Brotherhood Beyond the Yard (The Simon Trilogy) by Sally Fernandez

Author:Sally Fernandez [Fernandez, Sally]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Dunham Books
Published: 2013-03-05T05:00:00+00:00

17

MANIPULATORS IN CHIEF

Throughout the senatorial race, both Paolo and Seymour worked assiduously to obtain a United States Senate seat for an obscure candidate, which they did successfully. Their contributions became well known, and they enjoyed the political limelight. They were now prepared to apply their skills to the presidential campaign.

Chase’s feelings toward his role never changed. He had little interest in politics, although he reluctantly felt obliged to continue as financial director. Unlike the others, his dream position was CFO of a major bank in New York, and not in the political swamp of Washington. Much to his dismay, he wasn’t willing to back out, as he had become too entrenched in the “game.” He unenthusiastically took another temporary leave of absence to work on Senator Baari’s campaign for the presidency. Given the prominence he had achieved, his superiors offered no resistance.

On the other hand, Hank happily continued as the senator’s aide-de-camp. He was perpetually at the senator’s side. First, to help Abner recruit his staff, and to ensure the applicants would not be a threat to La Fratellanza’s ultimate goal. Second, to organize various speaking engagements at several nationally recognized organizations, such as the National Labor Union and the AFL-CIO, both of which proved to be huge supporters; they energized their membership to campaign vigorously—not to overlook the gigantic campaign contributions their dues machine generated.

Senator Baari happily retained the four staffers to manage the campaign, and while their roles were well known, their clandestine relationship to each other was not.

During one of his first meetings with the new U.S. senator, Hank highlighted two major concerns in the state of Illinois, which Abner could seemingly support.

“The governor’s initiative ‘Keep Warm, Illinois’ campaign is designed to prepare the state residents for record-cold temperatures and high-heating costs. It is a cause you need to rally around, and it will give you more exposure,” Hank advised.

“I’m sure its support the governor will welcome openly”—Abner smiled—“especially since he turned the other cheek during the campaign when we criticized him.”

“That brings me to the second concern, which will appease your constituents greatly—political reform,” Hank said, waiting for the backlash.

“So you want me to ingratiate the Illinois governor, and then you want me to tick off him and the Chicago mayor at the same time,” Abner complained.

“They won’t like it, but they will tolerate it. Trust me, it will make you look strong, and you’ll be standing up for the people.”

Senator Baari followed his recommendations and continued to heed Hank’s advice when given. All the while, Hank was sure Abner had no idea that he was still grooming him, and this time for the ultimate political leap.

—

After the senator’s swearing in, there was a period of relative calm.

Then, in the second year in office, the gang of four started to become antsy about their futures, including Hank. Ignoring Simon’s overzealous statement that the presidential campaign was just a repeat of the successful campaign they just ran, they were beginning to consider the consequences—and of greater importance—the risks.

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