other man smiled slightly and nodding his head replied, "Nothing you need to worry about sir. The wheels are already in motion. Damn crusaders come and go, this one has been particularly difficult to shake, but let me assure you sir, he will deeply regret ever having taken on this crusade of his, yes sir,. He will deeply regret it."
Chapter 3
- Victory was finally within reach, right within his grasp. So close he could now savor the sweet taste of it. -
It had been a long drawn out day for Ken. Despite feeling a heightened sense of elation, he was totally drained and exhausted and looking forward to nothing more than getting back to his hotel room.
He almost always preferred to drive by himself, especially whenever using his own motor vehicle. Feeling it gave him greater independence and breathing space, allowed for his own thoughts and no company or meaningless conversation to distract him or cloud his judgment. It was essentially valuable thinking time. Driving back to the hotel, he decided that, once settled in his suite he would phone home to say goodnight to Cathy, his wife. They would spend fifteen or twenty minutes talking, he always looked forward to sharing the news of the day's events with her. She was positive and encouraging and always proved a safe haven. He couldn’t remember a time when she disagreed with or contradicted his opinions. Success in any quarter was something Ken thrived on, even in marriage. He knew of no other couple that experienced this type of affiliation.
Throughout the past months of intense campaigning, his self-belief never wavering, he was pleased that he had held up well both physically and mentally. Although temporarily feeling tired he was as fit as he’d been at any time during the electioneering. Ken was well aware of the pitfalls of being run-down and drained, a wrong word here or a wrong answer in the wrong place could bring it all undone. The disciplines of ensuring free time for relaxation and sleep were as important as any other. He would guarantee that in the morning he would be up and about, fully refreshed and ready to tackle the challenges of a new day.
He reflected on the day, it had been consumed with strategy planning and conferences, followed by intense and at times highly stressful presentations. There was the usual meetings with financial supporters followed by the now mundane but obligatory late afternoon cocktails. A light dinner with his loyal team, then, after all that having to travel into the city to join the rally with the party faithful. Despite feeling fatigued, he had never in his life felt so fully satisfied. Everything working out perfectly and was tracking exactly to plan. At long last his political ambitions were coming to fruition. The polls already showing that Ken and his party would be elected to the highest office in the state and with a very clear margin over their opponents. He was set to take up office as the next state leader.
Almost all of the pundits were forecasting a political annihilation of the current government, thus adding even further to his confidence. Ken felt a great deal of self-satisfaction, that he had done it off the back of almost impossible odds. To win this election he would accomplish what no one had been able to do for many years prior. He was about to unseat the sitting government, despite the great wealth and power it had at its disposal.
Tired or not, he still wore a smile of self-satisfaction. A smile it seemed nothing could wipe from his face. His party would win government after so many years of being on the opposition benches and it was he who had led them out of the political wilderness. This was going to be his and the party's year. Victory was finally within reach, right within his grasp. So close he could now savor the sweet taste of it. All of the long hours and dedication had finally paid off. Ken and his election team had worked hard to establish a strong following having gained the peoples' trust. He had presented himself and the party as fully committed to fairness and social justice, law and order, promising to clean up the streets of the many illegal and immoral vices that were openly displayed. To top it off, he enjoyed an impeccable record of honesty and integrity. Despite numerous attempts, the sitting government had been unable to find even a hint of impropriety and had by now all but conceded to a lost election. Once in Government, he would implement the promised policies. Policies that he and the party considered would be of most benefit to the vast majority. Key initiatives such as the modernization of the medical and educational facilities and an overhaul or revamp of the many other institutions which Ken believed had been allowed to run down to unacceptable levels. Above all, he planned to bring back to the fore family values. Ken was totally committed to the concept of the family unit as being the backbone of a strong and vibrant society. His own life was reflective of the type of parenting that saw him excel through education and various sporting endeavors. He considered his personal achievements as secondary to his contribution to others in society.
Over the past years, Ken had worked tirelessly helping those who lived in need, giving his time and often his money to the various projects in which he was involved. He was proud of his own good works deriving a wonderful sense of self-satisfaction and achievement.
As a youngster growing up in one of the most affluent neighborhoods and only attending elite schools, his exposure to the realities of life had been limited. He had in fact been sheltered from the less fortunate members of society and he was simply far too selfish to even be aware that a life other than the one he enjoyed even existed. Upon having completed his university studies and prior to taking up a post in his father's legal practice, Ken was to enjoy a gap year. A twelve month overseas holiday paid for by his father to enable him to sow his wild oats before settling down to marriage and a legal career. His life had been carefully planned out in advance for him. Overall he had little or no say; he would be expected to follow the traditions of his family.
Slipping further into the past, Ken recalling his gap year and the time he savored with his beautiful Sarah. She was contrary to everything that he was. How she had changed his life.
Chapter 4
- There he would meet a girl of common class, perhaps one that was almost a lady, although in truth that was the least of his desires -
Ken began his long awaited vacation by taking an extended luxury cruise. On board ship he would meet the one person who would change his life forever and his life and his priorities would be transformed. He would return home a different person to the one that had left.
The ship sailed out of port in the early afternoon amidst the noise and activity of a busy harbor. Many of the passengers lined the various decks to wave their goodbyes whilst others were drinking and dancing to the sounds of the live band. The cruise already displayed the hallmarks of the exciting and pleasurable times that lay ahead.
After boarding Ken spent most of the afternoon settling in to his cabin. Trying to rest prior to going to dinner he sat on the king sized bed, propped up by the many pillows available to him. He took in the extent of his accommodation, an up-market owner's suite. It included a master bedroom with a large television and high quality sound system, a walk-in robe and safe. The ensuite was complete with a bath large enough to accommodate two people, a shower recess and fluffy, Egyptian cotton towels along with designer toiletries. Double doors from the bedroom led into a sitting and dining area which included a fully stocked mini-bar and a repeat of the television and sound equipment. Complimentary French champagne and canapés sat in the middle of the dining table, a treat to welcome him on board. There was even a writing desk with personalized stationery. Ken didn't consider he would do too much writing but perhaps could jot a line or two in a postcard to his parents; after all, they at least deserved a 'thank you'. A powder room again filled with designer toiletries was located to the left of the entry. From his bed, Ken looked out through the double doors, through the sitting area and beyond to the balcony which had the most wonderful outlook over the ocean. Penthouse suites in many hotels would not accommodate what was available in his cabin. He smiled to himself thinking, "This is just what an eligible young man needs to attract the loveliest of ladies, something to bring the bees to the honey." He felt excited at the prospect of adding further to his fast growing list of conquests.
Being
