The Best Laid Plans Read Online Free PDF Page A

"I I haven't thought about it." "Well, Peter Tager and I have. There's an election coming up next year. That gives us more than enough time to build you up, let people know who you are. With us behind you, you can't lose.
    And Oliver knew it was true. Senator Davis was a powerful man, in control of a well-oiled political machine, a machine that could create myths or destroy anyone who got in its way. "You'd have to be totally committed," the senator warned. "I would be."
    "I have some even better news for you, son. As far as I'm concerned, this is only the first step. You serve a term or two as governor, and I promise you we'll move you into the White House."
    Oliver swallowed. "Are are you serious?"
    "I don't joke about things like this. I don't have to tell you that this is the age of television. You have something that money can't buy charisma. People are drawn to you. You genuinely like people, and it shows. It's the same quality Jack Kennedy had."
    "I I don't know what to say, Todd."
    "You don't have to say anything. I have to return to Washington tomorrow, but when I get back, we'll go to work."
    A few weeks later, the campaign for the office of governor began Billboards with Oliver's picture flooded the state. He appeared on television and at rallies and political seminars. Peter Tager had his own private polls that showed Oliver's popularity increasing each week "He's up another five points," he told the senator. "He's only ten points behind the governor, and we've still got plenty of time left. In another few weeks, they should be neck and neck." Senator Davis nodded. "Oliver's going to win. No question about it."
    Todd Davis and Jan were having breakfast. "Has our boy proposed to you yet?"
    Jan smiled. "He hasn't come right out and asked me, but he's been hinting around."
    "Well, don't let him hint too long. I want you to be married before he becomes governor. It will play better if the governor has a wife."
    Jan put her arms around her father. "I'm so glad you brought him into my life. I'm mad about him."
    The senator beamed. "As long as he makes you happy, I'm happy."
    Everything was going perfectly.
    The following evening, when Senator Davis came home, Jan was in her room, packing, her face stained with tears. He looked at her, concerned. "What's going on, baby?" "I'm getting out of here. I never want to see Oliver again as long as I live!" "Whoa! Hold on there. What are you talking about?" She turned to him. "I'm talking about Oliver." Her tone was bitter. "He spent last night in a motel with my best friend. She couldn't wait to call and tell me what a wonderful lover he was." The senator stood there in shock. "Couldn't she have been just ?" "No. I called Oliver. He he couldn't deny it I've decided to leave. I'm going to Paris."
    "Are you sure you're doing ?"
    "I'm positive."
    And the next morning Jan was gone.
    The senator sent for Oliver. "I'm disappointed in you, son." Oliver took a deep breath. "I'm sorry about what happened, Todd. It was it was just one of those things. I had a few drinks and this woman came on to me and well, it was hard to say no." "I can understand that, the senator said sympathetically. "After all, you're a man, right?
    Oliver smiled in relief. "Right. It won't happen again, I can assure " "It's too bad, though. You would have made a fine governor." The blood drained from Oliver's face. "What what are you saying, Todd?
    "Well, Oliver, it wouldn't look right if I supported you now, would it I mean, when you think about Jan's feelings " "What does the governorship have to do with Jan?" "I've been telling everybody that there was a good chance that the next governor was going to be my son-in-law. But since you're not going to be my son-in-law, well, I'll just have to make new plans, won't I?" "Be reasonable, Todd. You can't " Senator Davis's smile faded. "Never tell me what I can or can't do, Oliver. I can make you and I can break you!" He smiled again. "But don't misunderstand me. No hard