“I’m sorry?” Jay’s eyes grew wide. “What’s the question again?”
“The employee is suing the employer because she asked him not to hire naturally-born women and he fired her, the transgendered employee.” The reporter repeated. “What are your thoughts?”
“My thoughts?” Jay blinked. “Why do the damn liberals always have to write thesis papers on why they’re doing something?” Jay asked. “Like, you make a statement and then you have to tell me in a 20-slide PowerPoint presentation the why behind it? Case in point – you decide one day, you don’t feel like a man anymore. You’re a woman. Awesome. You’re now the newest superhero of X-Men. Instead of just quietly transitioning and going about your business, you have to wave your trans flag high. And then you take it a step further by creating all these damn provocative photo shoots, knowing you’re going to get someone from the other side to call you all sorts of names, only for you to say to everyone, ‘See? See what I mean?’
I just hope you keep that same energy in your private life because I would hate to think you’re doing the most online and your credit score is lower than hell. That is all.”
Jay’s assistant and girlfriend, Aileen, ushered him away. She was a tall, striking brunette with a curvy figure. “You are going to piss the LGBTQ community again, boss.”
“They know not to vote for me and they still hound me like I’m a salty ex-girlfriend,” Jay hissed, “boo-fucking-hoo.”
“Senator Edwards,” Ricardo walked up to him as the younger man walked down the hall. “I would like to have a word with you, if at all possible.”
“Oh for fuck’s sake,” Jay muttered under his breath. He was well versed in who Ricardo was and his end game for Congress. If it were up to Ricardo, there would be no more white men in power to tell minorities how they should act.
Jay loved the fact he was going to disrupt the older man’s plans. “Sure, we can meet in my office now.” He turned to Aileen. He was planning to fuck her during his lunch break but it would have be postponed. He was even more pissed at Ricardo for interrupting his pussy plans.
He gave her a jump drive and whispered in her ear. “Find Ellison and give this to him. Make sure you’re not seen giving it to him. Go.” Aileen hurried off.
Jay entered his office with Ricardo on his heels. “What can I do you for?”
“I’ll keep this short and sweet since we both don’t like each other.” Ricardo smiled. Jay didn’t return one. “That Ellison fella from California? He’s ruining my plans.”
“I care because?” Jay was cross.
“I have a Republican Latino candidate I want the party to consider for the upcoming senate election in a few years.” Ricardo studied Jay’s face. It remained stoic. “I need votes and I feel that Ellison kid will make it more difficult than it needs to be.”
“You still haven’t told me why I should give a damn?” Jay replied.
“California needs two Republican senators and I can guarantee that. I need Ellison out and I have some ammo that will ensure that.” Ricardo began. “His girlfriend, that tattoo artist? She has a storied past. She was involved in something I’m sure the voters would not appreciate hearing about from a first-time senator. If it gets out, Ellison and the rest of the family will be destroyed.”
“Unless you have concrete evidence, you’re wasting my time.” Jay stated. “State what it is or leave.”
“She was a whore,” Ricardo revealed, “she worked at a brothel. I have the video of her on a jump drive.”
The prostitute Jay hired for Ricardo slipped a jump drive into Ricardo’s messenger bag. It was too easy how much the older man played into his hands. “Show me the video or it never happened,” Jay replied.
“You’re not even remotely interested in this?” Ricardo asked. “This is huge news.”
“I don’t give a damn whatshedid and neither will the voters. Unless you have a video of Ellison killing puppies or molesting little boys, we have nothing here.” Jay retorted. “I need more than just some girl sucking and fucking. Give me that and then we’ll talk. How did you get that video, anyway?”
“I have my sources,” Ricardo nodded.
Jay smiled. “I’m sure you do.”
“This information you could use, senator.” Ricardo advised. “That Ellison kid has been very vocal in support of the #metoo movement; something my Ximena has a big hand in. He could use the feminist support. They wouldn’t like it that his current love interest was a whore.”
“I think the feminist term is sex worker,” Jay corrected, “and no, I’m not interested in this story. Bring me something on Ellison himself and I might meet with you again.”
Ricardo tapped his fingers on the armchair rest. “I hope you don’t have any skeletons in your closet, senator. It would be a shame for any of them to come out.” He rubbed his beard. “I noticed you and your secretary have a pretty close relationship. She travels with you more than Mrs. Edwards does.”
Jay’s lips curved into a delicious smile. “Mmm…”
“If rumors of an affair between you and…what’s her name? Aileen? If that gets out…” Ricardo blew out a small breath and shook his head. “Your political career is over, my friend.”
“Did you just threaten me?” Jay asked. “Because if it was a suggestion, I’ll ignore it. If it was a threat, however, I’ll keep it one hundred with you…” Jay got down on Ricardo’s level and stared into his eyes. “That is the first and last time you’ll threaten me again.”
“Or you’ll do what?” Ricardo retorted.
