‘Oh yes. I remember when Amanda and I were raising our two. Little Alison was always the carefree, outgoing one, while little Mandy was always the more studious and serious of the two. It sure was fun watching them grow up,” Foster said.
As Foster took another sip of the soda, Jackson could already see a difference in the man. The lines across his face had already smoothed and his manner was much more relaxed. The real Gregory Foster was returning.
“Tell me. What got you interested in politics?” Foster asked.
Jackson threw up his hands. “My Mama always told me I was the dumbest one of the bunch,” he joked. Both men laughed. “Actually, my grandfather always told me that if a man wanted to change the system, it was far easier on the inside. He liked working in local politics and was able to make a few changes on his own before he passed. Now Mom put her emphasis on education. She wanted me to be a teacher, but my first political science class changed that. I got involved in student government and then when I graduated, started to work in one of Congressman Lauder’s office, then when he retired, I moved over to yours in downtown Indianapolis. I guess I’ve been working for you ever since.”
“Glutton for punishment, huh?” joked Foster. “Well, it’s been nice having you along. Most young men seem to like hitching their cart to the power players. But you appear to me to really enjoy the work itself. I know you’ve bailed my butt out a few times this year. I appreciate it.”
Jackson shrugged again. “At least it’s not dull. Most of my friends from home are doing just regular jobs and pulling in a paycheck. When I go home, they actually can’t relate to me and what I do. They seem to think this is all fun and games,” Jackson said. “They don’t have any idea how things really work or how hard it is to get some things done in government. So I just let them dream and then come back to work. Me, I like the challenge,” he said.
“It’s a challenge all right. You just never can please everyone and sometimes you can’t please anyone, but somehow we get the job done. A lot of it depends on who you have working for you. I’m lucky that I really like most of the people on my staff. The rest are necessary, so you just have to put up with them.”
“Like me?” Jackson asked with a smile.
Foster laughed, “Yea, you’re such a pain in the ass,” he joked.
Both laughed again. Jackson thought a moment, then threw caution to the winds. “I got to ask you this, and I hope you won’t just throw me off the bus, but how did you pick Williamson to be your Chief of Staff? I mean, we can all see that you don’t really get along that well.”
Foster stopped laughing and looked at Jackson. The kid was sincere. He was really trying to be a friend, not just a staffer. The question was one which shouldn’t have been asked, but needed an answer. “Is it that obvious?” Foster asked.
Jackson took a long breath. “It’s pretty obvious. I remember a few times when you were together in an office and voices were raised. I even remember the other night when you came out stomping mad. Of course we don’t say anything, but I can tell it’s working on you. I’m just happy you don’t take it out on the rest of us,” Jackson said seriously.
Foster looked at Jackson with a sad face. In this case he had to defend his Chief of Staff, but he wasn’t going to defend him that much. “Well, I’m not going to throw you off the bus. Sometimes you have to pull in people with special talents. In Dan’s case, he has a long history of winning elections and he has been able to dip into the pockets of a lot of people. Let’s face it. A lot of what we have to do to get elected is raise money. He also can help within the party because of who he knows. So he definitely has his uses. That being said, I doubt I would invite him to my birthday party,” he quipped. “But this is between us. Dan has a job to do just like the rest of us. And like I said, some I really like and some are just necessary. Now you, on the other hand, will get an invitation,” Foster said.
“I appreciate that,” said Jackson. “I’ll tell you that ever since I started working in your office I have been kinda proud to be here. I personally like you, and I don’t mind saying I like when we work together. So I get a little concerned when a friend of mine seems to be bullied around. I even wondered at one time if he had something on you,” he said.
The effect was like a slap in the face. Foster’s look changed instantly from one of friendliness to one of pain. He almost physically drew back. Jackson immediately changed tack. “But I figured it was just the way he is and you were just dealing with it. I mean, that’s how we do it in the office. I just keep remembering I’m doing it for you, not him. I wouldn’t even vote for him if he were the only candidate running.”
The friendly face returned and Foster chuckled again. “Neither would I,” he said. Glancing at his watch, he said, “It’s about time we got our meeting started. How about getting the people in here so I can get some sleep. And Deshawn,” he said before Jackson left the room, “thanks for the talk. How about coming back more often,” he said with a smile.
Jackson stopped and his face widened into a toothy grin. “Thanks Greg. You know who to call.”
As the door closed behind Jackson, Foster said under his breath, “I wish I could.”
President Parente was furious. He took out his frustrations on his intelligence arm and his military leadership for not being able to tell him when or how things were happening. He was especially angry with his Navy. They had promised him a sunken battleship, and all he had was a missing man. He wasn’t even sure if the man was dead or had defected. His orders had been specific — watch out for the American fleet. Any and all intelligence concerning the American/Brazilian exercise and especially Vice Admiral Roger Hammond, was to come to him immediately.
He was still berating his leadership when the call came. Colonel Rojas came under fire as well for his interruption until he informed Parente that President Castro was on the phone. Parente suddenly changed to a slight smile and said, “Very good,” then stormed out of the room. Once in his office, Parente’s mood changed dramatically. He picked up the phone.
“Presidente Castro, I am so looking forward to your visit. What may I do for you?” he asked.
“I have called to ask your indulgence. It seems my brother is anxious to meet with you again. I too have been watching as things progress nearby and wish to congratulate you privately on your successes,” said Castro.
“I am deeply honored. What may I do to be of service?”
“It is a small thing. Because my brother wishes to meet with you, I am asking if we could possibly fly in and meet in some remote place the day before my official arrival. This will allow us the time to speak freely without all the ceremony, then I will fly Fidel back and return the next morning. We can meet aboard our aircraft which I have had fitted with a very nice meeting room. We can even share a meal. Two, maybe three hours and we can conclude our meeting. The next day, we can talk about more substantial issues,” Castro said.
Parente was bursting with pride. The Castros were the leaders of revolution in the Latino world. To be singled out by them, or even more, to seek out his company was the ultimate praise. His mind quickly thought over his schedule. That night he was planning to have another ceremony in his high mountain village. If they flew to the airstrip nearby, they could meet and then he would fly home as normal. It would be the perfect place.
“I have a very good place where your plane can come. We should plan on meeting and sharing a meal, as you suggested. I will be in the area that day and it would be the most convenient place. Please have someone contact my Colonel Rojas in this office. He will provide the coordinates for your pilot,” said Parente.