Page 122 of The First Gentleman

CHAPTER 118

The White House

I n the Oval Office, the president of the United States is staring at a photo of her husband that she’s never seen before.

It shows him pretending to choke a young man dressed as a young woman.

The couple’s daily phone call has been a time for Maddy to show Cole her unwavering support.

Not today. They’re on a conference call with Tess Hardy.

“Cole, what the hell were you thinking?” Maddy demands, knowing how bad this makes the First Gentleman look.

“It was a joke taken out of context,” says Cole.

“Harmless fun. Nobody was upset about it at the time.”

“Well, they’re upset about it now! And why am I hearing about this from the news?”

“I tried to warn you,” says Cole.

“I’m sorry,” says Maddy.

“I was tied up downstairs.” I was a little busy with Armageddon.

What Tess Hardy says next plunges her right back there.

“Madam President,” says Hardy, “Cole wants to testify to explain the picture.”

“You want to take the stand, Cole?” asks Maddy.

“That’s a big risk.”

“It’s a bigger risk if I don’t. The prosecution has painted me as a violent guy. I need to show them I’m not.”

“What do you think, Tess?” asks Maddy.

“The prosecution’s case is wholly circumstantial and entirely lacking in solid proof. They’re just trying to string together a set of unconnected circumstances. A watch. A bracelet. A sheet. A photograph—”

“And I can explain it all!” says Cole.

“You don’t have to,” says Hardy.

“Innocent until proven guilty, remember? The burden of proof is on them. And I think we’ve done a pretty good job of poking holes in their evidence. Enough to secure at least one holdout on the jury. That’s all we need.”

“I don’t want a hung jury!” says Cole.

“That’s a cloud hanging over me forever. Not to mention the risk that they can come after me again. Maddy, we need this to be over! For your sake as well as mine.”

“I hear you, Cole,” says Maddy.

“I know you want to be exonerated. We all want the same thing.”

Maddy looks at the two-foot-high stack of paper on the side of her desk, the latest draft of the Grand Bargain.

Her crowning achievement.

Her legacy. If she can ever manage to get it on the congressional floor.

And if she can ever get clear of this trial.

“Tess,” Maddy says, “do you think you can coach him so he’s ready?”

“I’m very coachable,” says Cole.

“Ask any of my coaches.”

Maddy consults her schedule.

“I’ve got a meeting on China in two minutes. Cole, I love you and I trust you. If you want to testify, it’s your call and your call alone. Is that understood, Tess?”

Hardy replies respectfully, “Yes, Madam President. Loud and clear.”