Page 77 of Power Term

I scan the somewhat familiar faces and smile.

“First off, I’d like to thank every single person who prayed for my safe return during those long hours I was missing. I have no doubt that me standing here today is a direct result of those prayers. There are a few things I’d like to discuss with you today, but I know the main point of interest is where the hell I was those missing hours.” The reporters chuckle, and a few smile and nod, shrugging like I caught them red-handed on something. “On June 15 at 3:30 a.m., my convoy was attacked as I left a residence deep in the city. The entire team that was escorting me back to the White House was killed in the direct attack.”

“Why were you in the city at that time of night?” one reporter shouts out.

“What do you think I was doing in the city at that time of night?” I leave off the string of names I want to call the fool. “I’m the president, but I’m still a single woman.”

Well, not really single anymore, but I’ll get to that in a minute.

“After the motorcade was eliminated, I was abducted from the wreckage, drugged, and then held hostage at a warehouse across town. As you can see from my face, it was not a pleasant experience—”

“Was it terrorism?” someone shouts.

“In a way, yes it was. The technical definition of terrorism is ‘unlawful use of violence in the pursuit of political aims,’ which was exactly what he was after. He wasn’t a new threat but someone who’s been after me since the day I stepped into Washington. This man was threatened by me. Threatened by my background and how it is directly influencing the policies I’m determined to put in place while in office. He was a weak, selfish man who, thankfully, is no longer a threat to me or the people of this country.

“That’s all the detail I’m willing to give at his moment in time. The funerals for the brave men and women who died trying to protect me will be held over the next week. I would appreciate you respecting the families’ wishes and staying away from the family-only services and burials. With that behind us, we can now look toward the future. The next four years.”

Chairs creak and a hum of low voices reaches my ears as I take a second to let those words sink in.

“I’ve been asked many times if Sam Pierce and I intend to run for office again. Until now, I wasn’t ready to make that decision. As I said earlier, I’m a single woman with a daughter who now has a beautiful baby of her own. Taking on another four years would be challenging and put additional strain on my family. That was not a decision I wanted to take lightly. However, after the incident and many, many hours of internal debate and talking with family, I’ve decided to run for office in this next election cycle with Sam Pierce once again as my running mate.”

The room erupts to life. A few even leap from their chairs, shouting their questions.

Holding up both hands, I shake my head, not saying another word until they’ve calmed down.

“There are a few things I’d like for everyone to know about me now that I’ve decided to run for president. I normally keep my personal life private, but I know with campaigns, anything is fair game to the other party. First—” Shrugging off my jacket, I carefully lay it over the edge of the podium and place my hands on my hips. “—I have tattoos.” Raising my arms, I roll my shoulder and bicep so everyone can get a good look at my half sleeve. “Hope this doesn’t offend anyone, but I needed to put this out there because I’m tired of hiding the art on my skin.”

Crickets.

“Okay,” I whisper to myself. I glance to Trey, who gives me two thumbs up. “On to the next topic. Earlier you asked why I was in the city at that hour. Well, to be completely honest, I was there seeing my boyfriend.”

There’s a sharp gasp and… Oh hell, did that lady faint?

“Well, not really boyfriend anymore. Now my fiancé.” I hold up my hand, allowing the light to catch the diamond, shooting rays of sparkling light around the room.

“Who is he?” one of the reporters in the front row asks. In her excitement, she’s shifted to the very edge of the cheap chair in an effort to catch every word of my response.

Smiling, I point to where Trey leans along the side wall wearing a shit-eating grin.

“Trey Benson, ladies and gentlemen.”

The man doesn't miss a beat. As every eye in the room turns toward him, he simply waves and gives the crowd a dynamic smile.

Shaking my head at his showmanship, I clear my throat, directing their attention back to me. “He’s currently a member of my alpha Secret Service detail, but that might change with the engagement. And before any of you ask, no, I will not go into detail about how all his happened… yet. One day, sure, but I’ll be honest, I’m exhausted.” The crowd chuckles. “This job eats up every second of every day, and it’s still not enough to get it all done. It’s beautiful, terrifying, exhausting, and thrilling all in the same moment. And I wouldn’t want it any other way. I’m thrilled to run for the incumbent president seat in the next election cycle, and I hope you’ll vote for me once again so I can continue making the changes this pompous-ass government needs.”

The speech is perfect… until I pull a fucking Randi.

One hand tosses up a peace sign while the other gives the room a thumbs-up as I step to the side. I examine the riveting floral carpet, grumbling about my traitorous hands and how they always fuck things up for me when someone grips my biceps. Trey smirks. The air grows heavy with anticipation as everyone focuses on our simple interaction.

“That was perfect, Madam President. Especially that last bit about the ‘pompous-ass government.’ You surely sealed a few votes with that closing line.” His smile grows at an obnoxious catcall that cracks through the room, coming from…

I glance over his shoulder to find a grinning Sam.

Cameras flash as Trey cups my cheek, turning my attention back to him.

“So it’s official.”

“Official,” I whisper, my eyes darting to the crowd of reporters that seems closer than just moments ago.

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