POWER

Chapter Four

Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!

Great though Faith. She had slept through her first alarm. In her bed she tossed and turned and tried to be motivated enough to get up. ''Come on'' she told herself, she knew full well it was an important day and yet she continued to stare up at her ceiling. After much self-persuassion, she stumbled out of bed and began to comb her long hair. It was the day of meeting a potential sponser. Apparantley, it didn't matter that Joseph and Faith had been saving money for years, the campaign still needed outside, finnancial support.

This possible supporter was Jamie Doyle. He owned one of the largest law firms in the country (and had been a very successful opponent in many cases Faith had worked on during her time as a lawyer) and it was vital he sponsered Faith, not Matthew. People often said law and politics shouldn't over-lap, but Doyle was highly respected in his line of work and voters would recognise that.

Faith stood up, looking into her wardrobe trying to put together a suitable outfit. She felt the majority of her life was about what she wore (although she did feel amazing when she was named ' best dressed politician' by TMZ). Once again, she chose a simple outfit: a plain black top and trouser set, accompanied by a red blazer. Yes she thought, this will work.

Faith left her house and was greeted by her driver. After the press harrassing her, Josh felt she needed a personal driver. Leslie was already waiting for her in the car and was feeling excited to be involved in the campaign - not that she showed it.

''Dad wanted me to make sure you were prepared, but half of this'' (she gestured to the folders on her knee) '' are pointless so let's just go over the basics.''

Leslie made sure Faith was aware of all of Jamie Doyle's recent achievements and any topics which needed to be avoided. '' Don't talk about animals - his hamster just died.'' Faith took a minute and laughed. She seemed insensitive but she couldn't help herself. ''Your dad's worried that Doyle won't sponser me if I mention animals because he just lost his hamster?'' Faith smiled in disbelief. What is wrong with some people?

They arrived at one of the Doyle law firms and were greeted by Jamie Doyle himself. ''Please come in and make yourself at home in my office.'' Faith smiled and more importantly, she untensed. Josh had got her so nervous for this meeting but it seemed to have a very relaxed host and she suddenly felt as if it was going to be okay. Jamie opened his office and Leslie and Faith took a seat.

''I want to sponsor you''

For a moment, Faith was astonished and slighlty dropped her guard when she remembered Josh's advice (more like his instruction actually) was to stay calm. ''Well that's good because I want you to sponsor me too''. He gave her a quick grin and she new it was too good to be true. ''What do yo want?'' Leslie looked at Faith in disbelief.

''What makes you think I want something?'' Ignoring Leslie's glaring, Faith continued and answered Jamie.

''Because if there's one thing I've learnt about politics, it's that everyone has an alternative motive.''

Jamie just looked at Faith for a minute, carefully thinking before answering. ''A job.'' The room fell silent and as much as Faith wanted to look at Leslie and say 'I told you so'' she didn't dare break eye contact with Jamie. 'A job?'' she asked, even though Faith knew that was exactly what he had said.

''A job. I want you to guarantee me work if you are elected. Bring all your legal issues to my firm and I wil sponsor you''

'' I don't think my dad will...'''

''Okay.''

Leslie was cut of (rather abruptly) by Faith but Jamie managed to ignore this and focus on Faith. ''If I am elected as States Attorney then any legal issues regarding my work will be handled by your firm.''