Chapter 2

" So where do we start?"

Leo sat thoughtfully in the governors office the one place that was somewhat organized due in part to the first lady. Who said first things first governors office needs to be organized. " We need to get a senior staff together. A group of people you can trust in matters of security and to advise you in important matters. These people need to be a group of people you would be willing to trust with your life. Once we get a group like that they can help us with the rest. We just have to find the right people."

"Any ideas?"

" I have a few but first things first. My question is what do you have planned for me. That way I know how to plan the rest out."

The Governor stared into space he knew this question would come he just didn't realize it would come so soon. He had thought about it of course but never came to an all out conclusion. Maybe I should tell him what I'm thinking and get his opinion. Its his life after all. " I was thinking either Vice President are chief of staff. I want someone in these positions I know and trust the best. Your the man. Though after some thought I can't help but think you would be best as chief of staff for the time being.

Gives you a chance to learn the ropes, and for others to get to know you. Most importantly the American people will get to see the man you are and not just my best friend but a man who taught me so much. I'm not kidding if I get elected its because you had faith in me, you were who finally convinced me to run and no one else."

Leo had tears in his eyes. This man was a true friend. And a man he knew deserved to be president. A man from humble beginnings. Worked his way to the top. This guy risked his life to save his in Vietnam. Hes a true hero that says he was just doing what any other man would do. If anyone deserved to be where he was today it was him. This man has lived through so much and it was an honor to serve him. " Governor I'll do anything and everything you want me to do. You deserve this more than anyone I know so lets get you elected."

"Ok so where do we start. Now that we have decided your position. Lets get a team together and from there we will figure out the rest of the staff and than make a short list for the Vice Presidency."

" Well I have a few ideas running through my head:

For deputy chief of staff. There's a young man I know you know him to Josh Lyman. Hes a son of a good friend of mine. If we could convince him to leave Hoynes campaign and jump on our bandwagon hes the man I want. Hes bright young and intelligent. Just don't tell him I told you so he has a big ego. And once you say something he can go on for days rubbing it in peoples faces. Hes a man I would trust with my life."

The Governor looked doubtful " Question is is this a man we can trust on our staff. If he leaves Hoynes staff. How do we know John won't use him to get info from us. How do we know he wouldn't be a plant. Another question is would he be willing to leave. I'm next to a nobody compared to John. The main thing I have going for me is my moralities and the fact I wouldn't lie to the American people if my life depended on it.

Leo looked at the Governor thoughtfully he had a good point but he also knew that Josh was someone that was going places. And he needed to be behind someone the world could trust and not the scumbag John Hoynes. " I think hes a man we can trust once he sees what kind of person you are. He will by all means want to work for you and no one else. He can be trusted I have known him since he was a kid. If he feels hes behind the right person. He wouldn't betray them for all the money in the world. Hes like the son I never had and am grateful every day that I get to know him more and more.

The Governor Smiled knowingly Leo's ex had a son that was stillborn and Leo has his good days and his bad. Always wondering what he would have been like. After the baby their marriage started to fall apart even his daughter Mallory's birth didn't help, in fact it seemed to make it worse. Though he knew Leo didn't regret Mallory because to him she was a miracle from God.

" Ok offer him the job. If he doesn't want it ask him him to at least come hear me speak before making a full decision. Give him my statistics and what I plan on doing as president. Don't leave anything out."

Leo nodded " will do sir."

Leo flipped a page. He had a few ideas on press secretary but 1 name has stood out to him ever since he started searching and he knew this lady was the one they wanted.