Grass Roots (53 page)
“But what my people found in the safe is going to make it tough for him.”
“Listen up,” Tom said, pointing at the television set.
The anchorman turned to the camera, a sheet of paper in his hand.
“We finally have a projection to make in the race for the United States Senate,” he said.
“Results just in from the north Atlanta suburbs have tipped the scales, and our projected winner is Will Lee.”
A rush of air went out of Will. Kate came and put her arms around him.
There was much hugging and shaking of hands in the room.
“Our projected final result is fifty-one point six percent for Lee and forty-eight point two for Calhoun, with two-tenths of one percent write-ins for other candidates,” the anchorman said.
“I’m glad we didn’t need that two-tenths of a point,” Tom Black said.
“And now,” the anchorman said, “I’m told that the Reverend Don Beverly Calhoun is entering the grand ballroom at the Atlanta Hilton, and we’ll take you there, live, for his statement.”
The camera followed Calhoun through a crowd of teary supporters. He mounted the platform and called for quiet.
“Before I make my statement,” he said, “I have to announce that a close friend of our campaign and our church has died this evening under tragic circumstances. I will have more to say about this tomorrow, but now I would like us all to have a moment of silent prayer for the soul of Colonel J. E. B. Stuart Willingham.”
“His soul is going to need it,” Will said.
“Come on, I don’t want to see the rest of this. Let’s all get downstairs.”
The group gathered itself to go. Patricia Lee gave her son a huge hug, and Billy Lee shook his hand. Aunt Eloise hugged him, too, and Tom Black was pounding him on the back while Kitty Conroy kissed him. Then Jasper came and put a detaining hand on Will’s arm.
“The Senator wants to see you, Mr. Will.”
Will crossed the room and knelt beside the wheelchair.
The Senator managed a smile, and Will could tell he was struggling. The old man gripped Will’s hand tightly, and his lips moved. Finally, the words came haltingly out.
“Congratulations… Senator,” he said.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I am most grateful to Tom Susman, once again, for his knowledge of Washington and his personal contacts; to Melody Miller, deputy press secretary to Senator Edward Kennedy, for a superb tour of the United States Capitol and many insights into the workings of the Senate; to Bill Johnston, chief assistant to Senator Wyche Fowler of Georgia, for his detailed reminiscences of the senator’s 1986 race; to Carter Smith, Jr.” M.D.” for advice about the effects of strokes; to former congressman Elliott Levitas, for his comments; and to Ed Garland, ace trial attorney, for his suggestions on the conduct of murder trials.
If I got any of this wrong, it is my fault and not theirs.
I am also very grateful to my agent, Morton Janklow, his associate, Anne Sibbald, and all the people at Janklow, Nesbit Associates, who continue to exercise the greatest care and concern for my career as a writer.
I am particularly indebted to the enthusiasm of my new editor, Trish Lande, who, at a difficult time, took charge of this book and devoted nights and weekends to its prompt and successful completion.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents