Chapter 499: Four More Years of Hughes
It was November 2, 1920. The polls had come in and been tallied in totality. The vote was clear; perhaps more so than any other U.S. election in the brief history of the nation. President Charles Evans Hughes had been re-elected in a landslide victory.
He stood at the podium before the gathered crowd, delivering his victory speech beneath glowing electric lights and waving flags.
"Tonight, the American people have spoken... loudly, clearly, and without hesitation. You’ve asked for four more years of industry. Four more years of security. Four more years of American prosperity. And I intend to deliver.
"While my opponent ran an exceptional campaign, the people have made their will known. And that will is to continue forging our destiny; strong, sovereign, and secure.
I thank you all for your faith and I promise in this next term to pursue the interests of the United States and to ensure the American people are healthier, happier, wealthier, and safer than ever before.
So tonight, let us stand together as Americans, united not by party but by purpose. This great republic we call home is still the greatest experiment in human governance. God bless you all. And God bless America!"
The crowd erupted into cheers. Veterans saluted. Flags waved. Fireworks cracked overhead.
And then it ended.
As Hughes stepped off the stage, applause fading behind the White House gates, his shoulders sagged. The mask of enthusiasm dissolved the moment he was beyond the crowd’s sight.
By the time he reached the Oval Office, the weariness had settled into his bones. He dropped into the presidential chair. The silence was heavy.
Then the phone rang, once, twice, never a third time.
He answered immediately. He always did when the call came.