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Story: The Maverick

“The President has to know what his wife’s been up to. Even if a CIA agent exposed the program, who has the power to stop the First Lady? The President. The couple has been lying to the country—to the world.” Orion scratched his chin. “Who are they? What is their agenda?”

“That’s what we have to find out,” I said. “Listen to this. It’s Brody C. Harris talking to the First Lady.”I played the recording from Vanessa’s files.

“This is for you from the Harris family,” Brody said. “We know how much you love art.”

“Really? It’s very thoughtful of you. Thank you,” Madeline replied. “TheStarry Truthis an exquisite painting.”

“More people are waiting to congratulate you, honey,” said President Collins.

“Please put this with my belongings to take home,” Madeline told someone.

“Yes, ma’am.”

Shuffling noises and a door closed.

“That recording was days ago,” I said. “There are others, but the conversations aren’t as clear. The painting must be hanging in an open room with many people.”

“This proves that the Harris family is working with the President and his wife,” Arrow said.

It was time I offered my suspicion. “She’s not his wife. She’s his husband.”

Grayson snorted. “What are you talking about?”

“Look at this.” I showed them a picture of Ashton when he was in high school and a picture of Madeline side-by-side.She’d had multiple plastic surgeries to enhance her cheekbones, soften her jawline, and make her nose smaller. All her procedures were done at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. Despite the surgeries, certain features remained the same. “Ashton C. Lindor is Madeline Claude-Collins.”

“What the fuck?” Remi moved closer to the screen.

“I see the resemblance.” Orion sat back in his chair. “Holy Shit. We have a transgender First Lady.”

“I know Madeline is Ashton because of how she speaks. Her voice is softer now, but she has certain unique traits she can’t get rid of. The way she emphasizes the word ‘really’ stands out. It always annoyed me in high school.”

“This presidency is a sham,” Royce said. “Why does he have a British accent?”

“He’s acting the role,” I said. “He was in the high school drama club. So he’s used to pretending.”

“Was he gay in high school?” Remi asked.

“He had a girlfriend, but not for long,” I said. “Then again, he could’ve been acting to hide his true sexual preference. I don’t know.”

“So the President’s gay . . . I’m just thinking out loud.” Grayson crossed his arms. “He marries a man who got a sex change to be a woman. Why?”

“There’s more to this story. We just have to unravel it.” I rubbed the tension building at the back of my neck. “There’s nothing wrong with being gay. He could’ve said my wife is transgender.So why lie to the entire country?”

“Because he wouldn’t have won the presidency,” Royce said. “The country would have been divided.”

I nodded in agreement. “His transition ensured nothing changes within the presidency. The country has a President and a First Lady.”

Grayson scratched his head. “I still can’t believe this. It’s so . . . out there.”

“Madeline Claude-Collins.” Orion pursed his lips, thinking. “Claude—the name rings a bell. Hold on one second.” He went off the screen. I heard him typing in the background. Then he blurted, “Fuck. I think I found something. Check it out.”

A list of names flashed onto the screen:

Ashton C. Lindor:enemy #1.

Bobby C. Cooney:enemy #2.

Harry C. Sullivan:enemy #3.

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