Page 113 of The First Gentleman

CHAPTER 109

Number One Observatory Circle

I t’s just after eight a.m. when Burton Pearce walks into the nineteenth-century house at Number One Observatory Circle, the home of Vice President Ransom Faulkner.

He nods to the Secret Service detail guarding the VP.

For the past six months, Faulkner’s colon cancer has been in remission, and he’s been well enough to work from home.

He moves like molasses, but his eyes are bright, and his mind is as sharp as ever.

“I’ve been watching the trial,” says Faulkner.

“Looks like your boy is still in the fight.”

“So far, so good,” says Pearce.

“The prosecution’s case is circumstantial. And Tess Hardy is earning her exorbitant fee.”

Faulkner sinks farther back in his armchair and gestures for Pearce to take the one opposite.

“So, Burton, when do I get my chief of staff back?”

Pearce smiles.

“Rachel? She’s happy in Berlin.”

Faulkner snorts.

“She hates Berlin and you know it. Almost as much as she hates you for sending her there.”

“Look, Chief, Rachel’s a smart kid, but she rubs a lot of people the wrong way, one of those people being the president. A little time in the foreign service will smooth her edges.”

Faulkner looks skeptical but changes the subject.

“Are all your ducks still lined up on the legislation?” he asks.

Pearce nods. “The minute the First Gentleman gets acquitted, we move. National address from the East Room. All data and projections released to the press.” He reaches over and places his hand on Faulkner’s.

“We need you there, Chief.”

“Gladly,” says Faulkner.

“This working-from-home shit is for the birds.”

“Those drugs they’ve got you on mess with your immune system. You know that. Right now a case of the sniffles could bring you down. We need you healthy.”

“No,” says Faulkner.

“You just need me presentable.”

“Maddy appreciates your loyalty,” says Pearce.

“Always has.”

“I think she appreciates having me out of the way, not making waves. And what if this Grand Bargain idea goes to shit? What if Wall Street crashes? What if the governors revolt? What if the electorate turns against us? We’re taking a big risk. There’s a reason why no other administration has gone this far.”

“It’s a moon shot for sure,” says Pearce.

“But it might just save the whole system.”

Faulkner lets out a long sigh.

“Okay, Burton. I know my place. When you’re ready, just let me know when and where. I’ll show up—like Lazarus back from the dead.”

Pearce smiles.

“I like that image, Chief. Excellent optics.”