Lethal Trajectories - Michael Conley [172]
“Who do you think you’re talking to, Senator, some yes-man flunky like Hugo? What do you mean, ‘cool our jets'? What does that mean?”
Looking at a scowling Bromfield, the senator quickly responded, “What I’m saying is that you are a political liability, Wellington, and I’m getting killed because of my relationship with you. I think it’s time we parted company for a while.”
Hugo noticed the stunned silence following the senator’s comment and knew a full-scale retaliatory attack from Wellington was imminent. He wasn’t surprised when, for the second time in ten minutes, the senator took a combat-grade tongue-lashing. Crane blistered him with profanities and accusations of stupidity. He accused him of every disloyalty known to mankind and said that at least Clayton McCarty had the guts to stand up for his positions, unlike a namby-pamby like him and his no-good, gutless Senate colleagues. Hugo could not help but agree with Wellington’s harsh assessment and had absolutely no compassion whatsoever for his beleaguered boss.
Collingsworth slammed the phone down in a rage and poured what looked like a triple. He would have quite a few more before leaving his Senate office.
62
Mankato, Minnesota
4 April 2018
Pastor Veronica Larson could not believe what she was hearing on the Wellington Crane show. “My friends, I’ve never been afraid to admit when I’m wrong. Fortunately, it’s a rare occurrence, but it does happen. It’s even rarer when I misjudge a man’s character, but alas, it has finally happened. Who am I talking about? Folks, I’m talking about none other than Senator Tom Collingsworth.”
Incredible. Crane and Collingsworth have been in lock-step ever since the crisis began last fall. Veronica deliberately took a longer route to the church to hear what this was all about.
“Folks, Mr. Collingsworth joined my crusade last fall, but I’ve come to learn it was only to boost his own power and popularity. I took him at his word when he said he embraced my Pax-Americana philosophy, and I was willing to work with him and his number-one stooge, Hugo Bromfield, in this effort.
“Here’s the real scoop, my friends. It starts with the McCarty administration. For reasons I don’t understand, the president’s popularity has climbed despite his failed policies and harm they have inflicted on America and the world. I’ve done everything in my power to call attention to his failures and provide a better way through my Pax-Americana philosophy, and I mistakenly thought Collingsworth was in the trenches with me. I know I’ve lost a few followers and sponsors for doing this, but I’m about the truth. I call ‘em like I see ‘em, and let the chips fall where they may. I know of no other way than the truth, and I despise anyone willing to compromise it for personal gain.
“Now Collingsworth has sensed some opposition to my approach—after all, the truth is not always easy to take. But, instead of sticking to his guns and defending what he was constitutionally elected to defend, he picks up and runs. This man has no character or integrity. He’s a product of the gutless culture in Washington that panders to the worst instincts of the electorate. Let me tell you, Mr. Collingsworth, I’m not a man you want to cross. You have crossed the line, sir, and I’m going to do everything in my power to expose you for the spineless incompetent you are. There’s a move on in the Senate to remove you from your position as chair of the Foreign Relations Committee, sir, and I stand behind those calling for your ouster—regardless of party or politics. America needs real men, not spineless wonders like you, Mr. Collingsworth.”
Wow, that’s incredible, thought Veronica as she pulled into the church parking lot. The lot was already filling as she walked into the church and greeted Martha Earling. They quickly went over the meeting agenda, and Veronica walked down to her office to think and pray.
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