Free Tracie Peterson by Entangled Page B

announcement.
    Kerns, too, wore a blue suit and made a striking match at Cara’s side. His dark hair was combed straight back, while Cara’s shoulder-length coif was parted on the side and delicately curled under at the ends. They appeared to be the all-American couple—polished and shined to perfection, no visible blemish to mar their image.
    Cara allowed Kerns to take her through the onslaught of reporters to the ballroom where friends and supporters were gathered. Kerns had wanted her to bring Brianna, but Cara had flatly refused. There would be enough disruptions in her daughter’s life later, especially if the election went their way. Cara could see no reason to put Brianna through any more than was absolutely necessary.
    “This is my wife, Debra, and daughter Danielle,” Kerns said, stopping in front of a pencil-thin blonde and a feminine version of himself.
    Cara smiled at the women and felt a cold reception from Debra Kerns. “I’m pleased to meet you,” Debra said, but there was no truth in the statement.
    Danielle Kerns was also hesitant in her greeting, but obviously well-trained in public appearance. “I’ve heard great things about you, Mrs. Kessler,” Danielle said, extending a hand. The two women shook hands and exchanged smiles, but Cara knew she was an unwelcome presence. But why?
    Bob continued to move Cara through the room filled with well-wishers and a variety of “KERNS AND KESSLER” paraphernalia. Banners overhead in red, white, and blue declared the team in broad bold lettering. Across the podium where their announcement would be made, Cara found a huge rosette with “KERNS AND KESSLER” in gold lettering across the center. The sheer weight of her decision was beginning to settle upon her shoulders.
    “And this is . . .” came the introduction to yet another of Robert Kerns’ associates. Cara smiled politely and shook hand after hand. Both her face and hand ached from the abuse by the time Kerns led her to the podium. Would this night never end?
    Searching the room, Cara felt a small amount of relief when she spotted Melissa Jordon. Although, her friend’s expression told Cara that there would be plenty to discuss when the evening was over.
    “Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to introduce to you a remarkable young woman who has taken the state by storm. She heads up HEARTBEAT Ministries, a business devoted to the promotion of our young people. She has given ten years of her life working to motivate our cities and towns into action on behalf of our youth. She has been awarded numerous community action awards from around the state and last year was voted Topeka’s Woman of the Year. She is a widow and single mother who has broken the stereotypes to prove herself over and over again. I give you now my running mate and the next lieutenant governor of Kansas, Cara Kessler!”
    Cameras clicked and flashed as the photo opportunity of Kerns and Kessler side-by-side became destined for front-page news in tomorrow’s papers.
    ****
    Cara remembered very little of her speech. It had been written for her by Russell and rehearsed by Kerns himself. She knew it was short and simple and kept the focus of the race on Kerns, but other than that she recalled few details. Suddenly, this was no game, and she was now stuck in a situation that seemed hopeless and frightening. She had relinquished the podium to Kerns amidst the applause of an enthusiastic crowd and forced herself to stand at his side until the conclusion.
    With the speeches wrapped up, Kerns encouraged the crowd to mingle and enjoy the refreshments offered by the hotel caterers. Cara took that opportunity to slip away to the rest room before allowing the press to ask a single question. She had to find some peace and quiet, even if it was for only a few minutes. Purposefully finding a rest room as far removedfrom the ballroom as possible, Cara made her way inside and wished she could lock the door behind her.
    She took deep breaths and