Power Switch (Power Play #3) - Kennedy L. Mitchell Page 0,111

“If you ever pull that stupid shit again, I'll shoot you myself and then let Sarah kick your wounded ass, you hear me, Benson?”

“I love you too, big guy.” Holding up both arms, I motion for him to come closer. “Do you need a hug?”

“You're impossible.” His words say he's annoyed, but the relief on his face tells me what he won't put into words. “Those two are staying here with you to protect you. Be back when we can.”

Resting back onto the flat pillow, I don't fight the smile that wants to split my face. Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath, immediately regretting the motion.

Holy hell, being shot sucks.

“Wake me up when it's time.”

27

Randi

“Have you heard from the hospital?” I ask as the makeup artist dusts my face once again with oil-absorbing power. “Any changes with Trouble?”

Tank runs a hand over his shiny bald head. “We left twenty minutes ago, Randi. He’s fine. Get your head in the right space. You’re about to address the country as the president of the United States.”

I nod and turn my attention back to the slips of paper in my hand. Again I scan over the words, though I already memorized them while we waited for Trey during surgery. After Taeler being taken and held hostage, and then Trey getting shot, I’ve no doubt aged years overnight. I still can’t believe he did that, stepping in so Kyle wouldn’t harm himself.

Movement in the mirror catches my attention. Sam’s reflection nods. I nod back, both of us on the same page about what’s to come.

“They’re ready for you, Madam President.”

Closing my eyes, I inhale deeply and hold it until it burns in my lungs before slowly releasing all the negative nerves and self-doubt. I can do this. Not that I have much choice. Sure, I have the option of stepping down too, but that’s an escape, one I don’t intend to take.

Standing from the makeup chair, I toss the few pages of notes onto the table in front of me and meet Tank’s eyes. We nod to each other in unison.

Show time.

The chatter of the reporters silences the moment I walk through the press room door. I clear my throat and focus on each footstep to ensure I don’t stumble on live TV.

Live.

Behind the podium, I grip the sides and stare directly into the fifty or so cameras, their lenses all trained on me.

Here goes nothing.

“Thank you all for being here today. A lot has transpired over the last twelve hours here in the White House, as many of you have heard through various sources. As of 9:15 a.m., President Kyle Birmingham has stepped down from his position effective immediately.” I pause, letting the gasps and murmurs settle before going on. “With the role abdicated, I was sworn in as president of the United States as of 9:17 a.m.”

The chatter level rises, and a few reporters shout out questions. I shake my head and hold up a hand.

“I know everyone has questions, but please let me get through this before there are any interruptions. I do not know the specifics behind Kyle’s sudden departure”—slight lie, but it’s not like I can tell everyone the truth—“only that he has officially stepped down, and I was tasked to fill the role. Everyone knows my story, my background, and I have zero doubts that many of you are questioning my ability to lead this country with only a year and a half of politics under my belt. I’ll admit that two years ago, I would’ve agreed with your assessment. However, now I 100 percent disagree. Some people see my common upbringing as a weakness, and I believe they’re wrong. It’s a strength, an insight into the core of the country. An insight I intend to filter through every aspect of the White House, my advisors, and my cabinet. It will be beyond difficult to fill the shoes of the many strong men who have come before me, but I am up for that task. No longer will titles, money, and power be the decision-makers of this town. With me as president, I’m bringing the people back into the picture, their lives and their families the center of our focus. I’ll make mistakes, there’s no doubt about that.” I give a weak smile. “All I’m asking is for you to trust me. I know that’s asking a lot coming from a politician.” The crowd of reporters laughs. “But at the core, I’m not. I’m Randi Sawyer, daughter of an addict, a teen mother, and a proud American. That’s who I’m asking you to believe in. Believe in me.”

Crickets.

I breathe deeply and slowly peel my fingers off the podium, their joints stiff from the white-knuckled grip I had on the shiny wood.

Suddenly the room explodes in a flurry of questions, shouts, waving hands, and a few cheers. I search the room, my attention falling on a familiar reporter, the one who asked the tough questions during the briefing I saw Kyle host months ago. I point to her and smile.

“What are your plans regarding the oil crisis and our allies demanding our help overseas?”

My smile widens. “Tossing out the tough questions first. I like it.” The reporters around her elbow her and pat her shoulder. “Honestly, I don’t know. There was a lot of insight and data I wasn’t privy to in the VP role that I will be now. I don’t want to give an answer without knowing the facts and looking at the options we have. The last thing I want is to go into a fight if we don’t have to. Those men and women of our amazing military count on me to send them into a battle that we can win and is the absolutely only choice for success. I won’t let them down by skimping on the details and sending them over to fight when we don’t have to.”

“So you’re pro military?” a man shouts.

I level a glare his way that makes him shrink back into his seat. “I’m pro any American man or woman who gives a piece of their lives to serve this country. It’s a sacrifice that is priceless in my eyes.” I turn to look over my shoulder. “Dumbass,” I whisper before turning back to the crowd with a fake smile.

“With you as president, that means your previous role as VP is open. Have you decided who will fill it?”

I try to swallow back the bile climbing up my throat. This is the part of the night I’ve dreaded the most. Shawn demanded I make him vice president after I was sworn in, stating very clearly that if I went back on my word, then someone I love would pay the price. I can’t let that happen. Having Taeler in the arms of the enemy for just a couple hours was a horror I never want to repeat.

I clear my throat and grip the podium once again, using its strength to ground me as I make the stupidest, most selfish choice I’ve ever made in my life.

“You’re correct, sir. With me shifting to the president seat, it has left a gap in the vice president role. After careful consideration, I’ve made my decision on who will not only best serve in that role for the people of this country but also be a strong partner for me.” I inhale deeply, my knees knocking behind the podium. “Please join me in congratulating our newest vice president of the United States.” I wave to the man standing off to the side of the room. “Mr. Samuel James Pierce.”