by Greg Sandora
I’ve got to stop over thinking this, she’ll be here, and this will be over. I try not to but I allow my eyes to move towards the front of the house to check for her again.
“Jack, can I talk to you for a minute?” Lisa said coming out to the porch. Kathy sent me out with a cup of coffee for you. The press conference isn’t scheduled until nine o’clock, so I thought we could go over a few things. Is there anything pressing when I’m in Washington covering for Sandy the next couple of weeks?”
“You know I asked Bill’s son Steve to meet you at the office on Monday; he’s going to be your assistant for the rest of the campaign.”
“I heard, and I know what you’re trying to do, Jack.”
Lisa wasn’t the type to forget our bargain, and I doubt the thought of it ever left her mind.
“Well, he’s interested in working in politics, and what better chance than to jump into the Big Game? I told him you’re the best in the business and that he’s going to learn a lot from you.”
“Is that all, Jack, or did you have something more in mind?”
“You mean—the fact that he’s your age, a rugged adventurer and you just happen to adore his dad?”
“I think that basically covers it. Jack, I appreciate what you’re trying to do for me, but I feel a little strange using work to meet a guy. Isn’t that like really against the rules?”
“Sit down, Honey.”
We both sat on an old porch style couch that was facing the lake. The two of us sunk deep into the soft cushions covered in a tan blanket we used for naps. This was one of my favorite spots in the house. The porch had a great view of the lake and the lawn that sloped about 100 feet to the water. The grass was covered now by a fresh inch of powder, and the dock and Adirondacks were long put away for winter. I pulled her close to me with my arm around her upper shoulder. The position felt awkward, the way you might hold someone on your first date at a movie. She didn’t seem to mind, so I figured it must be me. Her head was angled towards my face, so close I could feel her breath on my neck.
Meeting her eyes, “Honey, there are no rules for us. We’ll do as we like. Very soon it will be us making those laws you’re thinking about.”
“Jack, you can’t be serious?”
“Lisa, the only laws that matter are God’s. When we’re in power, our only responsibility is not to break those. The rules you’re talking about are man made conveniences so people don’t kill each other. Just think of all the nonsensical laws that have been made only to be changed afterward. Prohibition, the right to vote, segregation, slavery, we could go on and on. Man’s rules we can break. In fact, Honey, good people are often hurt by those who haven’t got the guts to bend the rules.”
Her mind moved to something else, “You didn’t want Steve to see Daphne first did you, and you waited for Sandy to be out of the office, too?”
“Honey, you’re over thinking this.”
“Admit it, Jack. I’m right.”
“It’s not that I didn’t think he’d fall head over heels for you. I mean, he just got off base camp at Everest and he’s feeling vulnerable because he couldn’t make the final climb.”
“You’ve got this all figured out, don’t you, Jack? Tell me I’m right, though.”
“You know you’re right, but you don’t understand a man’s mind. He’s going to love you, Honey, but you’ve got to get him committed. Before he meets Sandy and especially Daphne, so he doesn’t get confused.”
“Confused, are all men confused, Jack? Has that been my problem?”
“Lisa, listen. During the two weeks you’re with him alone, you let him slowly take possession of you.”
“How do I do that?”
“Honey, I want you to call Jean-Claude and have him help you get yourself together for this.”
I wanted to tell her myself exactly what she needed to do, but I couldn’t bring myself to say the words. I would get Jean-Claude to do it.
“Men are visual, so have Jean-Claude get you into something. I’ll call him and give him some ideas, but you have to trust me. I don’t want to tell you now ‘cause it’s embarrassing.”
“What do you mean, Jack?”
“Let’s just say I’m gonna have him leave nothing on the table.”
“Do you want me to dress like a slut at the office?”
“Not at all, Honey. You’re beautiful. Think business but borderline. Just promise me.”
“Promise what?”
“Just don’t act interested.”
Lisa had a look like she knew this was right. “Okay, Jack. Whatever. I’m going to call you if I need any pointers when you’re on the road, okay?”
“Sure, I’m sending the buses on to Michigan, then I’ll be heading there. We’re gonna send Griffin to Arizona. They love her there anyway.”
“That’s convenient.”
“I think I’m going to like this tag team. I’m not in love with the campaigning.”
“So basically you want me to get all dolled up and act like I don’t like him, and you’re trying to keep him away from Sandy and Daphne til he buys.”
“Sweet stuff, if this works out he will claim you for himself, and then it doesn’t matter who he meets.”
“You’re kidding. That’s how it works?”
“Yes. I’m not fooling around; you asked for my help, and I’m delivering.”
Just then, I heard the thud of a heavy car door slam shut. I turned and looked out the window towards the front of the house. My heart raced a little. There she stood next to a Texas-sized black limousine, the Governor.
Staring out, I said, “She’s here, Lisa, she’s going through with it.”
“Jack, I sense you’re a little uncomfortable with Griffin. You can’t let the public see that.” Lisa moved effortlessly into her work mode.
“It shows, huh?”
“Yes, she’s part of the brand now. You’ve got to welcome her with open arms, and it can’t be contrived.”
“That’s going to take some doing.”
“Just treat her like you do us. Jack, if she believes the whole country will believe.”
“You’re right, this Presidency will be big enough to include her.”
“Think Clinton- Gore Jack. Even the wives were dancing like sorority sisters on stage at the convention. The whole country was excited, but after the election when the dust had settled, Gore took a back seat. Griffin will do the same. Just make her feel really welcome.”
At that moment, I was so grateful to have someone like Lisa in my life. I just hugged her for what seemed like a solid minute. We finally got to share the feelings of tenderness between us. Holding her, I felt deep pangs of emotion flowing through me. I loved this girl.
When I pulled back enough to peer deep into her eyes, I told her, “Honey, you’re pretty and smart.”
She didn’t speak, but her lip quivered and she welled up.
“Lisa, there’s something I wanted to tell you before you go run the office next week.”
“What, Jack?”
“I want you to be my Press Secretary when we win the White House.” The tears just poured, “That’s good news isn’t it?”
All Lisa could do was quickly nod her head up and down.
Finally she spoke, “Jack?”
“What is it, Honey?”
“In my whole life I’ve never felt as safe as just now in your arms.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
“In my wildest imagination, I would never have thought it was this bad up here.”
“It’s a crime that things would be allowed to get like this.” Bud was angry, he hated to see Americans living this way.
We were in Michigan having our regular morning meeting but without Lisa. The buses were parked at the far end of a Lowes parking lot in Ann Arbor. Our official plans took us all the way up to Saginaw via I-75. We planned a mid-day stop in Flint in time for the national news broadcasts to pick us up.
Bill said, “People are sheltered in Washington;
unless you’re campaigning you don’t get to see the country like this.”
“The folks up here are hurting. Is it any wonder with all the closed factories?” Bud added.
“The crowds have been huge, Jack; you can focus on something positive. Your presidency will be able to help these people.” Bill said.
It’s true that we had drawn record crowds, but I thought the people were drawn to us out of desperation. This state which had some of the finest natural resources in the world had been so blighted you could actually read it on the faces.
“I miss having my little sweetheart along. Have either of you spoken to Lisa today?”
“I spoke to her around six in the afternoon yesterday. She was just finishing up at the office, said she had a date or something,” Bud answered blithely not realizing that’s exactly what I wanted to hear.
“I didn’t speak directly to Lisa, but I did talk to my son. He told me that he and Lisa have been out together every night this week.”
“That’s amazing, I was hoping they’d hit it off. She’s such a special girl, Bill, and loves you to death. How many fathers in law start off as well?”
“Jack, I’m thrilled that Steve cares for her; it’s been like a whirlwind. He told me he just fell head over heels.”
“That’s great! It’s all in the timing, Bill. They’re both ready for a relationship.”
Bud was becoming a bit impatient, “Jack, I know this is a sensitive subject, but I wanted to broach it this morning before we go out today.”
“Bud, lighten up. You can’t even enjoy talking about the kids for a minute.”
Bill laughed, “Bud has a two-track mind, and it’s all politics or Jackie. He doesn’t want to talk about anything else."
“Well, I’ve got news for both of you. After our stop in Saginaw, I’m going to take one of the cars and sneak off to Bay City. I want to get a look at Lake Huron while I’m up here. Either of you want to join me? Who knows when we’ll be back this way again?!”
“Jack, I was serious before. I wanted to ask you not to bring up the idea about state-sponsored factories,” Bud had a grave look of concern over his furrowed brows.
“Why not, Bud, the crowds love it?”
I knew to lay off anything that reeked of socialism, but I was having too much fun with him to stop.
“Jack, Barker will use it against you in the fall. What plays in Ann Arbor may not go over in all those Red States.” Bud stated his case.
“That’s what your old girlfriend’s for, Bud.”
“Please, Jack. Promise me you’ll restrain yourself.”
“Bud, you don’t know what it’s like in front of the bigger crowds, it’s like—euphoria comes over me, and I can’t seem to help myself.” I began making circles in the air with my hands.
“Okay, Jack, you’re funny.”
The three of us broke out laughing.
“What else could three guys be doing and have this much fun?” Bill was in a great mood.
I was happy with the way things were going and relieved that we had made the decision to bring Griffin on. She was proving to be an asset in Arizona and would help us move to the center in the fall. Getting to know her as an ally gave me a chance to see her in a different light. She was tough all right, but had a tender side that started to leak out. There was more to Ann Griffin than meets the eye and I was grateful, especially for her relentless attacks on the president.
In less than a week, I’d done a 180: from skepticism the morning she pulled up to my driveway in Maine to a working partnership destined to become a friendship at some point.
I get chills remembering her announcement that she would be joining the ticket as VP. That morning she was classy enough not to mention that I had given the story to Lexi to scoop.
Instead, she shook hands with me for the cameras and then turning to the press, positively regal, “I have come to a realization that, in order for America to continue as the nation it was meant to be, I must throw my support and efforts behind Jack Canon.”
Each of her words was measured, as though she knew that this speech would be the one she’d be remembered for.
“The answer begins with Energy Independence and ends with Education, and I am here today to tell the American people that we can and must do this.”
My favorite line was in her ending. Just before I got up to speak, she closed, “The choice is clear. The road is sure, We Can! Build a Better America. Join us and take action for a better tomorrow.”
She even threw in our tagline for good measure. I liked her pragmatism; she was willing to put up with our shit for the good of the country. Anne Griffin was a grown up.
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
Something out the window caught my eye. There was more than the usual commotion. It was odd that two black Chevy Tahoes pulled up simultaneously and four agents quickly exited and stood outside them, obviously waiting for a third vehicle, this one a Suburban. The last was the only vehicle with markings of any kind, just an American flag on the driver’s door. Something didn’t feel right, and I felt a shiver of dread.
Bud and Bill noticed me looking out, “What’s going on out there?” They said it practically in unison.
“I don’t know, but usually we don’t get three Secret Service SUV’s pulling up to the bus all at once.”
My mind felt a surge of panic, like a sixth sense that something out of the ordinary was happening.
Agent Bob was climbing out of the Suburban, his face looked very concerned. He motioned to the other agents, the five walked towards the front of the bus, and I heard the knock. I sat motionless waiting for the news while Bill jumped up to get the door. Agent Bob stepped up onto the bus alone.
“Good morning, sir,” in a somber voice.
“Bob, what’s going on?”
“I have some very bad news to tell you.”
“Oh my God, it’s not Kathy or the kids?”
“No, Jack, they’re all fine.”
Kathy had taken the girls back to Alexandria for some normalcy and regular school after the trip to Maine.
Bob started what must have been excruciating for him to tell us.
“Jack, Lisa Pennington is dead. I’m so sorry.”
The words hung in the air and the three of us just looked at each other as though time itself didn’t dare to move. Then like a thud, we all crashed in a flood of emotion.
“No way Bob, you’ve gotta be….”
“This can’t be true; there must be a mistake…” Bud was hollering.
Bill pleaded, “Bob, are you sure? We all saw her a few days ago; she’s a healthy young woman.”
“Bob, what happened? Was there an accident?” I asked.
“This was not an accident, Lisa was executed in an apartment leased to Miss Sandy Collins, Jack’s assistant.”
“Executed?” Bill struggled with the thought, “What are you talking about?”
Bud couldn’t believe what he was hearing anymore than Bill or me, “She had no enemies and kept to herself. Who in the world would want to kill her?”
“It happened last night; we found out from the Alexandria Police. They were alerted to the scene by a neighbor.”
“Did the neighbor see anything, ID anyone?” I was numbed from shock but managed to ask.
“No, apparently the neighbor’s an older man who thought he heard barking in the night. He told the police that it was unusual that the dog would be allowed to just bark like that. He knew that Sandy was away, and he didn’t want to get involved.”
“That’s her new dog. Lisa was staying at Sandy’s place to watch Molly while she went on vacation to visit her parents.”
Somehow, I had the presence of mind, “Bob, do you think they were after Sandy and got Lisa by mistake? What am I saying—neither of those girls have any enemies. Bob, is Sandy safe?”
“Yes she is safe. We contacted Ms. Collins and we’re sending an agent to escort her back to Washington.”
“No! Tell her to stay put
until we can send the jet down to her. She has to be with us now where I know she’ll be safe. Oh my God, poor Lisa! She was the most innocent, precious person. What kind of animal would want to hurt her?”
“There is one other thing I need to tell you. There was a man with her in the apartment and he was also killed.”
Bill moaned, “Oh my God, Steve was over there. No! It can’t be…Not Steve!”
“Sir, police found identification next to the bedside. I am so sorry, Bill. It was Steve.”
I never saw a face wretch with such agony. Bill collapsed on the couch and then his body went limp and he rolled to the floor. Bud knelt by his side and held the back of his shoulders. My mind was racing and my body couldn’t hold back the tears, I had never felt this kind of pain. My best friend’s son and a girl I adored both killed because somebody wanted to get to me. All these years unable to cry now I couldn’t stop. My heart actually ached in my chest.
“Who could have done something so heinous Bob”?
“We don’t have much information yet. Just what the police have told us. What we have now is that Lisa went to the door to answer and was shot through it. The cops think two assailants were involved. The door got kicked in and Steve was shot in the living room. There were two separate guns used. The dog was found next to the bodies still barking. The neighbor said the dog never stopped and with daylight, he went to investigate. He saw the door ajar and called the police.”
“He waited till dawn?” I was having trouble processing all of this.
“Did anyone hear anything at all besides the dog, gunshots, and foot steps in the hallway?” Bud asked.
Bob said, “Because this involves a close member of your staff, the agency will step in and do a full investigation. I am going against protocol to speak so frankly but whoever did this is sending a message. I don’t think anyone would shoot someone through a door in the middle of the night otherwise.”
“I can’t live with this, Bob. Knowing these kids were killed because someone was trying to get to me. What about the rest of the staff back at headquarters and the congressional staff? We have to make sure they’re safe.”
