Tracie Peterson by Entangled

Author:Entangled [Entangled]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Twenty-Four

A hush had fallen over the gathering of wall-to-wall Kerns supporters. The hotel ballroom, in its festive red, white, and blue decor, was designed to promote the victory of Kerns and Kessler. Among the people assembled were press representatives and wealthy friends and family who had paid plenty to see Kerns elected.

“And with the majority of precincts reporting in, it’s now clear that Robert Kerns will be the next governor of Kansas,” the commentator on the projection screen announced.

The cheers around the room were deafening. These people had gathered en masse to celebrate victory or, if necessary, share defeat with their man. Now it became clear the party was to be a celebration, and they were all more than ready.

News reporters from every major paper and television station were gathered there as well, and only when the current governor came on the television did the cheers die down again.

“. . . and so I offer my congratulations to the new governor-elect and pledge this administration’s support and assistance to make a smooth transitional period.” Campbell continued, mentioning the deceased Governor Glencoe, but Cara couldn’t make out anything else. The crowd of well-wishers was cheering again and chanting, “KERNS AND KESSLER! KERNS AND KESSLER!” Finally it fell away to just, “KERNS! KERNS! KERNS!”

I’m the new lieutenant governor, she thought. Looking around the room, Cara felt as though she might be in the middle of a dream. Better yet, a nightmare. People were clamoring around Bob and his family, and those who couldn’t reach him seemed content to merely push toward him. All at once, someone spied Cara from where she stood half hidden behind a huge potted tree.

“There’s Mrs. Kessler!” a voice shouted, and soon Cara was engulfed in an overwhelming sea of people. Microphones were shoved in her face, although not as many as Kerns had in his.

Suddenly Russell Owens appeared at her side. “Come on, you’re going to stand beside the new governor and make your statements with him.”

As strange as it seemed, Cara was actually glad for Russell’s possessive hold on her arm. He pushed his way through the exuberant mass and helped Cara up the platform steps.

“Take your lead from Bob,” Russell reminded. “Offer nothing on your own, and whenever pressed for a personal opinion, defer to Bob. Understand?” Cara could barely hear him, but she nodded in affirmation and took her place beside Governor Robert Kerns.

Kerns immediately noticed her presence and grabbed her hand, raising their arms high in a victorious salute to the crowd. This would be the front-page photograph for tomorrow’s various state papers, and Cara knew Kerns would play it for all he was worth.

Bulbs flashed nonstop for nearly five minutes, and combined with the television camera lights, Cara’s eyes began to hurt. The noise and lights gave birth to a throbbing sensation that started at the base of her skull and worked its way up and over her forehead. All Cara could do was smile and pray that the night would pass quickly.

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