This crowd size was intimidating simply because of the dell shape of the land, which lent well to viewing a stage but also made it feel like folks were clumped together.
Lambton’s greeting was brief, all the perfunctory things. The hellos and the “So glad to see y’all out here on a beautiful day,” were followed with an awe-shucks good ol’ boy, “Hope you came with your appetites.”
After pausing for the polite applause, he invited an initial question from the audience.
Lambton hadn’t introduced Price. Auralia thought this was strategic, too. And that would be his out if he found himself in a tight corner, she’d lay money on it.
“Kamar Brown, International Associated Press,” Auralia’s colleague said from his personal mic.
“Mr. Brown,” Lambton tried to ease his braced posture, but it made him look like a wooden puppet manipulated with strings.
“Representative Lambton,” Kamar said. “Your opponent in this year’s elections has accused you of stolen valor. In your stump speech, you repeat that you were wounded in battle.Records and firsthand accounts indicate that you were wounded when a file cabinet tipped over on you. Do you believe that your office at the base was a battlefield? And if yes, could you explain your thinking on the matter?”
Lambert and his stiff-lipped smile were so saccharin that it made Auralia’s teeth itch. “I’ve said time and again,” he said with his old-boy, glad-hand tone of voice, “I was wounded in theater. I was in Iraq when I sustained my injuries that led to my receiving a Purple Heart, an award that is deeply meaningful to me.” He placed both hands over his heart and closed his eyes for a momentary pause. “I am proud to have made sacrifices for this great nation.”
“I’m quoting you here, Representative,” Kamar persisted, “‘I know the evils of war; I’ve seen it with my own eyes. I served in Iraq—”
“All true,” Lambton shot out.
“I’ll continue the quote, ‘and I was grievously wounded on the battlefield. I received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star.’ Sir,” Kamar said, “There is a record of the Purple Heart, but not of the Bronze Star.” Would you please elaborate on your claims?”
“Yes, thank you,” Lambton said with a hard stare. “You seem to be a bit hard of hearing. As I said, I was wounded in service of my country, and I will always be proud of my scars and my sacrifices.”
“The Bronze Star, sir?” Kamar pressed.
“Yes, speaking of Bronze Stars,” he looked down at Kamar, “and thank you for bringing it up,” he reached behind him and grabbed Price’s elbow, “I want to introduce you to a Marine who was highly decorated, including a Bronze Star.”
“Slick,” Doli muttered. “Get ready.”
“Yes, yes,” Lambton grinned at Price. “I want to introduce you to my old and very dear friend Sergeant Wesely Price, a hero to Marine veterans.” Lambton drew Price forward to standslightly ahead of himself. “How many of you here are from Quantico? Any Marines?”
The ranks echoed with cheers.
“Wesley, here,” Lambton continued, swiping away any attention to himself and placing it wherever he could find a resting spot in his P.R. sleight of hand, “was awarded a Bronze Star for heroic achievement in a combat zone. And when he returned to the States and saw that his fellow Marines were struggling, he continued his service by creating the HONOR Charitable Fund.”
Auralia had particular disdain for the name of this quack charity.
Auralia’s boyfriend was named Honoré on his birth certificate. His parents had sensed his essence from the very beginning. Even joining the Marines, they, too, understood that Honoré Duchamp lived his ethos, and they only changed his name enough that they could pronounce it. He was rechristened Creed at boot camp.
Honor was precious. And honor was rare.
The personal side of Auralia was pissed as hell that this con man tainted the word.
The journalist side of Auralia wanted to present a set of facts and see where that trail led.
“You all know of his good work,” Lambton continued. “I’ll let him say howdy and take some of your questions as we pass the bucket. As you reach for your wallets to donate, please remember the sacrifices that these Marines have made for you and your family, then consider what you should add to our collection. Ladies,” Lambton said toward the stage wings, “if you could please start those buckets up and down the aisles.” He faced the audience once again. “Ladies and gentlemen, the hero for our heroes, please give a warm welcome to Wesley Price.”
Auralia felt her heart gallop. She was going to get him. This was it.
“Ah, now thank you all. That’s such a kind welcome. I’m a humble man. Not much for speechifying even amongst friends like yourselves. I just like to do my quiet part in caring for my brothers and sisters that I served alongside in the Marines. It is the privilege of a lifetime to be of some service through HONOR, an acronym that many of you know stands for Helping Our Nation’s Outstanding Marines Recover. Maybe some of you here in the audience have benefited from our good work. I hope so.” He put his hand over his heart. “Now, while you are showing your gratitude to our fine servicemen and women with your generous donations today, I’d be happy to answer some of your questions.”
“Auralia Rochambeau, Global Reach News and World Reports,” Auralia spoke clearly into her mic.
“Yes, ma’am, what do you have on your mind this fine evening?” Price sent her an aw-shucks grin.
“I have a few related questions that I’d like to pose and gain clarity around the implementation of the HONOR charities.”
“Happy to oblige.”
