1/ The head of the detail stared across the Governor's desk, his face a stone mask. Knowing the volcanic temper of the man who led his state, he knew he must choose his next words carefully.
"Sir, I understand the need for personal time. I understand the need for family time."
"Sir, I understand the need for personal time. I understand the need for family time."
2/ "The responsibilities of your office are overwhelming. Everyone knows how hard you work."
He took a beat, waiting for even a flicker of reaction. Seeing none, he pressed on.
"With the legislative session coming, I wonder though if this is the best time..."
He took a beat, waiting for even a flicker of reaction. Seeing none, he pressed on.
"With the legislative session coming, I wonder though if this is the best time..."
3/ "And naturally, the concerns we have for your security during your...breaks...remain paramount. I must insist your security team accompany you on this...break."
The Governor finally showed a flicker of emotion. It crossed his face like a cloud covering the sun, then reset.
The Governor finally showed a flicker of emotion. It crossed his face like a cloud covering the sun, then reset.
4/ He spoke, his nasal voice hard. "No, Carlos. I've told you before. When I need time off, I'll take care of my own security."
The door to the Governor's office opened a crack, and following the universal protocol of powerful leaders his assistant whispered, "Sir...time."
The door to the Governor's office opened a crack, and following the universal protocol of powerful leaders his assistant whispered, "Sir...time."
5/ A small, weak smile on the Governor's face told Carlos the interview was over.
"For the record, sir..."
The smile vanished.
"No, Carlos. Don't say anything you'll regret."
"For the record, sir..."
The smile vanished.
"No, Carlos. Don't say anything you'll regret."
6/ The Chief of Staff intercepted him outside the vestibule of the Governor's office. She was another universal constant in politics; selected more for ruthless loyalty than native intelligence.
She leaned in and hissed in his ear.
She leaned in and hissed in his ear.
7/ "One fucking word about this...one leak...and you'll be a mall cop in 5 minutes. Patricia's people will tear your fucking life apart." Patricia, the Governor's notorious - social media director was a troll on the taxpayer's payroll.
8/ She instantly reset as she leaned back, "Well, Carlos, take the week off! Get some rest! I know you're exhausted!"
Now it was his turn to lean in, faking a goodbye hug.
He whispered, "At least tell him to start wearing gloves. He left a partial print on the last girl..."
Now it was his turn to lean in, faking a goodbye hug.
He whispered, "At least tell him to start wearing gloves. He left a partial print on the last girl..."
9/ To be continued, perhaps.
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