Room 702

by Benjamin, Ann

“My lawyer agreed?”

  “He did.” Angel grits her teeth and says, “You have the rights to approve the final draft.”

  Ken signs with a flourish and Angel breathes another sigh of relief. At any moment, she expects her interviewee to get up and leave the room. “Then let’s get started.” Angel picks up her iPhone and the digital tape recorder and presses record on both devices, asks, “Can we begin?”

  He takes a sip of his coffee and nods.

  Hoping she sounds professional, Angel asks, “Can you please, for the record state your name and the date?”

  “I am Karl Simpson and today is September 29th.”

  “What is your current job?”

  “I am the campaign advisor for Reginald Hartley.”

  “What do you want to tell the public in the state of California?”

  “I would like to go on record by stating that Reginald Hartley has been stealing from the campaign funds and using them for personal gain.”

  “Mr. Simpson, you are aware these allegations are bold and not to be taken lightly. Do you have evidence to support what you’ve said?”

  “Absolutely. I’ve recently come across bank statements which clearly show the movement of funds from the main campaign fund account to one of his personal accounts. I’m prepared to share these details with appropriate authorities if necessary.”

  “How much money was moved between accounts?” Angel hopes the number is significant. If the funds are not in the tens of thousands, she doubts people will even care. In a political landscape where secret gay lovers and picture of genitals seem to be in the press on a weekly basis, Angel is cautiously optimistic.

  “Close to five million dollars has been moved. I have copies of the bank statements.”

  “Have you approached Mr. Hartley to ask him why the transfer was made?”

  “I did. In an e-mail, which I can provide, I asked him why he moved the money, and his response was that ‘it must be a bank error.’ Furthermore, when I approached our director of campaign finance, the woman who actually releases money from the account, she disavowed any knowledge of Mr. Hartley’s order.”

  “What date did this transfer of funds take place?”

  “Around September 1st.”

  As much as she’s prepared for this interview, the date instantly connects in Angel’s mind. She taps a finger on her lips and asks, “Is that or is that not around the date you announced your engagement to Mr. Hartley’s daughter, Rachel?”

  “It was.”

  “Do you think the two are connected?”

  “I’m not sure.”

  “What do you think the money is for?”

  “I have no idea, but it is not his money.”

  “Have you approached your fiancé about the subject?”

  “Not yet.”

  “But you’ve approached her father?”

  “Yes. I believe my roles here are separate. I can equally be Rachel’s fiancé without letting our relationship interfere with my job.”

  “What do you intend to do with this allegation?”

  “I am reporting what he’s done.” Karl looks confused at the question.

  “Yes, you are, but not to the police or any official government committee that might want to prosecute Mr. Hartley’s actions.”

  “How he is charged is not my decision to make. I consider myself a public servant and I’ve chosen this way of bringing the story to the public.”

  Angel leans back and turns off both of the recorders. Sensing there’s something else going on behind the scenes, she asks, “What’s your angle in all this?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Are you hoping to take down Hartley and step into his place?”

  “No, and how dare you insinuate that’s why I’ve come to you?”

  Angel decides to push the envelope, and says, “I’m not unfamiliar with the political scene in this state, Mr. Simpson. Furthermore, I’m aware of timelines in consideration. We both know Mr. Hartley is far ahead of any competitors, so, I’m going to ask again, how do you expect to benefit from this accusation?”

  “I’m not here today to discuss my future, I’m here to talk about Mr. Hartley.”

  Angel looks over the man in front of her. While Mr. Hartley is distinguished and powerful, Karl Simpson is handsome, young and perfectly conservative. At this point, she wouldn’t doubt if his recent engagement was also on a well planned timeline. Activating both devices again, she asks, “And if those in the party decide you are the best person to take his place should he decide to step down? What would your response be?”

  “I’m not going to answer a hypothetical question. There are too many mitigating factors I would need to account.”

  Lying through your teeth, Angel thinks to herself. Trying to keep her body language neutral, she keeps her hands folded on her knee and asks, “What do you think your fiancé would say if she knew you were talking to me?”

  “Rachel Hartley is a young woman with a lot of integrity. She is also someone familiar with politics. I think she would understand what I’m doing.”

  “And if her father sees jail time as a result of this conversation?”

  “Listen, I’m almost entirely sure Reginald will be willing to return the funds and as long as he does that, no law will be broken, except the trust with those who have supported him.”

  Realizing there was a connection between Hartley, his daughter and the man in front of her, but without extra time, Angel can’t decide who is playing who. Trying to buy herself some further time, she asks, “Do you have any idea what he might want to use these funds for?”

  “No, and before you ask, he wouldn’t tell me.”

  “Do you find that strange?”

  “How so?”

  “The campaign advisor is one of the closest people in an organization to the candidate, correct?”

  “Yes.”

  “And you’ve been with Mr. Hartley for the past eighteen months, yes?”

  “It is public knowledge I was brought on to run his re-election campaign.”

  “And were you acquainted with Mr. Hartley prior to being hired by him?”

  “Yes.”

  “So, how long have you had a relationship with Mr. Hartley?”

  “We first met when he came to speak at a College Republicans meeting and since then he’s acted as a mentor to me.”

  “And after all he’s given you, you’re going to throw him under the proverbial bus?”

  If Karl is affected by the accusation, he doesn’t show it. He answers smoothly, “He’s never broken the people’s trust before.”

  “To your knowledge.”

  “I can’t know everything, Ms. Lee.”

  “No one is asking you to, I’m only bringing up what questions people will inevitably ask.”

  “I don’t need to explain what I can’t know. Let them question. I have nothing to hide here.”

  “Another question people will want to know, is, why do you think Mr. Hartley made this transaction if he knew you were going to find out about it?”

  “Maybe he thought I would look the other way.”

  “Maybe.”

  “When will this go to press?”

  Angel thinks this query is a strange direction for the interview to go, but answers, “Once I’ve transcribed the interview, and you’ve sent me documentation of your accusations and I receive your approval, then I’d say a week to ten days.”

  “What publication?”

  Angel works freelance, but knows a junior editor at the Los Angeles Times. If this story works out like she wants it to, she hopes her pitch will land her a front page by line above the fold on a Sunday. She answers, “Most likely the Los Angeles Times. I’m also debating going directly to one of the powerhouse blog sites. However, I’m not sure if they’d take it though, this article might be too regional them.”

  “Seriously? Even with his daughter, ahem, my fiancé?”<
br />
  Rachel Hartley is the ongoing source of constant national interest. Her mother had been a well-known actress before dying of breast cancer after a very public battle with the disease when Rachel was only five years old. People have watched her grow up and have a strange parental interest in the motherless young woman.

  She asks, “Why should they? He’s a congressman from a staunchly conservative district in Orange County. His ‘borrowing’ from campaign funds is not going to stop people from going about their day to day business.”

  “Everyone knows he’s getting ready for something bigger.”

  “Really? Which role?” Angel’s heard rumors and would love a bonus scoop for her article.

  “I don’t know, Governor, Senator…” Karl answers vaguely, letting his voice trail away.

  “President?”

  “Doubtful.”

  “So, I’ll ask again – why are you doing this now?”

  “Integrity is my priority.”

  “Testing out campaign slogans already?”

  Karl gets up and says, “I don’t have to be a part of this.”

  “I know you don’t, but here you are and we’re going to finish.” Amazingly, he sits down, and Angel asks, “You realize I’m going to have to go to Mr. Hartley and give him a chance for rebuttal and to explain himself, right?”

  “Of course.”

  “While I will not reveal you as a source, I’m sure he is going to start asking around in his organization to figure out where the leak is. Are you prepared for this?”

  “Don’t worry, I’m perfectly capable of handling my own business.”

  “When I ask him for a comment about the accusations, what do you think his response will be?”

  “He’ll deny it.”

  “While I’m putting the article together and trying to get in touch with Mr. Hartley, I want you to think about what you’re about to do. I know this may sound obvious, but once the articles published, it cannot be undone.”

  “I’m aware.” Rising and buttoning his suit coat, he asks, “Are we done here?”

  “Yes, I’ll let you know if I have any follow up questions.”

  “Thank you.”

  Karl leaves and Angel has the distinct and bitter feeling she’s been used. Of course, she knows she’s being hypocritical, because as much as Karl might be using her, she’s using him to forward her career. Being the one to break as big a story as this will show everyone she’s not afraid of getting her hands dirty.

  Opening her laptop, she cracks her knuckles, rewinds the tape player and begins transcribing their conversation.

  CHAPTER SIXTY-ONE

  October 4, 3:15 P.M

  “So, Oscar, you’ve been seeing me for the better part of this year, right?”

  “Yes.”

  “And how do you feel about the progress you’ve made in that time?”

  “Good.”

  Nancy lifts an eyebrow and says, “Just ‘good?’”

  “Fine, Doc, I think I’ve come a long way.”

  “I think you have too.”

  “But I still have a ways to go.”

  “I told you at the beginning this could be a long process, but I’m glad you’ve taken this seriously. Your commitment means a lot to me.”

  “Thanks.”

  “So, how did your surprise for Dani go?”

  Oscar gives a broad, multi-million dollar smile and says, “Very well.”

  “The new guy?”

  “He’s alright.”

  “Your parents?”

  Oscar sighs and says, “Them.”

  “What’s the latest?”

  “I have been trying not to focus on them as much. I know they don’t deserve my energy.”

  “Have you felt any significant impact from acting this way?”

  “It still makes me sad to think about.”

  “Do you feel any less alone?”

  “Some days are good. Some days I still feel like, ‘what’s the point?’ ‘Am I ever going to feel differently?’”

  “Have you talked to Dani about your feelings?”

  “No. I really think this is something I need to work out on my own. Plus, if I told her, she would probably just blame herself.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes, and I know it has nothing to do with her. I just wish I could wake up one day and feel normal.”

  “You’ll get there, Oscar. It takes time.”

  “I know.” He changes the subject, “Anyway, we invited my parents out for Thanksgiving. And before you say anything, it was all Dani’s idea. She seems to think we need to make peace before we have a baby.”

  “How do you feel about them joining you?”

  “They haven’t committed to anything yet.”

  “Oh.”

  “It’s how they operate. They always wait until the last possible moment.”

  “What about earlier this year?”

  “Whenever I buy them a ticket, they feel guilty if they don’t use it, but I feel like I’m forcing them. For once, I’d like for them to even appear as if they want to come see me.”

  “So, by them not officially committing to your invitation…”

  “…it’s just another way they hold control,” Oscar finishes the thought.

  “Exactly.”

  “Have you been firm with them? Asked them you need a specific commitment?”

  “Not yet.”

  “Oscar, you and I both know one of two things is going to happen. Either they are going to show up or they are not.”

  “I know.”

  “You’ve extended an invitation, which is much as you can do. How they choose to receive the invite or what excuses they come up with have nothing to do with you.”

  “I get it.”

  “What about Dani’s parents?”

  “They’re coming. In fact, we bought their tickets last month.”

  “Well, then if your parents don’t come, at least you’ll have something else to look forward to.”

  “I will.”

  “Oscar, in the spirit of facing your fears, I want to ask you something.”

  “Go ahead.”

  “This time next year, there is a very real possibility you will be a father.”

  Oscar blinks a few times and says, “I hadn’t ever thought about it like that.”

  “What changes would you like to make between now and then? What is the future Oscar doing that you’re not doing now?”

  Oscar ponders the question a moment and answers, “He’s a more attentive husband and he’s made peace with his parents relationship.”

  “Is he alone?”

  Oscar closes his eyes and says, “No. He has a healthy son or daughter.”

  CHAPTER SIXTY-TWO

  October 10, 3:30 P.M.

  Although the Winchester does not necessarily market itself as a family hotel, as they do not consistently run at capacity during weekdays, the property is in no position to turn away a paying customer. Furthermore, when eleven-months old Rose Stewart checks in with her moms, she immediately won over the chic front desk staff. So much so that the front desk manager gave the obviously exhausted couple a free upgrade to the suite.

  With the help of the bellman, Chad wheels in their luggage and baby accoutrement into the room. Alejandra tips the young man and then she and Leslie look around at the space. This trip is the first they’ve made since Rose was born nearly a year ago. As part of a year round school district, Leslie, an elementary art school teacher, also had the week of Columbus Day off. As Alejandra had a meeting come up in L.A., they had decided to take advantage of the three-day weekend.

  Unbuckling Rose from her stroller, Leslie asks, “Maybe you should go through quickly and try to baby proof this place? You know how she’s been.”

  Rose has recently learned to pull herself up and now prefers to move around by balancing herself on any available object that is remotely near her or
her height. Alejandra tries her best to move things out of Rose’s reach and finishes assembling her travel crib. Dusting her hands, Alejandra says, “Okay, looks like we’re ready.”

  “Yeah and so is she – I think it’s your turn for diaper duty.”

  Alejandra breathes out. The flight from Denver was a relatively easy one with minimal fussing from their daughter, so she counts them lucky. Easily plucking her daughter up, Alejandra grabs the diaper bag and takes their squiggling daughter into the bathroom. Not seeing anything that resembles a changing table, she unrolls a padded cloth on the floor, and starts to get to business.

  In the lounge, Leslie walks around the room, taking in the perfect space. While she does keep a clean house, nothing can compare to the pristine area around her. More than anything, she wants to relax and sink into the oversized bed. Unfortunately, she needs to unpack a few things before that happens. By the time she’s unloaded and put things away, Alejandra appears out of the bathroom.

  “So,” Leslie asks, “with the time change, is she at all close to a nap?”

  “I don’t know. We were up so early for the flight, I thought Rosie would be exhausted by now. I sure am.”

  “Maybe she knows she’s going to Disneyland tomorrow.”

  “Shh!” Alejandra puts her hands over their daughter’s ears. “It’s supposed to be a surprise!”

  Since her six-month birthday, their daughter has shown an indescribable attachment to Minnie Mouse. Although it’s probably impossible that Rose will remember this outing, her parents want to indulge their offspring.

  “Well, since she’s going to need her energy for the happiest place on earth, I’m going to try and get her to sleep.”

  “And then? Seems a shame to waste such a nice room.” Alejandra lifts her eyebrows suggestively.

  Not feeling particularly romantic after staying up all night packing, Leslie suppresses a sigh and says, “We’ll see.”

  “Anyway, I don’t know about you, but I would also enjoy some time to sleep in that amazing bed.”

  “While you do that, I think I might enjoy a bath. From what I can tell, it looked incredible.”

  “Take your time.”

  Alejandra goes into the bath and turns on the tap, allowing the hot water to fill the tub. Settling in, among the lavender scented bubbles, she thinks to herself just how lucky she is. That she has found a wonderful person to share her life with and they are raising a beautiful daughter together. Sighing, she knows there is just one thing that would make her life even more perfect.