The New Founders

by Joseph F. Connor

  Pepper stepped forward and addressed Murray face-to-face.

  “We have already put this plan in motion. We will secure the donor by tomorrow. And it will work.”

  The certitude with which Pepper spoke seemed to inspire the doubters and shocked Jack Murray. Mr. Washington took Murray aside in earshot of the rest of the men. He put his arm over Murray’s shoulder and leaned in.

  “My dear and trusted friend, the journey has begun. I need you to be part of the team. If you have faith and trust in me, we will reap the rewards and live to enjoy the fruits of our labor. Please trust in Providence.”

  As Murray and Mr. Washington stared at each other in silence, Anders once again decided to break it.

  “Who’s hungry? I’m hungry. How about we get room service and reconvene a little later. Don’t want to start the president’s candidacy on an empty stomach.”

  Murray, his glance momentarily distracted by Anders, looked back up at the father of our country. Mr. Washington’s look was fatherly and Murray seemed to embrace his message. He meekly nodded and asked for a menu.

  Chapter 15

  As was his habit, William Fredericks sat in near darkness, the only light visible coming from his laptop. He listened to talk radio WMAL while he prepared material for an upcoming week of shows. Sunday afternoons and evenings were especially informative as back-up conservative talk show host wannabes generally regurgitated the ideas of their weekday counterparts. William learned he could tune in for a few hours each Sunday, listen to a summary of the enemy’s talking points and prepare his venomous refutations.

  While finishing his second drink of the afternoon, he scanned a story in the New York Times about one of the so-called conservative candidate’s failure to pay his taxes. William quickly bored of the story and turned his ear toward the radio. The station’s four o’clock news report grabbed his attention. An unidentified man caused quite a commotion earlier in the day on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. The stranger recited Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and Second Inaugural Speech and followed that up with commentary describing each speech’s relationship with the founding fathers and today’s America.

  “The audacity, please,” said William out loud to nobody.

  “How ridiculous for a cur like that to relate ancient history to our modern times.”

  Fredericks laughed at his own comment. He could not believe that this right wing station was so desperate for ratings that it would chose to air the mad rants of some random deranged man and try to pass it off as actual news. He thought that kind of reporting was limited to The Daily Show or The Colbert Report, comedy shows that the public mistook for real news. He thought this nut job’s incoherent diatribe would make good copy for his Monday viewers, so he googled the story, hoping to find some video fodder for his show.

  As the video buffered, WMAL played an audio clip.

  “These United States were founded on individual liberty, the unequivocal principle that our rights are granted directly from God our creator and that we as Americans are free to attain individual property, the fruits of our labor and pursue our individual happiness.”

  Fredericks scoffed at the reference to God, yet continued to intently listen to the distinguished southern voice.

  While clearly a Virginia or Maryland sound, William thought the voice had an air of elegance to it, something he was not accustomed to hearing from the right side of the political spectrum. The dignified man sounded as if he spoke the Queen’s English as he described the framers’ design of the United States Constitution to align individual success with the nation’s success.

  William figured this mystery man was destined to lose his audience when he quoted Adam Smith and the notion of the “Invisible Hand.” The right wing fools were not intelligent enough to understand the passage, which stated that by perusing one’s own interests, man frequently promotes that of the society more effectually than when he really intends to promote it.

  William did a classic double take when the unknown orator expounded that in the parlance of today, that would mean the citizenry and (not the government) knew what was best for the people and the most efficient means to achieve their own happiness.

  Then the stranger delivered a message that made Fredericks motionlessly take note.

  “If the people were left alone to pursue their goals, the nation like a mighty ship would rise by the high tide of her elevated citizenry.”

  The blood drained from Fredericks’ face. His stomach suddenly cramped and his head spun almost involuntarily toward the radio upon hearing these words. This unknown had actually coherently articulated conservative philosophy, misguided though it was, in a clear, direct language that might just resonate with the people.

  It wasn’t just the words spoken but the way they were delivered that sent chills up and down Fredericks’ spine. His thought was immediately confirmed by the spontaneous cheering of the enthusiastic crowd and the return of this charismatic stranger’s voice.

  The voice emanating from the radio told how Lincoln understood the principles of the country’s founding as explained in the Gettysburg address; Honest Abe sacrificed his own life fighting to keep the nation together and ensure the founding fathers’ guarantee of equality.

  Who was this man? Fredericks asked aloud. Who was this person that so eloquently connected the founders and Lincoln to modern times?

  In Fredericks’ mind, this dangerous man at the Lincoln Memorial clearly articulated that, as owners of those enslaved, the founders understood that their words were in competition with their actions. He made the case that absolute abolition would have meant no agreement among the individual states in Philadelphia, no United States of America, and therefore no foreseeable opportunity for emancipation.

  The speaker had logically connected George Washington’s words from his farewell address to the recent fervor over the president’s unjustified warning to the Supreme Court about the constitutionality of his healthcare mandate.

  The slightly built Fredericks wiggled in his chair and shook his head to himself as he turned up the volume dial.

  “This guy is good. Who the hell is he?”

  The stranger’s voice rang clear when he said that if, in the opinion of the people, the distribution or modification of the constitutional powers be wrong, let it be corrected by an amendment in the way which the Constitution designates.

  For the first time in a while, Fredericks was stunned. He had to see this guy. He finally downloaded the full YouTube video on his laptop and studied the grainy images of the impressive man. He was obviously tall, purposeful, confident, and blessed with a classical articulation. He was also not alone.

  While the video showed hundreds of people up and down the steps, Fredericks noticed a small group of three or four men to the stranger’s right side. Each hung on his every word like the rest of the crowd but something about them seemed different. If Fredericks didn’t know better, he would have thought these well-dressed men were secret service agents. After all, they maintained serious and protective facial expressions throughout the speech.

  As the camera panned the group, Fredericks paused and with a nervous smile focused on one of these men in particular. Though wearing dark sunglasses and a black baseball cap pulled low over his eyes, Fredericks was sure he knew who it was. But what was Anders doing there? How did he fit into this? And why didn’t anybody notice him? He had to find out.

  Fredericks paused and zoomed in on the speaker’s face, frozen like a portrait. Fredericks studied the pronounced, somehow familiar features on the stranger’s face and was drawn to his fixed, steely blue eyes. William Fredericks had a funny feeling that he would soon cross paths with this formidable adversary. He just wondered what the voices were going to want him to do about it.

  Chapter 16

  The afternoon consisted of continuous discussion and room service that was the equivalent of a banquet feast. Murray and Jenson sat on the couch in Josh Anders’ suite, wondering to each other if there w
as a morsel of food on the menu that Pepper had not ordered. Jenson joined them in a semi food coma as they tried to prepare their next steps.

  The late lunch even left Hahn speechless as he lounged across an easy chair and stared out the window toward the White House. Pepper quietly typed on his laptop at the dining room table while Anders excused himself to the bedroom, cell phone perpetually attached to his right ear, deep in conversation.

  Mr. Washington, recovering from a long overdue trip to the dentist, devoured his daily requirement of ten newspapers while seated in front of the television, his right leg crossed over his left. He held an ice pack to his cheek as he tried to relax in front of a political talk show. However, the host of this particular program rubbed Mr. Washington wrong.

  The Novocain had just worn off allowing Mr. Washington to speak coherently again.

  “Who is this haughty man, so full of himself to speak in such a condescending manner?”

  Mr. Washington had discovered The World Today and its blustery and pompous host, William Fredericks. The General was intrigued. George’s question went unanswered and he looked to the trio on the couch and asked again. His Virginian brothers were about to nod off while Hahn continued to gaze out the window. He blurted only Fredericks’ name to his new boss.

  Mr. Washington was surprised at the indifference in his trusted advisor’s voice and did not expand on his question. He instead focused on the program, anxious to listen to the host’s next words. He watched the rest of the show alone with his thoughts. He understood that if he were to go through with these presidential aspirations, his path would cross Mr. Fredericks’ at some point in the future. Unlike many of the candidates of the day, Mr. Washington looked forward to that encounter.

  The rest of the late afternoon and early evening found the men scurrying about, going from suite to suite, making small talk, reading newspapers, and scanning the internet on their computers and iPads. Mr. Washington was fascinated by the remote control, the number of television programs, and only left the TV for a bathroom break. Bill Pepper warned the first president that the apparatus was commonly known as an idiot box and that one should not watch too much of it. Mr. Washington smiled.

  “I am not worried about that, my good man. At my advanced age and my lack of exposure to this invention, I have a lot of catching up to do.”

  At once, the General turned back toward the screen to view himself in an unsteady video, taken the previous day during his Lincoln Memorial speech. He pointed toward the television as the rest of the group tilted their heads to get a better view. Mr. Washington grinned with satisfaction at the sound of his voice and his stature among his fellow citizens.

  “I’ve never heard or seen myself speak. It is quite unusual and exhilarating at the same time.”

  Murray realized that was true. It dawned on all of them that they too had never seen George Washington himself speak on an audio or videotape. The elation of the moment was not limited to just the Father of our country. The men looked pleased that he was already getting network coverage. Jenson let the room know that the first president had gone viral. George had never heard the word viral before, but recognizing the root of the word “virus” (which in his day was synonymous with poison), objected to its use. The men smiled as Jenson explained the twenty-first century meaning of viral, thus assuring George there was nothing poisonous about him, except perhaps to his political rivals.

  Anders had reentered the dining area and sat at the table. He immediately delved into deep conversation with Pepper. Jenson hovered above them listening. Mr. Washington, his curiosity getting the best of him, rose and walked to the table. He asked if he could join them.

  “Of course Mr. President, by all means,” answered Anders as he pulled a chair out for the candidate. Anders mentioned that Bill had a good idea and wanted to share it with the team. Mr. Washington gave him the floor.

  “Mr. President, we’re pretty much cooped up in this hotel room. It’s tough for us to go anywhere or do anything now that your speech is out there for all to see. Anders is getting calls from his friends and political buddies about the video, all of them asking who that stranger was. We have to be proactive now and seize the moment before George’s fifteen minutes of fame run out. Besides, if we stay here, we’re bound to be found out, by a maid or a busboy or a front desk girl with a big mouth.”

  “So what I suggested to Anders is that we get out of town and get a secluded house so we can have some privacy and come and go as we please. I have a business contact who agreed to let us use his fully furnished house for as long as we need it, no questions asked.”

  All eyes were on Mr. Washington as he pondered the thought. He slowly nodded his head in agreement.

  “That is a paramount idea. The stale air of being indoors was starting to get to me. It will be good to get out in the fresh air again. Where is this house you speak of and how far a ride do you predict?”

  The men at the table looked at each other with grins.

  Jenson responded that the house was near Washington’s Mount Vernon estate and that they would head there first thing in the morning.

  Mr. Washington’s eyes opened wide at the answer. He could not conceal his pleasure and beamed a grin once again.

  “I was afraid to inquire. Are my land and home still in existence?”

  Murray had wandered over to the table and replied in the affirmative, noting that his son’s class had visited the estate on a trip this past spring.

  “I got to go as a chaperone. I imagine it’s as beautiful as you left it. Only a half an hour from here.”

  Mr. Washington excused himself. He was still not accustomed to the ease and speed of travel by automobile. He explained that it was a four hour trip by horse and carriage, not including the ferry ride across the Potomac River.

  “Don’t worry sir, I will pay the toll,” joked Pepper as everybody let out a big laugh. Mr. Washington laughed along with the men as he stood up before them.

  Walking to his bedroom to watch some more television, Mr. Washington thanked the men for their choice of destination and touchingly said that he would dream of his return to Mount Vernon. Before Mr. Washington could make his way into the bedroom, Pepper grabbed his forearm and asked for a word in private. The men made their way to the sitting area outside Mr. Washington’s bedroom.

  “Mr. President, we have an identity donor and he lives nearby. We would like to arrange for you to meet with him in the coming days. His name is Frank Walters and he is very sick.”

  The father of our country asked Pepper if this man was an honorable one. Pepper responded that he would not have been chosen if he were otherwise. Mr. Washington nodded his approval, saying that he looked forward to meeting him. Pepper continued. “Anders and I spoke about this a few minutes ago. As soon as you go to bed, I will inform the team. You may want to get used to referring to yourself as Frank or Mr. Walters.”

  Mr. Washington, agreeing with the last suggestion, marched to his bedroom. The rest of the men watched in silence as the bedroom door closed behind Mr. Washington. Murray offered a summation of what had just transpired.

  “He’s blessed? I think it’s us that are blessed; should be an interesting morning.”

  Murray followed Mr. Washington’s lead and went to his room to call home.

  Tuesday morning was uneventful. Everybody was up early in anticipation of the trip to their new confines. Room service breakfast arrived early and they trickled into the Anders suite to partake in coffee, eggs, bacon and croissants. Mr. Washington was among the first to arrive and poured a tall cup of black coffee as he pondered the thought of possibly seeing his old estate on the river and the sprawling lawns that led to his home. He packed his belongings as soon as he woke and sat in quiet anticipation as he watched the men go to and fro. As usual, Anders was glued to his cell phone as the rest of the team picked at the buffet. Pepper entered the suite.

  “Guys, just want to give you the plan for the morning. We have two limos waiting i
n the underground garage of hotel. I would like to leave in twenty minutes. We’ll take the elevator down to the garage and go straight into the cars. This will ensure secrecy. Once we’re in the cars, we’ll be fine.”

  The new founders nodded as they noshed on their breakfast. Mr. Washington also nodded in agreement as he opened a copy of the Washington Post that Pepper handed to him upon entering the room. The silent okay was good enough for Pepper. He joined the team at the table and poured himself a cup of java.

  The team was out the door and down the elevator in no time flat. As the elevator doors opened in the parking garage, the men made a beeline for the cars, threw their bags and suitcases in the trunk and piled in without hesitation. Unlike the trip from Philadelphia, Anders decided to ride with Pepper, leaving the other three men to accompany Mr. Washington home. Neither Anders nor Mr. Washington disputed the arrangement as the cars exited the hotel in haste.

  As the cars made their way south past the Washington Monument toward the bridge to Virginia, the General took in the sights. It was early and the sun’s rays peaked over and through the buildings. People hurried along to their destinations as rush hour commenced. The first president got a dose of this as the cars approached the river. The limos idled as traffic backed up through the intersection ahead.

  Murray sat quietly next to Mr. Washington. He looked at Hahn and Jenson sitting across from him. He could not help but notice that Jenson had become one of Anders’ newest confidants, almost a go-to guy for commentary. And there was no doubt that Hahn had the president’s ear, a fact not lost on the rest of the group, either. In the short time together, Mr. Washington must have pulled Hahn off to the side for private conversations at least half a dozen times.