Page 81 of The Bonventi Rise
"Quiet, everyone. There's more," I say without thinking. I want to hear every word she says.
Sandra continues, the politician's mask slipping just enough to show her true distress. "I am deeply ashamed to admit that my ambition has led me astray and down paths I should never have traveled. In my fervor to serve you, I lost sight of the very principles I swore to uphold."
I watch her closely, noting the slight tremor in her hands, the sweat on her brow. She's good, I'll give her that. But we know the truth behind those rehearsed words.
"While I maintain that my intentions were pure," she continues, her eyes darting off-screen for a moment, "I cannot deny that certain individuals within my campaign engaged in activities that go against everything I stand for."
I scoff. Clever woman, trying to distance herself from the worst of it. But it's too late for that now.
"By stepping down, I hope to set an example," Sandra says, her chin lifting slightly. "True leadership means taking responsibility, even when it's painful. Even when it means giving up your dreams."
I turn to Marco, my eyes shining with excitement. "We did it," I mouth, squeezing his arm.
"You did, Firefly," he mouths back.
"And so, while I may no longer be running for office, I want to assure you all that my fight against corruption is far from over," Sandra declares, her voice growing stronger. "I will continue to work tirelessly to expose those who would abuse their power and betray the public trust."
I roll my eyes. She's standing there, exposed as a Russian puppet, yet still claiming to be anti-corruption.
"Thank you for your support and understanding," Sandra concludes. "God bless you, and God bless Illinois."
The TV switches back to the news anchors, who immediately begin dissecting Sandra's statement. I turn to Marco with a triumphant grin.
"And that," I say, raising my water glass, "makes you Senator."
The room erupts once more in cheers and applause. Gio claps Marco on the back, his face carrying a wide grin. Staffers are hugging each other and high-fiving one another.
Marco stands. "Okay, okay, thank you all. As they say, it's not over until it's over, but none of this would have been possible without all of your tireless efforts. I thank each and every one of you. And as promised, we win on election night, you all get bonuses."
Marco turns to me and smiles. Everyone claps, and the room is so full of energy—I love it.
Nothing, and I mean nothing, can take away the joy I'm feeling. We're on top of the world.
40
MARCO
Ipour myself a glass of whiskey. It's one of my more expensive bottles and I think now's the time to breathe a little.
The election is days away, and after everything, we're coming into it really unopposed and leading in the polls. There are a few other independent small-time candidates running, but with Sandra gone, it's mine for the taking.
I take a sip, and the burn is exactly what I'm after. It feels so good to finally achieve what I've been working toward for so long. On top of this upcoming victory, I have a woman in my life who is my guiding light—my Firefly.
I loosen my tie and take a seat in the sofa chair in my office. It's been a long day—the last of my public relations photo ops before the big day. Poor Alina has been running herself ragged these past few weeks, so focused and concerned with everything. She's been so run-down that she basically collapses into bed and falls asleep, sometimes without even changing. Like tonight, she opted to head back to the Capstone to sleep, while I returned here to take care of a few things.
I take a moment to reflect on what it will be like once I become senator. What it means to me, to the family, and my ambitions for the future—and there are many things I want to do.
I feel as if my whole life has led to this moment. What I was meant to do, to become, is only a few days away.
Fuck, does it feel good, I think, downing the whiskey.
As I set the crystal glass on my table, my phone buzzes in my pocket.
I pull it out and see Gio's name. It's a text.
Where you at?
I quickly type back.
