Change Of A Dress

By Mark J. Wilson

GEORGE MANLEY political novice and computer hacking entrepreneur, runs for US President and wins-The public, and his family don't know he's a cross-dresser appearing as his twin sister "Georgia." Using his hacking skills SHE saves the US from a Russian plot, risking his being "outed" and losing his family and the Presidency. This fast paced, far

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mark J. Wilson
• Release date: Aug 21, 2020
• ISBN: 9781636254128

Mark J. Wilson

Mark J. Wilson has worked in the field of motion pictures and video for nearly 30 years. He variously produces, directs, writes, photographs and edits. His credits include: "Pop Kowboy" "Bubba And Sissy Git Hitched?" and "Disposable." He is on the IMDb.com as Mark J. Wilson producer of "Time Bomb."

Book preview

CHANGE OF A DRESS

2nd Edition

July 2022

by

Mark J. Wilson

Based on a Short Story by

Mark J. Wilson and Linda Hazelwood

© 2020 Mark J. Wilson

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

In Memory of

— Aaron M. Wilson —

Contents

CHANGE OF A DRESS

About the Author

CHANGE OF A DRESS

It was late afternoon in a downtown park in Cincinnati, Ohio. A huge throng was there to see presidential candidate, forty-year-old George Manley as he stood at a podium on a small temporary stage. He was ultra-charismatic, with neatly combed deep brown hair and of average height. George had a twinkle in his eyes, looked younger than his age and was full of life.

George was an entrepreneur who owned a large firm that specialized in computer software officially and publicly but at the same time was pursuing hacking. His company was working with the CIA and other US entities to hack into our country's geopolitical competitors. Much of what his company did was very hush-hush. Even the number of employees was a closely guarded secret.

And he was doing quite well in the polls. He started from a virtual political standstill and after knocking out all of his primary opponents was then poised to become the next president. Novice to king in one move. Considering who he was running against it was easy to see why he was in the lead. Anyone would be.

Though George was not, just anyone. He was a computer logic genius who could readily apply his talents to more logically running the entire country. Plus, again considering who he was trying to defeat, someone HAD to stop his opponent—for the sake of the country.

In the bleachers behind him were dozens of signs that his supporters would hold up when the crowd applauded: VOTE FOR MANLEY; MANLEY'S THE MAN; and, PUT MANLEY IN THE WHITE HOUSE!

A marching band off to one side struck up John Philip Sousa's The Washington Post March, while the crowd cheered him on as he finished his speech. Holding the copy of his speech up in his right hand, George addressed the crowd once more from the podium. And, if you elect me, just as I, and my company, Manley CyberSystems have revolutionized the high-tech industry, I will revolutionize how we do things for this nation and the American people! Thank you all!

The crowd erupted even louder than before, as thousands of red, white, and blue balloons were released into the air.

His wife, thirty-eight-year-old Julie Manley, and their daughter, Tina Manley, age twelve, joined him at the podium. He hugged Tina and gave Julie a big kiss.

Julie was beautiful. She was on the shorter side with medium length blonde hair and loved George with all her heart—and beyond. She was very trusting, and hip as well, with a wonderful personality and was an elementary school teacher until George started his run for the White House. She and George went together perfectly.

And their daughter, Tina, looked like a typical twelve-year-old with long hair, which was in two pigtails and was closer to George's in color and resembling him facially in a way, though favoring her mom. To say that Tina had a queasy stomach was a severe understatement. She was the green gills girl. Every event was a suppressive nightmare for her of trying to get through it without barfing.

The crowd began chanting: We want George! We want George! We Want George! We want George!

George and his family waved good-bye to their ardent supporters. As they exited, they shook hands with the dignitaries who stood on the stage between him and the group on the bleachers behind them.

We want George! We want George! We Want George! We want George!—

Waiting in a limo nearby, along with six other support vehicles, including two black Secret Service SUVs, in an otherwise vacant multi-level parking garage sat forty-year-old African American, Ted Cole, George's best friend since childhood and campaign manager. Ted was clean-shaven with short hair, about two inches taller than George and on the thin side and had a fun personality along with a well-developed sense of humor—He was going to need it in the coming months.

Ted had been there with George from the start. They had gone through thick and thin together. They became friends in second grade right there in Cincinnati where they were both from and even went to the same college and university.

Ted was on his smartphone with their pollster, He's on his way now… he said to him. Just as he said that one of the doors opened, unveiling the noise from the band outside which had moved-on to playing Sousa's, Stars and Stripes Forever along with the crowd who continued their chant. Ted said, …In fact, here he is now. Hang on.

Tina got in fast, trying to escape and sat next to Ted. He quickly handed her a barf-bag. She just managed to get, Thanks! — out before she shoved her face in the bag and barfed, Grullpp!—

Ted winced at the sight, then got a whiff and turned his head to escape the wafting unpleasant smell.

Next, Julie got in followed by George. They sat down on the opposing seat as the door shut bringing relative silence back to the interior of the limo. Ted handed his smartphone to George, Here. It's Roger with the most recent poll. George's campaign was mopping the floor with their opposition. It was rapidly becoming an embarrassing, no contest, total and complete rout. And George was basking in it.

Thanks, George responded to Ted with a big smile on his face and put it on speaker so all could hear. He then addressed their pollster, Hello, Roger. George here. What've you got for us?

Roger said gleefully, I don't know how you do it. We've just gained six more points in the polls nationally.

George said, That's great news!

And, with that news, Tina threw up into the bag again even louder than before, Blauugghhh—

George muted the smartphone mic.

Julie consoled her with, That's OK Honey. Let it all out…

Blauugghhh—

This time, George winced at the scene before him, then, after he'd recovered enough, he unmuted the smartphone mic to speak, Thanks Roger. We'll talk tomorrow. Take care.

'Bye George.

George hung up and handed the smartphone back to Ted.

Well, 'By George!' said Ted jokingly, then he told Julie, Once we're in the White House Tina's nervous stomach will settle down.

Julie responded, I'm worried about her. She's starting to lose a little weight, I think.

Ted said, I'd be the same way. I wouldn't want to have to stand up in front of a big crowd of people over and over and over.

And Tina got greener and greener with every over she heard. Bruuullpppp— into the bag again.

Ted said, Sorry Tina. I'll quit talking about your stage fright.

Grullppp—

Ted grimaced and repeated, I'm sorry—just leaving it at that, that time. Then, he referred to his daily planner as the limo started to move, We'll arrive at the hotel in Dayton in about forty-five minutes. There's a reception in the Presidential Suite. VIPs only. Our advance team has arranged for hors d'oeuvres.

Tina dry wretched briefly then belched. Ted handed her a paper towel.

A very pale Tina said, Thanks Ted.

Ted continued his recitation of their agenda, Julie. The local business association board members will be there.

Affected by Tina's nausea, Julie opened her purse, withdrew a tissue, and put it over her own mouth and gagged a little as the limo made it out of the parking garage and pulled out onto the street.

Ted resumed, George. Senator Denton will be there… Mayor Prescott… Congressmen Gilbert, Heinz, and Radcliffe. Oh, and don't forget to say hello to…

Nearing sunset, George's seven car motorcade arrived and pulled through the lobby portico of the downtown Dayton, Ohio Marriott Hotel. Their limo, which was the third car, separated from the procession and pulled closer to the entrance. Two Secret Service agents got out of the closest SUV and approached both sides of George's limo. The one on the limo's left side observed the area and subsequently opened the door. Out popped George, Julie, and Tina. Reporters swarmed them. Four more Secret Service agents blocked the reporters' access forming a protective ring.

The first reporter called out, Sir. Sir. Once he had gotten George's attention he asked, What about the situation with Russia?

George responded noncommittally and purposely politically vaguely with, Time will tell. We'll just have to keep an eye on it.

He was so close to winning, every word then had a significance beyond its normal importance. At that point in the race, any minor error could easily blow up in his face. So, yes, he was intentionally vague, whereas after the election—he could say what he needed to about whatever the topic was. Even for George, pure as he was, there had to be some level of deceit, if you want to put it that way. Politics. A disgusting, filthy, dirty sport with profound consequences.

George, his family, and the entourage moved toward the entrance, surrounded by the fray. The reporters were walking backward, facing George as they continued barking questions. One female reporter asked, Do you feel good about the upcoming election?

You bet. We had a decisive victory in all the primaries, and, since the convention, I don't think we've missed a beat. No, they hadn't. Utterly charmed his candidacy was. He seemingly could do no wrong. And hopefully that would continue to the finish line for him and his crew.

Eventually, the river of people flowed through the front doors and spilled into the hotel's lobby inundating it as another female reporter inquired, You're leading your opposition nearly two-to-one in the polls. All the pundits say you're a shoe-in. Any comment?

George and the crowd all came to a halt in the middle of the lobby. He answered her question proudly, "I owe it all to my campaign staff. They're wonderful. When we win on Tuesday the 3rd it's because of all their hard work."

An older male reporter stated, Many are saying you owe it all to your twin sister Georgia. After all, she brought a political unknown from behind to having a lock on the election with her book about your agenda and beliefs, then asked him, Any comment?

George said definitively, I wouldn't be the man I am today without her.

Later that same evening at the reception, a room full of guests were schmoozing in the very spacious and nicely appointed Presidential Suite. Many conversations were going on simultaneously as a hotel busboy brought in another tray of hors d'oeuvres and removed an empty one while another put out more refreshments. They had a very tasteful DJ, if that's not an oxymoron, playing soft music on his stereo system for the group.

Tina was off to one side in a corner of the room watching a big-screen TV. She sat, alone, right in the middle of a ten-foot-long curved maroon velvet couch which was aimed at the big-screen TV like a radar dish. She was flipping through the channels and simultaneously doing her best to NOT have to interact with anyone. A wallflower she was. The limelight wasn't for her, nor her stomach. An introvert, through and through. She would prefer an empty darkroom instead—with the TV. An introvert's introvert.

George, on the other hand, was the absolute opposite. A total extrovert. He was surrounded by and was the center of attention of several of their male guests.

Julie was as much of an extrovert as her husband was. It was surprising to see Tina turn out the opposite of them. And Julie was likewise surrounded by her own group, which hers consisted of women, in another part of the room.

Senator Denton of Texas, who was in his sixties and was a gruff, crusty old cookie, stood in George's circle of guests and said, George, that speech you gave was really stirrin'. It was everythin' they needed to hear. I think you have a lock on this election.

Thanks. Julie always goes over my speeches with me.

Senator Denton quipped, "You mean after you give one?"

George didn't laugh immediately, then after a brief moment—he did—then they all laughed. George glanced over at Julie briefly. He tried to get her attention, but she didn't notice.

Julie was saying to one of the guests surrounding her, Once we're in the White House, my top priority will be education. Too many children are falling behind… In mid-sentence, Julie glanced over at George, but he wasn't looking her way. She continued, "…and we just can't let that happen. And with a country as great as ours, there's no reason for it to happen."

George was saying to his group, "The economy will be much stronger if government spending is reduced in any way shape or form. Everything the government touches turns into a money pit. Programs designed to help people end up spending more than 70% of the money on government bureaucrats who administer the funds. Paper pushers just shuffling paperwork around at an astonishing cost. Less than 30% winds up in the hands of those who truly need it.

It amounts to a jobs program. Government jobs. And on top of it all, public sector employees generally make 50% more than their counterparts in private firms who are performing the very same tasks. It's time for this insanity to end and put the money where it belongs: back into the private sector. It's the only logical thing to do.

Another man in his group said, Here. Here.

Then, George again tried to catch Julie's attention but to no avail.

While all of that was going on, Ted wandered over to where Tina was and said, Hey there Squirt.

She looked up and said, Hi Ted, somewhat dejectedly, then back at the TV still finding nothing to watch.

Ted consoled her, I know all of this has been really hard on you…

She stopped her channel surfing and looked back at him.

He continued, …But it's almost all over. We've come a long way. I wanted you to know it's not all that easy for me either. I'm just doing this for your dad.

I know, she looked downward, then back up at him and said, "Thank you for helping my dad—Yeah, I really hate doing all of this but I'm doing it for him, too—otherwise, I'd NEVER be doing any of this stuff."

George's group had moved on to yet another topic as he explained, If we ever actually are taken over by the Russians or the Chinese the old joke about, we'd all have to learn Russian, or Chinese is hogwash. The truth is, we wouldn't be learning their languages. They both know that Americans are a very unruly bunch and wouldn't take kindly to or be easily conquered or brought into submission by them. No. They would systematically exterminate us. Guaranteed.

Julie said to her surround, "Once George is in office and he reduces tariffs that will free-up a great deal of exports which will reduce our trading deficit and increase employment at the same time. With virtually full employment, there would be no stopping us." She looked over at George's group again while one of her group responded to her comment.

Julie wasn't really paying attention to the woman, who said, My husband was telling me just the other day, if only the businesses here in this city would just start…

Then he looked at her and finally their eyes met. He smiled and was thrilled that he'd gotten her attention. He subtly motioned his head in a particular direction.

Her view changed to where he was indicating: The bedroom door. She looked back at him and nodded, yes, smiling similarly as she did so. She then interrupted her guest in mid-sentence, I'm sorry. Please excuse me for a moment. I'll be back shortly.

Her guest appeared somewhat slighted at her mid-sentence dismissal.

Julie headed for the door, entered, and closed it behind her.

An older man in George's group was saying, "Did any of you see that game with the 49ers last weekend? Uh huh ho, m-a-n!"

George looked at his watch, Yes. It was fumble City, Arizona. Glad I didn't have any money on it—Uh, I hope you all will forgive me, but I have an important call to make. Back in a minute or two.

He headed for the bedroom rendezvous as well. He opened the door to find Julie leaning against the wall in an alluring posture, lit only by the light spilling through the doorway from the reception. He smiled, entered, and shut the door. She threw her arms around his neck and planted a big kiss on his lips.

Hi stranger, she said.

They kissed even more passionately.

He said, I'm sorry Hon'. I know we haven't had much time alone lately.

I know and it's driving me crazy, she lamented.

He said, Me too—I don't want you to ever feel neglected.

I don't. Anything that means this much to you means just as much to me. I'm with you all the way. They kissed a hot passionate kiss again. After another minute or two they came up for air.

George wondered aloud to her, Will you still love me if I don't get elected?

No matter what. Whether it's the White House or space #5 at the trailer park.

George laughed. Can we have plastic pink flamingos with wire legs stuck in our yard there?

She giggled at the thought, then she told him, Yes—at the trailer park; No—at the White House—At least, not in the Rose Garden.

Agreed.

Then she said, "We can make up for lost time after the election."

He beseeched, I want you so badly Hon', as they breathed heavily, and kissed between sentences.

She moaned and said, Oh Sweetheart…

Then he alluded, Just wait til get you on the Lincoln Bed.

You mean on our first night in the White House?

Yes, he said as they continued to kiss intermittently between even briefer sentences becoming ever more hot and bothered as they went, completely forgetting about their party exterior to their room of emotion.

She said, It's a date!

Oh Julie…

George…

I need you… he implored.

What about our guests? she quickly asked.

Let 'em find their own girl.

Julie giggled and blushed which was hard to see in the darkened room. They kissed again, silently then, evermore sensually as she ran her fingers through his hair while his hands ran down the length of her body to her thighs.

That was how they had always been. They had met on an online dating site years ago and it was love at first sight. They were in their mid-twenties back then. Considering what George's company did, it was appropriate that they met using the internet. She found him to be adorable and witty and loved his pursuit of computers. That was the teacher in her. Pursuit of learning. She'd had enough dunces in her life that should have been relegated to sitting on a stool facing the corner and wearing a conical hat.

George fell in love with her instantly for virtually the same reasons. And now, he was so impressed with her that she'd give up her teaching career that meant so much to her to go gallivanting across the US on the chance that he might get elected. A total political unknown. And yet, she did. Just for him. So amazed he was that it meant that much to her—that it meant that much to him.

He met Julie just as he was starting his computer company. George never dreamed that he'd be running for president of the United States less than two decades later and yet—here he was. He'd had enough of the way things were being run at the time in America. He knew he could do a thousand times better. A thousand times more logical. That was the item that what was missing. Logic. There was none. In his industry, and his firm in