The Cost of Commitment - KJ2 Read Free

you is interested in that, right?”
    Her smile didn’t reach her eyes. She finished her shopping without further incident.
    When the press release announcing her hiring as the director of public information for DOCS was disseminated a week later, the heat shifted from Kate to Governor Hyland. The headlines ranged from factual to inflammatory: “ Former TV Anchorwoman Turns Spin Doctor;” “Hyland Hires Disgraced TV Personality;” “Governor Goes for Gay Girl;” and, in one ultraconservative newspaper, “Pervert to Speak for Prisons.” Subsequent editorials called into question the governor’s judgment, morals, ethics, and commitment to follow the will of his constituents. The spate of negative publicity led Kate to call her new boss.
    “Governor, it’s Kate Kyle.”
    “Hi, Kate, how are you? Holding up okay?”
    “I’m fine, sir. I was going to ask you the same question.”

    The Cost of Commitment

    “I’m just dandy, Kate, lovin’ every minute of it.”
    “Sir, if you’d rather I didn’t take the position, I’ll understand.”
    “Katherine Kyle, if I ran from a fight every time the press had an opinion, I’d be a pretty poor excuse for a leader. I’m not the least bit concerned about the uproar. This, too, shall pass, as they say. And don’t you let them get to you either. You are more than qualified for this job, and I feel very lucky to have snagged you before someone else made you a better offer.”
    “Thank you, sir. You’re very kind. I won’t forget this.”
    “Forget the humble attitude, Kate. I liked you better when you were feisty. I’ve always valued your opinions and approach. I’m looking forward to having your advice and counsel close at hand. Let’s get together soon to talk, all right?”
    “Any time, sir.”
    “I’ll have my secretary set something up.”

    She had dined at the governor’s mansion several times since then.
    The conversation had been lively, the debate spirited. He truly did value her positions and opinions, and they argued policy and politics for hours.
    Kate shook her head slightly to clear it and refocused on the commissioner.
    “I’m sorry, what’s that, sir?”
    “I was saying I’ve been impressed with your work so far. You seem to have little trouble grasping the nuances of this business, and your ability to deflect negative publicity is uncanny. In short, you’ve caught on quickly and stopped our image from hemorrhaging any further. It’s nice to have a spokesperson on board who can get along with the press.”
    Here he smiled, and Kate could clearly hear the unspoken phrase, unlike your predecessor. “I just wanted you to know that I’ve noticed, and that I am awfully happy to have you here.”
    “Thank you, sir. I’m glad you feel that way.” Kate was somewhat at a loss; she was pretty sure her boss hadn’t called her in just to inflate her ego.
    After a moment’s hesitation, he went on. “Ah, Kate, I don’t know if you’re aware of this, but the governor’s been under a lot of pressure lately.” At her raised eyebrow, he explained, “Seems the boys from the DNC aren’t crazy about some of his positions. They see him as their meal ticket to the White House next year and they’re afraid of him alienating middle America.” His tone was derisive.
    “What you’re saying is the Democratic National Committee wants him to take no real stand about anything meaningful, accomplish nothing, and just pretend like he’s governing for the duration, right?”

    Lynn Ames

    “Charles is right about one thing: you are perceptive and not shy about telling it like it is in the appropriate company.”
    “Sir, I’ve never been one to subscribe to the ‘tell them what they want to hear’ theory. I believe people like you and the governor rely on me to offer the unvarnished truth; it’s that kind of advice that has real value.
    I’m afraid I’ll never be a good yes-person.”
    “Thank God, Kate. Thank God.”
    “Sir, I’m sure