Chapter 2
"CJ! CJ!"
"Yes, Mark."
The press was more agitated than normal. CJ was having a hard time understanding what the excitement was all about until Mark asked the first question of the afternoon briefing.
"What is the state of the President's marriage?"
"Excuse me!" CJ turned toward him in total surprise.
"I said, what is the state of the President's marriage? There's a picture on the wires of the First Lady in Arkansas and she's not wearing her wedding rings. When was the divorce filed and why weren't we notified?"
CJ was stunned. No word had been shared with her that there was any trouble with the President's and the First Lady's marriage. It had to be some kind of bad joke.
"Mark, that's absurd. Besides, the White House does not comment on personal issues of the President. Next?"
"CJ!"
"Mark, I gave you an answer."
"Could there be something you don't know about?"
"Yes, Mark. I ask for a daily update on the state of the First Marriage. Now, any other questions?"
"Hearing none, I'm finished." CJ slammed her notebook shut and left the podium. She headed straight for the Chief of Staff's office.
"Leo!" She was heard shouting all the way to Margaret's office. Leo met her halfway down the hall and dragged her into his office.
As he slammed each door to his office, he yelled, "Do you have to shout so loud?"
"I was blindsided in there. Why the hell wasn't I told about a separation? A possible divorce? I AM the Press Secretary, for God's sake!"
Before Leo could answer, another voice spoke up. "Because there is no divorce."