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  Jude is likely to plow over Sonny in the Republican primary, and that victory will give him momentum. I have a strong track record, but still…a handsome war hero is a tough opponent.

  I give my stump speech in at a rally in a high school gymnasium in Charleston, and the crowd roars to life when I mention Jude Titan at the end.

  “Mr. Titan served our country with valor,” I say, my hands wrapped loosely around the edges of the wooden lectern I’m standing behind. “I have nothing but respect for him. Serving in the Senate is different, though. It takes experience and tenacity. I have both. I’m only thirty years old, but I know our state well. I know its needs well. Being Stan Preston’s daughter prepared me perfectly to be your next senator. I need your support, and I appreciate your being here tonight.”

  The sound of applause and cheering invigorates me. This is my dream. My life. I grew up idolizing my father and his ideals. I want to be a voice for the middle class and an advocate for education reform. I’m doing it at the state level now, but I’m ready to move up to Congress and have a greater impact.

  I step away from the stage and am greeted by people with their hands out, all talking at the same time. I shake hands, pose for photos, and talk to as many people as I can.

  Lex approaches and takes my arm. She’s giving me the look. It means something’s up.

  “I’m sorry, guys,” she says to the group of waiting people. “She has an interview at a news station in fifteen minutes. I have to take her.”

  One of my deputy campaign managers passes out business cards to everyone who wants one. Lex steers me toward the waiting campaign bus.

  “What’s up?” I ask her as soon as we step on and the driver closes the doors.

  “I got a call from a TV station manager in Springfield. He wants to know if you’re interested in doing a Q&A thing with Titan and Sonny Solomon Wednesday evening.”

  “Wednesday?” I arch my brows. “Yikes. That’s tomorrow. Not much prep time.”

  “I know. I think he wants to capitalize on Titan’s announcement. I can tell him no.”

  I shake my head. “No, I’m in. I’d like to size Jude Titan up in person.”

  “I’ll let the manager know.”

  The bus starts up, and we head toward the news station. Claire, another of my staffers, kneels in front of me and powders my nose.

  “I’m sweating like a whore in church,” I say to her. “That gym wasn’t air conditioned.”

  “We’ll get you all fixed up,” Claire says. “Want me to pull up your hair to help cool you off?”

  “That would be great,” I say, reaching over to open the fridge from my seat. “You want a water?”

  “Sure.”

  I take two bottles out and hand her one. As I open mine and take a drink, I’m thinking about meeting Jude tomorrow. I’m eager to find out if his presence is as commanding as it seemed on TV today. I’m also eager for him to see that I can bust balls with the best of them.

  Jude Titan can bring it on.

  I’m ready.

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