Page 14 of Booked for Theft

“I should have an hour and a half every day to record messages for you on this trip, assuming all goes well and my Italian friends are able to occupy my babysitters. As it is protocol for my government tech to be kept at the embassy when I am out, they are confident I can’t do something like record a video while on a hike. We are not permitted to have personal tech at all. We’re searched before we board the plane, and we are barred from entering any stores without being heavily monitored. If I want to make any purchases, I have to submit a list before the trip and stick to my list. Without the help of the Italians, they would be correct. But the United States have overstepped enough times that other countries are reaching out when the government is blinded to their activities. Until twenty minutes ago, I had no idea I would have an opportunity at all. I was ready, however. I have been hoping for such a chance, and I will not let it slip away.” Senator Thaddens stared at something behind the camera, sighed, and nodded.

I suspected there were a few people off screen, people who would make or break the senator’s attempt to bring change to our country.

Bradley paused the video. “That’s even worse than I thought. I assumed they would have some personal freedom while abroad. The Italians must have been toying with the government for them to trust them not to give Senator Thaddens an opportunity.”

“The United States is currently a human rights violation,” I reminded him. “And while Italy has a bitter history in some regards, right now, they’re viewed as a neutrality. Who better to trick our government than them?”

He nodded. “And we can’t afford to tell anyone about what we’ve learned, not even in the cell. If anyone peeps, we lose a lot.”

Senator Thaddens would only be the first to die if either of us made even a single mistake. “I agree. Do you think he’s going to tell us why he’s taking the risks he is?”

“My bet is cancer or another form of disease. If he’s already dying, he doesn’t have much to lose, does he?” Bradley sighed. “We’ve seen that before. He would have just been diagnosed with low chances of recovery.”

The fact that the terminally ill sacrificed themselves for even a chance of bringing change haunted my sleep. How many would need to die before everyone had a chance at a fair and happy life?

How far would we have to go to finish what they started?

Bradley clicked on the play button.

“As I am sure you have already guessed, little in the government is safe. Librarians have been ignored because of the services provided, and President Castillo is convinced that you will be kept content as long as the government takes steps to fund and continue developing and preserving libraries. The availability of historic knowledge is a problem, but it is a problem he is willing to ignore. He doesn’t believe it is likely that a bunch of librarians can teach an entire population about civil uprising. Right now, nobody believes an uprising is possible. The people have been conditioned to believe in our two parties, and as long as we continue putting on a show, the people will continue to believe in our system. President Castillo will back off about the drafting bill a little—and the next elected president will continue his legacy. Westonhaus will be the winner by a clear margin unless there is a surprise upset. There’s only one opportunity for a surprise upset. That’s you, Janette.”

I leveled a glare at my future husband. “This is all your fault, Bradley Hampton!”

He paused the video and engaged me in a staring contest. “It’s my mother’s fault, but if I have to choose between Westonhaus and you being the President of the United States, I’m voting for you.”

I scowled.

He smiled at me. “I figured that was his game play the instant I saw the files. Why else arm you with every piece of political documentation they have? If you are questioned by the media on politics, and you read everything in here, you’ll know. You have an uncanny ability to recall what you’ve read, so if we throw all the current public bills we can and project the bills being worked on and pick the side that best benefits Americans, you can run an actual campaign without doing anything. The other politicians will do the work for you. President Castillo has essentially endorsed you through the number of times he has praised you as a heroine and a patriot.”

The thought of somehow becoming President of the United States horrified me. “I am going to yell at your mother about this.”

“I’m sure she can handle it. But let’s see what else Senator Thaddens has to say.”

Senator Thaddens smiled for the camera. “I haven’t met you at this point, but it wouldn’t surprise me if you’re cursing me right now. You? An exsanguinator? Become the President of the United States?”

I admired his use of sarcasm. “As a matter of fact, yes.”

Bradley snickered over my decision to address a pre-recorded video.

“But that’s where we are. We are under the thumb of a government so corrupt that our only hope of progress is in the hands of the people—and there are few paths that might overthrow the government we have without excessive war and bloodshed. And I fear war and bloodshed will be necessary to a certain degree. Those who have the power never wish to give it up. Our only hope is a candidate that most Americans can agree with. You have proven yourself in many ways. You are a librarian, someone everyone feels they can trust. You embody everything we have been taught Americans should be. Pause this video and take some time to think about it, and when you return, I will teach you as much as I can about how you can steal a rigged election, one designed to give the killing blow to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”