The Blackfire Protocol by Clifford Beck - HTML preview

Chapter 46

Twenty minutes later, they were seated at a table in a nearby restaurant. Betsy seemed to be in a hurry and

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wanted their meal to go, stating she needed a different kind of sustenance as well. Frank, however, wanted to take his time, being tired of the last few months on the campaign trail. Although frustrated by her unfulfilled needs, Betsy reluctantly agreed. “Alright,” she said. “But when we get to my place, I’m going to do things to you I’ve never done before.”

Frank didn’t need words to make his response, as a slight smile appeared on his face.

They ordered Chinese, and as their meals were served to them, Betsy quickly changed the subject. As a journalist, she knew that anyone recognizing him could be within earshot and could easily act as a leak to the media.

“Sorry,” she whispered. “I guess we shouldn’t talk about those things now that you’re a senator.” Again, words were not necessary, as he simply nodded his head.

“Maybe we should talk about politics,” she continued.

Frank listened intently as he ate a large helping of Lo Mein.

“Let’s see,” she said. “What’s going on in Congress right now? Oh, here’s one: gun control. So, Senator, what do you plan to do about gun control?” Frank had been taking a great deal of time thinking about the issues and had already developed a response to this particular issue.

“Well,” he began. “I suppose I could vote with the Republican Party and say no to that issue, but what would that do for the country? There has to be a way to get guns off the streets. And let’s face it, no one

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should own an assault rifle. It’s just not necessary. However, most Republicans in both the House and the Senate have always voted against gun control bills, so what can one person do? One vote in favor of gun control isn’t going to make a difference.” Betsy listened to every word, and her response was typical for someone who had all but given up on a government that was supposed to support the country, not divide it.

“God damn,” she said. “You already sound like a politician.”

Frank paused during his meal.

“I’m serious,” he replied. “There are one hundred senators on Capitol Hill. How is my vote going to make a difference if we have a Republican congress?”

Betsy’s mind raced as she considered several options, but only one seemed to be worth discussion. “What if you lobbied for gun control?” she asked. Frank nearly choked on his noodles. The idea of a politician lobbying Congress was unheard of. Lobbyists and special interest groups normally did that—and not very successfully.

“That’s not what I mean,” Betsy said. “Don’t take it to Congress. They’re not going to listen to you. Lobby to the people. Whose opinion do you trust more, the government or the people?” Betsy was right, but Frank had an agenda, and the people who had funded his campaign likely would not appreciate the idea of him publicly lobbying for gun control. Politics can be dangerous.