Page 28 of Campaign Season
“He was an asset when he was here,” Candace said. She looked at Alex. “What?”
“I think it’s time we utilized the operations center John built.”
Candace scratched her brow and let out a long breath. She could hardly believe the story Alex had told her. The warehouse. The hidden rooms. The replica Oval Office and press room. The sprawling operations center and living quarters that no one outside their circle even knew existed.
Alex’s voice was steady. “He didn’t build it for show, Candace. He built it because he knew he was compromised, and he knew one day he might need to go to ground. He couldn’t fight them in the open. We can’t either—not all of it.”
“You’re asking me to sanction a shadow operation,” Candace said evenly.
“We've already done that," Alex said.
Candace groaned.
"I'm asking you to protect yourself. To protect all of us. We'll put a small team there."
"How does this affect Grant?"
"Isn't he working as a consultant?"
"He is."
"Let him continue that."
Candace considered her reply. "I need Klein defeated in the primaries—if not pushed out before they begin. Grant is an expert on FVI."
"And FVI is a front, Candace. People will underestimate him if he’s not seen in the West Wing every day. That’s our advantage. Work this a little. Let me work with Jane and Claire. It would benefit you if someone suggested to Grant that he should step back into the West Wing. Someone who thinks he can make Grant an ally.”
Candace exhaled. She had sworn she would never run a presidency in the shadows. But Klein’s rise, Waters’ influence, the attacks on world leaders—not everything could happen in the light of day.
Her eyes met Alex’s. “Get me a plan."
Alex nodded. "Let me talk to Claire."
"I hate this."
"I know. In the end, it's your job to protect the country."
"By hiding—concealing the truth?"
"You can't show your hand on this. This isn't politics, Candace. It's espionage. Klein is tied to something much older and more dangerous than partisan politics. It puts more than your presidency at risk. He poses a threat to national security that will only deepen if he gets elected. That's why someone wants him in your seat." Alex took a breath.
"What?"
"There are some things you shouldn't know, Candace."
"We agreed?—"
"You need to trust me on this."
"I do trust you."
"Then let me do my job, Madam President, so you can do yours."
Candace nodded. "I'll speak with Grant."
"And I'll dig into Mr. Scott's background."
"Alex?"
