Page 85 of Power
Chapter seventeen
Bennett
Sittinginmyoffice, the team are all scrambling, trying to spin this positively.
“I think you’re going to have to address this, Mr. President,” Alisha says.
“The president deeply regrets...” Elizabeth starts as she outwardly pens my speech.
“No, I don’t deeply regret being with Reece,” I say as I stare at them.
“You have to say something about this,” Gavin, my Deputy Communications Director, says.
“If you say nothing, then you’re allowing yourself to be a target all around the world,” Alisha agrees with Gavin.
“Presidents and sex scandals isn’t something new,” Liam says.
“Yes, you’re correct, but we’re talking about our president who we fought to get elected into the White House,” Alisha argues. “We need to get ahead of this and keep the upper hand on the narrative, and we need the American people, and the world to see it was a temporary lapse of judgement. We can push forward with Medicare and...”
“No,” I repeat. “This wasn’t a temporary lapse of judgment.”
“Mr. President, we can’t have you stand up there and tell people you hired an escort and expect them to deal with it,” Gavin urges. “This is all about how we spin it. We can make it appear like you’re lonely and craved female companionship or the world will tear it apart and make you look like a sleazy predator.”
I let out a long breath before turning to Alison. “What do you think, Alison?”
She purses her lips together and shakes her head. “I think whatever you say is going to be torn apart.”
“Do you think it’s best if we don’t comment on this now?” Liam asks. “You’re the one who knows the press room, Alison.”
“I think if you go out now with a half-hearted apology, you’re going to be ripped apart and you’ll lose the respect of the people.”
I nod as I link my hands together and lower my chin to look at the carpet in my office.
“The president is in deep reflection,” Alison says as if she’s addressing the press corp.
“No, I’m not,” I say as I shake my head. “I’m not in deep reflection, and I don’t regret it.”
“You can’t stand on that podium and tell people you don’t regret sleeping with an escort. That won’t work for the American people,” Alisha argues.
“Alisha,” Liam scolds with an undeniable tone of dissatisfaction.
“Liam.” I hold my hand up to him. I’m making sure I keep the dynamic in the room as honest as possible. “I need to hear from everyone.”
Liam will protect me, I have no doubt, but I can’t have the staff too afraid to openly discuss this. “Mr. President, the American people will be demanding to know why you went this route,” Alisha says.
“Because he’s the president, and going to a bar to meet someone is out of the question,” Liam replies.
Mark opens the door and stands in his rigid form. I get up and walk over to him while my advisors all try and figure out the best way forward. “Did you get her out safely?” I ask Mark.
“Mr. President, she was already gone.”
“Gone? What do you mean?”
“I sent a team, including Grayson, and she’d already left. He said it appears she packed a bag for herself and her daughter, and has left. Her car is gone too.” He stands without saying anything else.
“Can you find her?”
“I can find anyone,” he replies confidently.
