Having been an astute observer all his life, GO quickly noted that neither the cameraman nor sound tech had rushed forth with equipment in hand to record his response. If anything they seemed to be perturbed, almost angry at what Jan was doing. Yet there was concern in Jan’s face, real, unrehearsed concern that GO had not seen in any of his previous meetings with this woman. Though he didn’t quite know what to make of this, GO sensed that he was being handed a blue chip.

“Well, Ms. Fields,” the governor stated in his smooth, winning style, “I am sure that information is available somewhere. I’m just not sure who would have it.”

Though angered by the flippant manner in which GO Thomas was treating her question, Jan swallowed a caustic remark that was on the tip of her tongue. Instead she pushed her pride aside and did something that was uncharacteristic. Never having understood the true motivation behind the exclusives that GO Thomas had granted her in the past, Jan forced a smile as she reached out and touched GO’s hand. “I’m wondering, Governor Thomas,” she asked in a voice that was far too sweet for a person in her position, “if you could help me find that information.”

The touch of this woman’s hand on his sent a shock through Thomas that left him speechless. He hadn’t expected that. He thought that he was going to need to work her, as he worked his employees, in order to motivate her to doing his bidding. But instead she was reaching out and all but offering herself to him. It was, he imagined, just as it should be. Jan, a most beautiful and dewy-eyed female, was presenting herself to him, the man of the hour.

For a moment the two stood there staring at each other, each trying to figure out what to say next in order to further their own very separate and very diverse goals. As was fitting, it was GO who recovered his balance first and responded. “I would love to help you, Ms. Fields, but unfortunately there are people waiting for me at the State House. However,” he quickly added, before Jan’s disappointment permitted her the opportunity to pull her hand away, “I’ll be most happy to see if the State Adjutant General’s office can secure that information for you.”

Continuing to hold her forced smile as well as GO’s hand, Jan thanked him. “I would appreciate that very, very much. You can reach me at …”

GO winked. “Oh, I know. I have your mobile phone number.” He smiled and with his free hand tapped a pocket where he kept his notebook.