going along with the charade. “The city has incredible tax credits to offer technology companies willing to relocate here.”
Gabriel went on to say that he was too much of a Frenchman to ever move away. “I might rent some space for a satellite office,” he said, “but to leave Marseille completely would be tragique.”
Our plates arrived and we sat in silence for a few minutes, until Gabriel spoke again. “Levi, you’ve declared your interest to run for Seat Fifteen? Are you certain? If so, you need to assemble a campaign team immediately.”
Levi’s concern about my role was coming through loud and clear.
“Maybe I can step in here,” I said, feeling confident for the first time in weeks that I knew what I was talking about. “Levi, you know me as twenty-something press secretary. I didn’t help run your first campaign. But like you, I have been busy since we closed down your office in the Rayburn Building ten years ago. I have been building a very successful business here in San Francisco, including running campaigns.”
I had managed to catch Levi’s attention, and I could feel his growing interest.
“I represent a number of both national and international corporations, as well as individuals, in their dealings with both the media and government officials,” I continued. “I have run a number of campaigns to protect their interests. I have an extensive background in business and development in the Bay Area. I understand the dynamics of election politics. In short, I believe I have the leadership, skills and required relationships to run this congressional campaign for you.”
“She is considered one of the best,” Gabriel said, pouring more wine into Levi’s glass. “And then, there is the fact that you two have already worked with each other.”
“You know my work ethic,” I said. “I was the first one in the office and often the last one to leave. This will be no different.”
Levi was curious, but not sold. “How do you think I win this race?” he asked.
I smiled. “Well, it’s not magic,” I said, cringing inwardly. “Your money is not enough. Look at Meg Whitman, she spent millions on her campaign for governor, but at the end of the day couldn’t connect with voters. Voters support people they like, people who understand their issues. You are the perfect candidate. You came from another state to chase your entrepreneurial dreams, and after years of hard work found success. You’ve raised a family, nurtured a marriage and now after your success, want to return to a life of public service. You have a background in both business and education; you are exactly what California needs at this tumultuous time in the state’s history.”
Once again Gabriel vibrated with happiness. He was very pleased with my speech, and, luckily, so was Levi Barnes.
He agreed to hire me right then and there, offering his apartment in San Francisco as a temporary campaign headquarters. We were nowhere near ready to open a campaign office in Silicon Valley, so using his apartment and my office as a base of operations was perfect. I offered to work for free for the first few weeks so that Levi could decide if I was a good fit for the job. I didn’t need the funds since Gabriel was paying me, but Levi just laughed and said money was not an issue.
Within a matter of days, he’d paid my first month’s salary and deposited $1 million in a campaign account “to get us started.”
****
CHAPTER 16
Aidan was sitting at his desk, deep in thought, when I arrived one evening a week later to brief him on my progress.
“Knock, knock,” I said as I walked into his office.
“The intrepid consultant returns,” he said, swiveling his chair away from his computer to face me as I took a seat across from his desk. “How are things going?”
“So far, so good. I’m writing a campaign plan and interviewing pollsters,” I said. “Most evenings after sundown, I’m here, training with Elsa.”
“And the campaign?”
“The campaign seems almost too good to be true,” I said. “How often does an open congressional seat appear with few competitors vying for it? It’s a district representing a huge portion of the state’s population and wealth. Admittedly, not nearly as sexy as San Francisco, it’s still home to billions in venture capital and agriculture. So far, press coverage has been sparse. But I think we have days, maybe hours to get this campaign up and running before we’re in the spotlight.”
“And then what?” he asked.
“I’m certain