Everyone erupted into cheering and congratulations.
Warner leapt out of his chair, swept Carolyn into his arms, and twirled her around the room.
Richard Young grasped his wife’s hand and simply smiled.
Associated Press
November 7, 2000
Warner Hamilton Lane, 44th President
FIFTY-TWO
Warner took his place at the head of a walnut conference table in a meeting room at the Ritz Carlton in Washington. D.C. Assembled at the table with him were Carolyn, Matt Carson, Ernie Weiland, Nick Creed and Richard Young.
“The first area of business is getting together a short-list for the Cabinet,” Warner announced. Weeks ago, he’d reviewed his selections with Edmund. With the markers they’d called in during the campaign, he had a list of favors to repay.
“I want to start promoting names in the press to build popularity and get these appointments accepted. Nick, start writing. Let’s make a short-list of each of the candidates for every position. We’ll start with Sectary of State. My first recommendation would be Jack McPherson.” Warner said. “Any other recommendations?‘’
“He’s from Missouri, right?” Richard Young asked.
“Yes. He’s an exec with Bounce Plastics, but he’s had a lot of international experience.”
“Still, I think Sectary of State should be a Washington insider.”
“Thanks for your input.” Warner said, deliberately cutting off Young. Now that he was president, Richard needed to learn his place. He continued on to the other Cabinet posts, then on to the White House staff.
“What about Mark Dailey?” Young asked. “I thought you were considering him for a Cabinet position.”
Warner turned to him. “I said no such thing. Mark will be named as a White House advisor.” He didn’t care if Mark was part of the Council. He wasn’t going to be bullied by Richard.
“I think there’s a problem with that.” Richard said.
“Listen to Richard, Warner,” Carolyn said. “He’s got the inside track.”
“If I want your opinion, I’ll ask for it,” Warner said to her.
Carolyn glanced around the room. “Forgive me, but I thought this was a meeting, you know, a gathering where ideas are to be shared. So far, you’ve done nothing but shut Richard down.”
Warner ignored her commentary. He felt presidential for the very first time. And he liked the feeling.
Carolyn stood to leave. “Obviously, I’m not needed here.”
Richard Young glanced at her apologetically. “Warner, I’m concerned that none of these people know the inner workings of Washington,” he said.
Warner crossed his arms over his chest. “Outsiders, with lower public profiles, will be less controversial. Strategically, we need to show a strong command, and having our selections questioned or opposed would indicate weakness. This is our safest and most powerful avenue. Besides, we’ve got Washington handled with you and Nick. You’ve both been on the Hill long enough. Not that I need to explain myself to you.”
“Shouldn’t we discuss these choices?” Richard asked with barely controlled anger.
“No,” Warner replied. “I know what I want.”
“I thought we’d work together on this.”
“You thought wrong.” Warner pushed back from the table, stood and walked out, leaving the vice president- elect sitting at the table alone.
Frozen in anger, Richard stared at the wood grain in the walnut conference table. He knew that Edmund had directed every name on the short list for Cabinet appointments; most were his close allies. The interviews were going to be a formality. None of the selections were Richard’s; he would have no power in the White House. He’d been well and truly fucked, and he hadn’t even seen it coming.
He headed up to his suite, alone. He’d called in a multitude of favors to give Warner the presidency. And this was how he was repaid. Rage shook his body. Obviously, Warner intended to keep him on the outside.
He’d underestimated Warner, and this realization cut him to his core. He reflected on past conversations. Warner believed that citizens should be made more dependent on government. “This country is full of people who are not able to care for themselves,” he had said. “They need a strong government to do it for them. The more dependent the people are, the more powerful the government.”
At the time, Young had found the statement harmless. Now everything Warner said and did possessed a new perspective. Richard had always known that Edmund was power hungry, but Warner’s ruthlessness stunned him. Clearly, his demeanor had veiled his true countenance from the public, and even his old friend.
Richard sat up abruptly.
He realized, however, that they were on his turf now – this was Washington. But his options were limited. As much as he hated the realization that he’d been used, he couldn’t blatantly oppose Warner. It could destroy their political party – possibly forever. By placing his cronies in the Cabinet, Warner had effectively frozen Richard out. No doubt he was counting on that tactic for protection. Shit. Warner was smart. Or was this Edmund’s strategy? Richard wondered. Regardless, they were underestimating him. He wouldn’t tolerate their double-cross. They would pay. And they would pay dearly.
Vice President-elect Richard Young called Mark Dailey, determined to show Warner that he’d declared war on the wrong man. “I’ve got some bad news, Mark. Warner bumped you out of a Cabinet post.”
“Are you kidding me?” Mark’s voice was filled with disappointment.
“I know, I know,” Richard said, his tone low and soothing. “I tried to get him to rethink it, but he was against the idea from the start. You’ll be named as a White House advisor. I had to push hard just to get you that position. Carolyn was in on it, too.”
“Carolyn? Carolyn cut my throat?”
“I know you thought you had her under your thumb, but she really stabbed you in the back, buddy. It was ugly.” Richard knew Mark would never discover his lie. Divide and conquer, he thought.
“Son of a bitch,” Mark hissed.
“They’ve already forgotten who their friends are,” Richard said.
“Maybe they need a reminder.” Mark hung up.
PART IV. THE FOURTH ESTATE 2001
FIFTY-THREE
