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  I was slightly tongue-tied and somewhat caught off guard. Did he know I had been untruthful with him about not being able to have a child? If he did know, why hadn’t he said anything? I needed to figure out how to approach this situation, so for now, just for now, I surrendered and gave him a win when I abruptly left his office.

  10

  President of the United States, Stephen C. Jefferson

  What a day this had been. And just when I didn’t think things could get any worse, Tyler rushed into my office telling me that there was a hostage situation in Wisconsin that involved an entire police station. Much gunfire had already erupted; several cops were dead. And a train had derailed in Illinois, causing very serious injuries, and a major bridge collapsed, sending cars crashing into the murky water. An effort to save lives was underway. I hated days like this, but sadly to say, this had become the norm. Inaction was the cause of many of these problems. Tyler agreed with me.

  “It’s time for you to extend your hand again to Congress,” he said. “You can’t get much done without them, and you’ll have to find common ground with Speaker Robinson. Getting through to him is your only way. You may want to start with an apology.”

  “Apologize for what?” My face was twisted—No, he didn’t just insult me. “If anything, he should be apologizing to me. Apologizing to the American people for years and years of inaction. Apologize for being at those lobbyists’ beck and call. My list can go on and on, but you can be sure that I will not be the one apologizing to him.”

  Tyler released a deep sigh, as if he was frustrated. “I think it’s the right move. And there have been other presidents who have had to do the same thing as you. They made a decision to put the country first, and all I’m asking is for you to take your own advice about partisan bickering and figure out a way to work together.”

  “You work much better with Congress than I do, so I just may do what one other president had to do during his term, which is rely on his VP who has the right skin color to seal some deals. Meanwhile, I do understand what you’re saying. It is important for me to keep on trying, even though I know how many members of Congress feel about me. I’ll have a talk with Andrew this evening and request that he set up another meeting for me on Capitol Hill.”

  “Great. I’ll join you as well, and we will all work hard to get things done. On another note, is the first lady okay? I’ve never seen her behave that way. What woman was she referencing?”

  “I don’t care to speak on that right now. All I will say is the first lady is fine. She will be much better, once she deals with her own issues.”

  Tyler scratched his head, then rubbed his blond hair back in place. “I won’t push, but just so you know, we all have marital problems. Gena isn’t happy about how much time I dedicate to work either, nor is she happy about any of my female companions. But giving her money to shop keeps her quiet. You should try giving the first lady a sizeable stash. Maybe she wouldn’t be as irate and out of control as she seems to be all the time.”

  “No offense, but you should keep comments about the first lady out of your mouth and refrain from saying anything negative about her. First warning. You should also get with Andrew and Homeland Security to find out why Secret Service continues to fail me. I’m about to get some of my boys from the hood up in here to protect me, and I’m sure you all will have a major problem with that.”

  Tyler cleared his throat, then stood. “Andrew was the one who picked them this time, so don’t blame me. I’ll go chat with him about that and make preparations for our meeting on Capitol Hill tomorrow. Check in later, and if anything else comes up, I’ll let you know. As for the first lady, I get it. Wives are off-limits and so are children.”

  I saluted Tyler, watching as he left my office. I appreciated his efforts in trying to get all of us to find common ground. Hopefully, one day, we’d be able to do it.

  I used the remote to turn on the news, specifically to watch Chanel’s show. We’d had an interesting time on Air Force One, but after spending the night with her, I distanced myself from her for the duration of the trip. I had already informed her that she would never be allowed to interview me or the first lady again. I kept my word, and she seemed disappointed. I spent very little time with the press, but the journalist who was up close and personal with me during the trip was an experienced, older reporter whom I had respected for many years. I did, however, see Chanel when she exited Air Force One. I gave her a handshake, thanking her for joining me.

  “The president’s visit to Africa was well received,” Chanel said as I watched the news. “These are some of the photos while he was there. As you can see, the new leaders appeared very hopeful for progress. While I didn’t get an opportunity to have another interview with the president, James Burnashaski did. Tonight, I have the pleasure of bringing you that interview.”

  I started to watch the interview, but shortly thereafter, I was interrupted by a knock on the door. Secret Service announced that it was my press secretary, Sam. Right after he came in, so did Andrew.

  “Sorry to bother you, sir, but I wondered if you would like to come into the Press Briefing Room tomorrow and speak to the American people. There’s a lot going on, and I, sometimes, think it’s good for people to hear directly from their president instead of me.”

  Andrew added his two cents. “I agree. Just for fifteen or twenty minutes. You can also let everyone know that you’ll be visiting Capitol Hill. By relaying that message, you’ll come across as the one who is making an effort to get things done.”

  “Fine. Let’s roll with it. And, Sam, you’re getting better. I’ve been watching you in the Press Briefing Room. Keep up the good work and try to smile just a little bit more.”

  Sam laughed while nodding. “Thank you, Mr. President. Glad you noticed, as I am doing my best.”

  After receiving a compliment from Andrew too, Sam left the room. Andrew stayed, giving me the scoop on the Secret Service. The incident from earlier appeared to be unpreventable, but it still didn’t make me feel good that Raynetta was able to get a knife that close to my neck. I expressed further concerns about that with Andrew.

  “You’re right,” he concluded. “She shouldn’t have been able to do that, but no one expected that she would. And while I was very close to you, I wasn’t sure if you would be upset with me for putting my hands on her.”

  “No, I wouldn’t have been upset, under the circumstances, and trust me when I say I can handle my wife. But what if she wasn’t the one holding that knife? I can only wonder if you would have made a move then.”

  “I guarantee you that I would have. It’s just that I don’t know how or when to intervene when it comes to certain issues with your wife. I didn’t mind getting you the information you requested in regards to her medical records. And I’m very surprised that she lied to you about being raped. She seemed pretty adamant about speaking to you earlier, and I have to ask, are you, indeed, having an affair? I think I know the answer, based on what I see. But I don’t want to jump to any conclusions.”

  “Nobody’s business but mine. Have a good evening. We’ll talk more before I go on Capitol Hill tomorrow.”

  “Fine, but one more thing before I go. Chanel Hamilton has been trying to reach you all day. She asked for your direct line, but I wasn’t sure if you wanted her to have it.”

  “No. And if or when she calls back, tell her I’m busy.”

  We both turned our heads to look at the monitor that showed Chanel.

  “All I know is that I had a wonderful time in Africa. The people were very kind and receptive to all of us. They are confident that the president will go on to do great things for their country, and I am almost certain that he will do some amazing things for this country too.”

  “Yeah, I guess that’s why she voted for you, right?” Andrew said, knowing that she hadn’t.

  “We all make mistakes, but some mistakes can’t be ignored.”

  I shook Andrew’s hand, before he left.


  * * *

  The following day, I was suited up as I made my way to the Press Briefing Room for the second time. The reporters seemed to warm up to me a bit more this time, maybe because of the trip to Africa where many of them saw a softer side to me. Much respect was given . . . until one reporter was called on to question me. Instead of commenting on news that was happening in our country, he decided to attack me for making Africa my very first trip.

  “Many Americans saw it as a slap in the face, especially when we have a serious racial divide in this country. You haven’t said much about race relations, and as a black president, don’t you feel as if you should be doing more?”

  “As a black journalist and human being, what have you done to improve race relations—other than sit behind your desk and run your mouth?”

  He placed his hand on his chest, as if he was offended. “Excuse me, sir, but I’m not president of the United States. You are.”

  “And just like me, you too are responsible for doing all that you can to help improve race relations. I want to ask you to name one thing, one single thing that you’ve done to unite this country. Have you reached out to other races, conducted any meetings, shared your experiences, listened to how others feel about what is transpiring, offered solutions, opened up a dialogue about these issues, met with police officers, state leaders, blogged . . . anything?”

  “I . . . As I said, I’m not the president.”

  “You most certainly are not. That’s why I’m here, and you’re there. Next question,” I said, looking directly at her. “Uh, Michelle Peoples, right?”

  Michelle stood with a wide smile on her face, revealing her perfect teeth. Her natural, curly hair was shaped into an Afro that fell slightly above her shoulders. Her slanted eyes were beautiful and her smooth brown skin made me want to touch it.

  “Wow, yes, I’m surprised that you knew my name. I feel very important now.” Many laughed as she went on to ask her question. “Mr. President, many of our roads and bridges are crumbling, and as you said, what happened yesterday was very unfortunate. Congress has yet to create a comprehensive infrastructure package that will put more people to work and help to save some of our bridges that are no longer as sound as they used to be. Where does infrastructure fall on your list of priorities? Before or after the increasing homeless situation? The first lady mentioned that something needed to be done soon about that. Do you agree or disagree?”

  “I wholeheartedly agree on all, and one does not take precedence over the other. The first lady made mention of her visit to the homeless shelter, and I was heartbroken. I’m also aware of the thirty-plus people who lost their lives when the bridge collapsed. We can’t allow that to happen again. I will be visiting Capitol Hill today and will put forth every effort to reach out and discuss things of that nature. I expect changes in the weeks and months to come, and I’ll definitely keep you all posted on how my meeting with Speaker Robinson goes. Until then, thanks and have a good day.”

  The reporters continued to fire questions at me before I left, and when Sam and I reached the hallway, I paused. A smile was on his face; he looked to be in deep thought.

  “You okay?” I asked.

  “I’m fine, sir. Just thinking about how much I love my job.”

  “That’s good, Sam, I’m really glad to hear that. And before I go on Capitol Hill, do me a favor. Stop Michelle Peoples before she leaves and bring her to the meeting room straight-ahead. I’m very impressed with her, and I want to let her know why.”

  “Row seven, seat two, right?”

  I winked. “No. That’s where she sat last time. This time, row four, seat eleven.”

  “Got’cha. Give me five minutes.”

  Sam walked away, and almost ten minutes later, he came into the meeting room with Michelle Peoples in tow. As expected, she seemed nervous in my presence. The first thing people always wanted to know was if they had offended me.

  “No, no, not at all,” I said, standing behind a chair. I looked at Sam. “Thank you, Sam. I’ll catch up with you in a few minutes.”

  “Sounds good. I’ll be right down the hall.”

  He walked to the door, closing it behind him. Michelle stood at a distance, still looking confused as ever.

  “Mr. President, I don’t—”

  I held up my hand, interrupting her. “Before you speak, I just want to commend you for always being professional and showing me respect while in the Press Briefing Room. It truly means a lot to me, and I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate it.”

  Her smile got even bigger. “Wow, uh, thanks so much for noticing, but it comes natural for me. I was so excited about voting for you, and I convinced so many new people to register to vote. You inspired all of us, and I pray that you’re successful with moving your agenda forward.”

  “I hope so too, and thank you for encouraging others to vote. We have to protect our democracy and allow our voices to be heard. And if we really want change, we all have to work real hard for it.”

  “I couldn’t agree with you more. I say the same thing to my husband, as well as to my children. They’re young, but they already understand how important voting will be for them, when the time comes.”

  “Very important, and it’s never too soon to school them on world issues. As for your husband, how long have the two of you been married?”

  She hesitated a little, but then answered. “For too long,” she laughed. “But, actually, only four years. I’ve known him for almost ten years though.”

  “You know what I’ve learned? You can know someone for years and years, but still not know who they really are unless you’re willing to search deeper. I’ve had to do that several times, and I’ve always been surprised by what I discovered.”

  Michelle swallowed a visible lump in her throat. “Sometimes, we pretend not to know things just to avoid the hurt.”

  “Been there, done that too.”

  She dropped her fidgeting hands by her sides, then released a deep sigh. “I’d better get going. Thanks for inviting me to meet with you. You have no idea how much you just made my day. I didn’t mean to venture off into that other stuff, but your comment kind of made me think about some things.”

  “No problem. And if you ever want to talk, feel free to call me.”

  She laughed, showing how giddy a thirty-year-old enthusiastic woman could be. “Yeah, right, Mr. President. You know I could never just pick up the phone and call you.”

  “Who says you can’t? I didn’t.”

  Seriousness washed across her face. “I don’t know what I would call you to say, but are you serious?”

  I stepped forward, holding out my hand. “Let me see your cell phone.”

  She removed it from her pocket, then gave it to me. I punched in my private number, then gave the phone back to her.

  “Okay, that was cute,” she said. “I know this is not your real number in my phone.”

  “Call it and see.”

  She punched the call button, and when my phone rang, I answered and put the phone up to my ear.

  “Hello. I thought you’d never call me, even though I said you could.”

  Blushing, she hit the end button, then cleared her throat. “O . . . okay, Mr. President. At your request, I will call you if I ever need to talk.”

  I walked to the door, opening it. “Please do.”

  We exited together, but stopped before parting ways.

  “May I please take a picture with you?” she asked. “If it’s a problem, I—”

  “No problem. Take your picture.”

  She held up her phone to take a selfie of us. Very excited, she thanked me again before walking toward the briefing room. I made a right to go handle my business for the rest of the day.

  11

  President of the United States, Stephen C. Jefferson

  Tyler joined me on Capitol Hill, but the first place I headed, with plenty of news reporters following us, was to Speaker Robinson’s office.

  “Are yo
u expecting a huge fight with the Speaker,” one reporter shouted. He was ignored.

  “Mr. President, pictures of your mother in a drunken stupor surfaced earlier today. Have you spoken to her? And was it, indeed, her in the photos?”

  I ignored that question too, but my thoughts quickly shifted to my mother. I hadn’t spoken to her in a few days, and no one around me mentioned anything about pictures being leaked. My administration was starting to piss me the hell off. If this was true, a whole lot of people were about to be without employment. I stepped away from the reporters, as well as from Tyler. Before going into the Speaker’s office, I slipped into the restroom to call my mother.

  “Yes, darling,” she slurred. “And before you say anything, that woman in those photos is not me. At least I think she isn’t.”

  “I haven’t seen any photos, but I have a good feeling that tag . . . You’re it. I can’t believe you’ve started drinking again. Why now, Mama? Why, when all you ever wanted was to see me doing exactly what I’m doing right now? There is no way for me to do what I came here to do and keep getting hit with setbacks. Your alcohol abuse is going to set me back and cause me to worry about you.”

  “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. I just went to a party last night, got carried away, and overdid it. Had I known those nosy-ass reporters would be watching me, I would’ve left out the back door. I promise that after today, I will not have another drink. I just needed something today to wash down that bad taste in my mouth.”

  “I’ve heard it all before. And if you feel as if you need to get some help again, please get it. Call and let me know so I can take you. All right?”

  “I said I’ll be fine, so stop worrying about me. The person you should be worried about is your wife. What is going on with Miss Ne-ne? She was at a homeless shelter the other day, wearing a loud yellow dress that had her titties busting all through it. The reporter interviewing her could barely keep his eyes off her breasts. You’d better keep your eyes on her, because she’s a hot one. With all those Secret Service men around her, somebody is bound to cop a feel from a woman showing all of her goodies like that.”