Madam President

By Kimberly Vogel

From fugitive to presidential candidate, Viki's life has gone from one extreme to the other. With the help of her friends she's sure to survive this change too. The only thing that stands in her and the people of Givon's way is the old regime. Change to them won't come easily, so Viki's going to have to use all of her skills if she's going to survive it. (Viki Book 3)

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Feb 3, 2013
• ISBN: 9781300703983

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Madam President

Madam President

Copyright

Copyright © 2013 by Kimberly Vogel.

ISBN eBook 978-1-300-70398-3

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

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

For additional copies refer to:

http://www.lulu.com/shakkathi

Acknowledgements

I want to thank my family and friends for supporting me.

Without you, I don’t know where I would be.

Prologue

Viki, come in please.

Yes Leofric. With a quick step a blonde woman walked into the politician’s office. Her green eyes gazed across the massive desk into the blue eyes of the black haired man.

Close the door, he said.

Nodding, Viki closed the door. The two were barely a dozen years difference in age. He was forty-two and she was twenty-nine. Somehow she’d come to think of him like a father.

Smiling faintly, Leofric gestured to the small chairs across from his desk. Take a seat.

Nodding again, Viki walked to the chair. As she sat, she placed her pale hands into her lap. Is something wrong?

Well, I have come to a decision. Leofric rubbed his hand on his chin. I hope you can forgive me.

Frowning, Viki watched him closely. What do you mean?

I’ve decided to abdicate.

Viki’s eyes went wide. What? You can’t. Who will lead us if not you?

I was hoping that you would.

Viki stared at him, quiet for a moment before she sputtered, You- You can’t be serious.

I am.

But-

What?

Why? Viki grasped the edge of the massive desk. Leaning over it, she stared deeply into the man’s eyes. Confusion clouded her mind so she couldn’t get out everything that she wanted to. All she could do was to stare at him, waiting for a reply.

Chuckling faintly, Leofric shook his head. There are many reasons, but the main one is that I don’t think the people will follow me.

Why not? You’re a wonderful man.

There are many wonderful men, but the people need something more to believe in.

I don’t understand.

We have to be something more in order to lead. Leofric leaned over the desk as Viki fell back in her chair. We have to stand above. I know a little bit about your past, Viki. You’re the perfect person to take my place.

You have no idea. Viki shook her head, placing her hand on her forehead. What you’re asking me to do...

I know it will be hard. Leofric reached out. He placed his hand on hers. But I’ll support you. There are many others who will support you too.

Dropping one hand, Viki pulled her other hand away as well. I have to think about this. Standing quickly, Viki retreated to the door. Please excuse me.

Of course, Leofric replied. Watching her leave, he reached out to the speaker on his desk. Pushing the button he said, Rurik, Viki is going out. Please make sure that she’s safe.

What about you?

Leofric chuckled at the other man’s question. I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about me, worry about her. She is our future. If we lose her, all is lost.

Fine.

Releasing the button, Leofric leaned back in his chair. Everything hinged on Viki’s answer. His highest hope was that she would accept, but he was prepared for the other option too.

Hurrying through the two story building, Viki made her way to the stairwell. She sat on the landing between the two floors. While she was just a normal girl, Viki hadn’t had the most normal transition from teenage to adult. Wrapping her arms around her knees, Viki rested her chin on top. What am I going to do?

Staring through the glass window in the door, Rurik adjusted his white fedora with his white gloved hand. A faint smirk pulled up one side of his mouth. Time to manipulate some minds. He pushed open the door.

Glancing up at the noise, Viki looked at the older man at the top of the stairs. The two of them were about seven years apart in age. He was only two inches taller than her, but with the right heels she could look down at him instead. Viki rubbed her face. What are you doing here?

Shaking his head, Rurik started down the stairs. Mr. Savion was worried about you.

He needn’t be.

As long as you’re indoors I suppose so. Shrugging, Rurik stopped halfway down the stairway. How are you, though?

Do you really want to know?

Would I ask otherwise?

Chuckling, Viki gazed up at him with her cheek on her hands. You wouldn’t.

Of course not. Walking down the last of the steps, Rurik kept his smirk. So what’s going on?

Wrinkling up her nose, Viki lifted her head. Leofric asked me to run in his stead.

He didn’t tell me anything about that. Scowling, Rurik folded his arms across his front. He wore a dark red jacket over a gray checkered shirt. The white jeans he wore had a few red squares randomly spread over them. Even more striking were the spiked cuffs he wore.

I don’t know what’s going on. Viki shook her head. He pretty much said that he wasn’t good enough.

That makes no sense.

I know.

Go talk him out of it.

I don’t know if I can.

Rurik snorted. Well you’d better, unless you want to become President of Givon.

Biting her lower lip, Viki rubbed her hands up and down her shins. She wore a tailored blue blouse tucked into black slacks. A gray checkered vest went over it. Viki shook her head, replying, Would it be so bad?

Would you be able to handle that sort of responsibility? Rurik lifted his eyebrow. You’d have the future of everyone in this country in your hands.

Shivering, Viki hugged her knees again. I don’t know.

Maybe the fact that you don’t know is a good thing. Shrugging, Rurik looked out of the window in the landing’s wall. You don’t have any ulterior motives.

I suppose, Viki sighed. She dropped her legs down over the top of the lower part of the stair. But is it worse to push people one way, or not push them at all?

Two sides of the same. You just have to decide what you’re going to be.

Right, sighing again, Viki looked up at him. Would you let me be alone for...say half an hour? I just need to think.

Nodding, Rurik started up the steps. I’ll just be upstairs in the hall. Don’t be too long.

I won’t.

Though Rurik went upstairs, he stayed at the door. Glancing out every other minute, he made sure that Viki didn’t disappear. The waiting made him nervous. With a scowl, he pushed open the nearest window. Sticking his head out, he lit a cigarette and blew the smoke into the wind.

Pondering on the inside stairwell, Viki ran her fingers through her hair. It hadn’t changed since she was young. She still wore the shoulder length bob with bangs. I wonder if it’ll change me. It probably will. Still, it might be worth it. I’ll rule the place that tried to destroy me. Standing, Viki returned to the second level.

Quickly smashing his cigarette on the windowsill, Rurik turned to the door. Smiling at Viki he asked, Ready to go back?

Yes, Viki replied. She hurried past him to the politician’s office. When you’re ready, join us.

I will.

Viki hurried back to the door into Leofric’s office. Sir? She knocked on the door.

Come in.

Taking a deep breath, Viki opened the door. With a weak smile, she walked inside and closed the door behind her. I wanted to let you know that I’m not completely gone.

Chuckling, Leofric stood. I’m glad to hear that.

Nodding, Viki walked over to the chairs. And I wanted to ask you more about what would happen if I decided to do this.

Leofric waited for her to sit before he spoke. Ask me anything you’d like.

Nodding again, Viki leaned against the far side of the desktop. If I take your place, how would that go?

You’d have to be vetted, since you’re new.

Be what?

Vetted is going through a background check, sponsorship, and so on to be accepted into the political realm as a serious contender.

Viki blinked. Okay. That sounds complicated.

It sounds harder than it is. After that you have to get support from the others in the country. With me behind you, it won’t be hard.

Shaking her head, Viki sat back. You keep saying that it sounds worse than it is. I just want to make sure that you understand with me as a new person it’ll be harder than you continuing how you are.

I don’t mind it. Leofric smiled at her. Varaviksne Johnson, you’ve got a good chance to win...have some faith in yourself.

I do. Viki said, even though she thought differently. How can I expect others to accept me when I don’t even know who I am? This is scary, but it might help me figure out who I am. I hope it doesn’t bring harm to anyone. A futile thought, but Viki could hope. 

Then we’ll start you on your journey now. Leofric picked up his phone. I’ll make the announcement.

O-okay. Viki stood. I’ll be waiting at my desk. When he waved her off, Viki hurried out. At her desk she sat and put her head in her hands. I hope I didn’t make a bad decision. Whether it was or not, the choice had been made. Viki would have to live with it now.

Act 1

Chapter 1

Staring at her face in the mirror, Viki rubbed her fingertip over the creases at the corner of her eye. Wrinkles already? Sighing, she leaned back again. That’s not going to look good for the cameras...

Are you ready?

Turning away from the bathroom mirror, Viki called back. Coming!

Hurry! The reporters won’t wait.

Pulling open the door, Viki started at Leofric. I know. I just want to make sure I look okay.

Fine, Leofric said, But punctuality is very important.

Simply nodding, Viki walked into the hallway. Leofric was at her side while Rurik walked behind them. The path led them through the main floor of the television studio. With each step, Viki’s heart took a quicker beat. She felt like she was going out of her body as they stepped onto the stage.

The anchorwoman smiled at Leofric and Viki as they took their seats across from her. And we’re here with the politician Leofric Savion to talk about his campaign. How’s it going Mr. Savion?

Well, Leofric replied. Smiling at her continued, And I have some surprising news for the viewers.

Oh?

Yes, Leofric said. My aide Varaviksne Johnson will be taking my place as the presidential candidate.

All talk stopped, both on the stage and behind the cameras. It took a few moments before the anchorwoman said, So you’re retiring?

I’m stepping aside for a better candidate, Leofric replied.

But the campaign has already started. It’s April in the year before the election. This is so sudden.

I know it is. I hope they will forgive us. Placing his hand on Viki’s, Leofric continued, But I don’t think it’ll be such a bad thing for everyone. Viki holds the same values I do.

Do you? The anchorwoman turned her eyes to Viki. Tell us about yourself, Viki.

I was born here in Givon, but I was sent to an orphanage just across the border. When I turned eighteen I came back. Viki smiled at the reporter. I want to make sure that everyone has the freedoms that they deserve.

And what is that?

Life...and the right to love who you want. Marriage is something that can’t be regulated. The government shouldn’t dictate who you love.

That’s a bold statement.

I just want to be clear about where I stand. Honesty is important to me.

That’s good to know. Smiling at Viki, the anchorwoman turned to the camera. Your new candidate is Viki Johnson. We’ll talk with her again in a few weeks, keep turned for the schedule. Now we go to Marcus Brody for sports.

And you’re done, the producer said.

Leofric stood. Come on Viki; let’s get off of the stage.

Okay, Viki replied, standing. She smiled at the anchorwoman. Thank you.

You’re welcome, the reporter replied. Waving her hand, she asked, Keep in touch, okay?

I will, Viki said then followed Leofric off of the stage.

As they walked through the group, Leofric said, Now that you’ve been exposed, you’ll need a bodyguard of your own.

Is that really necessary?

Yes, they’ll come after you with everything they’ve got, honorable or not.

Frowning, Viki shook her head. I can’t think of anything damaging.

Then they’ll make it up.

They can’t do that.

They can and will. Leofric watched Viki closely. Even the smallest thing can be blown out of proportion.

Is that why you’re retiring?

It’s best if I’m not too close to you.

Frowning, Viki said, I’ll miss you.

We’ll keep in touch. Smiling, Leofric patted her shoulder. Besides, I’m only a phone call away.

Viki’s frown faded. Chuckling, she shook her head. That’s right. So what are we doing now?

If you’re up to it, I’d like to visit the coffee shop next-door. The press will find us and ask questions. You don’t have to come.

Viki shook her head again. I’ll be fine.

I’ll make the arrangements. Rurik pulled his cell phone out. He dialed the café. After a brief chat with the owner, he tucked it back into his jacket pocket. We’ve got a table waiting for us.

Thank you, Rurik, Leofric said. He walked through the news building with the bodyguard behind him and Viki. At the door Leofric waited for Rurik to take the lead. Then Leofric slipped ahead of him with Viki when they arrived at the café.

Glancing around, Viki made her way to the table set aside for them. It was far enough back that they could be secluded, yet still accessible. There was enough room for the trio to escape if they needed too.

Leofric took his seat. Gesturing to the seats on either side of him, he waited for Viki and Rurik to sit. I think I’ll just have some coffee and donut holes.

That sounds nice, Viki said, But I’ll have milk rather than coffee.

I’ll pay, Rurik said. He ordered for them, abstaining himself from the temptation of a meal.

Thank you, Leofric said. He picked up his coffee mug. Glancing over the top of it, he murmured, Here they come.

Blinking, Viki turned her gaze to the windows. Who?

You know who, Rurik replied.

Don’t show fear, Leofric said, sipping the liquid. You have to pretend to be strong, even if you don’t feel like it.

Nodding faintly, Viki watched the news people swarm around the window. Swallowing deeply, she waited for them to spill inside. The glass of milk gave Viki a distraction. Taking a quick gulp, she steeled herself as she watched the news people burst inside.

Leofric! One newsman called out.

Another called out, Viki!

Is it true? A newswoman called out.

Back and forth, the news people called out, Are you retiring, Leofric?

Viki you’re taking over his legacy?

Lifting his hand, Leofric said, Please, one at a time. We will answer you the best that we can.

So is it true?

Leofric chuckled. Yes, I am retiring.

And I’m going to take over the presidential campaign, Viki said.

Nodding, Leofric said, She is my heir in this fight.

A newsman asked, So you don’t deny that you’re President Argoel’s enemy?

Enemy is a strong term, Leofric said. Frowning, he shook his head. I prefer to think of it as the other side of the conversation. We have differing opinions, but we both want the best for Givon.

You still are against him.

I’m against many of his policies.

You’re against him.

Sighing, Leofric lifted his cup of coffee. I’ve answered that question many times. My stance is clear. Please, I’m not going to repeat myself again. He sipped his coffee.

The news people focused on Viki then. What about you?

What do you believe?

Are you, Viki, going to bring down the government?

You can change the world without destroying it, Viki replied.

Is that what you’re going to do?

Viki clasped both hands around her milk glass. I don’t like the way things are currently, so I’m going to change it. She turned her gaze into the nearest camera. Aren’t you tired of living in fear? I’m bringing hope. We can do more than just survive. I want Givon to thrive. Don’t you?

The entire room went silent. Then slowly, applause went through the café. If that was any indication of what was happening on the other side of the live television broadcast Viki had a chance to win. As quickly as they appeared, the news people disappeared.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Viki sipped her milk. Then she put the glass down. Did I do okay?

Better than I could have hoped, replied Leofric. He chuckled. You did that completely on your own. I’m glad my faith in you has given such results already.

Ducking her head, Viki mumbled, I just said what I felt. 

And you did it well. Rurik nodded. Now you’re going to be in big trouble, though. He took out his phone. We’ve got to get you a bodyguard. Glancing around, he looked at the various patrons. Now would be a good time to go...

I agree, Leofric said, standing. We should go back to the office for this.

Okay, Viki picked up a donut hole from the plate. As they walked out, she popped it into her mouth.

As they left, Rurik kept an eye out for any surprises. He took out his cell phone. It wasn’t safe to walk the streets, so he phoned a trusted transport company. When the car arrived he took the front seat.

Happily the ride was a quiet one. The trio went up into the building they used as their base. Once they were inside,