'll have several weeks to regain our position before the election."
    "Good luck. The public has a short attention span. You've got that much in your favor."
    Todd grimaced. "True."
    "Still planning to get out of active politics when this election is over?"
    "Definitely. I'm only staying on with the Lancaster campaign because I feel I owe Eleanor that much. I can't abandon her at this juncture. After all, if it hadn't been for her, I might never have had an opportunity to see some of my theories and policy ideas launched in the real world."
    "I understand."
    "Whatever happens to Eleanor and her campaign, I think some of my ideas will stick. Other candidates are already picking up some of them. The newspaper columnists debate them on a regular basis these days. That's how change happens in politics."
    Jasper smiled briefly. "You've had an impact. Not many people can say that."
    Todd turned fully around to face him. "You've had an impact, too. On my sister."
    Jasper said nothing.
    "You know," Todd said slowly, "Eleanor told me that she believes she and Olivia are a lot alike. I think she sees my sister as a sort of kindred spirit. A reflection of herself in some ways. Two strong, independent women who have carved out their own destinies."
    "I won't argue with the destiny bit, but I think the rest of her assumption is garbage. Eleanor Lancaster and Olivia are very different in one essential respect."
    "You're right," Todd said. "When push comes to shove, Eleanor will sacrifice everything for her future in politics. She truly believes the country needs her."
    "Whereas Olivia would sacrifice anything for her family."
    Todd shot him a considering look "You know her very well, already, don't you?"
    Jasper shrugged. "We have some things in common."
    Todd's gaze did not waver. "I want to know what happens next between the two of you."
    "Are you, by any chance, asking me if my intentions are honorable?"
    Todd thought about it. "Yes. I guess that's what I want to know."
    "Why don't you ask Olivia that question?" Jasper suggested quietly. "She's an equal partner in this thing."
    "She's not an equal partner in Glow." Todd watched him steadily. "But Uncle Rollie dumped the responsibility for protecting the company and the people who work here on her shoulders."
    "What are you afraid of? That she'll do something over-the-top like marry me because she thinks she can protect Glow and her Chantry relatives that way?"
    Small brackets appeared on either side of Todd's mouth. "That's a little blunt, but yes, that's exactly what I'm afraid she might do. Olivia deserves better than that. I don't want her to feel that she has to marry you in order to fulfill her responsibilities to the family."
    Jasper felt the icy, empty sensation coalesce inside him. "The subject of marriage has not come up. But if it does, I can tell you this much, Chantry. I'd rather Olivia didn't marry me for that particular reason, either."
    Todd hesitated. Then he nodded once. Without a word, he turned and walked out of the office.
    Jasper waited until the door had closed behind him before he got slowly to his feet.
    He walked to the window and looked out at the summer storm that was sweeping in across Elliott Bay. It looked like one of Logan Dane's paintings.
    What did he want? he wondered.
    The answer was etched in the lightning that flashed in the distance. He had not been entirely honest with Todd. It was true that he would rather Olivia did not marry him because she thought she could control the fate of Glow that way.
    But the bottom line was that he wanted Olivia. Any way he could get her.
    He was in very dangerous territory without a map.

    Olivia did not get