America's Trust Read Online Free Page B

Republicans were back in a big way. There was little doubt in anyone’s mind that he was their man. By the time November came, the race was down to three.
    Jack’s first meeting with Kenneth had been on a cold winter’s evening. A knock at his door at 9:30 p.m. was not unheard of but certainly not common. Kenneth Lee stood before him with a look of desperation on his face. Jack recognized Kenneth instantly. Jack was a staunch Republican supporter and had been a vocal advocate of the Wyoming governor’s plans to rebuild America from the ground up. Inviting him in, Jack was totally unprepared for the conversation that was to ensue.
    In short, Kenneth Lee had made it abundantly clear that his country needed him to serve again, only this time in a slightly enhanced role. Two hours earlier, the governor of Wyoming had died of a massive heart attack. The announcement would be made within the next hour and with the pitiful display of the governor’s Republican contenders and the rock bottom approvals for the current Democratic incumbent, it was feared the impact of the news and the lack of hope it offered would send the country spiraling into a major economic depression. A phone call from the chairman of the GOP had sealed the need for Jack to ‘step up and take the reins’. The party was on the brink of meltdown, they needed somebody the country could look up to, a man of stature, a man of leadership, a man the country could respect and follow. General Jack King, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs, was their man.
    His country needed him. Jack had never been found wanting when his country called. He stood up and helped the country through the mourning of a president who would never be and gave them the president they all dreamed could save them.
    Kenneth Lee had been by his side from that day, an ever constant. He was a political warrior who ensured he was one step ahead and never ambushed. Money had never been an issue. Kenneth Lee had secured the largest war chest ever to be collected to fight a campaign. When more funds were needed, he doubled and trebled whatever the requirement was. Despite the election being almost a certainty from day one of Jack’s nomination as the Republican candidate, Kenneth took no chances. For every dollar the Democratic incumbent spent, Kenneth spent two on Jack.
    “We need to go, Mr. President,” prompted Kenneth.
    It was the simple act of Kenneth calling him Mr. President rather than Jack that made the realization of what he had achieved really hit home.
    Jack realized then just how much his and his wife’s lives were really about to change.
    After a small applause from the rest of the room, Kenneth led Jack with purpose towards the Cabinet Room. An elderly gentleman, immaculately presented, awaited their arrival.
    “Mr. President, may I introduce you to Mr. Warren Walker. Mr Walker, the President,” said Kenneth.
    He stood and bowed his head slightly, shaking hands with President King. “Delighted to meet you, Mr. President and please accept my congratulations on your superb victory.”
    “Thank you,” replied Jack looking to Kenneth for some indication as to why they were meeting with Mr. Walker.
    “I can see Kenneth has not warned you of our meeting,” said Mr. Walker, correctly reading the situation.
    “No he hasn’t,” replied Jack honestly while staring at Kenneth. He turned to face Mr. Walker.
    “I asked him not to. All he knows was that it was imperative I met with you on the twentieth of January 2013. ‘You’ being the president of the United States, not necessarily you, Jack King, if you understand my meaning.”
    “Yes,” replied Jack. “If I hadn’t won, my opponent would be sitting here meeting with you.”
    “Before I begin, I must note that my instructions are to discuss this with the president of the United States only. If you choose to include your Chief of Staff that is your choice.”
    Jack looked back at Kenneth, his mind racing. What was the old guy