EIGHTY-SEVEN
“YOU BITCH!” Young screamed. He jumped to his feet, at the same time flinging his coffee cup at the wall. The bone china shattered into a multitude of tiny pieces. How could she have done this to him? He grabbed the phone.
The door to his office opened and his assistant stepped into the room. “You have visitors, sir.”
“I’m busy right now,” Young said without looking up.
“Put the phone down, Richard.”
Young raised his gaze to the familiar voice.
Attorney General Jeffery Briant stepped into the room followed by three gentlemen in dark suits.
Richard recognized them as FBI agents.
EIGHTY-EIGHT
Katherine stood in front of Jack on the sidewalk of Pennsylvania Avenue. Together they had attended Carolyn’s speech. He’d covered the event for the Today news magazine. True to her word, Carolyn had cleared the roadblock for Jack’s journalism career. She’d even committed to giving him an exclusive interview regarding her role in the historic vote.
“I guess this is it.” Katherine said.
“It doesn’t have to be.” Jack responded.
“I thought you were furious with me.”
“How can I be? When, as you said, I got my way – you believed me.”
Katherine shrugged. “I don’t know, Jack. We seem destined to keep repeating the mistakes of our past.”
“I think that’s a copout,” he said. “We’re both mature adults. I don’t buy the idea that we can’t learn from our mistakes. Granted we have some work to do, especially regarding trust-”
“Some work to do? I think it’ll take a team of therapists -years.”
Jack paused.
When he said nothing, Katherine turned to walk away.
He grabbed her hand, forcing her to stop. When she finally met his gaze, he said. “So, we’ll hire a team of therapists. I’ve got the time. How about you?”
She laughed. “Years?”
“If that’s what it takes. I can’t think of a better way to while away the hours.”
“You really mean it, don’t you?”
He answered her with a lone kiss.
EIGHTY-NINE
Standing on the steps leading from the White House terrace out to the Rose Garden. Carolyn glanced over at President Jonathan Daniels.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
A smile lit up her eyes. “Absolutely.”
“Let’s go,” he said. “The press awaits.”
The president walked out onto the lawn and up onto the dais.
Carolyn followed.
A soft summer breeze carried the sweet smell of freshly cut glass. Once on the stage, Carolyn stood slightly behind and to the left of the president.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” he began, “it is my honor to present to you a courageous and unselfish patriot, who time and again has put the interests of the nation ahead of her own needs. She is the first woman to hold the second highest office in the land – Vice President Carolyn Alden Lane.”
Carolyn stepped up to the podium. Bright sunlight glinted off the television cameras before her.
With thundering applause, the members of the press rose to their feet.
“Thank you,” she said. “Thank you.”
After a few moments, the crowd quieted.
“Today, as I stand before you, I’m humbled by the opportunity to serve this great nation. Our country faces a bright and shining future. A future led by a man of character, integrity, and honor. A man who looks to the future with vision and wisdom. A man I’m proud to stand beside as vice president. Our president – Jonathan Daniels.” Carolyn met the gaze of President Daniels as she joined the crowd in applause.
The president smiled and nodded in response.
“I want to thank you, Mr. President, for trusting me with this awesome responsibility. I will not let you down.” Carolyn stepped toward the president and shook his hand.
She turned back to the members of the press. “Now, I’ll be happy to take your questions.” Carolyn pointed to a journalist.
“Madame Vice President, now that your appointment has been continued, what will be your first course of business?”
Carolyn beamed. “To institute the War on Drugs program and reform the social services system.” Finally, her goals would become reality.
Acknowledgments
Writing is years of taking baby steps toward the goal of publishing a quality piece of work. Along the way many have held my hand and assisted me in keeping my balance. Some have taught me to crawl, walk, and run with my writing. Others have dried my tears when I fell, or pushed me forward when I hesitated. To all of you I want to give a big hug and a heartfelt thank you.
First and foremost, my husband, Jeffery, who sees the best in me even when I don’t. My children, Katie and Taylor, who often wish they had a “normal” mother who didn’t write, but support my efforts regardless.
A special thank you to my Mom and Dad. I’m blessed to have you as parents.
My family Chuck, Kay, Daniel, Sue, Donna-mom and Terry-dad, Chuckie and Mikey, and my extended family of friends, you know who you are, who keep me sane as possible – not an easy task. I love you all.
No writer works alone. Many people have assisted me in my many months of research. Some of you have asked that your names be withheld for political reasons, but please accept my sincere thanks for all of your insight and information.
Doctor Daniel Kostalnick (boy – that has a nice ring to it), you’ve been invaluable in your constant support and research on my many questions from psychiatric profiles to how to commit murder. Suzanne Kostalnick, my first editor, who suffered through all of those awful first drafts.
I must also thank those who’ve taught me what it means to be a writer. Terry Brooks, an extraordinary writer who’s forgotten more about the craft than I will ever know, but who graciously shares his wealth of knowledge. You are an incredible teacher, thank you for taking the time.
Elizabeth George, your unending drive for perfection, analytical mind and phenomenal writing talent are matched by your teaching skills. I count myself fortunate to have had such an amazing instructor. Thank you.
John Saul and Mike Sack, your boot prints are firmly etched on my backside, and I’m grateful for it. Thank you for taking me under your wings, teaching me a multitude about writing, and becoming my mentors, and friends. I love you both.
Don McQuinn, your guidance has been invaluable. Love to you and Carol.
Danelle McCafferty, editor extraordinaire, we work hard, we laugh hard, and nothing I write goes out without your final stamp of approval. Thank you for being my second set of eyes.
Richard Marek, thank you for taking my writing to another level.
Laura Taylor, one of my first instructors. You’ve stuck with me through thick and thin, nurturing any glimpse of talent and always being supportive. You’re a terrific friend. Love and hugs.
I could go on and on with this list, so I will simply say thank you to all of you who have assisted with this project. Your time and effort is greatly appreciated.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
KATHLEEN ANTRIM has won numerous awards for her writing. She has been a columnist for the ANG Newspaper Group in the San Francisco Bay Area. Residing in Northern California with her husband and two daughters, Kathleen is currently at work on her next novel.
