“Nick, where are you with the new economic plan?” Carolyn asked as Warner and Ernie took their seats.
“Almost finished. My staffs working on it even as we speak.”
“How about the press? I know they’ve been quizzing us on the details.”
“Handled. I released a statement this morning saying we’d have the entire document to them in two weeks.” Nick shuffled some papers. “And here’s your speech on the war on drugs you asked me to review. I edited it last night. Go over it one more time, fine-tune it for your style. You don’t need it until the Women in Politics caucus tomorrow, right?” He handed the loose pages to Carolyn.
“Yes, and thank you.”
“About the platform issues we were discussing yesterday. Our polling suggests that Carolyn stay with the war on drugs platform. The public loves it. Warner can focus on tax relief and the environment.” Nick proceeded to hand them packets of information. “Here’s a synopsis of the research, my reasoning and some of the facts that back it up.”
“Great job.” Carolyn said. “Is there anything else?”
“One more thing. Here are the travel arrangements for New Hampshire.” Nick passed out additional folders, stuffed with a variety of travel documents.
“If that’s it, then we’re adjourned,” Carolyn announced.
Warner held up his hand. “Wait a minute, everyone, I have a few comments.”
They sat back down.
“You’re all doing good work here, and Carolyn and I appreciate it. The New Hampshire primary is critical, and as you all know the polls show a close race. Some believe that we don’t have a chance of winning. It’s time to prove them wrong.” Warner hit his fist on the table. He met the gaze of each person in the room.
“I want a concise message. If we’re talking tax relief, then let’s be specific. Apply that to the environmental issues as well. I also had a thought about Carolyn’s undefeated record against drug lords and child abusers. As the polls show, her image is tremendously strong, let’s build on that. Maybe coin the phase, the ‘undefeatable team.’” Everyone in the room remained silent.
“Edmund taught me that perception is reality. If we’re perceived as indestructible, then we’ll be unbeatable. The voters want politicians to save them. We need to be superheroes capable of righting all wrongs. Carolyn’s abilities have already been proven. Capitalize on them, and we can ‘leap tall buildings in a single bound.’”
Carolyn flushed under his praise. It surprised her that he cared enough to include her accomplishments in what was clearly his show.
Carolyn watched Warner in a conversation with Nick and savored a glimpse of the man in whom she’d seen so much promise. The man she’d allowed herself to fall in love with; a man who walked the edge of ambition but instinctively kept his balance. His compliments felt good like drops of rain falling on a parched traveler in the middle of the desert. She slammed the brakes on her train of thought.
The thought of their defeat during his first reelection campaign and his subsequent behavior was the splash of ice water that kept her focused. She couldn’t afford to forget his history of becoming arrogant and self-destructive when he was on top. Warner’s volatile pattern had been established.
Warner caught up with Carolyn as everyone walked out of the meeting. “I know things have been strained between us lately, but I believe this is our year,” he said. “I’ve given up my bad habits. I’m committed to this, to us. You’re my partner, my teammate. Together we’re indestructible. Shit, our entire lives have been about this goal, and I haven’t lost focus. Together, we’ll make it happen.”
Carolyn wrinkled her nose, his breath projected the bitter smell of alcohol thinly disguised by breath mints. The reminder destroyed the warmth of her earlier thoughts. He’d given up his bad habits? Right
She shook her head, spun on her heel and walked away. It hurt to love a man beyond his faults, and to know that it wasn’t enough. Nothing she did or said could protect him from himself Her challenge lay in damage control. But could she hold him together though this campaign?
They attacked New Hampshire, and the resultant campaign drew copious amounts of blood. Martin Gaston targeted Warner with precision, slicing into his voting record on the hill.
Struggling to stay in the hunt for the White House, Senator Dave Taylor fought for press coverage by spraying the other candidates with a shotgun of issues.
Regardless of the barrage of attacks fired over the helm of the Lane campaign, Warner remained the most charismatic of the candidates. His speeches flowed eloquently, and he charmed the television cameras. News crews clamored for interviews and photo shots of the candidate.
