By Silent Majority Page 6

  “How’s that civil rights stuff? I’ll help you hold off those conservatives.”

  “I’ll keep you in mind. How’s your Senator doing?”

  “Fine. I have to keep him in line every now and then. If I don’t, he’ll turn into a goddamn fascist.”

  “Who’s that girl staring at me over there? —Don’t turn around now!”

  “Can I look, now?”

  “Slowly.” Lawrence began to turn.

  “That’s June Ware. She’s kind of a professional socialite.”

  “Then you approve.”

  “She’s nice. Her husband was killed in Vietnam. She’s friends with Peter’s girl.” The name rang a bell in Daniel’s head.

  “Her husband was on active duty?”

  “A real hero, from what I understand.” Daniel just stood there in silence almost jealous. “Say was that Austin Hesse that you were just speaking with?”

  “Yes. What do you think of him?”

  “He’s a spook from the Pickle Factory. The Pickle Factory is another name for the CIA.”

  “I know,” Daniel said

  “You never retire from that line of work. But he’s okay as far as right wing war mongers go.”

  “That’s the nicest thing I’ve ever heard you say about an Eisenhower Republican.”

  “Why don’t you go over and introduce yourself, instead of copping stares?”

  “I will.”

  “See you later, Daniel.”

  After two minutes of awkward staring, Daniel decided to approach her. He took two glasses of champagne. As he walked closer to June, his mind blocked out the music. His heart rate rose. He was becoming more acutely interested with every step. She had such an atypical past compared with everyone else in the room. He no longer could hear the music. He was infatuated with the fantasy that she created. What Melissa and Laurence Thompson had created. Daniel added his own hopes to the fantasy. She was striking and provoked interest. She seemed to be handling herself well with the person she was speaking with. He was close enough.

  “Hello,” she said.

  “Hi, Daniel Carlson. Champagne?”

  “Thank you,” She took the glass from him and looked from his shoes up to his face. “Have a light?” As gawky as he felt he had to answer in the negative. A gentleman to Daniel’s left overheard and produced a lighter.

  “I’m June. Melissa’s friend.”

  “I know.”

  “How did you know?”

  “People tell me things.” Daniel gave her a wide smile.

  “Do they?” She knew he was flirting with her.

  “Let’s get away from this noise. Would you like to go for a walk?”

  “Sure.”

  The two left the main area and walked around the balcony of the House.

  “Washington is such a pretty town, it’s amazing what really goes on there,” June said to make conversation.

  “Oh, what goes on there?”

  “It’s so bright and honest on the outside. So shady and spooky on the inside.” Daniel didn’t respond. June thought he would be interested in talking about his job in an idealistic way as a response to her definite jab, but he did not.

  “Do you have any family in town?”

  “No. I do have two children,” she paused for a reaction and then continued. “My husband was killed some time ago in the war.”

  “Boy and girl?”

  “Yes. Did someone tell you that? . . .Connie and Alan.”

  “Have any pictures?”

  “Yes.” She sifted through her purse to find her picture wallet. “I never thought I would be showing these at this event. You really want to see my children?”

  “Yes.” June finally found them and Daniel studied each picture.

  “They can’t be that old.” Daniel really meant it.

  “I was a young bride.”

  “They’re beautiful.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I didn’t get a chance to serve in the war.” There was no answer from June. There were some noticeable tears welling up in her eyes.

  “Why would you want to serve? In a war that nobody wants to fight. Good men are lost for no reason! You’re too smart for that Daniel.”

  “My country needed me,” Daniel said without trying to sound too corny.

  “Your country needs you alive. I can see it in your eye. You’re going places. You can be a Congressman or a Senator.” Daniel blushed. “No. I’d never run for office.”

  She didn’t believe him. “You never know when the bug may hit you, Mr. President.”

  “Right.”

  “I want to say that I planted that seed in the back of your little ambitious mind. No one will believe me when I say that I started you in your career in politics, but I’ll know.”

  “I don’t want to talk about it.”

  “Okay.”

  “What do you do?” Daniel asked.

  “I organize social events for Senator Bishop from Iowa.”

  “Ah, yes, Senator Bishop, Republican. That’s good. You know I’ve always wondered what it would be like to have kids. Do you enjoy it?”

  June was relieved that she didn’t have to be the first to mention her children. It’s usually an invitation to end the conversation to a man. Although, it was a good tool to get out of one too. In this case June was interested, so it was good that Daniel already knew about them, but didn’t politely smile and walk away. She was not rest assured yet. She was dealing with a fledgling politician.

  “I don’t enjoy raising them on my own. But I love them. I just got Alan out of the terrible two’s. So now I can keep a sitter.”

  “I’m an only child. Never had children.”

  “Well, I’ll let you babysit sometime.”

  “Sure. I would like to meet them sometime.”

  “Really? That’s remarkable. I meet a guy and when I tell him I’ve got kids I can’t remember which way he ran.”

  “Well, you just don’t want any guy. You want to take the chance with the right guy. And the right guy uniquely fits the kind of person that you are, right?”

  “Yeah. You’re right. You’re not a stereotypical aide.”

  “How’s that?”

  “These parties are times when aides meet and maneuver in the world of power. And here you are asking me about my kids.”

  “Like I said, the right guy uniquely fits the kind of person that you are, right?

  My first year out of formal schooling was awakening. While many issues in school can be resolved with an overwhelming sense of orderliness in the law, it doesn’t translate in the real world in the same way. The reason it doesn’t translate well is the fact that real people are involved—people in strange circumstances.

  I could talk about the law to legislators, but all they want and wanted are results. On more than one occasion a Senator has told me to keep unconstitutional language in a bill because it would take several years before that legislation would be declared constitutional. But that is not the only pressure I had been feeling.

  Senator Bratton had hinted that he favored me as a legislative aide. I wasn’t happy about that. I felt he was more of a father figure, and the aides were his children so to speak. I didn’t like the fact that he favored me over Peter, especially since Peter brought me into the Senator’s organization. The Senator also felt he could shape other areas in my life.

  In a not so subtle fashion Bratton told me it would be wise to find a wife. I thought his candor was a form of humor, but it wasn’t. A serious politician needed to create a finely tuned life. Each area of my life had to fit the mold. By fitting the mold I could enter the system, by entering the system I could change it. Do you see how I fell off the track? About a month later it all fell apart or, fell into place.

  Daughter v. wife? />
  CHAPTER 6

  The End of An Era

  Clear and quite shocking. Senator Bratton’s picture was next to a front-page investigative article.

  SENATOR BRATTON HAS LIAISON WITH

  AMBASSADOR’S WIFE

  Leinwand, from the newspaper USA Today, broke a story about the State Department having new insurmountable hurdles to clear because the Chinese Ambassador to the United States and Senator Bratton were at odds over the Ambassador’s wife. Sources claimed the Ambassador was outraged with the situation and labeled it as a clear violation of diplomatic protocol.

  A picture of Cho Ming, the Ambassador’s wife, was printed on the opposite side of the article. There was something about publishing a picture in an article describing the scandal. It was something about, the cameras. The cameras made life. It put pictures with names and made the stories, fiction or fact, become real, alive, ring with truth. When the cameras offered a reaction shot to the scandalous news, the public instantly forms an opinion on guilt or innocence. Most of the time the deliberation turns up the guilt. Because guilt is easier. It requires little effort. Frankly, it is more fun.

  The only picture the Post had of the Senator was on file from a British embassy party from last month. Since it was the weekend, Senator Bratton was home in Florida and probably just learning about it. Or some spy that Senator Bratton had at The Post called to tell him that the article was going to be printed. This was devastating. What was worse, the political devastation or the personal? The political. He could always straighten it out with his wife. She knew the rules of the game—an unspoken agreement. It was that damn silent majority that wouldn’t forgive. The silent majority—God says. . . .

  What to do? First, start with a scotch. Then the Senator called a friend in the Party. A friend? A person in the know. The one in control. After a long talk it was decided what had to be done. Daniel and Peter waited outside the Senator’s door until he arrived. They didn’t know what to think, but they wanted some answers. Didn’t Bratton realize that other people’s interests were at stake?

  Senator Bratton walked into the office. The secretary glanced up for a second and then continued typing. Senator Bratton smiled at his men and waved them to come in. They followed but neither of the men knew who was supposed to start talking first.

  “I suppose you read the article already?” The Senator asked. “Well?”

  “Shit, Terry, it was a stupid thing to do,” Peter said, not hesitating to use his embattled boss’s first name.

  “All right. What’s happened is done. It wasn’t smart. I took a chance, and I got caught. That simple. It happens all the time.”

  “So what’s it going to be?” Peter asked.

  “I’m going to apologize for the appearance of indiscretion at a press conference that’s going to be in five minutes. See how it plays. It’s the ’80s. Why do leaders have to appear perfect?” At that moment Daniel realized that Bratton was having sex with the wife of an Ambassador. He was embarrassed he was that naïve, even to himself. Still so young and idealistic in thought, Daniel didn’t understand why Bratton would need sex outside his marriage. Daniel didn’t realize Bratton didn’t get sex inside his marriage. Peter, however, was never so gullible.

  “Damn, you know how it’s going to go over? You cheated on your wife—end of story. You committed adultery! We’re screwed hard. Damn! If I would’ve known about Leinwand two days ago, I could’ve taken care of this,” Peter exclaimed. Bratton cut him off with a wave of his hand.

  “Listen, I fucked up. Literally. It’s doesn’t have to affect me politically.”

  Daniel began to think. He was an advocate even in this moment of discovery that his boss was human and fallible.

  “Isn’t there a way around it? Go out there and say that Sherry forgives you. The revelation has brought you closer together. And now you will be able to serve your constituency with a new outlook on life, an outlook free from burden, and strong family support,” Daniel said it as if he were giving the speech for him. Daniel was loyal and instantly was acting as Terrence Bratton’s lawyer. All of the men remained silent for a moment.

  “Not bad, Daniel.” The Senator laughed and wrote something down on an envelope that he took out of his jacket pocket.

  “Oh, bullshit. Only an evangelist could get away with some bullshit like that, Terry,” Peter said. “Look what you’ve done. That whole civil rights package is right down the drain. The Presidency! Your dreams!”

  The Senator felt the ice in his veins. “I’ll have Senator Sparling takeover the civil rights bill as his own, if my apology doesn’t work. I’m the only one in trouble here. Now quit criticizing me, and back me like good aides.”

  “We can fight this, Terry,” Peter said. “Why don’t you deny it? Who can prove she slept with you? Some reporter has a picture of you at a public function. Rumors are flying? That’s evidence?”

  “I’m going to see what the reaction is to the whole thing. Peter, I know it’s ridiculous. I had sex. The woman had a big mouth. Her husband’s an Ambassador.” The Senator smiled. “Should it ruin my career? Did sex with Cho Ming affect my ability as a politician? As an administrator? Shit happens.” The Senator laughed again. “Good headline, right?”

  “How can you joke at a time like this? Jesus, don’t you know there are other people whose lives and careers are at stake as well?” Peter demanded.

  “Don’t get overdramatic, Peter. It’s just not smart to lie about it. We’re in a new era. Nixon spoiled it for all of us. Do you know how many Senators have girlfriends? More do than don’t. I picked one who’s an Ambassador’s wife, and says it happened. Scandal! Don’t worry my boys; I’ll discuss your future after I have lunch today. I promise I haven’t forgotten who’s important. If the polls reflect forgiveness, we’re still in business. If not, then we’ll talk. Daniel, call the Ambassador’s office and see if we can smooth this thing out and let bygones be what they’re supposed to be.” Daniel Carlson wondered how he was suppose to do it. He certainly wouldn’t talk to the Ambassador directly.

  The Senator ran his fingers through his gray, curly hair. He got up and buttoned his dark blue jacket. “Come watch the press conference.” The Senator closed the door to his office behind him. The three men saw Sherry Bratton sitting in the waiting room. She stood up. She was an attractive woman. Very sophisticated looking. Daniel had thought she was sweet and almost sincere, but didn’t know her very well. Peter barely talked to her. He would send Melissa to do the job.

  She was dressed in a black blazer and a formal silk shirt underneath. The Senator grabbed her elbow and said, “Why are you wearing black? This isn’t a funeral.”

  “Oh, shut up, Terry!” She said aloud.

  All the cameras were there, surrounding the front steps of the Rayburn building. Senator Bratton’s attorney stood beside him when he approached the microphone. His wife stood one step behind his left shoulder.

  Daniel and Peter watched the Senator with anticipation at the bottom of the steps. Daniel empathized with the Senator. He, too, feared that one day he might be talking to the cameras apologizing for something of a personal nature. A free press doesn’t mean that it should interfere with personal lives, public official or not. If it affects the public, it’s fair game. If it doesn’t, get lost. Yet others have said it is the cost of being in the public eye. Nevertheless, Daniel sided with his first thoughts.

  The Senator approached the microphone. “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. I have a brief statement to make. In yesterday’s news I was accused of indiscretions concerning the wife of the Chinese Ambassador to the United States. I would categorize the relationship I have with this woman as one of encouragement and friendship. The appearance of our relationship could be misconstrued and I take responsibility for that. However, I do plan to continue to serve my constituency.

  Yesterday’s story has brought my family closer, and
allowed us to air-out family issues. With this new enlightenment, I will now serve as a stronger man. The people of the State of Florida will know a new Senator. A Senator with new courage, and new avenues of ability and freedom to serve the people of Florida, and this great country.” The Senator felt a sudden jolt of tension. He felt a lack of confidence. Tunnel vision set in and he almost got dizzy. “Thank you for your time.”

  Sherry Bratton felt her husband’s weakness. She took one step toward the microphone. She spoke clearly and projected her voice with confidence. She was the wife. She was supposed to protect her husband.

  “My husband is a wonderful man. He has been my husband for more than twenty-two years. Through the ups and downs we have remained a family. His children love him. I love him. And most importantly, the people in the State of Florida love him. I’m not a woman who’ll just follow her man around. I’m not a weak woman. I’m not a woman that just sings Stand by Your Man. If I weren’t happy with Terrence, I would be gone. He’s a wonderful man. And, if he tells me that he has been faithful, then I believe him. He’s a wonderful Senator, who enjoys the confidence of his people. He’s sponsoring a very important civil rights bill that will ensure freedom and civil rights for all in this great country. We must dismiss this nonsense and let a great man continue his work.” She dropped her voice. Sherry was done speaking. She smiled confidently, and she performed well.

  The Senator, with panic in his heart, bolted toward the front door of the Rayburn building. The cameras followed. The media recognized a collective sense of miscommunication between the couple. Wait a second. Did Peter put her up to this unplanned denial? Bratton was dizzy.

  “Senator, are you saying you didn’t have an affair with the Ambassador’s wife?”

  “Senator, what will happen with the civil rights bill?”

  “Is that a denial, Senator?”

  “Please, some questions, Senator!”

  Daniel was left at the bottom of the steps. He gazed and wondered at the whole spectacle. He knew that the Senator was hurting more than he let on. He knew the jokes in the office were a shallow defense mechanism to ease the tension. How did that gaff happen? A public relations nightmare. Who knows how the cameras will reveal what they captured—the less disclosure, the worse chance of a positive spin.