Incumbent

by Joanne Schwehm

I smiled as I remembered the sporty car I was in. “Okay, SL Roadster, let’s see what you got.”

  The car whipped into the next lane when I released the clutch and pressed the gas. I prayed I wouldn’t get pulled over, but I was off the highway in an instant.

  Before I knew it, I was tossing the keys to the hotel valet. I ran to the front desk and asked the clerk what room the press conference was in.

  The woman’s eyes widened. “Oh my God! You’re her!”

  Gasping for breath, I pleaded, “Can you please help me?”

  “They’re in the Lafayette Room,” she said, and when she glanced over my shoulder, her expression hardened with resolve. “There are reporters behind you. If you go to the right, there are stairs beyond this wall. Go to the third floor and you’ll see it.”

  “Thanks.” I gave her a smile and took off as quickly as I could.

  The stairs felt like they were unending as I hustled, taking them two at a time, which was a challenge wearing a dress. When I saw the gray door with a large number three on it, I slammed into the metal bar to open it. I rushed down the narrow hallway until I saw a door labeled LAFAYETTE. There weren’t any people around, which I thought was odd, but I didn’t care.

  When I yanked the door open and stepped inside, I was in the back kitchen area. A few cooks and wait staff gave me curious looks as I walked quickly through the kitchen, acting as if I belonged there.

  When I pulled the door open to the ballroom, I saw Drake. My breath hitched in my throat, and my pulse thundered in my ears as I drank in the sight of the man I loved.

  Drake approached the front of the room with confident strides. He fisted his hand in front of his mouth and cleared his throat before he gripped the top of the lectern. With his shoulders thrown back and his expression relaxed, he addressed the audience.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to thank you for taking time out of your schedules to be here on short notice today.” His chest rose as he took in a deep breath.

  “Our forefathers set in place the foundation for a great nation. What we stand for—the land of the free and home of the brave—is what I firmly believe in, and has been how I’ve tried to live my life. I love our country and take pride in my responsibilities as your senator. There was a time I didn’t think anything could be more important than being a politician, but then I met Lucy Washburn.”

  I pressed a hand to my chest, sure it was about to burst as I listened to him. All I wanted to do was run out and tell him I was here, but I didn’t.

  “Recently there have been news articles relating gossip circulating about her. Reporters have been following me and my friends and family, asking who she is, calling her the mystery woman.” He paused. “They write about her as if she doesn’t care about life—but she does.”

  He looked around at the crowd, locking eyes with one person after another. Cameras clicked, and bright lights flashed from the photographers kneeling in front of him, trying to get a money shot.

  “Lucy Washburn isn’t a public figure. She’s a schoolteacher—a very good one, in fact—and is one of my closest friends.” Frowning, he shook his head. “Actually, that’s not true, she’s more than that to me. You see, I happen to be in love with her, and due to her relationship with me and my position, she’s been thrust into the spotlight. And that’s unfair.”

  All air escaped me and I stepped forward to run onstage, but was stopped when a hand gripped my arm. Startled, I glanced behind me to find Mason holding me back. I hadn’t even known he was here yet, but was so thankful for his presence.

  When he shook his head and whispered, “Give him a few minutes,” I nodded and stood with him to watch the rest of Drake’s speech.

  “Since I was a young boy,” Drake continued, “all I’ve ever wanted was to serve my country, to fight for those who couldn’t fight for themselves. I wanted to be the voice of many who entrusted me with their votes. Along the way, I’ve always been honest with you and have run a clean campaign. To me, it was most important for my constituents to focus on what I stand for and what I believe in, rather than what my opponent does wrong.”

  His demeanor sobered, and a flash of anger crossed his face before he crushed it. “But this has gone too far, and someone I love is being hurt in the process, forced to sequester herself so curious journalists don’t attack her. She’s hiding rather than living.”

  He glanced down, lowering his voice as he repeated, “Home of the free, land of the brave.”

  Looking back up, he continued. “Free, that’s what Lucy was until she met me and was thrust into the spotlight. I won’t have her reputation tarnished by speculation of who she is and where she came from. Bravery isn’t just fighting for your country, it’s standing up for what you believe in, and that’s the type of person Lucy Washburn is. I respect her and the privacy she’s entitled to. As much as I love what I do, I love her more, and for that reason . . .”

  That’s it. I couldn’t stand it any longer. I knew what was coming next, and I couldn’t allow it. How could I live with myself if Drake gave up his dreams for me?

  I rushed toward the podium, and when Drake saw me approach him on the makeshift wooden stage, his head turned.

  His eyes wide, he covered the microphone with one hand. “What are you doing here?”

  I smiled and walked up to the lectern, forcing Drake to step aside as I lowered the microphone to my level. It screeched with the movement, and once I was satisfied, I scanned the reporters who were watching, some gazing at me openmouthed as others whispered among themselves.

  “I apologize for the interruption.”

  Hundreds of lights flashed from cameras, making it hard for me to see. Louder chatter filled the room, but I needed to continue. I swallowed the lump in my throat and composed myself. I’d been rushing around, and was sure I was glistening from the fine sheen of sweat that covered my skin.

  “Hello. My name is Lucy Washburn. There have been questions about Senator Prescott’s dedication to his office because of me. I can’t and won’t stand idly by and let this man’s name be dragged through the mud because of me. He’s one of the best men I know, the best senator I’ve ever seen, and hopefully one day he’ll be the president of the United States.”

  I glanced at him before returning my attention to the audience, and caught the eye of the vile reporter from the National Reveal who had started this nonsense, making sure to emphasize my thoughts.

  “You’ve asked me questions and I’ve avoided them, but I had my reasons. But my reasons are selfish, and not good enough for Senator Prescott to continue with his speech as planned.”

  “Lucy . . .”

  I heard the concern as Drake said my name, but ignored him. “You see, he was going to come here today and renounce his candidacy.”

  The audience erupted into chaos. I held my hand up to try to mute the noise, but it didn’t work very well, so I just continued and raised my voice.

  “Not because he doesn’t want to serve the office, but to protect me.”

  I glanced at Drake and when our eyes met, he shook his head.

  Turning back to the microphone, I said, “You wanted to know my story, and I’m here to tell it. I want to put the mystery behind the mystery woman to rest. My name is Lucy Washburn, but that wasn’t the name I was born with . . .” With my heart in my throat, I told them the same story I’d told Drake and his family.

  The audience tittered as Drake placed his hand on my shoulder and gently tried to pull me back, but I remained rooted to my spot.

  When I glanced out to the crowd, and most of the women were nodding while the men remained impassive.

  I continued to block out the cameras and noise, taking comfort instead from the hand Drake rested on the small of my back.

  “When I told this wonderful man next to me my story, he didn’t judge me or feel sorry for me, he supported me because that’s what he does. That’s who he is. He fights for those who can’t fight for themselves. He’ll fight for you the same way
he fought for me, and that’s why I can’t let him go through with this.”

  After wetting lips that had suddenly gone dry, I said, “I studied education because it’s imperative to teach our youth the importance of knowing our past so they would be in a better position to shape our future. So that when they were old enough to vote, they’d be able to knowledgeably decide for themselves who is the best person for the position. And in this case, it’s Drake Prescott. I know his opponents will spin this and say it was all a media ploy, but I can assure you it’s not.”

  I turned toward Drake. “This country needs you. I need you. Please fight for not only those who don’t have a voice, but for your own voice to be heard.”

  Drake said my name, but I turned and leaned toward the microphone.

  “I don’t want to take more of your time because Senator Prescott still has an announcement to make. If any of you have questions for me, I’ll leave my contact information with the senator’s campaign manager.”

  After I had taken one last look at the crowd, I smiled. “Thank you for your time.”

  Reporters shouted out questions, but before I knew it, I was in Drake’s arms. Our embrace was tighter than it had ever been.

  “You didn’t have to do that,” he whispered into my hair.

  “Yes, I did. Please don’t go through with this. My past can’t be changed, but you can change the future. Don’t you see? People need you. I need you. You’re a great man, a selfless man, and we need more men like you. You’re a leader. Don’t follow the path of those who need to hurt others to gain what they want. Lead the way your parents taught you—by example. Be strong for those who are weak. Be you.”

  When he rested his forehead on mine, I added, “By the way, I kind of stole your brother’s car.” I leaned back and winked at him, and then kissed him on the cheek.

  Drake looked down and closed his eyes briefly. It was then I realized the room had gone silent. He looked up at me and smiled before he stepped in front of the lectern.

  “Now you can all see why I’m in love with her.” His dimple appeared, and there were a few laughs in the crowd.

  I made my way back to Mason, and he pulled me to his side and kissed my cheek. “You’re incredible.”

  “No,” I said as we both looked at Drake. “He is.”

  CHAPTER 22

  ~ Drake ~

  No one had ever made me feel as complete as Lucy did. Yes, my family was wonderful and loved me unconditionally, but the place Lucy held in my heart was reserved just for her. When she told me she’d stolen Jack’s car, I stifled a laugh. Granted, he had a small fleet, and each one cost more than I made in a year, but they were his babies. He was going to have a heart attack.

  After what Lucy did for me, there was no way I could renounce my candidacy. Not yet, anyway. But I needed to speak with her and make a decision because she was right. Politics was what I was meant to do, and it was my dream. I would have given it all up for her, but she didn’t want that. What she didn’t know and I hadn’t realized was that my dreams had changed.

  “Ladies and gentleman, I’m not prepared to continue at this point.” The crowd of reporters grumbled and some shouted questions at me anyway, but I spoke over them. “I’ll be making a formal statement by next Friday. Thank you for coming.”

  Ben, who had been waiting in the wings, walked up the steps and fielded general questions, usually responding, “No comment.”

  Lucy was still off to the side waiting for me, standing next to Mason. As I made my way toward her, I noticed small worry lines creasing her forehead.

  Mason smiled and extended his hand. “You’re a good man, Prescott.”

  We shook hands. “Thanks. You’re not too bad yourself. Lucy told me you’re moving. We’ll be sure to visit you.” Lucy looked curiously at me at that, and I pulled her to my side.

  Mason grinned at us. “Thanks. I’m going to take off now. I need to finish packing.”

  “You’re the best, Mace.” Lucy smiled back at him and watched a moment as he threaded his way out through the reporters. Then looking up at me, she asked, “Drake? Are you okay?”

  Her voice was like a warm blanket on a cold morning. And I hoped to be spending all my cold mornings here on out with her.

  “Yes. But I’d like you to come with me. There are some people I’d like you to meet.”

  “Okay, but I should probably return Jack’s car first.” Her rosy lips curved into a smile.

  “Probably. Do I want to know which car it was?”

  “The SL Roadster. It’s a great car,” she said, her eyes shining.

  I chuckled and gave her a squeeze. “Yes, and it’s his baby. Let’s get it back to him.”

  • • •

  After we dropped off Jack’s car and left him a note of thanks, she got in mine and we headed toward our destination. Curious, I asked, “How did you know about the press conference today?”

  “I read about it online,” she said, frowning at me. “I really wish you would have spoken to me about it first. You can’t give up on your dreams to protect me.”

  As we sat at a red light, I turned to take Lucy in. She had a renewed confidence about her, and wasn’t afraid or tense like she had been the past few days. Her entire body seemed relaxed, and I was relieved to see it.

  The light turned green, and I reached out to take her hand before I pressed the gas.

  “What you did today,” I said, “I was really trying to spare you getting hurt. But when I went online and read some of what was written, I couldn’t let it go on. You’ve worked too hard to put the past behind you. I’d feel horrible if you lost your job.” When she sucked in a breath, I gave her a sharp look. “What is it?”

  “A lot has happened in the past few hours,” she said, which was an understatement if I’d ever heard one. “I spoke to the school’s administrator and told him I was resigning.”

  I jerked my head her way, immediately feeling a pain in my chest. “What? Did he force you to do that? Let me talk to him.”

  “No. It was my decision. But I already have another job.”

  Rather than sounding depressed, she was the opposite. When I glanced back at her again, she was beaming.

  “Your brother Jack hired me. Isn’t that great?” A cute giggle escaped her. “I honestly think he made up the position, but I’m looking forward to it. Details still need to be discussed, but I’m excited.”

  Wow. I couldn’t believe the turnabout in her. I knew I loved Lucy’s strength, but the way she had adapted to the changes lately made me love her even more.

  Squeezing her hand, I said, “I’m proud of you.”

  “Thanks. I’m proud of myself too.”

  When we pulled into the parking lot of the veterans’ hospital a few minutes later, she gave me a curious look.

  “Come on,” I said. “There are some people I want you to meet.”

  After we said our hellos to the women at the reception desk and acquired our visitor badges, we made our way to the rec room, which was so bleak, it annoyed me. Some of the men and women had been here for months, and the drab gray walls were depressing.

  Three guys were playing cards on a small rolling table that had been pulled over one of the beds. Hand in hand, we walked up to them.

  “Gentleman, what is today’s game?” I looked down at the cards and smiled. “Ah . . . Gin.”

  “If it isn’t Drake Prescott himself.” Tommy, who had lost his lower left leg to a roadside bomb in Afghanistan, slowly got up to shake my hand. “Who is this beauty?” His eyes sparkled as he looked at Lucy.

  “This is Lucy, my girlfriend.” As he shook her hand, I said, “Lucy, this is Tommy. We went to high school together and planned on enlisting at the same time, but then I couldn’t go with him.”

  Lucy gave him a warm smile. “It’s nice to meet you. And thank you for your service.”

  Tommy nodded and tilted his head at me. “You got a great guy here.”

  “Yes, I do. Thank you.”
r />   He sat back down, and I introduced Lucy to Mick and John, who looked to be losing to Tommy.

  When the introductions were done, I said, “It’s good to see you all. I’m going to show Lucy around.”

  Mick waved. “See you soon, Prescott. Thanks for stopping by.”

  As we walked away, Lucy squeezed my hand. When I looked at her, she was wiping away a tear.

  “Are you okay?”

  “Yes, it’s just all so sad.” With concerned eyes, she scanned the room. “There are so many people here.”

  “There are, and I try to come as often as I can. Those men I introduced you to are my age. We most likely would have all been together, if I’d been able to enlist. They’re doing okay, given the circumstances. Mick lost his vision in one eye, and John, well, his story was sad. His PTSD was so bad, he had recurring nightmares. He’s here on a grant my family provided. Some thought he might need to be institutionalized, but he just needed to be near his men. He was a commander of a platoon, and only he and another soldier survived.”

  A sigh escaped her. “They should paint the walls yellow or something cheery.”

  I walked her away a few paces, near a small round table where some men were reading and others were just hanging out.

  “Earlier you said you didn’t want me to give up my dreams, but lately, I feel as if what I thought I wanted isn’t what I should be doing.”

  Her brows drew together as she peered up at me. “What are you saying? You don’t want to be in politics?”

  “I love my job, I do. But when I saw what it was doing to you, it forced me to look at the big picture. When I threw my hat into the political ring, I did it with the intention of helping people, being a voice for them and doing what’s best. But you and I both know I can only do so much. Yes, if I were president, I’d be able to do more, but I can do more now.”

  “Drake, what is it that you want to do?”

  “See these men and women? There are so many more like them. Most don’t have jobs once they leave here, and it’s hard for them to get back on their feet. Some have suffered severe trauma and have to reteach themselves how to read and write.”