Blue Tomorrow

By Byron Spain

Blue Tomorrow is the first book of the Progreso Trilogy. Progreso and Darwin's Legacy complete the story. In the year 2080 a small group of wealthy visionaries struggle to break free from the tyrany of a now totally corrupt US government under the brutal influence of Wang Ho and the Organization. Follow these brave individuals as they fight for freedom and their very lives. The Three Wise Men, as the visionary leaders are affectionately called guide a growing group as they build a new nation on floating islands in the Gulf of Mexico near the small Mexican port of Progreso. From nothing but dreams, a new nation emerges to offer refuge for all who seek freedom and are willing to do whatever is required to survide and prosper.

Blue Tomorrow builds a solid base for the two following books that carry the story to a surprising conclusion.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Byron Spain
• Release date: Dec 10, 2013
• ISBN: 9781311413550

Book preview

Blue Tomorrow

Published by Byron Spain at Smashwords

This is a work of fiction, Names, organizations, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales are entirely coincidental.

Writer’s Guild 934586

Copyright 2001 by Byron R. Spain

All rights reserved.

This manuscript, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form

without the permission of the author.

Blue Tomorrow is the first book in the Progreso Trilogy; Progreso and Darwin's Legacy to complete the story follow it.

Other titles by the author include: Scourge, Star and Crescent, Nine Fingers and Yellow Brick Tales.

The ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

CHAPTER 1

The black of a moonless night was graying to dawn as the battered pickup turned off Interstate 70 onto the narrow gravel Kansas farm road and headed north into nothingness. There were no fences bordering the road, just vast fields of wheat stubble with an occasional patch of dirty snow where it was shielded from the weak spring sun by snaking sod covered erosion barriers. The driver, a Chinese American, looked out of place and ill at ease in jeans, flannel shirt and scuffed work boots; very different clothing from his usual silk and cotton loose fitting outfits. The cap, with a fertilizer company’s logo, covering his close-cropped black hair, was battered and smelly but it had been the best that he could find at the Goodwill Thrift Store in Goodland. His soft, un-calloused hands were ample evidence that he wasn’t what he was attempting to represent but he had taken the precaution of buying a pair of leather-palmed work gloves on the off chance he would be forced to speak to a local.

After bumping and sliding for nearly five miles on the rutted track, it had seemed twice that far, he came to a junction, really nothing more than tire ruts bordering a field, that was marked by a short stake with three black bands of electrical tape topped with a single amber reflector. He turned off into a pair of fresh-made ruts, climbed a slight up-hill grade for several hundred yards and then descended into a depression that was populated by a sparse grove of trees just beginning to leaf out. A large tent, constructed of camouflage cloth, occupied the only clear spot. It was completely out of sight from the road, hidden by the rise in the ground, and from the air would be scarcely visible unless scanned by an infrared sensor.

He pulled the pickup into the grove and parked beside two other vehicles, another battered truck and a new SUV with an empty trailer attached, and walked to the tent where a single dim lantern was burning. A very old man sitting at a folding table holding a cup, looked up and raised it in greeting.

I’m Albert Winter, you must be Wang Ho, the old man said with a warm smile.

The young man nodded in assent as he approached with his hand extended and said in his soft, well-modulated voice devoid of any accent; I’ve heard so much about your fame as a political consultant, I’m honored to meet you.

The old man’s smile became brittle, almost a sneer as he replied; Some would say that I’ve just been pissing in the wind since most of my candidates never seem to serve more than one term.

I suspect that the fault lies mainly with your client’s not following your advice once they get into office, Ho volunteered.

That’s part of it but the main problem is that I’ve never been able to get enough candidates elected at one time to ever change things, Albert said as he poured Ho a cup of the excellent coffee and bid him take a seat… That makes it a bitch to raise campaign capital.

Ho sipped politely, he really preferred fresh brewed green tea made with distilled water, and then asked, Where are the others?

Albert chuckled and then said; Selo is out in the brush taking a crap and Lucius is late; he’s probably never been outside Washington DC before in his life.

He probably just can’t read a map, the third man said as he entered the tent.

Selo Stuben, ultra liberal Professor of political science and author of nearly a dozen books on the subject as well as a weekly op ed column that was widely syndicated, entered the tent, his huge bulk seemed to nearly fill it.

Ho rose offered his hand and asked; Is this your property?

Selo nodded in assent and answered; Yes, I bought this so that I would have a good place to hunt pheasants. I lease the dirt to a local farmer to grow wheat. He’s the one that set up the tent. I told him that we would be doing a bird count to see how they came through the winter and for him not to bother us.

So we shouldn’t be disturbed during our meeting?

Correct, I assigned my daughter Constance to patrol around the property on her ATV, Selo said, nodding towards the empty trailer, but for her not to visit the tent… She’ll insure our privacy.

Albert handed Selo a cup of coffee and then opined; That Constance is quite a girl. When she grows up she’s going to be a real handful for some man.

Selo nodded his head in agreement and replied; I just wish that she wasn’t so ruthless; beauty and brains ought to be - that must be Lucius.

The sound of an approaching vehicle grew closer; all could hear the crunch of tires as they crushed brush and weeds; then the slam of a door and heavy footsteps heading towards the tent.

Man what a fucking rat hole… Why would anyone want to live out here? the florid face of Lucius Blunt, national chairman of the CLU, asked as he burst into the tent.

What’s the matter Lucius, get lost? Selo inquired derisively.

I just didn’t realize that there were still dirt roads in the United States. These hicks must belong to some subspecies that doesn’t realize paved roads improve the economy, Lucius pontificated as he uncapped a hip flask and took a large swallow.

These hicks realize that if they want paved farm roads they have to pay the taxes to get them, Selo chided.

Lets quit screwing around and get down to business, Albert suggested. Pointing towards the younger man he said; This is Wang Ho, Lucius, he came all the way from California and didn’t have any trouble arriving on time.

Lucius gave Ho an insincere smile, offered a limp, moist palmed handshake and then poured a cup of coffee.

Can you now tell me exactly what I’m doing here? Lucius asked in a supercilious tone as he took a seat.

I too would like to know the answer to that question, Ho interjected in his soft-spoken well-modulated manner.

Selo motioned for both Ho and Lucius to be seated. Once they were in place he glanced at Albert and began; Over the past several years Albert and I have been discussing possible methods for permanently altering the political system in the United States so that it is not so chaotic or riddled with conflict.

We believe that a system of government modeled after Plato’s Republic would be both more efficient and better for the common man, Albert added.

If I remember my classics correctly, Plato proposed that a well educated and dedicated elite rule the masses, Ho interjected. Is that what you mean?

The most important change needed in the United States is to free the masses from the confines of religion, Lucius suggested. Most of my organization’s agenda is constantly being stifled by those damn pastors who challenge us by insisting on placing religious symbols and practices in the public forum.

That’s part of it, Selo agreed. If we can substitute blind faith in a ruling elite for that in some invisible God, the balance of our agenda can certainly be more easily implemented.

This sounds great but exactly what are you proposing? Ho asked rather pointedly as he held up his right index finger for emphasis. He had little patience with idle dreaming; he was a man of action.

Selo smiled patiently and then answered; My job has been to develop a concept of governance that fits our society, including some badly needed new laws, while at the same time guiding it towards orderly operation.

My job has been to develop an implementation plan that has a reasonably good chance of success, Albert added.

Nodding at Ho, Selo said; You and Lucius are the keys to implementing our concept and plans.

I have no desire to hold public office, Ho responded sharply. I -.

You’re the mouthpiece for the Triads, Albert interrupted.

I’m a professional lobbyist who represents various organizations interested in more liberal and tolerant laws relating to drug use, gambling, and prostitution, Ho said with a slight whistle through his teeth as he carefully pronounced his R’s.

Like I said, you’re the mouthpiece for the Triads, Albert persisted. We admire your vision and skill in maneuvering behind the scenes to accomplish your goals. Your PhD in political science from Stanford is an added benefit.

Where does the CLU fit in? Lucius inquired with a bored look.

Your job will be to create an atmosphere that condemns virtually every action taken by the current administration while at the same time pointing out that the opposition party is also out of touch with what’s important. We want you to keep things stirred up, Selo explained.

Ho nodded his head in understanding; So you’re proposing some sort of third political party that offers an alternative to the chaos of the status quo?

Exactly, Albert agreed.

Third parties are rarely successful, especially on a national level, Ho observed.

That’s true primarily because there have never been many problems that uniformly affected the electorate throughout the United States.

Lets get specific, Ho demanded. This sounds like a confused dream.

What we’re proposing is a national political party, to be known as Liberal, that espouses lower taxes for the masses, higher taxes for the rich, cradle to grave medical care, price controls on essential goods, and readily available pleasant vices such as gambling, pornography, and liquor. Selo explained patiently. We’ve selected you as the most qualified individual to head the Liberal Party.

It’s going to take a lot of money to pull something like this off, Ho interrupted sharply. Where is it going to come from?

From your clients and the sponsors of the CLU to start. After that mostly from the taxpayers themselves, Albert replied. Once we have candidates with sufficient support, we can get matching funds from the government.

Ho sat quietly for several minutes thinking before he said; Suppose for a moment that my clients would provide some funding, what’s in it for them?

You get to make the rules, Albert responded. If we can land the Presidency three years from now, a reasonable number of congressional seats and possibly several Governorships, we would be in a great position to get control of the legislatures in subsequent elections.

So you acknowledge that your plan will take years to implement? Ho quickly interjected. At least you understand that.

Selo reached out and gently grasped Ho’s hand as he locked eyes with him; The average human being is lazy and greedy and will always take the path that is easiest for him. What I’ve done is work out a detailed concept that offers Everyman a soft ride on a slippery slope that eventually results in transforming the political system of the United States into one where an elite few guide the rest to everyone’s benefit.

By creating chaos in both houses of Congress and dividing them against the Chief Executive as well as each other we can paralyze the nation and create the impression that nothing can ever be accomplished with the current system, Albert suggested.

That’s the normal state of affairs isn’t it? Lucius asked. When was the last time that those small minded fools agreed on anything except getting reelected; currently with one party in control of each house nothing meaningful is being accomplished.

Albert slapped Lucius on the back and said; I think you’re beginning to get the picture. If you keep the pot boiling, they will do themselves in.

What about the President? Ho inquired. He’s pretty popular.

He needs a nice nasty scandal to make him less popular, Albert observed. No one can get to that high office without a whole bag of dirty laundry and hopefully some bad habits as well.

Ho sat quietly thinking and then looked at Lucius who shrugged his shoulders in reply. Suppose I can get the support of my clients, what assurances can I give them of success?

Does that mean that you’re personally in? Albert asked as he nudged his chair closer to the other man.

What good would it do if I were in and my clients refused? Ho asked defensively.

Don’t bullshit me Ho, I know that your family calls the shots for all the Triads.

My father is leader of the Happy Dragon Lodge and owns a small restaurant, he has very little influence on anyone, Ho demurred.

My inquiries indicate that the Happy Dragon Triad controls 90 percent of the drug trade on the west coast south of Portland, Oregon and virtually all prostitution in the western half of the country as well as being a major loan shark and producer of first rate pornography, Albert retorted hotly.

Ho winced internally at the accuracy of this information but managed to keep his features even.

If Ho elects to participate, the CLU will devote 60 percent of its’ resources to the program through the next Presidential election but in return we will expect key appointments for our people, Lucius injected with a piggish glint in his eyes when the conversation lulled. This program neatly dovetailed with his agenda to destroy the last vestiges of religious practice in the United States.

Albert looked Ho square in the face and said; Well Ho, its time to either shit or get off the pot… What’s it going to be?

I won’t commit to committee direction… If I come aboard, I’ll run the party my way, He muttered as he struggled to come to grips with the possibilities of the gambit.

Selo and I agree, Albert quickly responded. "We’ll offer our advice and guidance but you will be free to exercise absolute operational control.

I suspect that the three of you wish to remain anonymous and that I will be the focus of any criticism or blame, Ho observed.

Albert slapped him on the back and then said; You’re beginning to get the picture. If any of us were identified with this program, it would be doomed to failure since we have reputations that tend to polarize the opposition.

I don’t wish to be the focus of the news media either, we must find suitable representatives to carry the banner in public, Ho stated firmly.

Does that mean that you’re personally in? Albert persisted.

Yes, I will commit to support this program from now until the next Presidential election providing I receive the full support of you three and that I can locate a suitable person to act as our public representative, Ho agreed knowing that he was going to have a major task convincing his father and the other Triad leaders this was a wise course of action.

If the CLU is to be fully effective, we must have a strong presence inside the organization to coordinate our activities. I propose that we provide one of our top attorneys to handle all legal work, Lucius suggested.

I have no problem with that, Ho quickly agreed. Just be sure that this person has few if any ties to family or a particular area since we must keep a very low profile until we achieve some success.

Now that we’ve reached a starting point, lets get into the details, Selo suggested. It’s full daylight now and I want us out of here before dark.

****

You dumb jerk, don’t you ever think before you speak? Marcie shrieked at the top of her lungs as she stomped her foot. You’re nearly as stupid as our daughter and you don’t have her excuse of youth.

All I said was that Senator Jackson’s bill seemed pretty stupid to me, and it does, Delbert Weedon whined as he washed down a handful of Demerol with a swig of Scotch while his wife stood in the closet changing out of her public clothes.

I need that moron’s support on my bill to revise the selection standards for county judges and now it will never be voted out of committee, Marcie said in a nearly normal voice as she threw her sweaty underclothes in the hamper and headed for the shower.

Governor Marcie Weedon stopped and rotated in front of the full-length mirror, she was still very attractive at age 43; her slim waist and full breasts were the envy of many women half her age. If it hadn’t been for her rather prominent buttocks her body would have been perfect. Her face wasn’t bad either, the nose could be a mite too long but the complexion was still peaches and cream. If she could just find a complimentary style for her ash blond hair there would be little to complain about.

She noticed Delbert following her movement with his eyes and asked; You interested?

He blushed, turned, and quietly closed the door.

Stupid bastard can’t get it up half the time anyway. She thought as she entered the shower and adjusted the spray.

While she soaped and rinsed Marcie mulled over the several important deals that were in the works. It was so difficult keeping her stories straight; everyone always wanted something extra, no one would vote her way without sharing a payoff. Most importantly, getting her picture hung in the courthouse in her hometown was stalled because some local yahoo refused to authorize the cost of mounting and hanging the photograph. That bunch of losers should feel grateful that I consented to continue to be identified with such a place; after all she now represented the entire state not just that Podunk backwater.

I’ll make sure that when the new interstate goes through it misses that part of the state. She decided as she began to towel dry.

Marcie raked a comb through her still damp hair, donned a silk wraparound and slipped her feet into favorite sandals.

By the time Marcie entered her bedroom Delbert had finished off a second tumbler of Scotch and fallen into a drugged and drunken stupor that rendered him incapable of conversation on the odd chance that they had anything to discuss. Since he had given up managing his very prosperous pharmacy business to devote full-time to supporting her career he had fallen deeper and deeper into depression. Delbert just couldn’t cope with the continuous demands that were made on him by both Marcie and her professional staff. His primary role had degenerated to smiling stupidly while standing beside her for photo ops.

Marcie lifted the receiver on the house phone and punched in #14 for the kitchen.

Kitchen, what can we get you Governor? Came the cheery voice of Alton Daniels, chef and chief steward of the mansion.

I’ll be eating in my private dining room tonight. Just the three of us.

I have some excellent fish in the fridge plus a large fruit salad. Would that suit?

Do you have any pinto beans ready to eat?

Governor, you know that I always keep your favorite on hand. It won’t take but a second to heat them.

Cook the fish for Delbert and Sharon but I’ll have the beans and fruit salad - and Alton I want your special tostados to accompany.

You got it. I’ll be ready to serve in about 15 minutes, is that ok?

Make it 30 minutes, I need to round up Sharon and make sure Delbert is ready.

Marcie dropped the phone back into the cradle, walked over to her dozing husband and shook him roughly back into consciousness.

I must have dozed off, he said with a slightly slurred voice.

You dumb bastard, you must have drunk half a bottle of Scotch plus those Demerol pills. Go wash your face and try to act like you aren’t totally stupid. Dinner will be served in our private dining room in 30 minutes.

Where’s Sharon? Delbert asked as he struggled to sit up.

How the hell should I know? She spends most of her time after school just sitting in her room listening to those drug addled rock singers and drooling, Marcie replied as she headed out the door towards her daughter’s suite, which was at the opposite end of the family quarters on the third floor of the mansion.

Marcie barged into Sharon’s room without knocking and found her daughter just as predicted, sitting in the center of her bed wearing earphones, listening to some weird rock band. She had the volume turned up so loud that Marcie could easily hear the music.

Turn that junk off, Marcie shouted. How can you stand to play it so loud?

Sharon turned her face towards her mother; it was obvious that she had been crying.

Why shouldn’t I play it loud? That way I can’t hear you yelling at daddy, Sharon replied, making no attempt to wipe the tears from her eyes or mucus from her upper lip.

You’re 15 now; it’s time you started acting more like an adult. I’m so sick of your whining and irresponsibility that I can’t wait until you finish high school so that I can get you out of my house.

You’ve never loved me, I’m nothing but a prop for your photo ops like daddy and our dog Clinton, the girl sniveled.

Well I can keep that stupid mutt in a kennel until I need him. Would you like the dog house next to his?

I’d love it if you promise not to bother me.

Marcie started towards the door and said over her shoulder; Dinner will be served in the family dining room in 30 minutes. If you want to eat, be on time.

As she stalked back towards her bedroom suite to change for dinner, her mind drifted back to when she had been Sharon’s age. Being the middle daughter of a semi-competent divorce attorney and an alcoholic mother had meant that she rarely got any personal attention; it also meant that nothing was expected of her either. Her older sister Willene had been her father’s favorite who could do no wrong and her younger sister Pam had been the rebel who was constantly in trouble. Marcie had learned early on to be self-sufficient and to keep her thoughts to herself.

Things were different now, Willene had never attended college and was married to a real doofus who clerked in one of Delbert’s pharmacies and Pam had discovered her lesbian orientation and lived a transient life with various women who would support her, however briefly. Her mother and father were both dead and good riddance. She was the only one of that sorry lot that had amounted to anything.

Dinner was typical. Sharon moped and pushed the food around on her plate without uttering a word and Delbert ate just enough to sate his hunger and then quickly left the table to return to his bottle. Marcie put both out of her mind and savored her favorite pinto beans that had been slowly cooked with ham hock, a large bowl of spicy stewed tomatoes slathered with Louisiana hot sauce, Alton’s made special for her tostados, and a plate of his fruit salad for desert. The meal was washed down with two bottles of her favorite Mexican Coca Cola.

Why can’t those Atlanta dipshits bottle a Coke that tastes as good as the Mexicans’? She mused. Rumor had it that the difference was the use of the insipid corn sweetener in the United States while the Mexicans insisted on using pure cane sugar.

Marcie belched loudly, startling Sharon who had lapsed into what appeared to be a stupor.

Do you have to make those disgusting sounds? the girl shouted.

At least I’m alive. That’s more than I can say about you, Marcie snarled. You act like your brain’s turned off most of the time.

When Sharon was back in her room, she made sure that the door was locked before retrieving the little black case from her purse. It took only a few moments to rip open the packet and heat the heroin in a spoon with her small butane lighter. She dropped her jeans and carefully guided the needle into her femoral artery. She lay back on her bed and in seconds everything was all right.

****

Is this a wise move? Ho’s father Wang Chun asked softly as the two sat at lunch in the tiny dining room adjacent to the office of the Happy Dragon Lodge, which was above his Lotus Blossom Restaurant in San Francisco’s Chinatown.

Ho nodded his understanding, looked up from his rice bowl and replied; I’ve given it great thought. The potential prize is just too big to ignore. If we can gain control of the executive branch of the Federal Government, the payoff for our Triads would be beyond comprehension.

And what if we’re identified as being behind this Liberal Party, won’t that lead to exposure by the news media and ultimately harassment by the FBI and Justice Department?

One of Selo’s first actions was to draft a public platform for the Party that matches the warped left wing viewpoint of most of the main stream news media. Our mouthpieces will be spouting exactly what those fools want to hear.

So you don’t believe that the news media will look too deeply into the origins of the Party?

Exactly father; as long as our spokesmen are saying what the reporters want to hear, there should be little but favorable comments about us. You know as well as me that they literally drool over the utterly ridiculous statements that the most liberal politicians make.

What about these other three individuals. What do you really know about Selo Stuben, Albert Winter, and Lucius Blunt?

Since my return from Kansas, I’ve researched each of them thoroughly. Stuben is a true academic with little grasp of the realities of politics. He will sit in his study writing essays, manifestos, and other gibberish until the day he dies. Albert Winter is a very dangerous man; he knows everyone and has something on most. Lucius Blunt is just what he appears to be, a self-serving ideologue who is in the struggle for personal power and money. I don’t think the man has any loyalty or sense of values other than a true hatred of religious faith.

Is Winter truly a essential player? Chun asked with a cold glint in his eye.

Until we’ve secured several key political offices, his participation is critical. I know where you’re heading; my concern is that Winter doesn’t die from natural causes until we’re successful; he’s a very old man.

Have you selected candidates for significant offices?

I’ve narrowed the field to a manageable number that I suggest be presented to the other Triad leaders before any are contacted.

Chun leaned back and smiled with pride; his son was wise beyond his years. He then said; I concur with your plan and will provide limited financial support in the event you’re able to obtain the concurrence of our associates.

Ho smiled widely and then said; Don’t worry too much about money father, Lucius has committed 60 percent of his organization’s budget for a three year period. Since I will select the financial person, our organizations will only be called upon to cover exceptions. In fact with your lending skill, we may be able to make a profit for ourselves with the CLU’s money.

Chun leaned forward, looked his son straight in the eyes and said; I must caution you that in the event our involvement is reported by the news media I will not come to your defense.

I understand father and accept your position, - but on the other hand if I do pull this off I will expect your support to become leader of our entire Organization.

You will have my blessing and unqualified support, the elder Wang said with true respect and affection.

Representatives of the 22 major international Triads plus several non-Chinese affiliates sat crammed into the small conference room. Ho was most pleased with the outcome so far.

So it’s agreed that I will approach Governor Marcie Weedon to be our public banner carrier and Presidential candidate? he asked in confirmation.

The nods and grunts of approval were not marred by objection.

Xu Chow, leader of the Hong Kong Triad, signaled for the floor.

I understand and concur that selecting a capable woman as our spokesperson is politically correct here in the United States but several of us are concerned about having this attorney selected by the CLU be associated with either the candidate or the Party.

Ho rose and with a nod of respect answered; Janice Laughlin has excellent credentials and is totally ruthless, the fact that she was discharged from the Navy JAG for homosexual conduct actually enhances her appeal to the news media and the Hollywood crowd.

As I understand the facts, a Chaplin reported that she seduced seven young women on board an aircraft carrier under the pretext of counseling them for personal problems on a single cruise. Won’t those facts hurt when they are surely reported? Xu asked, truly perplexed.

We intend to use those facts to our benefit. We will report that Ms. Laughlin has been rehabilitated and dedicated her life to the Liberal Party. The politically correct mainstream media will eat that up. I have tested the prospect of a sympathetic movie with two movie producers; both were ecstatic.

How does this Janice actually feel? Xu pressed.

In the event we gain the Presidency, she will be appointed Attorney General and fully intends to purge all religious activity from the military and ultimately from the United States. She rightly thinks the mainstream news media are fools and has utter contempt for those idealistic actors.

Wang Chun rose and faced the assembly.

This entire venture is risky and unlikely to be successful but so long as we remain deep in the background the risks are small and potential benefits for us are significant. I suggest that we focus our efforts on staying out of the news until our candidate is elected. That will certainly lower the risk that some curious reporter tries to connect the dots.

That is wise counsel, Xu acknowledged. Let us all agree to minimize conflict between ourselves and to refrain from any public displays of violence until this gambit has played out.

There was general murmur of approval. Followed by several voices asking; When does the program start?

Tomorrow, Ho answered smiling. I will keep everyone informed of our progress and problems.

****

Governor, Albert Winter is on line 3 if you wish to talk to him, Marcie’s secretary shouted through the open door of her office.

Things being quiet for the moment, Marcie decided to see what the old fox was up to. She was one of his few clients who had ever been reelected to a second term.

Albert, to what do I owe the honor? she purred.

Cut the BS Marcie, I know that you believe that you no longer need my services.

Now that you mention it, my poll numbers are up since we parted company, she gloated.

Well today I come bearing gifts with no strings attached.

Like what? Marcie asked, her skepticism rising. Winter was not known for his charity.

How would you like to run for President?

I could never get the nomination. The leadership of the national committee hate my guts because I won’t go along with their plans for my state.

I want you to meet with a very capable young man who will explain all.

When and where?

As soon as possible and in some place discrete where no news media will find out.

I have to be in New York City next Tuesday. I’ll be staying at the Ritz Carlton overnight. I’m sure that you can arrange for your boy to get the adjoining suite. That way we can meet without ever going into the hall and even the hotel staff would be none the wiser.

I’ll make the arrangements, Albert quickly agreed. He actually had a very good insider at the Ritz and with a small bribe could easily make the arrangements.

By the way, what’s this young man’s name?

I’ll let him introduce himself but you will recognize him by his first words; I have Beans and Coke from room service."

Marcie laughed uproariously, causing her secretary to peer through the door with a questioning look. Marcie waved her away and then said; I forget how well you know me.

Yeah, I even remember what happens after you’ve eaten too many beans, Albert said as he disconnected.

Marcie had finally gotten rid of the pesky staffers. She decided to get this meeting with the mystery man out of the way before changing for dinner. She picked up the phone and dialed the adjoining suite. It was answered on the third ring by a soft voice.

Hello.

This is Governor Weedon, are you ready to meet?

Our meeting will take several hours, you have insufficient time before your dinner commitment; let’s plan to meet at 9:00 pm. Unlock your side of the door, knock and I will admit you, the soft but firm voice said.

Marcie was taken somewhat aback by the polite but firm refusal for a quick meeting. She thought for several seconds and then replied; I’ll meet with you at 9:00 pm. Will you -?

The click of his disconnecting caused her to flush with anger, no one ever hung up on Marcie Weedon.

At exactly 9:00 pm Marcie unlocked her side of the passage door and knocked softly. The sound of the bolt on the other side being retracted was an immediate response.

Marcie stepped back into the center of the room just as the door swung open and a young Chinese appeared in the doorway and said; I have Beans and Coke from room service.

Marcie smiled, offered her hand and said; I’m Governor Weedon.

The young man nodded but did not take the proffered hand, stood aside and motioned her to enter. Marcie walked through the passage and was surprised to see that he actually did have a large steaming hot bowl of pinto beans and a tub full of ice and bottled Coke.

I’m afraid that I couldn’t obtain any Mexican Cokes; they’re not routinely available here, he said in that soft but firm voice.

Her mouth watered despite the fact that she had dined at 7:00 pm on a passable Cobb salad. She helped herself to a small bowl of the beans and accepted an ice-cold Coke from her young host.

Once she was seated at the small table she asked; Ok, what’s the deal?

I’ve selected you as the most qualified individual to run for President on the Liberal Party ticket, he said without preamble.

And just what is the Liberal Party? she asked rather harshly.

It’s a large group of like minded individuals of immense wealth who are not satisfied with either of the two major parties. The CLU is a founding member as are Albert Winter and Selo Stuben, he replied in that soft well-modulated voice that was devoid of any accent.

Marcie snorted derisively and said; Selo Stuben is a dreamer. He has no idea what real politics is like. As to Albert Winter and Lucius Blunt; the former is a burnt out old man and the latter is a pompous ass.

Ho smiled widely in spite of his efforts at self-control and then answered; I couldn’t agree more with your assessment of those associates but each of them will play a key role in getting you elected President.

You mentioned backers of immense wealth, just whom are you referring to? Marcie asked between bites of beans.

In good time, he answered enigmatically. But first while you finish your beans I’ll lay out the master plan so that you can see that this is no pipe dream.

Marcie was impressed in spite of her hard-bitten skepticism. As Ho finished his presentation and looked up for her reaction she said; The two keys to this gambit are sufficient funding at the correct time and wide spread loss of confidence in the Congress and President.

You’re correct, with the natural tendency of the two parties to engage in partisan bickering and a little strategic interference from the CLU and the news media, legislative gridlock should be easy to maintain, but that may not be enough to cause the voters to abandon their old parties.

We’ll need a real grabber for a campaign issue, Marcie observed.

History indicates that most citizens vote with their pocketbook. We intend to create a crisis, that affects rich and poor alike, that can be laid on the doorstep of both parties.

The President seems to have a stick proof coating. He could rise to the occasion and come off looking like a hero, Marcie cautioned.

We believe that the President has more dirty laundry than many would imagine. Proper timing of a bombshell should cripple him and minimize his ability to respond to a crisis.

So you have it all figured out, Marcie opined sarcastically.

Of course not, it will take months, even years to fully implement our program but I can assure you that phase one, which will result in you being elected President, is ready for implementation. Ho replied in that measured soft voice but Marcie noticed that he had wagged his finger for emphasis.

Assuming I’m interested, where will the money come from? she interrupted.

Oh, there’s no doubt that you’ll run on the Liberal Party ticket, Ho said with a glint in his eye.

What makes you believe that? Marcie snorted derisively.

Ho didn’t answer but used the remote to turn on the TV and then popped a DVD into the player.

Images of a series of documents flashed across the screen, nine instances where she had taken large kickbacks for political services rendered, she had done it 14 times in her career but Ho had managed to catch the most egregious. There was a slight pause before a video of Delbert came on. He was seen on a security tape filching Demerol from a large bottle in his pharmacy warehouse. Another pause and then video switched to a street surveillance camera that showed a girl handing money to a man and receiving a small packet in return. As she turned to leave, it was obvious the girl was Sharon.

Check Sharon’s inner thighs for needle tracks, she’s main-lining two bags per day, Ho whispered gently. She needs help badly.

Marcie sat back stunned. Where did you get all of this? she gasped.

It doesn’t matter and it doesn’t need to exist. But you will be my candidate, Ho said forcefully.

What must I do? Marcie asked, realizing that there were few options until and unless she could get even more incriminating evidence on this man whose name she still didn’t know.

Get your house in order. Discretely send Sharon away to a special school where she can be cured of her addiction and have a serious talk with Delbert about how stupid he is to filch Demerol from his own warehouse and get caught on a security tape.

Ok, assuming that I take care of my personal problems what would you have me do to launch your Liberal Party?

Ho sat staring impassively at her, making no attempt to answer.

As Marcie turned to leave, she stopped and asked over her shoulder; Whom have you selected for my Vice President?

I’ll be in touch. Until then, keep your hands out of the cookie jar, Ho said as he escorted her to the adjoining door and then closed it firmly.

You can come in now, Ho said in his quiet voice.

Man, you really stuck it to her, Janice Butch Laughlin chortled as she swaggered into the room.

Give me your impression of how our interview went Janice, Ho ordered.

Please call me Butch, the big woman said with a smile. Marcie may still need some more convincing once the shock of your disclosure wears off.

Can you serve with her? he pressed.

Of course, she’s the most effective political organizer that I’ve ever known and she’s outstanding as a day to day manager.

Ho looked carefully at this unusual woman for at least the tenth time. She was large, nearly five foot ten, with a thick waist, small breasts that were nearly hidden by her muscular pecks and had the most unusual white streak in her close cropped dark brown hair. Her body was set off by a crooked nose, that had been broken several times, sticking out of a pudding face, but she had a dazzling white-tooth smile and sparkling brown eyes that reflected her high intelligence. Most unusual for a woman, even a lesbian, she wore Lilac Vegetal aftershave instead of perfume.

Ho finally brought his mind back to the present and said; You will report to Governor Weedon’s office next Monday and act as my representative. You will carefully follow the program plan provided by Selo and keep me informed at all times of any problems.

Lucius told me you were the boss but until tonight, I had my doubts. I will follow your directions to the letter. Just don’t forget me after the election, Butch said with a broad smile.

CHAPTER 2

The rain came down in buckets. Luc peered out the window in impotent frustration; he had been penned inside the house for nearly a week with no playmates and had already driven his mother mad. The paddling that he had just received, while richly deserved, had done nothing to dampen his spirits or alter his hunger for amusement. The cat’s hair would grow back in a few months and all would be forgotten.

Luc, the only child of Josette and Leo Decot would be six-years old next week and thus able to start school in September. No one looked forward to this watershed event more than his mother, who longed for a few moments of morning peace, the only time of the day that she could call her own. Most afternoons were spent sorting shrimp or crabs for her husband after his return from a long day on the bay and then delivering the catch to their restaurant customers while he repaired nets or the boat.

Wresting a living from the waters of Vermilion Bay, Louisiana was a daunting task that left little idle time for Leo to spend with his small son. On occasion, when the weather was not too extreme, he would let Luc accompany him while he combed the waters with his butterfly nets for shrimp or ran his line of crab pots. That was impossible right now since the flood of fresh water had driven most of the shrimp and crabs from the bay and left him unable to work.

Leo sat at his desk in the cramped sitting room going over the sheaf of bills. What we need is a better price for our catch, he lamented to no one in particular. It seems that no matter how much shrimp I land we never have enough money to get ahead.

Why don’t you raise your price papa? the boy asked in innocence.

If I did, my customer’s would just buy from someone else, Leo answered as he grabbed the struggling boy and hugged him close. When you get older and can help your papa, we’ll add more crab pots and later get you a boat of your own.

I want a boat now, Luc cried happily. I’m big enough to steer, you know because you let me last week.

You must go to school and learn to read and write before you can operate a boat. You have to pass the test for your license, Leo replied as he set his son on his feet and urged him off.

Leo looked up as his wife came into the room; she was as worried as he was. I just hope and pray that none of us get sick, Josette said. We’re just barely keeping ahead of our regular bills and losing a week’s catch from weather is going to make it hard to keep up.

It would be nice to be able to afford another child. I would really like to have a daughter, he replied, giving her his warmest smile.

The last thing that we need right now is another mouth to feed, she answered. Her face then lit into her famous smile; Though I would love to have a little girl to make pretty dresses for.

Leo pulled his wife into his lap, kissed her tenderly and said; If we weren’t paying so much in taxes we might be able to get ahead. If you consider what we pay in property tax on the house, boat and our dock plus both federal and state income tax it’s a wonder we get by as well as we do.

Don’t forget that one third of what we pay for boat and truck fuel is tax and that every dime that I spend at the store has a huge sales tax tacked on, Josette added. It seems like the politicians want to take everything we work so hard for.

They sure don’t give a damn about anyone but themselves and those fat cats who pay for their campaigns, Leo agreed.

Those Democrats are the worst. They claim to represent the little people and then turn right around and raise our taxes; at least the Republicans are honest about their support of the rich at the expense of the working class.

Maybe some day we’ll get a chance to vote for someone who really cares about the little people. Leo replied wistfully before donning his raincoat and heading for the dock to repair his nets in the vain hope that the weather would moderate.

****

The TV lights were excessively bright and hot. Cameramen from all the major networks were set up to provide live coverage of what the Governor’s publicist promised would be a bombshell press conference. Marcie, Delbert, and Sharon stood quietly waiting for the signal to begin. At a sign from the producer, Marcie stepped to the podium and as usual began to sweat profusely under her arms. She smiled into the cameras, as sincerely as she could muster, and began to speak.

"Ladies and Gentlemen of the news media and my fellow citizens, - for too long I’ve watched our nationally elected leaders of both houses of congress as well as the President ignore the plight of our working class, the old, and yes even our children. I’ve tried my best to work within the Democratic Party during my two terms as your governor to change the attitude and direction of its’ leadership to no avail. I’ve watched in agony and frustration as the Republicans have robbed the poor to help their rich patrons.

I say today that it must stop. For too long we have taxed their modest paychecks, their homes, their vehicles and fuel, their food and clothes, their electricity and telephone calls; we even tax their pets. What do they receive for this theft of their life force? Gridlock in congress, crumbling highways, corrupt judges and pitiful law enforcement.

In my opinion no member of any governing body is immune from criticism, including myself."

Marcie paused and looked around at the audience and then gazed intently into the cameras.

Effective today, I renounce my affiliation with the Democratic Party and declare that a new era is dawning. From this day forward, I will be a member of the Liberal Party, which I am founding and encourage each of you and every person in this great nation to join me. As a sign of my commitment to change, I hereby declare my candidacy for President of the United States of America in the next election.

Marcie smiled brightly and said; I will be happy to take questions now.

Albert had salted the audience with several newsies who would throw Marcie softballs to help get the agenda of the Liberal Party on record.

A young woman on the front row was recognized; she asked; Governor what are the major values of this Liberal Party?

The basic tenets of the Liberal Party are to work towards a dramatic reduction in taxes for the poorest half of our citizens, I don’t mean just on their income but reductions in their property taxes, sales taxes, fuel taxes and on their utilities. In addition, adequate medical care for all citizens, not just the elderly, is essential to our national wellness. We will stop the drug company rip-off of our senior citizens as soon as I become President and insure that all vital medicines are available to those that need them regardless of their ability to pay.

An intense young man in back, who was hopping up and down for notice, was recognized and he asked; Where will the money to run our government come from if you cut taxes so drastically?

"I will answer that question by asking how much government do we really need? Do we need to use our tax revenues to pay for counting turtles in