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Taking a deep breath, I began.

“Ladies and gentlemen. I’m sure, you’ve seen and heard about the pictures released to the public yesterday. Let me give you the context in which they were taken, so you may understand the kind of men who orchestrated the events of the last twenty-four hours and have been representing the great states of Washington and Texas.

“With any serious and committed relationship, one’s experiences ebbs and flows. During one particularly tough day a few months ago, while I was in my home shower, Spencer Miller, a known tabloid reporter, broke into my house, took pictures of me, and threatened me. I was alone, emotionally distressed, sitting on the floor, and defenseless.

“Fortunately, my husband had security features installed in our bathroom, which allowed me to alert the authorities. Spencer Miller was arrested and charged with breaking and entering as well as voyeurism in the first degree.

“During a probe into the incident, investigators discovered Senator Grey Decker was responsible for hiring Spencer Miller and then selling the pictures to Senator Anthony Sanders. Subsequently, those images were offered to my former client, Clint Bassett, for release on his radio and Internet shows.

“You may ask why these two men would go after me. It’s very simple. They fear for their positions in Congress. Jacinta Camden and I are very popular in our states as well as very viable candidates against Senators Decker and Sanders. They thought to shame me and destroy my credibility as well as that of Ms. Camden. After all, I am married to her brother, and any scandal touching me will affect her bid against Senator Decker.

“Now to prove my accusations. At this moment, the Attorneys General of Texas and Washington, as well numerous other women and men in the political realm, are receiving thumb drives filled with evidence linking the senators to their conspiracy against me.

“It is time to stand up to those who abuse the privilege of working for the citizens of our country. It is time to change what is moral and acceptable behavior of those who preach one thing and behave in a different manner.

“Today, I stand before you as someone who is part of a new movement to remove all those who view their positions in Congress as a career and a right versus the privilege it is. I stand before you, not as a victim of immoral men, but as a fighter.

“I stand before you as a friend, a colleague, a wife, a sister, and the future senator of Washington State.

“I am Samina Kumar-Camden. Candidate for United States Senate.”

A roar of applause erupted, as well as a barrage of questions, in spite of Veer’s announcement. Jacinta and Veer came to each side of me and linked their fingers with mine.

“Smile pretty, kids,” Jacinta whispered, so no one else could hear. “This is a picture-perfect moment. A conservative, moderate, and almost-liberal onstage in support of each other.”

“You had to throw that jab in there, didn’t you?” Veer muttered.

Jacinta responded with an, “Of course, I did.”

I mentally shook my head and smiled at the crowd.

“We can do this,” I said with a sense of pride and excitement.

“Yes, we can.” Veer squeezed my fingers and then lifted them in the air, with Jacinta following the same action. Another wave of cheers echoed out of the crowd.

After a few more minutes, we walked away from the podium and down the steps toward our waiting families. They cheered and clapped, including Richard, who kissed me on the cheek.

Tears prickled my eyes and my heart filled with happiness. I knew the road ahead was going to be tough, filled with nonstop challenges, but with these people in my corner, there was no doubt I’d succeed.

Devin came toward me, offering me his elbow. “Well done, Senatorial Candidate Samina Kumar-Camden.”

He hadn’t known about the name change. I’d kept it a secret. We were moving to make our marriage as solid as possible, and I thought it would be a sweet gesture to hyphenate my name.

“Thank you, Judge Camden,” I said, slipping my arm into his.

“You were right,” he said as we walked down the path onto the property.

I glanced to my side. “About?”

“There are enough Senator Camdens in politics. It’s time for a Senator Kumar-Camden.”

“I couldn’t agree more.”

“I do have one condition before we move forward.”

I paused midstep and lifted a brow. “Of course, you do.”

“I want to fuck celebrity attorney Samina Kumar one more time before she becomes Candidate Kumar-Camden.”

“I believe that is definitely on the agenda.”

The End