Chapter 517: Diplomatic Immunity
It was not long after Eva’s wedding that Bruno found himself face to face with the President of the United States. Hughes, once confident in his position, now faced a serious primary challenger gaining traction across the country.
The president was, naturally, upset. After all, he’d only won the 1920 election with Bruno’s help. Now, as he called on the man once again, things had backfired in ways he hadn’t expected.
So, for the third time, Bruno crossed the Atlantic. He stepped into the Oval Office, inspecting its polish with an intense, clinical gaze.
"Nothing really changes around here, does it?" he said, breaking the silence. "You’re seeking re-election for a third term—breaking tradition—and yet your office looks exactly the same as my last visit."
"Have you considered adding some new décor? Maybe a trinket from your most recent diplomatic visit to a neighboring country? If you desire I could even fetch you a machine gun to mount on your wall. Just a thought...."
If the president’s expression was anything to go by, he was not the least bit amused by Bruno’s attempt at small talk; and his words echoed that sentiment perfectly.
"That’s not why I invited you across the Atlantic. Can we please focus on the task at hand?"
Bruno said nothing, at first. His face was still and cold. When he finally spoke, his words broke the silence like a firecracker.
"I hate to break it to you, but the Democrats are probably going to win this time, even if you hold on to your incumbency."
President Hughes slammed his hands on the desk and jabbed a finger in Bruno’s face. A particularly outrageous gesture.
"You promised me you’d solve this problem. But you’ve only made it worse! Those German gangsters you armed have firepower on par with the military! The bloodshed is out of control! And now you’re telling me my opposition is guaranteed to win? You failed to hold up your end of the bargain!"
Bruno didn’t rise to meet Hughes where he stood. Instead, he gave the man a cold, unreadable glare and gestured toward the chair the president had just sprung out of.