Seduced by the Enemy (Blaze, 41) Read Online Free PDF

preamble. Phipps liked getting straight to the point, while Steve always preferred a subtle approach. Shifting gears was as easy as playing to the senator’s arrogance. Steve excelled in both.
    Phipps stood and crossed the lush, jewel-toned Oriental rug to the carved armoire on the opposite end of the office. Keeping his back to Steve, he poured himself a Scotch, neat. “How much truth do you believe is behind the rumor?”
    Steve carefully sat in the leather wing chair. “My source in the White House is extremely reliable.”
    â€œGood,” Phipps said with a nod. He turned and smoothed his salt-and-pepper hair with his free hand, then grinned like the Cheshire cat. “I’ve been invitedto Justice Elliot’s farewell dinner. Beautifully ironic, wouldn’t you say?”
    â€œOnly if the president appoints Galloway and Boswell to the bench once Middleton steps down,” Steve reminded him. He felt confident the president would appoint the two federal appellate court judges to the bench of the United States Supreme Court. He also knew Phipps believed he held in his hands the power that would enable him to convince his fellow senators on the judiciary committee to vote in favor of the appointments. The truth was much more complicated.
    â€œHe will,” Phipps answered arrogantly. “First Galloway, and then Boswell in a few months, once Middleton announces his retirement.”
    â€œ If Middleton announces his retirement before the end of the session,” Steve corrected.
    Phipps ignored that comment. He moved from the armoire and propped his hip on the corner of his large oak desk. At sixty-two, Phipps was still athletically built and kept his body in shape. He worked out daily and was still as fit as he’d been during his years as the star quarterback at Texas A&M, followed by a brief stint in the pros.
    Phipps’s vibrant blue eyes filled with confident arrogance. “They not only share the same party affiliation, but they openly supported the president’s platform during the last election. With everyone focusing on the abortion issue again, they’re the perfect choice.”
    â€œYou’re very certain of this.”
    â€œI’d bet your career on it, Radcliffe.”
    No doubt he would, Steve thought. Phipps neverhad any trouble getting what he wanted. Steve saw to it.
    Phipps took a drink of the Scotch, then asked, “What else is on your mind, Radcliffe?”
    Steve leaned forward and braced his elbows on his knees. “We’ve had a breach,” he said, watching Phipps’s expression intently. Confidence fled from the older man’s eyes, replaced by a flash of fear, followed by anger.
    â€œWhen?” the senator demanded.
    â€œAbout a month ago.”
    â€œA month?” he roared.
    Steve nodded.
    â€œAnd why am I only just hearing of it?” Phipps lowered his voice.
    â€œI only learned of it myself. I had a dinner meeting tonight with—”
    â€œI don’t give a rat’s ass who you broke bread with,” Phipps snapped. “What went wrong that we weren’t notified immediately?”
    Steve straightened. He’d expected the senator to be angry, but the fear in his eyes had taken him off guard. But then, when someone was trying to upset the balance of the Supreme Court, he suspected a little fear should be involved. The senator had a lot to lose. So did Steve, which was why he’d make sure the truth would never be leaked.
    â€œWhoever did it was good,” he told the senator. “We think it was a professional. He knew where to look and how to cover his tracks.”
    Phipps rose and started to pace. “Do you think it was him?”
    â€œIt’s entirely possible, but I have my doubts.”
    â€œEnlighten me.”
    â€œHe would’ve made a move by now if it’d been him.”
    Phipps let out a sigh. “We need to move first, before he does. Bring him out in