Page 17 of Power Games

"I don't think I have the knowledge. The power. Hell, even the money."

Barrett laughed. "You have the contacts, though. I mean, if you threw a fundraiser, how many of your fancy friends would drop a check with your name on it?"

Many.

He frowned.

"Think on it. If you're not headed there, it's not a problem, we can serve Izzy divorce papers in a couple of days. If you are though...well, it's an old-fashioned world. You need to give it some serious thought."

Charles nodded absentmindedly, his thoughts still full of possibilities. Was he cut out for something like that? Would he be any good at it? Would anyone support him?

He left Barrett's office confused.

Then he pulled his phone from the inner pocket of his suit jacket, went to his contacts, and pressed on a newly entered phone number, one he'd never called before.

Vanessa answered on the sixth ring.

"Hey, you."

"Hey back." He bit his lip.

"So...how is it going?"

"Do you think I'm cut for politics?"

She'd know. She'd spent her entire life around politicians; her brother and father were both very active conservatives.

Vanessa laughed out loud.

"So, no?" he guessed.

"So, hell yes," she replied. "It's just hilarious, because my father mentioned it a couple of days back."

"Mentioned it?" Charles prompted.

"The possibility of you running for president against Tristan this coming election. I'd totally vote for you, by the way."

President. Theodore McNamara believed he could run, in just four years.

Charles was starting to feel dizzy.

"Izzy," he said. Vanessa remained silent on the other side of the line. He elaborated, "I was going to divorce Izzy. Would that ruin my chances?"

She sighed. "I wouldn't sayruin,exactly, but your opposition will certainly use it, as well as your youth and inexperience. If you're serious about running, you're going to have to do some prep work over the next four years. Speeches, TV appearances. More than you're doing right now. You’re also going to need a hell of a VP next to you. As for your wife...divorce hernow,very publicly, so it's older news by then. Or stay with her through the campaign."

7

A Toast

Vanessa kept busy. She went to the gym, then practiced her newest song, worked on her voice, baked cupcakes then a batch of brownies, and called all of her best friends. Of course, everyone was too busy to hang out with her and distract her.

All the while, a simple phrase ran around her mind.Charles was divorcing Izzy. Charles was divorcing Izzy. Charles was divorcing Izzy.

Well, possibly. Maybe.

She hated herself for being honest. She’d told him the truth: that the divorce would count against him if—when—he ran for president.

President Charles Grant. Oh, yes, she could see it. He'd be great at it, too. And if Canada could have a hot Prime Minister, maybe the face of USA could also be attractive for a change.

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