Fuckingsweet.
At one time, the guy was a well-respected and level-headed anchor, leaning fiscally conservative and maybe a little more hawkish than I agree with on nat-sec, but socially a liberal, and a firm believer that “religion” has no place in government. At one time, he probably would have been called a Libertarian, even though he’s supposedly GOP.
I would have even been tempted to tap him for comms at the state, if he hadn’t completely shredded his integrity working for Full News Broadcasting. Well, that, and I know we can’t afford him. But by working for that network, I know from private conversations with Benchley and others, the man has basically ruined any hope of him ever having a safety net. Some talent can go on to be a campaign advisor, or press secretary, or fill similar roles.
If Kevin Markos does leave FNB? He’s already made himself a pariah among mainstream media companies and most politicians with an ounce of common sense.
And Ireallyneed to stop thinking right this minute about hoping he gets fired, because Susa’s poking me again.
I can’t help it. The thought of him getting shit-canned makes me smile.
Also makes it difficult for me to concentrate on what Owen’s saying.
I catch Dray’s eye and he holds up one finger—one-minute warning.
I release Susa’s hand and step behind Owen as our security detail patiently waits. I lay a hand on his arm. “We need to go, Governor.”
I keep an arm around Owen as I start moving, bringing him with me as I hold my other hand out for Susa to take it, and now we’re walking.
Markos and his crew scurry along with us, Markos trying to get in as many questions and responses as he can. To the asshole’s credit, he actually asks intelligent, insightful questions that, had he askedthosekinds of questions to Owen before the first election, I wouldn’t hate the fuckernow.
Make no mistake—while I resent what his implication was about me that day, it’s the fact that Markos upset and pissed offOwenthat makes me hold such a deep, unyielding grudge against him now.
By the time all four of us—including Dray—are safely in the back of a black Tahoe and on our way to the TV studio, I’m unable to contain my grin.
Susa starts poking at me with both hands. “You nearly had me laughing. Stop that.”
My grin widens. “I can’t help it. It’s like two Christmases.”
Owen sighs. “You realize he’s going to be a fucking prick later, right? During the sit-down?”
I shrug. “Then it’s obvious he’s retaliating and we win again.”
I’m still unable to contain my smile later as the three of us are under lights and being interviewed. They’ve put us on a casual set usually used for a syndicated daytime show they also produce. It’s the anchor, Sheila Hooper, on the far right, then Owen to the left in a chair by himself, and then Susa at the end of the couch closest to Owen, and me, with my arm draped around her shoulders.
“Congratulations on your re-election victory last night, Governor Taylor, Lieutenant-Governor Evans.”
“Thank you,” Owen says. “It’s a pleasure to be here.” Now he’s smiling, his mood greatly improved by this.
“I also wanted to thank you again for coming on our morning broadcast.”
“Well, Tampa is our hometown, really. We miss it, living up in Tallahassee. Don’t get me wrong, we love the people there, it’s a great city. But there’s a reason we have our campaign headquarters here, and always have our election night parties here. This is our home.”
Sheila knows to throw the next question to Susa. “You miraculously survived a very dramatic ordeal just a few months ago. How are you doing, Ms. Evans?”
My pet is a master with the media. “I’m feeling great, Sheila. I’m ready to spend the next four years in Tallahassee.”
“Any plans past that you’d like to share with us?”
“Absolutely. It’s not a secret—I’m going to run for governor at the end of Governor Taylor’s term.”
“You survived something even experts said is pretty miraculous. Did anything in particular help you hang on while you were waiting for rescue?”
“I had everything to live for, a family who loves me, a job to do. One I’ve worked my entire life to achieve.”
Now, Sheila throws to me. I’ve avoided interviews for years, so this is a double coup, for her. “Carter Wilson, you’re Governor Taylor’s chief of staff, in addition to the husband of the state’s lieutenant governor. How does that put extra pressure on you?”
“Not going to lie, it was…tough after her plane went down. The three of us have been close for twenty-plus years. Wearea family. Owen’s my brother in everything but name, and everyone we know will tell you that very same thing. It was every bit as hard on him as it was me. Even harder, because he had to stay here and run the state while I was overseas and alone. It’s a miracle upon a miracle, though.”
