Excerpts - Deception of Lies

     "Where's your beautiful wife?"

     "She wasn't feeling too well, so she stayed home." Laurel was expected to attend, but their sitter backed out. Alex suspected she invented the excuse. He knew she did not care for the political scene and would usually sit or stand near the entrance of events while he made the rounds, shaking hands, working the room. If he glanced over to her, he would see the look of disdain on her face. Laurel's expressions were not discreet. One knew exactly how she felt just by observing her.

     "That's too bad." Garrett Baird, the Chairman of the Republican Party for Virginia, was in his mid-sixties, noticeably short and stocky. If you stuck a pin in his barrell chest, he would explode like a balloon. He had no real discernible manner of dress, except for two things, he loved to wear vests and whatever he wore cost a lot of money. A cigar always protruded from the corner of his mouth, and a glass of Glenmorangie was ever present in his left hand. "Son, we are all thoroughly impressed with your efforts here."

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     Looking every part the consummate politician, Garrett walked up to the podium, placed his drink down and raised his arms in appreciation. "I'll tell you, he's a tough act to follow, especially when he took my best lines. Before I start, I would like you all to give Alex Westcott a big round of applause for making this possible." Garrett waited briefly, holding the cigar in his left hand as he talked. "You all have to know that I'm really known as the George Burns of politics," he hesitated. '"I smoke cigars, like to be surrounded by beautiful young women and I' older than God, or at least it seems like it. I'll tell you something else, to have these artists present while politicians, community leaders and others mill about has made this a memorable event, adding to the atmosphere of this evening. And while not everyone may share the same ideas about art, i know it when I see it, and there are quite a few gifted and talented artists in our presence, and for that we are grateful. I have just one more comment before all of you can get back to socializing. I've been leading this party in Virginia for some time and my theme always remains steadfast," Garrett paused for emphasis. We need a new direction in our nation and the current administration does not seem to believe we are serious about our future. We should stop being an island. We are at the pinnacle and now is the time to expand out global influence. We are the greatest and strongest nation in the world and we must make our voices heard. Your presence and generous contributions tonight will allow our party to take that step to making our voices heard." Garrett acknowledged the loud applause, and the he looked toward Alex.

     The first shot crashed into the podium sending splinters in every direction. The sound caused most people to cease all movement, as each tried to comprehend the reality of the situation. The second shot ripped through Garret's left arm with such velocity he just stood and looked at his wound in disbelief.