Chapter 108

108
THE WHITE HOUSE

Martha Stratton watched the motorcycle escort from the window of the limousine. They looked a lot like policemen, but each had the small yellow flag of the UCFC fluttering behind its driver. Her motorcade accompanied her through the gates of the White House, around to the side and into an underground parking garage. She thought to herself that it was kind of nice to be important. She also made a mental note not to let all of this go to her head. There was too much work to be done.

There were three security men in the front of her car and another four Secret Service Agents waiting in the garage. She had received instructions not to exit the limo until one of her own people opened the door for her. In any event, all these security people acted like they knew each other. She was here to see the President.

Moments later in the Oval Office, she met President Robert Haskill himself. "Gosh, Mr. President I never thought I'd be shaking your hand like this. What an honor!"

"I'm very pleased to meet you, too, Mrs. Stratton. I have been most interested in following your rise to power inside the UCFC." the President smiled.

Oh, Mr. President. Please just call me 'Martha.' That 'Stratton-stuff' tends to set folks on edge." Martha insisted.

"Of course. That affair would still smart a little. Forgive me." Haskill shifted into maximum casual mode. "I read some UCFC accounts of your Anointing Ceremony. It will be very nice. In fact, it reminded me of my Inauguration. It makes me think of how much we have in common. That's one reason I am so happy to have a chance to talk with you." The President motioned her to sit in one of the ornate period chairs. "We could possibly help each other."

"What do you mean when you say we have a lot in common, Mr. President?" Martha demanded, suddenly on guard.

Haskill's blood turned to ice. He could see something like Moses parting a sea of voters. He smelled the blood of a Democrat in this woman's veins. "Well, we both have very large organizations to look after. Believe me, I know how much there is to do." He turned his head in an attempt to make better eye contact, aping sincerity. "We are both trying to help Jesus accomplish his ministry. Wouldn't you agree on that basic point?"

Martha had an uneasy feeling that she was agreeing to things as President Haskill skillfully left them behind in the conversation."As far as running a big organizations being a lot of work, I suppose that depends on whether you're leading 'em or chasin' after 'em. UCFC folks share a very strong common goal. They're pretty easy to lead. In fact, I've never been happier. I don't feel the least bit put upon -- more like honored." Martha's obviously wary point of view was holding fast. "I'm also pretty sure that our respective plans to help Jesus the Savior Incarnate don't necessarily have the same goal. The UCFC is working for a general spiritual revolution in the country from sea to shining sea, and that includes in every election district."

Robert Haskill reflected on the election demographics of one hundred thirty million voters casting their ballots as a block. Still, he had to try. "Well, you know the election is coming up in November. I'd like to ask you if you would consider a UCFC endorsement for the Haskill Campaign?"

"I'm pretty sure I would have to think something like that over." Martha's voice had become even chillier.

"Aren't you interested in what the UCFC could get out of an arrangement like that?" the President asked.

"No. Thank you for seeing me. It's been very, ah, educational, Mr. President." Martha said, rising to leave the office. It seemed that a foul odor had suddenly broken through the President's air conditioning.

In her car once more on the way to her private jet at Dulles, Martha said a prayer of thanksgiving and took the opportunity to meditate for a few minutes.

Robert Haskill was slumped in his chair, deeply depressed at the prospects of all those UCFC votes landing in Jerry Oxford's lap. Martha Stratton was a knee-jerk liberal bitch. Of course she would support the Democrats, even Jerry Oxford.