Ghost Guardian

Chapter 13

875 words 

I go visit Thomas and James. Keeping in mind that Thomas can see me, I find spots where I won't be in his line of sight. I find him, arguing with James.

"Every action has it's equal opposite reaction. John Adams sh*t the bed, I love the guy, but he's in traction. Poor Alexander Hamilton is missing in action. So now I'm facing Aaron Burr with his own faction."

"He's very attractive in the north. New Yorkers like his chances."

"He's not very forthcoming on any particular stances."

"Ask him a question, he glances off. He obfuscates. He dances."

"And they say I'm a Francophile. At least they know I know where France is."

"Thomas, that's the problem. They see Burr as a less extreme."

"Huh?"

"You need to change course. A key endorsement might redeem you." A key endorsement? Who's he talking about?

"Who did you have in mind?" Thomas asks, looking off into the distance.

"Don't laugh," James says.

"Who is it?" Thomas asks, looking at James concerned.

"You used to work on the same staff..." James says nervously.

"Whaaaaaaaat?" Thomas questions almost immediately.

"It might be nice." Thomas shakes his head hard. "It might be nice to have Hamilton on your side." Thomas thinks before agreeing.

I go over to where Burr is. He's got the whole street hyped up.

"Talk less!"

"Burr!"

"Smile more!"

"Don't let them know what you're against or what you're for!"

"Shake hands with him!" He says, shaking a mans' hand.

"Burr!"

"Charm her!" He dips a woman, making her giggle.

"Burr!"

"It's 1800! Ladies, tell your husbands vote for Burr!"

I go over to where some voters are gossiping.

"I don't like Adams," one says.

"Well he's going to loose. That's just the defeatist."

"And Jefferson?"

"In love with France!"

"Yeah, he's so elitist."

"I like that Aaron Burr."

"I can't believe we're here with him!"

"He seems approachable, like you could grab a beer with him!"

I roll my eyes. Aren't there more important things to look for in a president than being able to drink with him? Though who am I to judge?

I go check on Alex.  I find him reading a letter. 

Dear Mr. Hamilton,

Your fellow federalists would like to know how you'll be voting. John Adams doesn't stand a chance so who are you promoting? Jefferson or Burr? We know it's lose-lose. But Jefferson or Burr? If you had to chose. 

-Your fellow federalists

There's a knock on the door. He goes to answer it. 

"Well, if it isn't Aaron Burr, sir," he says, not sounding happy about the situation at hand.