Read Online The Labyrinth Campaign by J. Michael Sweeney - Free Book Online
Authors: J. Michael Sweeney
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side of the office. Jack strolled casually to the window looking out on the Crescent and beyond.
When Will Hawkins ended his call, he immediately asked, “What do you have for me, Jack? I need a boost this afternoon.”
“Well, sir, there’s not much new to report.”
“Jack, I would prefer if you called me Will. I’m not that much older than you are. Secondly, I need news. You’ve been on our plane for the past ten days crisscrossing the country, and I need something fresh.”
“Well, Will, I believe we have something fresh, something new.”
“Go on.”
“Our research confirms that your platform is consistent with the American people’s concerns. Ecological naiveté and lip service relating to the war on drugs are the issues that are top-of-mind. Will, it’s time to announce your alliance with The Future State Foundation. Endorsement and support from David Ellis, focusing on all the issues but with special emphasis on the environment and drugs, should have a significant impact on America’s view of the Hughes and Hawkins campaigns.”
“I agree, Jack. And as a matter of fact, David Ellis and I are meeting in three days to map out the announcement. I was concerned that I might alienate certain constituencies, but your work over the past week validates that my concerns are unwarranted.”
Jack was stunned.
“I don’t know what to say. I thought I was coming in here to convince you of the merits of the alliance. Instead, you’re three days away from finalizing it. I feel like an idiot.”
“Not at all, Jack. I’ve been forging ahead because I was concerned that Ray Langston, our naïve Democratic competitor from Oregon, might beat me to the punch. Your research over the past ten days has provided me a shitload of confidence that this alliance is exactly what my campaign needs. Now, I know you’ve been killing yourself ever since you started here, so take a couple of days off and be here fresh and ready for our meeting with David Ellis.”
“Really?” Jack knew he was an integral player in the development of the campaign’s strategy, but he never expected to be included in the meeting.
“I appreciate the invitation, Will, and I won’t embarrass you.” “I know you won’t, Jack. Now, if you don’t mind, I have a couple of calls to make.”
Jack and Will shook hands, and Jack let himself out of the office. Walking down the hallway, he pulled out his cell phone to see if he could coax Carrie out of the office early for drinks, dinner, and a quiet evening alone.
After Jack had left, Will Hawkins sat pondering what it would be like to sit alone in the Oval Office as the most powerful person in the world. The thought sent chills down his spine. But just as quickly as the daydream began, it ended with a more sobering thought—what if he lost?Once again, Will Hawkins remembered what he’d known for years: Losing was not something he could deal with or ever even contemplate. He had to do whatever it took to win the presidency. The decision was final: Carlos Pendrill was the necessary evil that would help ensure his victory.
sixteen
W ill Hawkins and Carlos Pendrill sat in the large open living area of the Hawkins ranch in Ozona, Texas. Wildcat Ranch, aptly named by Bo Hawkins nearly thirty years ago, had served many purposes over the years: hosting family holiday getaways; a hunting lodge for the senior Hawkins, his friends, and business associates; and a clandestine meeting ground for rendezvous that were best kept out of the press. On a blustery autumn afternoon, a meeting was taking place there that both participants were most anxious to keep out of the public eye.
As Will and Carlos exchanged pleasantries and stories from their college days, the well-appointed, rustic ranch house seemed to be absorbing the gravity of the moment. When both men appeared to have run out of small talk, Carlos Pendrill took the direct approach. “Will, it really is great to see you, but I’m tired of
When Will Hawkins ended his call, he immediately asked, “What do you have for me, Jack? I need a boost this afternoon.”
“Well, sir, there’s not much new to report.”
“Jack, I would prefer if you called me Will. I’m not that much older than you are. Secondly, I need news. You’ve been on our plane for the past ten days crisscrossing the country, and I need something fresh.”
“Well, Will, I believe we have something fresh, something new.”
“Go on.”
“Our research confirms that your platform is consistent with the American people’s concerns. Ecological naiveté and lip service relating to the war on drugs are the issues that are top-of-mind. Will, it’s time to announce your alliance with The Future State Foundation. Endorsement and support from David Ellis, focusing on all the issues but with special emphasis on the environment and drugs, should have a significant impact on America’s view of the Hughes and Hawkins campaigns.”
“I agree, Jack. And as a matter of fact, David Ellis and I are meeting in three days to map out the announcement. I was concerned that I might alienate certain constituencies, but your work over the past week validates that my concerns are unwarranted.”
Jack was stunned.
“I don’t know what to say. I thought I was coming in here to convince you of the merits of the alliance. Instead, you’re three days away from finalizing it. I feel like an idiot.”
“Not at all, Jack. I’ve been forging ahead because I was concerned that Ray Langston, our naïve Democratic competitor from Oregon, might beat me to the punch. Your research over the past ten days has provided me a shitload of confidence that this alliance is exactly what my campaign needs. Now, I know you’ve been killing yourself ever since you started here, so take a couple of days off and be here fresh and ready for our meeting with David Ellis.”
“Really?” Jack knew he was an integral player in the development of the campaign’s strategy, but he never expected to be included in the meeting.
“I appreciate the invitation, Will, and I won’t embarrass you.” “I know you won’t, Jack. Now, if you don’t mind, I have a couple of calls to make.”
Jack and Will shook hands, and Jack let himself out of the office. Walking down the hallway, he pulled out his cell phone to see if he could coax Carrie out of the office early for drinks, dinner, and a quiet evening alone.
After Jack had left, Will Hawkins sat pondering what it would be like to sit alone in the Oval Office as the most powerful person in the world. The thought sent chills down his spine. But just as quickly as the daydream began, it ended with a more sobering thought—what if he lost?Once again, Will Hawkins remembered what he’d known for years: Losing was not something he could deal with or ever even contemplate. He had to do whatever it took to win the presidency. The decision was final: Carlos Pendrill was the necessary evil that would help ensure his victory.
sixteen
W ill Hawkins and Carlos Pendrill sat in the large open living area of the Hawkins ranch in Ozona, Texas. Wildcat Ranch, aptly named by Bo Hawkins nearly thirty years ago, had served many purposes over the years: hosting family holiday getaways; a hunting lodge for the senior Hawkins, his friends, and business associates; and a clandestine meeting ground for rendezvous that were best kept out of the press. On a blustery autumn afternoon, a meeting was taking place there that both participants were most anxious to keep out of the public eye.
As Will and Carlos exchanged pleasantries and stories from their college days, the well-appointed, rustic ranch house seemed to be absorbing the gravity of the moment. When both men appeared to have run out of small talk, Carlos Pendrill took the direct approach. “Will, it really is great to see you, but I’m tired of
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