Presidential Liaison by Anne Manning

Author:Anne Manning
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Contemporary Romance, Romance
ISBN: 978-1-60174-084-7
Publisher: Uncial Press

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Chapter Fourteen

"Ladies and Gentlemen," Ernie Preston said in his self-important way, "the President." He stepped aside as Bill entered the Press Room. A small crowd followed and fell into line by the door. Several Administration officials accompanied the President onto the platform. They stood back while he took his place behind the podium bearing the Presidential seal.

Cassie hadn't expected him to acknowledge her, and was hard-pressed to remain cool when he glanced at her and smiled.

"Good afternoon," he said.

What a wonderful voice he had, so warm and rich. It would be marvelous to hear in the dark, whispering words of love in her ear.

Get a grip, Cassie.

"I'd like to present my nominee to serve as ambassador to Qeshim. Dr. Thomas Albertson is a career diplomat with a long, distinguished record of service. He's an area specialist and served on the negotiating team that worked out this agreement. I believe Dr. Albertson will continue his brilliant career as the United States' Ambassador to Qeshim."

He moved to the side and let the handsome African-American man approach the podium.

Cassie watched Bill as he stood there, smiling when Dr. Albertson said something funny, which was often, looking somber when the discussion turned to the importance of assisting this new democracy through its difficult infancy.

"Mr. President," the voice came from the back of the room. "Considering your recent disagreements with Congress, specifically your veto of the Children's Protection Act, do you expect any opposition to Dr. Albertson's appointment from the Senate?"

Cassie shook her head at the question. These kids just didn't bother to do their homework. Albertson was well-known and respected to the point of awe on the Hill. Besides, the Senate majority would never let an appointment of a president of their own party founder, no matter how many bills he vetoed.

"I've spoken with the Senate leadership on both sides of the aisle and the chairman and vice-chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee. They assure me they hold Dr. Albertson in the highest regard and the vote on his nomination will be expedited."

"Why were no women considered?" The question was asked by a reporter from a militant feminist monthly.

"The State Department presented me with a list of five qualified persons. I chose from that list."

"Were there any women on the list?"

"No."

Hands flew up all over the room. Shouted questions peppered the air.

Cassie knew him well enough now to see the irritation he managed to hide from everyone else. She couldn't blame him. Didn't these people understand anything about the rest of the world?

He raised his hand for quiet.

"Folks, the Qeshim Republic is searching for its identity in a very volatile part of the world. The people have decided they wish to maintain a traditional Islamic society, without the excesses of Iran. This means women are not permitted participation in their public life."

Rebecca stood, though not recognized. Cassie reached for her hand to pull her back down, before she really ruined her chances for rehabilitation.

The President must have been feeling generous. Flicking an amused glance at Cassie, he said, "Yes, Miss Winston? Do you have a question?"

"Mr.

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