Election Day

by J. A. Armstrong

  “That was interesting,” Dana said.

  Candace rolled her eyes.

  “Wine?” Dana guessed.

  “Scotch. Straight up.”

  ***

  Jameson peeked in Cooper’s bedroom and laughed. He had taken his latest Lego creation to bed with him. Priceless. She wandered down the stairs in search of Candace. They hadn’t had much occasion to spend time at the townhouse in Arlington since Candace became governor. At one time, Jameson had thought that this might become her primary residence. She’d started to plan for a second office in the DC area. Those plans had been tabled after Candace announced her candidacy for the governorship. After Jameson’s discussion with Shell the previous day, she’d begun to mull over recommending to Melanie and Jonah that they follow through with that idea.

  Candace was sitting on the sofa in the living room typing on her computer. Jameson stopped in her tracks when she realized that Candace was also on a call.

  “Candace, if you think it’s over the top, change it.”

  Jameson recognized the voice immediately as belonging to Cassidy Toles.

  “It’s not over the top.”

  “But?”

  “I don’t know, Cassidy. I just wonder if I shouldn’t give the foreign policy angle more of a punch in this speech.”

  “It’s your speech,” Cassidy replied.

  “That’s the problem.”

  “That it’s your speech?” Cassidy asked.

  “Maybe I’m just too close to all of it.”

  “You are.”

  Candace laughed. “Thanks for your honesty.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  “Tell me.”

  “Tell you what?” Cassidy asked. “Do you want me to tell you what I think or what I think you want to hear?”

  “Touché.” Candace sighed. “Tell me what you think.”

  “I think you should be yourself. This isn’t a policy speech. This is you showing the world who you will be as a leader. Don’t get tied up in what happened today. You didn’t while you were testifying. You spoke above the politics. You spoke above the details in policy. That is what this speech should be. You know it. You’re just so busy convincing yourself that you should listen to the people around you that you aren’t listening to yourself.”

  Candace laughed. “Tell me again why you aren’t running?”

  “Oh, no—no thank you. I’m happy working for you.”

  “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

  “You’d be fine.”

  “I don’t know, Cassidy. The more I learn, the fewer people I trust.”

  Cassidy sighed. She’d been close enough to the inner workings of presidential politics to know what Candace meant. And, Cassidy had the inside track on the intelligence concerns Candace was dealing with. “Just don’t let anyone make you lose trust in your judgment, not when it comes to a speech or policy,” Cassidy advised. “Don’t let them, Candace. God knows, someone will always try.”

  Candace did know. “Thanks.”

  “Anytime.”

  “We’ll go over this again next week?”

  “Whenever you want,” Cassidy promised.

  “Cassidy?”

  “Yeah?”

  “I hope you and Alex will still be able to make it that night.”

  “I wouldn’t miss it.”

  “Talk to you later.”

  “You will. Tell Cooper and JD we send our love.”

  “I will.”

  Candace collapsed back against the sofa with a thud.

  “Cassidy, huh?” Jameson made her entrance.

  “I don’t know what I would do without her; I swear.”

  “So, I heard. Problems with your speech?”

  “Not really,” Candace said. “I needed to get out of everyone else’s head.”

  “Mmm.”

  “Cooper go down?”

  “He’s sleeping with that Lego monster he built.”

  “Let’s hope it doesn’t lose its head in the night.”

  Jameson laughed.

  Candace closed her laptop and let her head fall into Jameson’s lap. “How did things go with Shell yesterday?”

  “Depends on which things you are asking about?”

  “Uh-oh.”

  “My speech? Fine.”

  “What happened?” Candace asked.

  “To tell you the truth, I’m not really sure.”

  “Want to talk about it?”

  “I don’t know—she was worried about Jonah and Laura.”

  “Jonah and Laura, why?”

  “He’s been stressed out at work; I know that. All the drama with Klein—you know, it’s hard for him to keep quiet about the guy.”

  “I understand that.”

  “She thinks that signals some doom for them or something. I guess Laura showed up at Shell’s in tears.”

  Candace sighed. “I know. She called me.”

  “Laura?”

  “Yeah. It wasn’t Jonah, though. She was upset about me.”

  “You?”

  “She thought that her father would get dragged into my testimony.”

  Jameson groaned. “I really hate that guy.”

  “Jameson? What aren’t you telling me?”

  Jameson groaned again. “Shell has some crazy idea about us having a baby.”

  Candace laughed. “She would.”

  “At first, I thought she was just busting my chops.”

  “At first?”

  “I don’t know, Candace. I think she’s really stressed out about all the changes.”

  “You mean being home with the twins?”

  “Not exactly. I think she’s feeling kind of lost, though. Some of it is how much Mel has had to deal with recently. She’s been traveling a lot.”

  “I know.”

  “It got me thinking.”

  “About?”

  “Maybe Jonah and Mel should revisit my idea of opening an office down here.”

  “In DC?”

  Jameson nodded.

  “Are you thinking that one of them should move here?”

  “Candace, I think that we will be.”

  “Jameson, there is no guarantee I will win this election.”

  “No, I know. I think you need to stop that, though.”

  “Stop what?”

  “Quantifying things. We both know nothing is guaranteed, not even tomorrow. If I did place bets, I’d lay all the odds in your favor. You’re going to win.”

  Candace pivoted. “Who are you thinking should come here?”

  “At first, I was thinking Shell.”

  “And now?”

  “I think Shell needs to be close to Marianne. I think Marianne needs that too.”

  Candace listened.

  “Jonah and Laura? Candace, I think Laura misses you even more than Marianne, and that’s saying something. She needs you. It’s great that she has Mary, but to her? To her, you are her mom.”

  “I know.”

  “And, Jonah?”

  “Jonah misses you,” Candace said.

  “I know. They could take this place.”

  Candace smiled. “I suppose they could.”

  “What?”

  “You miss Jonah,” Candace said.

  “Yeah, I do.”

  “If you really think it’s a good idea for the firm, talk to them.”

  “What do you think?” Jameson asked.

  “If I had my way, I wouldn’t be far from any of them.”

  Jameson nodded.

  “Jameson?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Did Shell’s baby talk get you thinking?”

  “Yeah. It did. It got me thinking that she needs meds.”

  Candace laughed. “That’s not what I meant.”

  “I know.” Jameson took a deep breath. “I’ll always think about it,” she admitted. “That doesn’t mean I’ll ever want to do it.”

  Candace reached up and stroked Jameson’s cheek. “I know. Me too.”r />
  “Want to go upstairs?”

  Candace shook her head. “Would you mind if we just stayed here for a while?”

  “Not at all.”

  Candace closed her eyes. “You’re a terrific mom, you know?”

  “I’ve had terrific teachers.”

  Candace tenderly caressed Jameson’s hand as it held her. “Thanks.”

  “For what?” Jameson wondered.

  “For thinking about it.”

  Jameson bent over and kissed Candace’s forehead. She leaned back and let her eyes fall shut. “Right now, I don’t want to think about anything—including any of the kids.”

  A smile graced Candace’s lips. “We could try.”

  Jameson opened one eye. “You want to try and knock me up?”

  Candace giggled.

  “The apple definitely did not fall far from the tree.”

  “What?” Candace asked.

  “You’re as crazy as Shell.”

  “Probably so,” Candace agreed. “Still love me?”

  “More than anything.”

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  June 21st — Democratic National Convention

  Jameson paced in the kitchen of the hotel suite rehearsing her speech.

  “You know, it will be right there in front of you,” Marianne said.

  “Maybe. I’d feel better if I memorized it.”

  “JD, you’re going to be great. Look how you handled that rally in Illinois.”

  “That was a lot smaller. The whole world wasn’t watching.”

  “True, but this will be a room full of Democrats. Everybody in there is on Mom’s team. You’ve seen them the last couple of days. They’re all going to be excited to see you.”

  Jameson appreciated Marianne’s support and encouragement. Tonight was Candace’s night. Aside from Election Night and potentially her Inauguration, tonight would likely be the most momentous night in Candace’s career. That was not lost on Jameson. The last two days had been filled with nervous excitement. Jameson could feel the energy throughout the convention hall. She had been in the hall with Michelle for the roll call as each delegation cast its votes for Candace. She’d been surprised at the way her heart raced. It wasn’t as if she didn’t know the outcome. Something about the process made her feel as though she were sitting on pins and needles.

  Jameson had the opportunity to introduce her wife. Candace’s acceptance speech would follow. She’d been reluctant at first, suggesting that Michelle might be a better choice; perhaps even Marianne would be willing. Dana had assured her that if she felt uncomfortable, Candace would understand. But Dana had also told Jameson that she believed no one could make an introduction as earnest, heartfelt, and moving as Jameson. No one knew Candace better. After talking it over with her mother, Pearl, Candace, and even with Cassidy, Jameson agreed. She’d spent hours with Michelle hashing out the right words. She’d been practicing all morning. Hearing them over and over, Jameson worried that her sentiments might be inadequate.

  “I don’t want to blow this,” Jameson said.

  “You won’t.” Marianne squeezed Jameson’s hand. “I’ve heard it. It’s all you. It’s the truth, isn’t it?”

  “Every word.”

  “Then, trust me; it will be everything it’s meant to be.”

  I hope so.

  ***

  Maureen Reid’s face dropped to her hands in defeat.

  “Mo?” Duncan Reid called for his wife’s attention.

  Maureen looked up with unshed tears.

  “Hey, what’s wrong? I thought you’d be excited.”

  “I don’t know what to do.”

  “Do about what?”

  Maureen shook her head. “Colleen just called me.”

  Duncan’s brow furrowed. Colleen was married to Maureen’s brother Jerry. Maureen had been distant from her brother’s family for years. Jerry was an outspoken critic of many things—not the least of which was Jameson.

  “Jerry… Duncan, he’s started giving interviews about JD.”

  Duncan’s jaw tightened. “What do you mean he’s giving interviews?”

  “I don’t know! Colleen was so upset she could barely talk. You know how he is. He’s been like this ever since Craig died.”

  “I’m sorry about Craig; we all were. That was not JD or Scott’s fault. I don’t care how much pain he has; he doesn’t have any right to hurt Jameson.”

  “What am I supposed to do?” Maureen asked.

  “What exactly did Colleen say?”

  “Only that he’s supporting Bradley Wolfe any way he can and that he’s going to help him any way he can. God! I never thought he would take things this far!”

  “You don’t know what he’s doing,” Duncan said.

  “We both know what he’s capable of.”

  Duncan scratched his brow. Jerry Donnelly had never been known for his patience. In fact, Duncan had always suspected that his freeness with his fists had led to his son Craig’s desire to spend as much time as possible away from home. After Craig’s death, Jerry had started drinking with greater frequency. When Maureen’s eldest brother, Patrick died of cancer, Jerry had gone off the rails. Duncan had tried to talk to him. Maureen had tried to reason with him. Even Scott had attempted to reach his uncle. Nothing seemed to work. Jerry Donnelly had become a bitter old man before his time.

  “Let’s just hope whatever he does, JD doesn’t see it.”

  Maureen looked at her husband doubtfully.

  “You need to get ready,” Duncan said. “JD will kill us both if we’re late. Don’t let him spoil today, Mo.”

  Maureen smiled. It wasn’t every day a mother got to watch her daughter introduce the woman who would likely become the next president. “Not a chance.”

  ***

  Candace had commandeered a small conference room in the hotel for a meeting with her Chief of Staff and New York’s Attorney General. It was a monthly conference call with her Lieutenant Governor, federal and local partners, and the Superintendent of the New York State Police regarding threat assessments and readiness for the state. Not even the convention slowed the business of the State of New York. No matter where Candace was, there were things that required her attention.

  “Any other concerns?” Candace asked.

  “Nothing from me,” Superintendent Foster replied. “Unless any of our local representatives have something.”

  A short chorus of no’s poured over the open line.

  “Excuse me, Governor?”

  Candace turned to the sound of Dana’s voice.

  “A moment?” Dana requested.

  “Now? Can’t it wait?”

  Dana shook her head. “I’m sorry.”

  Candace studied Dana’s expression and determined whatever needed to be discussed required privacy. “Give us the room, please. We’ll pick this up again on the next call. If anyone has concerns feel free to bring them to Dan or myself at any time.”

  Dana stepped inside, offering the departing attendants a silent acknowledgment as they passed her. “I’m sorry.”

  “This had better be good.”

  Dana pulled out her phone. “I’m not sure good is the word I’d use.” She opened a video and pressed play.

  “What am I watching?”

  “I think it’s better if you see for yourself.”

  Candace took a deep breath and focused on the screen.

  “So, you’ve known Jameson Reid most of your life.”

  “Since we were teenagers.”

  “And, what made you come forward now?”

  “It’s like her Uncle Jerry said, she’s not who she pretends to be.”

  “Do you care to clarify that?”

  “You know, she’s not really gay.”

  “That seems like a crazy accusation to make.”

  “Well, she wasn’t gay when she was with me. A little drunk, maybe—not into girls, if you know what I mean.”

  Candace’s blood began to boil. She noted Jameson’s Uncle Jerry
in the background. Her hand balled into a fist as the interview continued.

  “Ms. Reid’s been in the public eye for years. What made you start talking about this now?”

  “I heard her Uncle Jerry, you know? Talking about how she led her cousins into trouble. JD was always with them. And, they liked to party. Now, all of a sudden, she’s the poster child for sobriety and gay rights? People have a right to know who she really is.”

  “I’ve seen enough.” Candace pushed the phone away. “When was this?”

  “About twenty minutes ago at a Wolfe Rally in the city.”

  Candace sat silently, brewing over how to proceed. “Who is he?”

  “His name is Jed Tyler.”

  Candace pushed out her chair and smoothed out her blazer. “Find out everything there is to know about Mr. Tyler. If he so much as blew through a stop sign at sixteen, I want to know about it.”

  “Candace…”

  “Do it Dana, or I’ll find someone who will.” Candace headed toward the door.

  “Where are you going?”

  “I need to find Jameson—now.”

  ***

  Candace walked without comment through the hallway toward the suite she had.

  “Governor Reid,” Agent Barclay addressed her.

  Candace smiled. “I’m sorry Gil. I didn’t mean to ignore you.”

  “No Ma’am, I was just wondering if you planned on heading back to the conference rooms soon.”

  “Not immediately—no.”

  Agent Barclay nodded to the Secret Service agents placed outside Candace’s suite. “If you change your mind…”

  “You’ll be the first to know,” Candace promised. The moment she walked through the door Marianne approached her. Candace needed no explanation. Jameson had seen the video. “Where is she?” Candace asked.

  “She stepped out onto the balcony for some air.”

  Candace took a long, deep breath.

  “You saw it, didn’t you?” Marianne guessed.

  “Unfortunately. I was hoping I would get here before Jameson did.”

  “Mom, she’s—I’ve never seen JD like that.”

  Candace nodded. “Where’s Cooper?”

  “Scott took the boys downstairs to the pool so JD could work on her speech.”

  “Someone went with them?”

  “Of course,” Marianne said. “You know, they won’t let JD or Cooper leave the room without an escort.”