Page 88 of Dirty Politics

The crowd was silent, looking from Will to the heckler.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” Will said, taking a few steps toward the man. “You think children with cancer is funny? You think people dying is funny? What the fuck is wrong with you?”

The heckler opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, Will continued, his voice firm and loud - completely in control.

“I know it would be nice to live in some alternate universe where there’s no cancer and bad things don’t happen, but that’s not reality and we can’t fix our problems if we pretend that they don’t exist. We have to face them - however hard they may be if we want to fix them.”

Will paused and the crowd jumped to their feet, cheering and clapping. The heckler slipped back into the crowd and disappeared.

“Misinformation is such a problem. It’s hard to gain support when so many people want to just deny what is happening, but the evidence is irrefutable. You all have seen it in your own communities. Doctors are telling us it’s a problem. You don’t have to fucking take this anymore. Push back.”

Will stopped talking and let the crowd holler and cheer.

Ben stopped the video.

Liv’s mouth was hanging open.

“Wasn’t that hot?” Steph said, literally fanning herself.

“I can’t believe he saidfuck. Twice,” Liv said, shaking her head. “Is he getting any pushback about this?”

“Not from anyone who matters?” Steph said.

“What do you mean?”

“Sure, there’s certain talking heads and websites who are losing their mind that a Senator saidfuck,but most everyone is supporting him. It’s bringing a ton of attention to the issue.”

Liv nodded. Will was normally so buttoned up and by-the-book; she was surprised to see him react so passionately. Steph was right - it was hot.

Liv yawned. “I’ve got to go to bed. Thanks for showing me that.”

“Night,” Ben called.

“Nite-nite,” Steph said. “See you tomorrow.”

Liv waved, and she walked out of the room.

Before she was even in her bedroom, she pulled out her phone and started texting Will.

Liv: Saw the video of the town hall.

Will: Oh, yeah. What did you think?

Liv: Surprised.

Will: Me too.

Liv: Haha. What came over you?

Will: You.

Liv: ?

Will: I’ve been thinking a lot about how fucked up it is that we can’t get anything done on this issue. You’ve made me see up close how people are being impacted. It’s personal to me now.

Liv: Are you surprised it hasn’t backfired?

Will: It wasn’t calculated. I didn’t put any thought into it. I’m glad no one’s calling for my resignation though.

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