A Triple Thriller Fest (34 page)

Dan looked slowly back and forth between the governor and Speaker Huntington, gauging their intent, slowing coming to a smile himself. “I’ll need two things, Governor,” he responded.

The governor waited, raising an eyebrow quizically.

“A refill of coffee …” Dan said, raising his cup, “and a paddle.”

Walter Dewhirst allowed a quizzical look to cross his face, but James Huntington immediately began to laugh. The three men sat there for several seconds, Huntington laughing, Dan smiling, and Governor Dewhirst confused.

“The coffee I can arrange, Rawlings, but—”

Huntington began to laugh all the louder, interrupting Dewhirst in the middle of his sentence. “How’s a man going to make waves without a paddle, Governor? Sometimes you Republicans are so thick.”

Dewhirst grinned and settled back in the deep comfort of his leather executive chair, reaching toward his intercom. “Mrs. Hansen, a fresh pot of coffee if you please,” he voiced.

Dan broke the levity of the moment. “In all seriousness, Governor, as an ignorant freshman legislator, how can
I
be of any help?”

“Dan,” the governor said, “… may I call you Dan?”

“Of course, sir.”

“Dan, this political Neanderthal sitting next to you,” he said, gesturing toward Huntington, “has caused me more agony, more disruption, and more reason for consternation than any single politician with whom it has been my misfortune to deal. I’ve fought him on nearly every major issue that has come before this government over the last twenty years that we’ve served together in the legislature. “But,” he exclaimed, rising and coming around again to the front of his desk, “he is without a doubt the most dedicated and the most patriotic American I have ever had the privilege to work with.”

The governor turned to James Huntington and locked eyes with him briefly as they shared a moment when all partisan defenses were down, and two men, who for over two decades had engaged in a battle of wills, of laws, of conservative and liberal philosophical debate, took a moment to silently acknowledge their mutual respect born of difference, cultivated in political conflict, but, for this instant, treasured in memory.

“Son,” the governor continued, “this old curmudgeon came to me yesterday with a plan of action. Part of that plan involved you. You’re probably asking yourself ‘Why me?’ But I assure you, we know more about you than you think. I mentioned Speaker Huntington’s patriotism because he’s been roasted in the press lately for presumed political ambition regarding secession. Those ignorant fools in the media, for whom a story is worth more if it raises hackles than if it’s true, have chosen a few stalwarts to cast in the light of empire builders. The stories about Speaker Huntington and his quest for the new presidency bear no relationship to the work that this man,” he said, again gesturing toward Huntington, “has done to preserve California’s place in the Union. I dare say that if he were sure it would end this secession fever, he’d resign tomorrow. So would I, for that matter. But it won’t, so we need to fight it, son. We need to fight like … well, like our future depends on it.” The governor changed tone, assuming a more directive attitude.

“There can be no room for equivocation in this office today, Mr. Rawlings. I’m against secession; Speaker Huntington is against it, and from what we understand so far, you’re against it, too. Are we right in that assessment?”

 “Governor, Mr. Speaker, you’ve provided more food for thought than I was prepared to address. I conjured up multiple scenarios as to why I was invited to the governor’s office. None of those guesses came close, I might add,” he said, smiling. “As you said, Governor, you probably know more about me than I thought you did, but let me tell you just a bit more.

“My grandfather, Jack Rumsey, served in the California Legislature in the early fifties. He worked to broaden the scope of local government legislation and had a pet interest in California’s wilderness areas. Perhaps you know about James Rumsey, the Maryland engineer who invented the steamboat, and others in the family line, including our most famous family pioneer, Daniel Boone. Male members of my family have served in every military conflict in America’s history.”

Noticing the governor’s smile, Dan laughed and held up his hand. “I’m not seeking to extol a litany of family position or achievement, but what I am saying is that all these people left me with something. As this secession issue has gathered steam over the last few months and opposing interests have stood in the shadows, not believing what they were seeing or knowing what to do about it, I
have
wrestled with where I stood.

“My grandfather, bless his heart, is still hale and hearty at eighty-three, and he put the hard question to me several months ago. He said all my forebears would come back and stomp on me if I ever forgot I was an American. And that, Governor Dewhirst, is where I stand. I’m an American. I love California, and I always will, but I believe in what America stands for and the causes for which our ancestors died. I’ll do everything in my power to see that we retain our allegiance to that flag. If that stance warrants your earlier decision, then tell me where the waves need to begin, and I’ll start paddling.”

The governor rested a hand on each of Dan’s shoulders and looked him in the eye. “Did you know, son, that my father served briefly with your grandfather in the old days?”

“No, sir.”

“Well, he did, and they both have reason to be proud. Again, Dan, I say welcome to the legislature.”

Dewhirst returned to the chair behind his desk, nodding briefly at Huntington as he sat. Huntington took the cue.

“Dan,” Huntington began, “did you ever see that old Civil War movie with Gary Cooper as a Union Army major? In order to obtain information on a rebel raider outfit, he had to pretend he believed in something he didn’t. He had to disgrace himself in front of the corps and be branded a coward and traitor and drummed off the post.”

Dan’s ears perked up, and his senses quickly provided warning. “I believe I do remember that movie, Mr. Speaker. He wasn’t a very popular fellow.”

“No, I suppose not. We don’t have such drastic action in mind, as you’ll be pleased to know. But we do have a tough assignment for you, and it may go against your grain.”

Huntington looked at Governor Dewhirst, who took over.

“Dan, the legislature has stalled far too long on this issue, except perhaps for the diehards waving the red flag at the bull. Over the next week or ten days, the Speaker will announce the formation of a seven-member committee, whose primary responsibility will be to write the governing legislation for the new Republic of California. You, Mr. Rawlings, will be on that committee as a member of the minority panel, and the chairman, selected by Speaker Huntington, will be informed that you are to be assigned the primary role in drafting the constitution. It’ll be difficult work, Dan, made more so by our hope that it will never see the light of day. You’ll be the subject of praise and abuse, and, I would presume, a lot of lobbying on what to include, what to leave out—in other words, whose tail to cover, whose ox to gore, and whose barn to protect.”

Dan sat in amazement, recovering long enough to question the process. “Excuse me, Governor, but doesn’t the
minority
leader make assignments to new members of
his
party?”

 “I’ll take care of the minority leader, Dan,” Dewhirst replied. “We’re of the same party—he, you, and I, remember? And the Speaker will take care of the majority committee chair from his own party. It’s a tough role we’re giving you, and especially so for such a new member. But your background and local government management experience will serve you well in this assignment. James and I will continue to take the political highroad, and the heat, I might add, against this secession mania as long as we can. But you, Mr. Rawlings, will need to tone down your opposition to the secession and go to work as if it were a
fait accompli
.

 “Should we fail to prevent this ill-conceived secession, we need to have someone loyal, dependable, and more importantly, capable, who will have put in place the groundwork for a stable and functional government. That’s no easy task.”

“That’s putting it mildly,” Dan said. Anxious not to let the momentum get away, he pressed the issue. “The committee chair from the majority party, Mr. Speaker. What will my position be relative to him and, of course, to the senior minority member? I certainly have no standing regarding seniority.”

James Huntington rose and moved to the sideboard to refill his coffee cup. “Leave that to me, Dan. You’ll have all the latitude you need to accomplish your assignment.”

“Well, that seems to have covered it,” the governor said. “We’re pleased to have you on the team, Daniel Rawlings. Welcome to the world of politics.”

“Thank you, Governor. It’s been a pleasure to meet you, sir. And you, Mr. Speaker,” he said, reaching for his briefcase. As they approached the door, Dan paused for a moment. “Oh, Governor, one more thing. Would it be possible to obtain the services of an outside consultant? A knowledgeable professional who might give some important insight into the process?”

“Have someone in mind, Dan?” the governor asked.

“Well, sir, I …”

“Son,” Dewhirst interrupted, placing his arm around Dan’s shoulder and walking him toward the door, “when the Speaker and I got down to a short list of potential candidates to accomplish this difficult task, whom do you suppose we asked to confirm your qualifications?”

Dan hesitated, not sure of the governor’s meaning. Then the light dawned. His smile growing, he glanced at the Speaker, whose face was covered with a large grin.

“It wouldn’t be a feisty old Stanford Law School professor with a quick wit, would it, sir?”

“None other, Mr. Rawlings. Professor Horatio Julius, who sends hordes of young Stanford lawyers into government service each year. A recommendation from him carries a lot of weight around here. Keep this assignment under your hat until the Speaker’s announcement Monday. I’m sure we’ll see a lot of each other. And James, why don’t we see what we can do to get him an office out of that musty basement where we usually hide the freshman, eh?”

“I’ll see what we can do, Governor,” Huntington said.

“Oh, and Mr. Speaker,” Dan said, edging toward the door, “about that Gary Cooper movie? We’ve got a lot of legislators in this building—most of whom haven’t taken a public stance. If you’ll recall, the eventual culprit and the rebels’ ‘inside man’ turned out to be the post commander, who also served, I believe, as the territorial governor.”

Governor Dewhirst’s eyes grew large, and Huntington began to laugh out loud.

“Walt, I think this kid will get
both
our seats if we’re not on our toes.”

In the foyer, Mrs. Hansen stood as the trio appeared. “Governor, General Del Valle would like you to call when you have a moment.”

“I’ll get right on it, Mrs. Hansen. You see, Dan, even the governor responds when Mrs. Hansen commands. If you have any needs and I can’t be reached—she’s the one to call.”

Victoria Hansen smiled at Dan Rawlings as he started for the door. Reaching the foyer exit, Dan looked back at her. “This might give me another character for my next novel, Mrs. Hansen.”

“Oh, dear, Mr. Rawlings. I’d better not have a fight with the governor then. Right?”

“I’ll be watching,” Dan said, and left.

Returning to his basement office, Dan sat in his chair, wishing for a window through which to contemplate his thoughts, as had become his habit years earlier. Write the constitution?
If James Madison can do it,
he thought,
so can I.
Yeah, right. He slumped down in his chair, beginning to feel the weight of the burden. Then, swiveling in his chair, he punched the speed dial on his phone.

“Good morning. Federal Bureau of Investigation. May I help you?”

“Agent Bentley, please.”

Chapter 26

Governor’s Office, California Capitol Building
Sacramento, California

I’ll put you through now, General Del Valle.”

“Good morning, Bob. New developments brewing?” Governor Dewhirst asked.

“It’s not good, Governor. I’m on my cellular, so I’d better come to the point in case we get cut off. Can you fit me into your schedule this afternoon?”

Dewhirst flipped open his daily agenda, prepared each evening by Mrs. Hansen and placed on the governor’s desk prior to her departure. “Three-fifteen.”

“Fine. It’ll be me and Lieutenant Colonel Jack Harman. He’s the commander, 324
^th
Armored Battalion here in Sacramento.”

“Why do I get the impression I’m not going to like this news?” the governor queried.

“Like I said, Governor, it’s not good. You’ve got some decisions to make. We’ll see you at three fifteen.”

Precisely at three twelve, Del Valle and Harman entered the governor’s suite and were cordially greeted by Mrs. Hansen. Both men were in uniform, having spent the previous evening and early morning hours in meetings and then flying nearly three hours in the National Guard helicopter from Fort Irwin, in southern California.

Dewhirst shook Del Valle’s hand, then reached to shake Colonel Harman’s as well. “Colonel, I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure.” Dewhirst motioned for both men to take seats, retreating behind his desk. “Bob, your call sounded urgent.”

“Governor, we’re rapidly approaching some key decision points. Actually, that ‘we’ is self-serving.
You’re
approaching some decision points, I’m afraid. We’ve spoken of this before, but events are quickly taking on a momentum of their own, and we need to act accordingly. Perhaps I’ll let Colonel Harman explain. Colonel,” he said, turning the floor over to Harman, who quickly stood.

 “Sir, I’ve been in touch—”

“Colonel,” the governor interrupted, “if you’d prefer to stand to deliver your briefing, that’s fine. But I’d be just as apt to listen if you made yourself comfortable and sat.”

Harman looked toward Del Valle, who just nodded. “Actually, Governor, I’d prefer to stand, if you don’t mind. I can pace a bit, sir,” he said, hesitantly.