Franklin hit the remote and Fox News popped up on the wall-mounted LED screen. Nina Brewer, his last remaining rival for the nomination, was making a concession speech at a rally in Wisconsin. Franklin was glued to the live transmission. Brewer signed off with a rousing message to her disconsolate supporters.

“So, at this point, I want you all to get behind our party’s nominated candidate and the next president of the United States, Senator John Franklin.”

Caroline Franklin draped her arms around her husband’s neck and pulled him into a tight embrace. The intimate moment was instantly broken as Bill shouted across from the kitchen table.

“Dad, does this mean that you are going to be the next president?”

Franklin looked at his wife and smiled. “Yep, it does, Bill, and it also means your mom is going to be the first lady, so no more talk of tattoos.”

Franklin called Cathy back. She was enjoying her third glass of champagne and he could make out the sound of raucous celebrations kicking off in the background at the campaign headquarters.

“We made it, John. It’s hard to believe but we fucking well did it. You’ve made history already. We haven’t even hit Iowa and you’re the last man standing. Tomorrow, the party will confirm you as their presidential candidate.”

Franklin could sense she was slightly tipsy, as it was rare for her to swear conversationally. She was a brilliant strategist and he wanted her to enjoy the moment.

“We did and now just one more step to go before you become chief of staff at the White House.”

Franklin’s next call was to his father.

“Did you see it, Dad? Brewer just dropped out of the race.”

“Of course I saw it and, as predicted, that bitch is now going to be all over you looking for a job.”

“Dad, this is getting real now. All those years of planning are about to pay off. I owe you and the family so much.”

Richard Franklin was a deeply troubled man but, as ever, showed no sign of it to his jubilant son. “Keep your eyes on the main prize, John. We don’t celebrate until you are sitting behind that desk in the Oval Office. By the way, I’ve been thinking, with the presidency in touching distance, now is the right time for you to shut down the apartment and everything that goes with it. We can’t take any chances.”

“Sure, Dad, I was thinking exactly the same thing.”

John allowed himself a wry smile. He knew this was one of the rare occasions when he was prepared to blatantly lie to his father, as he already had designs on the apartment’s next occupant.

* * *