I hope I am long gone when and if anyone reads my private notes. I am not fearful as to what most might think of me. However, I would not want my brother to know the things I think and do for he would be shocked. Also, I know him enough to realize he would not want to be aware of any of this.
Mother already suspects what I am capable of and father already knows for certain. Father and I are more similar than different as he has had to justify his actions upon occasion also.
As of now, I keep my diary in a safe concealed in my office in the Off-White House.
I digress.
Let me begin, rather, by admitting I spend many stolen moments in the Oval Office, staring at the Leader of the Free World’s desk. My destined seat. I am not just dreaming for I have glimpsed the future and know this to be true.
Today, as it has been with many other days, I could not keep the tears from forming in my eyes, as vexatious as that was. For months, my poor sweet brother had been fighting to get his life back after maliciously being shot. As professional as I was, it was difficult to control the mask I normally maintained when I was no closer to finding the perpetrator of this fiendish act.
I did find some comfort, though, when I stood in my office.
Perhaps my mood would change once Ellie was back at her desk. I did enjoy working with my sister-in-law. The strength and warmth she brought to my world kept me grounded and it was clear to me why Holden was so enamored with her. He needed her more than I did … for now.
Once back in my current office, I flipped through my appointment book with trembling fingers. For one to say I was anxious, was not exactly accurate. Rather, the full day before me was a disappointment compared to any news I might have about the shooter. “My people” had been investigating since the night of the tragedy and keeping my staff member Mr. Brimm updated. Still, there was no news as one clue turned into more and so on.
“Darling,” I murmured as Grayson Preminger entered and snaked his arms around me.
He responded with a kiss, his lips covering mine. I could not say the sensation I felt during moments like this was all that bad even though kissing was not my favorite thing. If it was up to me alone, I would skip all the nonsense and just get down to business.
As I gazed into his eyes, I considered once again what Holden might think of this on and off again relationship I had. It never occurred to me that Holden should be introduced since I had no plans of carrying this affair any further than what it was now. Men were complicated and I simply did not need that in my life, although the occasional tryst was quite entertaining.
“What are you thinking about, you little devil?”
The corner of my mouth rose in amusement at his words. “What is it you want me to think about?”
“Me, obviously. Why is it you haven’t married me yet? I keep asking.”
“Yes, you are persistent, I will give you that. I did tell you from the beginning I was not interested in such a merger.”
All of a sudden he laughed and yet, I failed to see what was so funny. Finally, he said, “Only you would call marriage a merger, Rosetta. And, yes, you did tell me that.”
“It is not my mistake that you did not believe me.”
“Someday – ”
He was promptly interrupted by the door flinging open and more lights in the back of the office flipping on. The two of us stepped away from each other quickly.
” – Good morning!” Debra Spanner said as she and Jedrek Brimm entered.
“Good morning,” I said after clearing my throat. “And what do the polls say today?”
Debra beamed as she filled me in. “Well, first of all, you’ve moved up three points since you gave the speech on behalf of battered women. It seems, though, that many people don’t think you’re old enough to be Leader of the Free World.” She actually said LOTFW, so that is what I will use from now on to refer to my future office.
“What do you suggest? Clearly, I am younger than the other candidates, but that does not preclude me from being capable.”
“If I may, I would suggest an updated hairstyle. Something that says sophisticated and in charge. You know, able to lead. And perhaps wearing your glasses again instead of the contacts.”
“I will take your suggestions under advisement,” I said.
Debra had been on my staff since the beginning and was useful in reading the public. It wasn’t that I could not do that myself, I just did not want to. Frankly, I did not care what the public thought or wanted. All that mattered was that I was elected because I knew how to straighten out the problems the government was dealing with.
Yes, Debra was good to have around. She was not smart enough to compete with me, yet she was intelligent enough to climb her way up the political ladder to my staff. She seemed happy enough to remain where she was and that was fine with me.
“Very good,” Debra said, glancing at Jedrek. He always seemed to make her nervous, though I could not fathom why.
Staring openly at Jedrek, I pondered on whether it was his pummeled, smashed up nose that Debra found concerning. Certainly, his nose was the biggest clue regarding his line of work as it had been through a lot. I once asked him why he did not seek out plastic surgery and he laughed at that notion, stating that it helped make him look “tough.”
“I have good news, Ms. Sprague.”
I grasped my heart which had skipped a beat, then, carefully returned my face to its usual impassive mask.
“That is wonderful, Mr. Brimm,” I replied.
Within moments, I had excused Jedrek and myself from the present company so we might speak alone. As we took a brisk walk to the elevators, he filled me in with hushed tones.
“We have him downstairs.”
Of course, I knew this meant the shooter had been detained and was now in the deepest part of the basement where he would be … questioned. Most of the Off-White House did not know of this room’s existence.
It was difficult to contain myself as I thought of all the terrible, awful things I would have done to this person.
I am not certain what I expected to find sitting in the cold metal chair in the interrogation room. The man looked like a normal person, pale, frightened, too scared to even stand up or protest.
“This is the shooter?” I asked although it came out more as a statement than a question.
“Yeah, I was surprised, too, but there’s no doubt this is our man.”
“H-hey, wait a minute, guys, I – ”
“Did I ask you to say something?” Jedrek growled at the man who shrank back against the chair, closing his mouth.
“Has he admitted to it?”
“Yep. Seems our man here has a squeamish stomach.”
“Really.”
Jedrek nodded with an evil grin that openly showcased the delight he took in his work. “Yep. All I had to do was pull a few teeth. It was a little disappointing that he admitted it so quickly as I would have loved to have done more.”
A little thrill bubbled up in my heart, and I must admit that I quite enjoyed the thought that this piece of detritus had suffered.
“Who is he?”
“Name is Gunner Housen.”
This, of course, made me smirk a little. “Gunner. What a coincidence.”
Jedrek’s mouth twisted into an insane looking sneer which caused Gunner Housen to whimper. His feelings did not concern me, though.
“I do not know this man,” I said. “He shot Holden for someone else, obviously.”
Jedrek kicked at Gunner’s feet. “Who hired you?”
Gunner stared at me with pleading eyes as if that could save him now. “I – I – ”
When his voice trailed off without a proper answer, I turned my attention back to Jedrek. “I believe he needs further convincing in order to confide in us.”
“Please, lady, no!” Gunner shouted.
After staring at him indifferently for a moment, I said, “Finish with the teeth. Once you are done, if he has not told you what we wish to know, pull out his fingernails. That usually works.” I smiled briefly at Gunner because I knew my nonchalant attitude would frighten him even more. “Farewell, Mr. Housen. We shall not meet again.”
Author’s Note: Did you have any idea Rosetta had torture in mind and that she would be so nonchalant about it? Crazy stuff there! So, who hired Gunner Housen? What are your ideas?
One thing I wanted to mention was that although Rosetta works at a replica of the U.S. White House, and that the government is structured similarly, I don’t see this story taking place in the U.S. Rather, the setting of Fortress Rock, to me, is the center of what could be anywhere; a made-up country, if you will. Anyway, I used the U.S. government as a model simply because that is the one I am familiar with.
As always, thank you for reading, liking, lurking, and commenting,
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I can’t say I’m really surprised at Rosetta’s mindset. She always seemed like she had a bit of a malicious streak in her, and I always knew if the shooter was found, she would find a way of dealing with him. She is quite scary, actually, which I knew she would be. Like I’ve said in other comments, she is one you don’t want to screw with.
Rosetta does have a malicious streak, it’s true, but she feels justified in her actions here since it has to do with who shot Holden. All I can say about her is, if you’re on her bad side, be very afraid!
I can see you added some Scandal influence there! <3 Well done! This job is definitely fitting for her lol.
Yes to Scandal! LOLOL Just call her Rosetta Pope! 😀 😀 I’m so glad you liked it and I agree that this job suits her.
Rosetta’s scary D: What won’t she do to get her office/protect her family? What would Ellie think if she knew!
A bit worrying that he only confessed after having teeth pulled, though. Torture isn’t conducive to saying the truth if it’s not the answer you know your captors want!
You are 100% right. Rosetta is scary! I don’t think there is any line drawn as to what she wouldn’t do. In her mind, it’s black and white, therefore, justified. I think Ellie would be horrified.
I agree that it’s a bit worrying as to how they got him to confess. This guy does happen to be guilty but torture is a crazy and unreliable thing to do.
I think Rosetta is in pain, she felt what her twin feels and she’s revengeful because she told her parents she knews who is the murderer. So she had an idea and when she understood this guy is just a second hand , she just released herself on somebody that looks innocent . Her twin was innocent too, to her eyes.
She can controls herself for Love but she can’t restrain herself when somebody touches her family. She’s so hurt, deeply hurt.
Thank you 🙂 Everything you said is right. I could not have said it any better, in fact. She is in a great deal of emotional pain and deeply hurt, as you said.
I don’t know if I should take back the good things I said about Rosetta last time 😛
This was very interesting, and a bit scary, to see into her mind. I wonder if Rosetta has given any thought to the possibility being impeached after she goes into office. Because if any of her secret dealings were to come out, I don’t think the public would let her stay in office. Or maybe she just plans on turning her rule into a dictatorship, lol.
Rosetta probably knows that torture can result in false confessions, it just seems that she doesn’t care. D:
I hope they figure out who hired him though. I don’t have a clue at this point.
Thank you, Heather! 🙂 Right? LOL Wait until tomorrow, then you’ll definitely take back all the good things you ever said about her.
I don’t think impeachment has crossed her mind at all. I think she believes she is doing the right things and nothing wrong, which is scary in itself. She sees everything in black and white. This person hurt Holden, so they deserve what they get. I find her terrifying at times. lol
No, I don’t think she is concerned about whether it’s a false confession or not. You will find out tomorrow morning who hired Gunner.
I’m completely unsurprised by Rosetta’s actions. She is protecting her family. Who knows if the killer will decide to try again? (Of course, if it’s who I think it is, they won’t)
I wonder who you think it is? I’m so excited for the reveal which will be this Wednesday. You’re right about Rosetta; to her this is black and white and the shooter needs to pay.
Rosetta!!! Who knew! I always thought she was a little bit off, anti social. The polar opposite of her brother. Dang it all. This was great – an unexpected evil twist. Now I am dying to know who it is. It’s probably the dancer he refused. She’s narcissistic enough to hire someone to take him out.
Thank you so much, Audrey. I’m sorry I’m responding so late but there is some crazy stuff happening here at home.
Who knew indeed. She is definitely the polar opposite of Holden. I can’t wait for you to find out who hired Gunner. 😀 I like the way you think!
Oooh yes! I was fiendishly delighted while I was reading that last part 😈 Let’s hope that s.o.b. talks! (Rosetta is so awesome btw – like everyone said already, I’m beginning to fall in love with her so badly ❤)
I wonder who would want Holden dead though… he’s certainly pissed some people off, but nothing too serious to justify a murder attempt..!
I’m at the edge of my seat, awesome chapter! <3
Thank you so much. 🙂 I’m sorry I’m responding so late but there is some crazy stuff happening here at home.
I’m so glad to hear how fiendishly delighted you were. LOL Does my heart good. I’m glad you love Rosetta. She would have been such a fun heir.
I can’t wait until you find out who hired Gunner!
YES!!!! YES!!!!! YES!!!!!
If there is one thing I need in my life, it is more Rosetta Bonus Posts!!!
I loved everything about this. And I have to say that this did not change my opinion of her. Her nonchalant attitude DOES NOT make her a sociopath! To her, emotions don’t dictate how things should turn out. She sees the world in black and white. The gunman did an evil thing; therefore he needs to be punished. And in her black and white world, the punishment needs to fit the crime. it is not evil. To her it is as simple as 2+2=4
Thank you so much, Stephanie. I’m sorry I’m responding so late but there is some crazy stuff happening here at home.
LOL! I’m so glad you enjoyed this post and there will be more, I’m happy to tell you! You’re so right about how she sees things in black and white; everything is logical in her mind, “b” follows “a.” She is capable of love and shows that toward her brother even if he doesn’t realize.
Exactly. If she were a sociopath then she wouldn’t care so much about Holden, Ellie or their baby. For Rosetta, emotions complicate things. When you bring emotions into a situation clouds of grey come in to play. But you are right, “b” always has to follow “a”.
And don’t worry about the comment. I just hope everything is resolved, and whatever it was at home wasn’t too bad.
Wow Rosetta is… my goodness. She’s so intense! The gunner is an unfamiliar face but since he was hired by someone, my theory might still stand. Though it was always a long shot… hehe. Now I’m starting to suspect new people. Like this Jedrek fellow, who is just as (crazy) intense as Rosetta is.
Thank you so much. 🙂 I’m sorry I’m responding so late but there is some crazy stuff happening here at home.
She is intense, so true. I can’t wait to see if your theory, even if it’s a longshot, might be true! 😀
“He needed her more than I did … for now.”
Awwwww! Squishy Rosetta! 😀
gasp Rosetta Pope! LOL!!!! Or, is it Rosey Grant? 😛 Hopefully she won’t go crazy with all this power…though that would be entertaining lol. Grayson is gorgeous!!
I’m mad she suggested Jedrek get plastic surgery LOL. This woman! No filter.
Definitely Rosetta Pope in that basement! YIKES! She even wears a white-ish jacket LOL.
Ok! So I’m usually leery about sharing my theories in public in case I’m actually right lol, but you asked for it so here I go! I think Myung did it! She was maaaaaad when Holden went back on their arrangement. She probably got super PISSED when she discovered he had gotten married and was expecting a child. She’s probably like, “that should have been MY child!” There you have it, folks!
Thank you so much, Jes. I’m sorry I’m responding so late but you know the crazy I’m dealing with here at home.
You know I was channeling Olivia Pope in this chapter! haha I knew when you read it, you would see her coming through. 😛
Myung, eh? You will soon see! Great guess! 😀
I sure do! You’re a trooper!
Oh Rosetta… I didn’t think she would resort to torture, but I’m not really surprised either. She displays a lot of sociopathic traits.
I don’t really feel like Gunner is the killer. He seems like he has just ‘confessed’ because he was tortured, though maybe not. If he’s innocent, then that’s a huge problem.
Rosetta has dropped down my list for fave characters because of this torture thing, but with this peek into her mind, I can relate to her even more. I’m pretty much her but on a much milder scale. Highly ambitious, aromantic, unintentionally insensitive and mean. I could really feel her attitude towards Grayson (about how she doesn’t need men and their mess in her life). I wouldn’t be so sure that you’ll marry her ‘someday’. Grayson. Now I am quite sure she won’t end up falling in love. She works best by herself, I think.
Great bonus!
Thank you so much, Lila. I’m sorry I’m responding so late but there is some crazy stuff happening here at home.
I can tell you that Gunner did shoot Holden. Who hired him will soon be found out because Rosetta has Mr. Brimm on this.
I can understand why you find Rosetta so distasteful, although, that’s interesting what you say about being aromantic, ambitious, etc. You write such good romance. 😀
I think you’re right that she works best by herself. I honestly can’t picture her married.
Ooh, okay! Well, I think it may be for the better if Gunner was the shooter (lol, I accidentally wrote killer before) because then the torture would have at least been for something 😶 I can’t wait to see who hired him!
Aww, thank you 😀 Writing romance is pretty fun but I can’t picture myself being dependent or married like Rosetta. I might not like Rosetta because of the torture, but I still like reading about a character who isn’t influenced by romance, that’s pretty rare!
Thank you so much. 🙂 Rosetta is so much fun to write for that reason, let me tell you. I think she would have been a fun heir, although, I’m glad to be writing Holden, too.
OH LOL I adore Rosetta .. a no nonsense girl (love the part where she said she would skip all the nonsense and just get down to business). I echo the thoughts of a few readers here .. this is too easily finished .. hmmm
I’m glad you adore Rosetta. She’s so crazy. haha I can’t wait for you to find out who hired Gunner!
<3 me neither …………………………….
I am still not convinced that with Gunner the shooter is sitting in front of us.
If so, then he did a bad job because the victim is still alive.
But let’s assume that Rosetta’s “people” did their job and
he actually shot Holden.
Rosetta has the traits of a sociopath, so I can imagine that torture seems to be an appropriate remedy to her, if only the goal is worthy enough.
She has no pity for people, who are not close to her.
Her own ambitions and even their parents’ investigations could be
also a revenge motive for the attack on Holden.
But I think, I better look for the culprit in his environment.
The assassination happened at their honeymoon, which suggests the suspicion
that someone is pathologically jealous or envious.
But would not a jealous person prefer shooting the bride,
to make the ex-boyfriend suffer?
This would be a hint against Fletcher and Myung as suspects.
Three people lost something precious through Holden’s interfering:
Derek : Ellie’s ex-boyfriend: was described as lovable. Not as a person able to kill.
Brent : Julie’s ex-husband: Impulse Control Disorder – would rather strike by himself,
not hire a killer. Probably does not have enough money though.
Ella: overbearing, selfish, self-esteem. Lost her beloved job and reputation.
She would be the person I’d most likely trust to send a hired killer on a honeymoon.
But who can really read, what’s in peoples minds ?
In your Legacy is always to be expected with surprising twists.
So I let myself be surprised and wait for the continuation.
I enjoyed the bonus, but miss Holden’s voice.
Thank you so much. 🙂 I’m sorry I’m responding so late but there is some crazy stuff happening here at home.
I love your reasoning as to who might have hired the shooter. Very good guessing there. I can’t wait for you to find out if you’re right. 😀
I know Rosetta said she’d do whatever it takes to find Holden’s shooter, but geez…. Torture? I can see how she’s so nonchalant about it, but torture isn’t the best way to get information. Someone could easily falsely confess to get the torture to stop. But if Gunner truly is the shooter, I wonder who hired him and why….. What a mystery!
Thank you so much, Raymond. I’m sorry I’m responding so late but there is some crazy stuff happening here at home.
Yes, unfortunately, torture. Not cool, I agree. You’re right that people will confess to anything under those conditions. I will tell you that Gunner is the shooter and you’ll find out soon who hired him and why. 🙂
Oh , I’m not surprised ! I knew what she was capable of . I’ll have to ponder on who might have hired Gunner.
Thank you so much, CT. I’m sorry I’m responding so late but there is some crazy stuff happening here at home.
LOL I’m glad you weren’t shocked. Luckily, you’ll find out soon who hired Gunner. 😀
Good luck and best wishes to you with whatever is happening elsewhere in your life ! Lots of love!
Thank you, CT 🙂 I really appreciate your kind words. xo
I’m not sure Gunner did it at all. He may have said what they wanted to hear. Hmmmm. She is a Be-atch!
Thank you so much, Jolie. I’m sorry I’m responding so late but there is some crazy stuff happening here at home.
I will tell you this… it was Gunner who gunned Holden down. I can see why, though, it is in question since it would seem anyone might confess to anything under duress.
Hmmm, I have some ideas as to who might have hired Mr Gunner, I’ll just have to wait & see if I’m right. 😉
Thank you so much, Mama Dragon. I’m sorry I’m responding so late but there is some crazy stuff happening here at home.
I can’t wait to see who you thought it was! 😀 Answers are coming soon.
“I am not just dreaming for I have glimpsed the future and know this to be true.”
Oh goodness, Rosetta, you know everything!
“Men were complicated and I simply did not need that in my life, although the occasional tryst was quite entertaining.”
Lol, it’s usually the other way around. Gender roles swapped, I see. Then, again, Rosetta’s not a typical woman.
“Certainly, his nose was the biggest clue regarding his line of work as it had been through a lot.”
My goodness, I’m really beginning to love her!
Her mind seems so complicated and she’s very cold-hearted. As Bee mentioned, she probably would be a wonderful heir if Holden wasn’t chosen. The last part threw me off completely. 😮 Similarly to Louise, I don’t have anyone in particular in mind who would want to kill Holden except for his ex-lovers and other dancers.
Thank you so much, Jowita. I’m sorry I’m responding so late but there is some crazy stuff happening here at home.
I’m so glad you liked this chapter. You’re right that usually the woman wants to be romanced but then, Rosetta just isn’t typical.
She would have been such a fun heir. I’m glad you guys chose the heir because it was too hard a decision for me.
OH…MY….GOSH……………………….SEEEEE! This is why I wanted Rosetta to be heir! Oh to get my hands on her journal to read the inner workings of her mind!! Got herself quite a good looking boy toy there she does!! I wonder if Rosetta feels love…..hmmmmm, interesting thought. Or is it levels of obligation?
Imagine what she COULD do as leader of the world…..Interesting yet frightening thought don’t you think?
Thank you so much, Bee. I’m sorry I’m responding so late but you know and understand the crazy happening around here right now.
I think Rosetta would have been such a fun heir to write. She’s definitely not what I’m used to writing, that’s for sure. lol
I think her guy is good looking, too. I think she feels love as in she loves her brother. If she ever feels love for her man, there, it will be a no-nonsense kind of thing.
I think it’s just that, all right… interesting and very frightening! haha
Damn, Rosetta o.o You crazy! I hadn’t expected that the shooter would be found so quickly, but then it doesn’t really shed more light on who would want Holden shot :/ I really can’t imagine who would want him dead – he’s not into politics like Rosetta. All I can think of are previous lovers or other dancers. I don’t think he’s done anything that would merit that kind of action, though. Ah, Kymber, we need to know! I’m on the edge of my seat.
I loved this look into Rosetta’s mindset though… damn, it’s not pretty :O Super awesomely written, though!
Thank you so much, Louise. I’m sorry I’m responding so late but there is some crazy stuff happening here at home.
Anyway, you are absolutely right about Rosetta. LOL She is crazy! 😀 This arc will be wrapped up soon; you’ll see why tomorrow.
I like your reasoning and I can’t wait for you to find out!