Chapter 50
DISCUSSIONS

Mary Dowell, absolutely exuding curiosity, greeted her at her office. "What did he have to say, Adeli? I'm sure it's something exciting."

"Remember what killed the cat? Adeli tried to be prim and proper, but succeeded for only a moment. "Can you believe it, Mary? He asked me to run for Governor of Anjou. I was completely flabbergasted when he put the proposal to me."

"I knew it was something like that. Mary was bubbling with excitement. "And what was your answer?"

"I said I'd think it over. Adeli glanced at her watch. "And obviously I'll need to talk it over with Ellen and Irving. Is she in her office, do you know?"

"She is. Mary was conspiratorial. "And Irving is with her. It's the perfect chance to tell them what you're going to do."

"But I don't know myself what I want to do," Adeli wailed. "There are so many aspects that need to be considered. I don't even know if I'd make a good politician, and Anjou hasn't elected a Center-Right Governor in years. It might be a complete waste of time."

"Nonsense. Mary was adamant. "Warwick wouldn't make you such a proposition unless he was pretty sure you had a good chance of winning. Don't hesitate. You'll never get another opportunity like it again."

"Well, I'm off to see Ellen. Another vision of Warburton-Greaves seemed to be saying, "Good for you, Mary. Make her see sense. With her mind in turmoil, she knocked on Ellen Vine's door.

"Come in. As she entered in response to Ellen's invitation, two faces regarded her intently.

"Ah, I'm glad you're here, Adeli. Fellner gave her a professional smile. "We were just discussing the format for your show"

"What is it, Adeli? Ellen had observed the expression on her friend's face with concern. "What's happened?"

"I've just had lunch with Warwick.

Before Adeli could continue, Fellner interjected. "The Kingmaker? You are moving in exalted circles."

"He wants me to run for governor of Anjou on the Center Right ticket. I promised him a decision in a week. I have no idea what I should do."

"Do it. Ellen did not hesitate. "You're clearly someone very special, just made for a career in politics. It's the perfect way to get started."

"What do you mean 'get started'? Adeli regarded her friend with disbelief. "There aren't many positions higher than the Governor of a State. If you ask me, I'd be starting right at the top of the tree."

"There is one position that's higher. Ellen produced her brightest smile. "And I'd like to see you in it one day."

"You mean Adeli was so taken aback she was speechless.

"She means the first female President of the United States. Fellner was smiling too. "And from what I've seen of you in the past few months it's not terribly unrealistic."

"Slow down. Adeli was incredulous. "I've not even decided if I want to run for governor. You two are out of your minds."

"We're not. Ellen was bubbling over. "This is the best news I've had in a long time. Irwin and I are going to see you make the right decision."

"There's one thing you must know. Somehow in the last few minutes Adeli sensed a decision had been made for her. "If I run, the candidate for the Center Left Party will be entitled to equal time. Irwin, what would your reaction be?"

"I'd tear him apart. Fellner had no chance to respond as Ellen jumped in. "Adeli, you've no idea how much I've learned from preparing for our interviews. If anyone tried to oppose you, I'd know exactly the questions to ask. Oh, let's do it."

"Clearly I'd need to consult Tom Marsden. The producer looked thoughtful. "But my personal reaction is that it would inject an element of controversy into your show which could be quite beneficial. If you'll excuse me, I'll go and talk to him right away."

"Oh, Adeli, I'm so excited! Ellen was almost jumping up and down. "You'd make such a good governor. How would you campaign?"

"That's the easy part. Adeli looked thoughtful. "The state has been under control of the Center Left for so long its economy has almost atrophied. The governors get their campaign financing from the labor unions, and then, when in office, raise taxes to finance a huge state government, with far more bureaucrats than they need, and paying them salaries well above free-market levels. And they've made their pension benefits so generous that they'll have to raise taxes even more in the future to finance them. The high taxes have driven businesses out of the state, so it's been left with mostly service-sector jobs plus some agriculture which also gets overly generous state subsidies."

"O.K. Ellen was smiling. "I get the picture. I can also tell you've given it a good deal of thought."

"Not really. Adeli returned the smile. "It's all pretty obvious stuff. She broke off as Fellner returned, looking pleased.

"Marsden's all for it. There's just one thing. He frowned. "He does reserve the right to terminate the show if the ratings go down. I don't think that will happen, but he has to consider every eventuality."

"Of course. Adeli looked from Ellen to Fellner and back again. "Somehow since talking to you two, I seem to have made the decision to accept Warwick's offer. I hope I don't live to regret it.

"You won't. Ellen at least had no qualms.