Rowland, The Senators Son

Epilogue Another Campaign

Fausto Rossocove stood on the airstrip head bowed a hand on each casket. The heavy rain whipped at him but he did not feel its sting. He was surrounded by the remaining lieutenants that had sworn their allegiance. They stood in silence and just awaited his order, an order that would allow for all the caskets to be loaded into the awaiting hearses.

His first duty was to the stability of the family business and to protecting Ignazia's legacy. But then, then he would decide on what would happen to those responsible for this atrocity. He would take his time and make sure that those responsible for taking his beloved niece and son from him would pay.

Fausto long ago discovered that revenge is a long slow exacting dish to be served cold and brutal.

***

Eight years on....

"Governor Jeffers, after serving two terms as Governor of New York State, how does this campaign differ for you? It seems the poles have had you trailing this campaign and there have been rumours that you are going to pull out of the race." The studio lights were bright and the interviewer was obviously looking for some ghost of gossip.

Rowland took a deep breath, this had been is fifth interview of the day and he was starting to get a little sick of having the same question thrown at him. His Campaign Manager had carefully scripted a response. The same response he had given on the last four occasions but he was feeling sick and tired of taking advice from other people who thought they knew better but really didn't. It was time for him to trust himself and his own instincts.

"Well Laurie, Senator Jackson has always counted his chickens before they have hatched. The race is not over yet and you should never count out the underdog it has a bad habit of coming and biting you in the rear. Now if you would like to ask me a question about something that really matters about how we can change peoples' lives for the better I would be happy to answer you."

***

The sun beat down on the dirty street as Rowland and his entourage walked their way through the crowd, pressing palms and exchanging small talk with the residence. While the New Orleans neighbourhood was not exactly a ghetto it was not far off it. Something Rowland desperately wanted to change.

An African-American woman baby on hip and young child in tow stepped forward to challenge him. "And how are you going to know what I need?" All could hear the frustration in her voice. "You are just some rich white boy, how would you know what it was like to try to keep food on the table and a roof over your head"

Rowland stopped and turned to face the woman.

"You know dear lady you are right; I don't know how that feels, if you have a moment I would like to buy you a coffee and would appreciate if you could share your insights with me." He uttered the words as a humble genuine request.

The woman stopped for a moment, a stunned look on her face. She was about to hand her little ones off to a neighbour when Rowland added. "Please bring them with you."

Rowland guided the woman to the little corner diner. As the media when to follow he waved them away. "Come on, guys give us a minute."

All surprised he was not using this as a photo opportunity.

As if to ensure their privacy Rowland's security fell in behind him, the two massive bodies of Toku and Oryan creating an impenetrable wall, stopping the media from following the small group into the diner.

***

Sometime later he was talking with his Campaign Manager, as they watched the latest political commentary and poles come in. "Smooth move, what made you do that?"

"Just some advice from a good friend," Rowland removed the beautiful eagle signet ring he always wore on his left hand. Turning it over in his hand he looked under the bezel and smiled to see Dark Angel's mark, the sign of his ownership.

Still watching the commentary a broad smile appeared on his Campaign Manager's face, "Wow.... now that's a bump of a full five points."

***

Rowland, the Senators Son has now been edited and published if you would like to read the published version you can find it on Amazon Https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07Y7F5GVP