The President's Wife - Kathy Myme Page 0,20

White House because I thought I’d be making a real difference in the world. Because I thought I’d be able to use power for good. Now that I’ve found myself facing such a momentous decision, am I really going to back down? Wouldn’t that be giving up on everything I’d come here for?

“If we just explained it was an accident…” I sigh. “How bad would it be?”

“The press could end us,” Mr Andrews says swiftly. “No, the press most certainly will end us. We’re a new administration. We haven’t had the chance to consolidate ourselves properly yet. Miss Waters, if you believe in the President’s vision… I’m begging you to help him.”

I believe. Of course I believe. It’s why I signed up to do any of this. I could have been an intern anywhere in the country. Instead I chose to work under him.

This power… is beyond anything I’ve ever experienced before. With just a few words, I could change the fate of the world. I could take us back to the old era where all the people had to choose from were the two old political parties. I could undo all of the work that President Shepard has done.

But I don’t want to.

I take a deep breath. “What do I have to do?”

David

I rub my eyes. I’ve slept about an hour in the last day, and now I’m about to give the press conference that will save my presidency... or doom it.

This is it.

I run through my notes one last time.

“Mr President, when you’re ready.”

Is this going to be the end for me? Will this be my legacy, the scandal of a lifetime and nothing more?

Not if I can help it. Not as long as I have breath in my body. I’m going to fight this.

I open the door and enter the Press Briefing Room. Immediately, I’m drowned in light. Flash after flash of photographers, all trying to get the shot that will be splashed all over the front pages.

I reach the stadium and clear my throat. “Good morning, fair ladies and gentlemen. It’s good to see you all here this morning.”

There are two lies there. No one in the room is a fair lady or gentlemen, and it definitely isn’t good to see them.

I don’t know what Andrews has done, but it seems like the room is packed five times more full than normal. Reporters are sharing seats, two or sometimes three squashed together. The sides and back of the room are cramped completely with no walking room whatsoever.

And yet despite the number of people, it is silent but for the click of cameras. They are all waiting for a statement, a resignation, anything.

“We all know why we’re here today,” I continue. “A number of misleading photos have been made public, drawing baseless and downright incorrect speculation. I am here to dispel the rumors and give you the truth.”

More lies. I don’t like it, but it’s my only choice. I need to stay in front of the situation, safely in control.

“The young woman in the photographs with me is Veronica Waters,” I say. I can tell by the faces of the reporters they are surprised. They were expecting denials, most likely. Claims that it wasn’t me, or a photoshop. Not this.

“Now, Ms Waters and I have been in a serious relationship for a number of years. It was at her request that I have kept her out of the public eye, and out of the media’s gaze. This was a request made as Ms Waters and I are private people, who did not want our relationship made the topic of gossip or discussion.”

I look down at my notes, not that I need to. It’s important I pace things right so it all goes according to plan.

“Unfortunately this can no longer be the case. I would ask the press to respect our request for privacy at this time though.”

I then hear a noise to my side and the cameras start flashing even more than before. I look, and the door is opening.

This isn’t supposed to be the plan. The plan is that I make a statement, and then in a day or two once the media has settled down a little, I will introduce Veronica in a controlled setting. A private interview, with specifically selected reporters.

The plan is not that she walks out right now, looking mind-meltingly gorgeous. And yet, that is exactly what she is doing.

As she walks across to stand next to me, Andrews closes the door