“Ali Carter!” I scream, but there’s a smile on my face.
“Come on, Charlie. If you would just let yourself relax, you’d love it; trust me.”
“You’re terrible, but I love you. Seriously, Ali, you’re really the best.”
“I know.” She giggles and then gets serious again. “I love you, Charlie girl. Promise to call and e-mail all the time so I know you’re okay?” She’s back to big-sister Ali.
“I promise. Bye.”
I’ll be at campaign headquarters in less than ten minutes. I left Colin three days ago, rushing home to pack and get things settled for a lengthy time away. I have second-guessed my decision to accept this offer one hundred times over the last seventy-two hours. Even now, minutes out from my first day, the panic has officially taken hold. On one hand I’m extremely excited; this is an opportunity few people will experience. On another, it’s completely out of the scope of my qualifications; the enormity of the endeavor and the people I’ll work with are way out of my league. The fear of failure is almost crippling, and years of self-doubt and insecurities threaten to strike, waiting for the perfect time to break my confidence. I swallow down the angst, repeating my lifelong mantra—one day at a time.
Campaign headquarters is a one-story building that looks like any other you would find in a business district. It’s an old structure, recently renovated to a modern exterior with red brick and large floor-to-ceiling windows flanking either side of a glass door. It stands apart because of the patriotic symbols strategically placed throughout the exterior space. Campaign signs artistically line the walk, a large United States flag proudly flies atop a large mast and a sign etched into the glass door declares McKenna for the People as a greeting to anyone who enters.
Taking a long, deep breath, I push through the door, conscious that my fate is sealed—I’m really doing this. A young, snappy brunette sitting at a receptionist desk says, “Good morning. How may I help you?” Her smile is exuberant.
I can’t help my answering grin; hers is infectious. “Hi. I’m Charlie Carter . . .” Before I can finish, her hazel eyes grow wide as she jumps up from her seat.
“Ms. Carter. Welcome. We’ve been expecting you.” She rounds from the desk to shake my hand. “I’m Molly. Please follow me and I’ll take you back to Mr. Daugherty.”
“Oh, I wasn’t expecting to meet with him. I thought he was gone this week.”
“There was a last minute change to some plans.” She glances over her shoulder at me as she rushes forward down a curved hall. The walls are the same brick as the exterior, with rows of pictures lining the length—frozen memories of Colin at some time in his life, most I suspect from the last five to six years. We’re walking too fast for me to examine any of them closely; but the common theme is his brilliant smile and breathtaking good looks.
Evan is working on the computer when we enter, a phone cradled in his neck as he types, holding a no-nonsense tone with whomever he’s talking to. There's no sign of the humor I’ve heard underlying his voice. “I don’t care what it takes, just make it happen, Smith. We need to get him before Davidson does. Next week. Call me when it’s confirmed.” He turns to me as he hangs up. “Charlie.” Standing, he reaches for my hand. “It’s nice to see you. Have a seat.” The laughter is back as he waves at a chair.
Molly disappears, closing the door discreetly behind her.
“Can I get you anything? Coffee, water?”
“No, thank you. I’m fine. I have to admit I’m surprised to see you here. I thought you had already left.”
His answer is lighthearted, as is his grin. “Colin had some unfinished business he needs to take care of before leaving. We’ll be back and forth from Indiana for a while before taking to the road for longer periods of time.”
Oh, this is a change. I purposefully switch gears so I don’t get lost in the reasons why. “Were you able to review the information I sent with an outline of the site? I incorporated everything Colin asked for, and I added some of my ideas to make it more interactive . . .” I trail off, knowing I’m talking with nervous energy.
“I did. Your concept is exceptional; I’m impressed. My plan is to have you sit with the leads in the office to learn their business and Colin’s so you have a better understanding of his platform and campaign. As you get to know him, you’ll find Colin is an exceptionally honest person; he’ll want the site to mirror that.”
I’m thrilled he likes my concept and excited to get down to the details. He continues, “Technically, your domain is under the communications division, which is managed by John Montgomery. John is responsible for maintaining consistency in product development and messaging. He has oversight of all printed materials, press releases, advertising and anything stamped with Colin McKenna’s name or associated to him in any way. For now, I’ll be your lead, so run everything through me and I’ll keep him in the loop.”
I find this odd. Why would I roll up to Evan if John is my boss?
“John’s forte lies with printed campaign material; new technology and social media aren’t his strong suit, so Colin and I will manage that side of the advertising. Is there anything you need before beginning?”
“No thanks. I’ll be sure to let you know if I do.”
“Good, and Charlie?” he adds with an easy grin. I don’t say anything, waiting for him to continue. “I’m glad you’re here. You’re a perfect addition to the team.”
“Thanks, Evan. I’m glad to be here too.” I realize when I say it that it’s the truth.
~
Evan hands me off to Sally for a tour of the building and introductions to everyone working on the campaign. I spend the first half of the day in finance. Tim is the lead, and he provides a detailed overview of campaign funds as per Colin’s directive. He sets me up with open access to everything and anything I want to look at. I review his finances, donations, gifts and personal wealth. Colin has a wide range of supporters funding his campaign, and he's very circumspect on how he spends their donations. He’s frugal, accounting for every penny; anything of a personal nature is paid for out of his own bank account. I almost fell out of my chair when I read he’s flying the country in his own plane, and that the finances supporting the jet are accounted for out of his astounding wealth. He wasn’t lying about his success. He has more money than the state of Michigan. I laugh thinking about it, because it’s not much of an exaggeration.
At quarter to one, Tim knocks on the door to my borrowed office. “Want to eat? We had lunch brought in from a deli.” His smile is kind and maybe a little hopeful.
“Sure, thanks,” I agree, hoping the ‘we’ in his sentence is accurate. Sally, Molly and a few others are already eating when Tim and I step into the conference-turned-lunch-room. They’re all very nice, and I’m immediately comfortable with the whole group. Sally and Molly like to gossip, providing more information on Colin than I’ve learned thus far, yet the truth of the information remains to be seen.
“Charlie, did you know John Montgomery is Colin’s father-in-law?” Sally says in a low, conspiring tone.
I shake my head, no, surprised to learn Colin is so closely connected with his wife’s family.
“Have you met Ella yet?” Molly is indignant, one corner of her mouth lifts as if she has tasted something unpleasant.
I laugh. “No, I haven’t, at least I don’t think so. Who is she?”
“You would remember if you did; she constantly looks pissed off. She’s John’s daughter, Colin’s sister-in-law.”
“In that case, I may know who she is.” I’m remembering the pretty blond woman who gave me a nasty look at the press conference. I describe her to Molly and Sally.
“That’s Ella. Stay away from her, Charlie; she’s nasty business. Rumor has it Colin was dating Ella, and dumped her when he met her hot sister,” Sally chimes in, shaking her head.