“I need time to process all of this,” Maddie said. “This just happened last night and already my dad wants it all to be shoved into the past. I’m just not ready to play nice. I’m still angry and I don’t know when I won’t be. If that makes me immature, then so be it.”
“You can take all the time that you need. Don’t let your dad push you into doing or saying anything that you’re not ready for. You’re in control here.”
“I love my dad, but I have the feeling that he wants to push me and her together so he can play out some sort of happily ever after scenario in his mind. This isn’t about me or even about her. This is about the guilt that he doesn’t want to feel. He wants to be able to tell himself that since we’re all fine and happy that what he did wasn’t all that horrible. I’m not going to help him do that.”
“Then I think you need to say that to him. If that’s what you think he’s doing, then you need to tell him that.”
“I doubt he’d admit it.”
“Your dad has always struck me as a person who had self-introspection. Maybe I was wrong, I am quite often. Just ask my kids. He might deny it in the moment, but you will have given him something to think about. I agree that if he’s putting himself first here that’s a shit move. Honestly? That doesn’t sound like your dad. He’s always been a smart and reasonable guy.”
“He was,” Maddie agreed. “Until now. After our talk last night, he’s a person that I don’t really even know. I have no clue what to do about this.”
“You don’t have to do anything.”
Maddie wanted to agree but she had a feeling that not doing anything wasn’t going to be an option for long. She’d have to make some sort of decision eventually.
She couldn’t duck reality forever.
After seeing the way the reporters were jostling for position, sticking microphones and cameras in her father’s face, Amanda decided then and there to never put herself into the position to be in the public spotlight. She admired her dad for running for governor, for wanting to help people, but the intrusive nature of the press was almost overwhelming.
“Your mother is cool as a cucumber,” Josh whispered into her ear. “She’s so composed.”
Her mother did look supremely serene and confident in her husband. Her hand on his arm, she was every inch the supportive wife.
“Mom’s a classy lady, that’s for sure.”
“He’s doing a great job,” Josh said. “Even. Measured. Completely in control. This is exactly what he needed to do to shut up Arnold Hudson.”
Even the mere name made Amanda bristle. She didn’t like to think that she hated anyone, but she came damn close when it came to that man. He was…odious.
“Dad needs to go after Hudson, not sit back and let him say nasty things. He needs to be aggressive. Attack more.”
Josh frowned and shook his head.
“I think that your dad is doing the smart thing. Don’t attack right back. Stick to the issues and let the other guy look small and petty. Hudson seems to be a pro at making himself look like an ass. He doesn’t really need your dad’s help for that.”
“He’s making my dad sound like a drunk. Or a killer. His people are lapping it up.”
“Politics is a dirty game, but I don’t think your dad wants to sink to Hudson’s level.”
“He’d need a backhoe to get to that level.”
“And that’s why he needs to stay away from it. He’ll win this election on his terms, or he won’t win it at all.”
They watched silently as the press conference continued. A few reporters tried some “gotcha” questions, but for the most part they were well-behaved and acted professionally. Her father had known many of them since he was part of the group of lawmen who had gone after the serial killer Wade Bryson, and then later Bryson’s son.
And Hudson absolutely hated that Tanner Marks was a law enforcement hero. That’s why he brought up the alcohol use practically every time he was interviewed. Her father hadn’t given Hudson much to work with when it came to tarnishing his reputation.
The press conference ended and the reporters drifted away although a few hung around, probably hoping that something might happen. They’d be disappointed. Amanda had worked at the campaign office for the last week and nothing exciting ever happened. Unless she counted when Brian showed them the plastic bottles filled with water that had little sponges on the end. They were for “licking” envelopes so they didn’t have to use their own spit.
“Will you kids be okay here while we go take care of some business?” her mother asked them when they were all back inside the office. “I’m not sure how long we’ll be, to be honest.”
“It’s fine,” Amanda assured her mother. “Josh and I have this handled.”
Josh patted his pocket. “I’ll keep my phone close if you need anything.”
Once again everyone left, leaving her and Josh alone. To stuff envelopes. The boxes were still full and they weren’t going anywhere.