The iCongressman by Mikael Carlson

Author:Mikael Carlson [Carlson, Mikael]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Literature & Fiction, Genre Fiction, Political, Mystery; Thriller & Suspense, Thrillers, Teen & Young Adult
Amazon: B00JAXRWQS
Goodreads: 21467125
Publisher: Warrington Publishing
Published: 2014-03-26T14:00:00+00:00

-THIRTY-FIVE-

CHELSEA

“Dad, this is a pretty expensive place,” I observe, admiring the atmosphere after our waiter delivers the appetizers.

“Nothing but the best for my little girl. When was the last time we had a father–daughter night out?” he asks, knowing full well it’s been a while. “I know you’ve been really busy and stressed and wanted to treat you to someplace nice.”

My father is one of the most frugal men in America. He has an old school work ethic and belief in saving your money that Americans, caught in the frenzy of materialism that defines today’s society, have long forgotten. He is a man who saves money by bringing his lunch to the factory everyday instead of eating in the cafeteria. A trip to the local Taco Bell would be an expensive night out for him on any other occasion.

“Excuse me, are you Chelsea Stanton by any chance?” a slender woman in her mid-thirties says when she approaches the table.

“Yes, I am,” I respond, to the amusement to my father.

“I’m so sorry to interrupt your dinner. I just wanted to say I see you on television and watched you during your first campaign. You are such an inspiration.”

“Thank you, that’s very kind.”

“Good luck to you and Michael Bennit next month,” she wishes before departing.

“It’s beginning to feel like old times again,” Dad observes once she is out of earshot, referring to our experiences in the first campaign run.

“After being invisible for over a year, I’ll take it.”

Not that we have had any problems with that since what we have come to call “the flip.” That day in front of the Ethics Committee changed our fortunes, and the failed attempt to expel the congressman turned it into a circus. Social media has turned out to be the driving force that propelled us to Capitol Hill and the anchor that managed to keep us there.

Over the summer, we were losing handily to both candidates from the parties. Now, barring another October surprise like the last one, we should have no problem getting reelected. I understand why the congressman wants more though.

“I know you had a tough year, Snuggle Bear. Do you regret your decision skip college?” Uh-oh. I already know where this conversation is going. I’m one parental lecture away from feeling like I’m in high school again. No wonder Peyton, Emilee, and the others never visit home.

“I know I disappointed you when I didn’t go to Yale, but it’s not like I don’t ever plan on attending.”

“I didn’t realize ya were. When?”

“Dad …”

“I’m just asking. I know you’re really busy down there. How do you plan on fitting college into your schedule?” he asks sincerely.

Busy is an understatement. Running one campaign as an eighteen-year-old was daunting. Helping run a hundred of them at twenty is ridiculous, especially since the congressman and Viano decided to target the most influential, senior, and well-financed members of the House. It is having a dramatic effect though.

Speaker Albright is fighting for his political life in his own district against a rather tenacious and aggressive icandidate there.

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