Presidential Shift by C. G. Cooper Read Free Book Online Page A

the congressman’s office has repeatedly denied our requests for comment. We hope to have more on this soon.
    The news anchor paused and nodded to someone off camera.
    We know you’d all like to see what the next story is, but I’ve been just told by our producer that we’ll need to take a quick commercial break in order to confirm an additional source’s testimony. We’ll be right back.
    The room sat in silence, staring at the television screen that now showed a commercial for long-term health insurance.
    The president’s chief of staff was the first to speak. “You think that was real?”
    National Security Adviser Ivan Winger nodded gravely. “I don’t think there can be any doubt.”
    “What does this do for us?” asked the president.
    His chief of staff, a tall scrawny former environmental lawyer named Rick Vance, scratched his head. “Well, I don’t know if it really makes us look bad. America already thinks politicians are a bunch of criminals. I don’t think Congressman Erling will be in office much longer. What I’m really worried about is what they have on our Louisiana boy. He’s been co-author of more than one bill that you’ve endorsed in the last year. The press and Republicans will find some way to pin this back on you.”
    “We’ll deal with it,” said the president.
    “But, sir…”
    “I said we’ll deal with it, Rick.”
    “Yes, sir.” Rick Vance frowned as he directed his attention back to his phone. He’d missed over twenty calls.
    “Anything you’d like me to do, sir?” asked Ivan Winger.
    “Let’s just wait and see what the second bombshell is. Can’t imagine it could be much worse.”
    Winger shifted his focus to his own constantly buzzing phone. It was going to be another long day.
    A moment later, the news returned and the second video played. It was no less shocking than the first. The recording showed Congressman Peter Quailen, naked with private parts blurred, accompanied by another nude male, purportedly the CEO of a Louisiana barge company, surrounded by eight naked women frolicking in sexual fever. Not only did the voyeuristic angle capture the carnal appetites of the two men and their partners, along with copious use of some white powdery substance that stuck stubbornly to the Congressman’s red face, it also showed a rather detailed discussion where the politician promised to torpedo any and all legislation that would aid the competition of his undressed friend.
    From the looks on their faces, the men sitting in the Oval Office didn’t know whether to laugh or scream. The shear audacity of the act shocked them all, including the president. How could the man be so stupid?
    The news anchor’s face returned to the screen.
    We would like to reiterate that the identities of the individuals you have just seen are still under investigation. NBC is already cooperating with FBI and White House officials to further their own analysis of the evidence provided to our offices this morning.
    Coming up next, I will be interviewing former Attorney General—
    The president clicked off the television and turned to his two closest advisers.
    “Well, gentlemen, looks like it’s going be another great day in Washington.”

Chapter 10
    Orange Beach, Alabama
    1:26pm, December 17 th
    Cal couldn’t stop his steady chuckle. They’d bounced from radio show to radio show listening to hosts and pundits talk up, over and around the new scandal. While there were a few that recommended the two congressmen be given the chance to explain, it was plain that America had already made up its mind. The politicians were guilty.
    “How did Neil find that stuff?” Daniel asked as the radio station went to a commercial.
    “Haven’t you learned not to ask? I don’t understand half the stuff he says he’s doing.”
    “And there’s no way they can trace this back to us?”
    Cal shook his head. “Sounds like this was a total cakewalk. Neil said it was like strolling into an unlocked