Capital Offense

“Well, welcome,” Carolyn said, hugging her again. “I’ve missed you terribly. The place just hasn’t felt organized without your touch.” Carolyn released her. “How do you like your new town home? I picked it out myself, you know.”

Katherine beamed. “I love it. That was so nice of you, but you really didn’t have to spend the time. I could have done it.”

“Oh, nonsense. I enjoyed looking. It gave me a chance to see the neighborhoods in Washington. I found it amazing that those buildings were built in the late 1890s. And that street is so quaint and cozy. The minute I saw it. I knew it would be perfect for you. You can even walk to work, so you don’t need to worry about having a car.” Carolyn knew she was speaking quickly in her excitement, but she couldn’t help herself.

“It is perfect and I love it. Thanks, Carolyn – I mean, Mrs. Lane-” Katherine laughed nervously. “Now that we’re standing in the White House, I’m not sure what to call you.”

Carolyn smiled gently, then said. “Carolyn, please. My God, you’re my closest friend. I know that these walls and this city can be intimidating, but I’m still me. Okay?”

“Of course. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. We both have to learn how to navigate these new waters. I wouldn’t admit this to anyone but you, but there are times when I wonder what I’m doing here. Can I handle this immense responsibility? It feels very daunting.” Carolyn lowered her voice conspiratorially. “So we’ll just stick together. Deal?”

Katherine relaxed. “Deal.”

“Why don’t you take a seat, and we can talk about how we’re going to handle this job.” Carolyn shut the door behind her, then walked to her desk. “We have a large staff here, and you. Katherine, are going to help me run things. I consider you my right hand. The rest of the staff will report to Randy McCabe, my Chief of Staff, but you and I are going to work together as a team.”

“Just like the old days.”

“Of course.” Carolyn grinned. “My war on drugs platform was so well received during the election, I’ve decided to make it my signature cause. You and I are going to write new legislation to attack the drug problem and reform the social services system. Warner’s given it a rubber stamp, so my task force will have as much funding as we need to achieve our goals.”

“My God, Carolyn, with the U.S. Treasury to back your platform, we can’t lose. This is what you’ve always wanted.” Katherine’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Can you believe we’re actually here, in the White House, doing what you dreamt about?”

“You mean, ‘what we dreamt about.’ You and Warner were always a big part of this dream.”

“How is Warner?”

Carolyn hesitated a moment, her smile fading. “He’s fine. Great, actually.” Her gaze met Katherine’s.

“Is everything all right?” Katherine asked, concern etched in her features.

“Warner’s a brilliant man who’s going to do wonderful things for this country. I’m thankful to be a part of his legacy.”

“But you want more.”

Carolyn shrugged. “We always want what we can’t have.”

Katherine could see the pain in Carolyn’s eyes. “I’m sorry.”

“Oh, don’t be. It’s my own fault.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Someday we’ll talk, but not now.” Carolyn waved her hand and forced a smile. “I certainly didn’t mean to unload on you during your first day. I’m sorry.”

“Just remember, I’m always here for you,” Katherine offered.

“Thanks, that means a lot.” she responded.

***

It was after midnight when Katherine returned to her townhouse. When she found no message from Jack on her answering machine, she called him at his hotel in Missouri, but he didn’t answer. Odd, Katherine thought, hanging up. She took a quick shower and tried calling him again, still with no luck. Exhausted she dropped onto her bed, and fell sound asleep.

Morning came and Katherine awoke to the pre-dawn light. She made herself some coffee and picked up the phone. Glancing at the clock she realized that although it was 5:35 A.M. in Washington, it would only be 4:35 A.M. in Missouri. She hesitated, then dialed, knowing that her day at the White House would be busy, and this would be her only chance to talk to Jack. She let the phone ring ten times, then dialed back to the hotel operator to make sure she was connecting to the correct room. Still, there was no answer.

SIXTY-ONE

Carolyn rose from her desk when he entered. “I wondered if you’d come.” She knew what he had come for. It was only a matter of time, or so she had hoped.

He wrapped her in an embrace. “I couldn’t wait any longer,” he searched her eyes. “Tell me you feel the same.”

She nodded, unable to speak.

He kissed her neck. “You smell good,” he whispered.

A small sigh escaped her lips. Throughout the campaign the tension between them had built, but neither had dared to act upon it. Now, the White House was theirs, and their privacy insured.

Without releasing her from his embrace, he took a moment to lock her office door.

“Are you sure about this?” he asked.

She wound her arms around his neck. “I’ve never been more sure about anything.”

His lips covered hers.