“Why the hell couldn’t you have straightened this out before the campaign?”

“Shit, son, this makes things interesting. Quit being such a pussy. Besides, I said I have it handled. Within the week, the conditions at the factory will be exemplary. At which point, you’ll be doing your television interview.”

“What television interview?”

“The one I’ve set up for you and Carolyn. You’ll be hearing from the producer shortly. I’ll let you be surprised by my choice. It’s a top rated show. I’m sure you’ll be pleased. In the meantime, parade that wife of yours around in public. Her popularity will keep you afloat until we can put out the flames.”

“Fine.” Warner switched gears, trying to sound tough. He wasn’t sure why he still tried to please the old man. “What about the Georgia primary? If we pull off New Hampshire, I don’t want to lose our momentum. Call Richard and see if he can persuade Governor Hicks to endorse me.”

“Richard and I have already discussed it. If we need Hick’s pull. Richard can call in a marker. But Warner, if Richard does this favor for you, it locks you into running with him as your vice presidential candidate. Now that his son is recovering, he wants back in.”

“We need the edge, so I’m willing to solidify the deal. Richard will look good on the ticket. He has the strength to carry the south. Shit, he’d probably beat me if he’d been able to run in the primaries.”

“Is Carolyn still set to meet with Governor Hicks?” Edmund asked.

“Yes. Knowing the way she thinks, she’ll also ask Hicks to endorse me.”

“Good. Let her believe it was her success. She can also take the fall if it backfires.”

“I know the drill,” Warner said, and hung up.

They took a late-night flight back to Missouri to escape the press and regroup. The sweatshop story had frazzled everyone’s nerves.

Carolyn convened a meeting in the basement of their home, recently dubbed the “Situation Room.” The location insured privacy. Kentucky Fried Chicken buckets sat on the table. No one ate, except Warner. Quietly, he observed the group between bites.

“How are we going to deal with this?” Ernie finally asked. “Is it even possible to recover?”

“Yes, and we’re going to come out swinging.” Carolyn announced.

Everyone in the room turned to stare at her.

Warner watched cautiously; he wouldn’t mention anything about his conversation with Edmund. As long as Carolyn and Nick headed in the right direction, he’d remain silent. So far, the methods of the Council had yet to be detected, effective as they’d been.

They continued to let Carolyn believe she ran the campaign. This illusion provided an excellent cover for the Council. Warner’s next gift to her would be her belief that she’d convinced the Governor of Georgia to endorse him.

Edmund and Richard had already sealed the deal. Yet, no one knew. And the information wouldn’t be released until Carolyn believed she’d orchestrated the maneuver. He took delight in predicting Carolyn’s future moves and staying ahead of her.

“There are several fronts on which to attack,” Nick said, picking up the gauntlet. “We’ve devised a strategy. First, we issue a press release denying any affiliation on Warner’s part with Edmund Lane ’s companies. This is technically accurate, and we can produce corporate documents proving Warner and Carolyn are not stockholders. When we leave this room, Matt, Ernie, and I will be on the phone, calling every major periodical, television network, and newspaper in the country. Second, we attack the allegation on the basis of credibility. Let’s face it. This is a tabloid reporter we’re talking about. We’ll attack him on that angle. And third, we create a diversion.” Nick looked around to make sure everyone was paying attention.

“And now, for the big news – we’ve just been called by the producer of ‘Barry Sears Live.’ I’m not sure where the break came from, but it’s a Godsend. This is our chance to make an impact. Barry Sears is the epitome of credibility. With him, we can easily fix this mess. Thank God the story broke in the tabloids. The public will be willing to accept it as a lie when they witness Warner and Carolyn’s outrage on a show like Barry’s.”

Damn, if Edmund and his Council weren’t good, Warner thought. Their reach was far and effective. His attention turned back to Nick.

“Carolyn and Warner shine when they’re together, and the Sears show can only enhance their image. The viewers will see them interact naturally, speak candidly. Both of you will be offended by these accusations and demand an investigation into the charges and the factory itself.”

Nick turned to Carolyn. “This is your forte, and it will highlight the causes you’ve been fighting for all these years. You’ll come off as the heroine demanding that these poor people, and especially the children, be saved. But I have one other request, and I feel it’s imperative.”

Carolyn met his gaze. “The diversion?”

“Exactly.” Nick said. “The country is wondering why you and Warner have no children. Sooner or later, we need to address the question. This is the perfect time to explain.”

Carolyn bit her lower lip. “I have to explain that I’m not able to conceive on national television?”

“Yes. It’ll divert the media’s attention. And right now, we need that diversion. Your honesty will become the next headline. We can rehearse if you feel it’s necessary.”

“No. No rehearsal.” Her face flushed. “If I have to do this, I’ll speak from the heart.” But could she actually do it? This was personal, too personal. “You really feel it’s necessary?”

“Yes. We need this offense maneuver. And, as I said, eventually the topic has to be addressed. If we do it now, we’re using it to our best advantage.”

God, I’ve become a prostitute, selling my pain to divert the public’s attention. “I don’t like it. If you insist, I’ll do it. But it makes me feel dishonest.”

“I’m not asking you to lie. I’m just asking you-”

“To exploit a very painful, personal subject on national television.”

“You’re paying me to get Warner into the White House. Strategy’s an inherent part of my job, and I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t come up with offense planning. We’re in a bad situation. This is my recommendation. And I believe if we handle it correctly, it may help our campaign. The best defense is a good offense.”

Warner knew that Carolyn would agree. Nick’s argument had merit. A diversion, especially an emotional one, was the perfect solution. ‘Barry Sears Live,’ Warner thought, a perfect vehicle to attack any allegation nationally. Too bad he hadn’t thought of it himself

Carolyn pulled Nick aside as they left the meeting. Her voice was low and intense. “Do you really believe this can help the campaign?”

“Yes.”

“It’s just so personal. I can’t get comfortable with the idea of discussing it on national television.”

He searched her eyes, witnessing her pain. “I’m sorry. I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t feel strongly about it.”

“Okay.” Carolyn paused. “I always hoped that our childlessness could go unaddressed, but I realize that people want to know every detail about the lives of politicians and their families. I’ll do what’s necessary.”

“Good. It’ll work out. It probably won’t be as hard as you-”

She held up her hand. “Don’t even go there, Nick. I appreciate your sentiment but you have no idea how much this will take out of me.” She lowered her hand. “I’m not complaining. I knew that I’d have to make sacrifices and compromise when I signed on for this campaign, and I’ll follow through.”

He nodded, his respect for her growing. This was probably the strongest woman he’d ever had the good fortune to meet. And she wasn’t going to let anything get in the way of the greater goal, not even her personal pain.