[Chapter 587: Taking Office, Launching the War]
February 7th.
Riding the wave of their Golden Globe wins and multiple Oscar nominations, Chicago and Run Lola Run opened in a major release across 43 countries and regions overseas.
After years of Hollywood's cultural export, by this time, the influence of America's Golden Globes was already massive worldwide, and the Oscars held an unmatched prestige globally. With the backing of these two awards, Chicago and Run Lola Run quickly ignited huge audience enthusiasm overseas, saving tens of millions of dollars in marketing expenses.
Over the first three days of opening weekend, Chicago and Run Lola Run grossed $51.63 million and $42.71 million, respectively.
Madonna, Catherine, and Charlize all left the Anderson Farm on February 8th. Accompanied by the Universal Studios distribution team, they flew overseas to embark on a two-week promotional film tour.
...
February 10th.
Linton arrived in Washington by private jet, accompanied by Winnie.
At the airport, Leon Panetta, Chief of Staff at the White House, greeted him in a motorcade.
When he noticed Linton now had Winnie as his assistant instead of the usual aide, a flicker of surprise showed on his face. He knew Winnie well -- she was the powerhouse managing Linton's investments -- but hadn't expected her to serve as Linton's personal assistant. It seemed almost like overqualified help for the role.
Seeing his hesitation, Linton explained, "This is Winnie Gesso, my Chief Investment Officer. My regular assistant is on leave, so she's temporarily helping me out."
"Hello, Ms. Geso. Welcome to Washington," Leon Panetta said, secretly shaking his head. "You're too lenient with your assistant. You even let her take a vacation at such a crucial moment."
The group got into cars and headed straight for the White House.
...
Inside the White House, Leon Panetta asked his assistant to show Winnie to Linton's new office, while he accompanied Linton directly to the President's office.
President Clinton, along with fifteen Cabinet members, had set aside all their work and awaited him in the Oval Office.
When they saw Linton, every face lit up with warm smiles, greeting him with the utmost enthusiasm.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, they all moved to the conference room to hold an official meeting and administer Linton's oath of office.
The President has many advisors -- national security, science, military, trade, economic, and more -- appointed according to the President's needs. Strictly speaking, these advisors serve as private aides to the President and form a temporary team.
However, the White House also has a statutory permanent advisory body, the Economic Advisory Council, comprised of three academic economists. They handle macroeconomic analysis, coordinate economic reports from federal agencies, and assist in drafting the President's Economic Report.
Now, the White House added a new permanent advisory institution -- the Chief Honorary Advisor.
That meant Linton's position was a standing role, responsible not to President Clinton personally, but to the White House itself -- and ranked above all other advisors.
Naturally, the existing advisors grumbled and tried to block this sudden addition, but it was futile. With the full backing of President Clinton, the Cabinet, and Congress, the institution was set up rapidly.
All existing advisors were sternly warned not to conflict with the new Chief Honorary Advisor.
At first, they were secretly displeased, especially the three experts who led the Economic Advisory Council. But seeing Linton warmly embraced by the President and Cabinet members, their resistance quietly started to fade.
After Linton took his oath, something even stranger happened: President Clinton and all fifteen Cabinet members cheerfully accompanied him back to his new office.
Even Orliston Keynes, the chief economist of the Economic Advisory Council, quietly conceded defeat.
They could consider themselves lucky -- none knew what might have happened had they foolishly provoked Linton.
...
Linton's office was located on the west side of the West Wing's second floor, at the far western end, consisting of two offices.
One office, about 1,600 square feet, was for Linton personally. It included a secretary's room near the entrance, a reception area, work area, and a lounge.
Beside it was a smaller office, roughly 1,000 square feet, dedicated to his team's work, including a small conference room.
By regulation, he could staff up to five team members, with salaries covered by the White House, but all hires required official approval.
Both offices were fully equipped with the latest, top-of-the-line furniture and state-of-the-art office technology.
President Clinton and the Cabinet's visit was mostly symbolic -- they did not linger long. After getting to know Winnie, Leon Panetta stayed behind to host them while the rest departed.
Before leaving, President Clinton arranged a 3 p.m. meeting with Linton in the Oval Office.
...
Leon Panetta then gave Linton and Winnie a detailed briefing about White House operations.
He called in a young driver, "Linton, the White House has assigned you a Cadillac. This is Kevin Scott, your driver. Of course, if you want to switch later, just let us know."
Finally, he said, "As for your residence, I secured a villa in the Carlisle neighborhood of McLean. It's a development reserved for government officials with pretty good amenities. I live there too. How about we take a look now to see if you like the layout and figure out what else you might need, so I can arrange it quickly?"
Just as Linton was about to agree, Hillary entered the room.
Seeing her intention for a private conversation, Linton told Winnie to take Danny and Leon Panetta to view the villa.
He wasn't too concerned about the residence; after all, he wouldn't be living there much during the year, and Winnie already knew his preferences well.
...
After Winnie and Leon Panetta left, Hillary closed the door behind her and immediately threw herself into Linton's arms, planting a sultry kiss on him.
"Darling, I've missed you so much."
"Baby, didn't we meet in New York just mid-last month?"
"Yeah, but can it be the same? So many things happened in between, and you kept me completely in the dark. I've been on edge the whole time."
"Relax, everything's fine now. It's all behind us."
"I don't care. You owe me."
"Okay, what's your idea of compensation?"
Hillary kissed him deeply again, her voice dripping with desire. "I want your love right now."
"Here in the office?"
"Why not? I want to leave my mark here in the place you work."
Linton was surprised by her boldness and passion but felt an unexpected surge of excitement stirring inside him.
"Alright. As you wish." He activated a silent zone around them, picked her up in his arms, and headed toward the lounge.
However, right by his ear, Hillary whispered seductively, "Darling, let's start here -- I want to explore every inch of your office with you."
'Well, you really know how to play the game...'
Joyous and sweet moans filled the silent bubble, invisible to the outside world. After all, it was still work hours, and Hillary hadn't arrived until 10:30 a.m.
They could only steal a brief taste, wrapping up their passionate encounter within an hour.
...
After freshening up, they headed back to the working area. Hillary, cheeks flushed, straddled Linton's lap.
"Darling, have you finalized the investment strategies I mentioned in New York last month concerning the stock and futures markets?"
"You mean the plan tied to the impending Iraq war?"
"Yes. The war should have started earlier, but your killing spree in Washington last month -- especially wiping out a large group of Senators, Congress members, and top officials -- caused serious chaos at the highest level. Luckily, they quickly reached a consensus with you and used the 'Divine Punishment' incident to distract the media and public. That allowed Washington to stabilize swiftly without major upheaval."
Linton ran his hand through her golden hair. "Baby, you know all the causes and effects. This isn't exactly on me, right?"
Hillary pressed another kiss to him. "Darling, you're so powerful, I'm proud and happy, not mad. I'm just briefing you on what happened in Washington lately."
"Alright, go on."
"After over two weeks of reorganization, things in D.C. are finally back on track. But the urgent issue of filling those Senator and Congress vacancies is still bitterly debated. Since all the deceased were Republicans, their party insists the replacements should come from internal recommendations, then put to local voters for approval.
Of course, the Democrats won't agree. Such a golden opportunity can't be given up easily. They want a standard election process for the replacements.
This debate will drag on. But the war on Iraq can't wait."
"Why not?"
"Three reasons. First, after the 'Divine Punishment' incident faded, media and public attention have swung to the terrorist attacks on the pharmaceutical giants: Johnson & Johnson, Abbott Labs, and Pfizer. Their headquarters were destroyed, and the issue's heating back up."
"After all this time? Who's stirring this up?"
"Mainly those affected by the attacks. Before, these companies were each valued at over a hundred billion dollars. The attacks tanked their stock prices to below ten billion. With so many stakeholders involved and huge losses suffered, they're eager for payback."
"Surely others are involved. Those already worthless can't drive all this buzz alone."
"Of course. Washington's authorities and people like us, who are ready, are also pushing this behind the scenes."
"Washington authorities and people already primed? You mean..."
"Exactly. That's the other two reasons. Secondly, Washington has long wanted to invade Iraq. The oil there trying to slip out of American control is unacceptable. Now they have the perfect excuse."
"The third reason must be the early investments placed in the stock and futures markets, right?"
"Yes. The highest decision-makers in Washington have positioned massive bets in stocks and futures. I invested two billion dollars -- one billion in defense stocks, and one billion in futures contracts on gold, oil, and grain. With that much on the line, they want the war to start quickly. Defense contractors have been lobbying hard for it too."
"Well then, since everyone benefits, let's get the troops moving soon."
"Darling, have you finished your investment layout? This is a rare chance to make serious money."
"Don't worry. I finalized everything last week. Now it's just waiting for the war to start, and for some easy profits."
"Easy profits? Babe, don't be too cautious. Don't waste this golden opportunity."
"Actually, I'm not small-time either. I matched you with two billion dollars invested."
"Now that's more like it. Oh right, you're a billionaire -- with that, two billion is chump change, huh?"
"Just kidding. It's still a big sum."
...
Glancing at the clock, it was noon. Hillary stood up to leave.
"Alright, I'm off. Where will you stay tonight?"
"Not sure yet. I don't know if the villa Leon Panetta arranged at Carlisle is ready to move in."
"Darling, you should stay at a hotel."
"Why?"
"Because in that neighborhood, all residents are government officials. I won't be able to visit you at night."
"Okay, then I'll stay at the Willard Intercontinental tonight."
Hillary kissed him again, beaming, "See you tonight, darling."
...
Barely five minutes after Hillary left, Leon Panetta and Winnie returned.
At noon, Leon had accompanied them for a simple meal in the White House cafeteria.
During lunch, Winnie briefly updated Linton about the residence.
According to her, Carlisle was the most upscale community, with top-tier security, commercial facilities, and environment.
The villa sat on an expansive three-acre lot, featuring a 5,400-square-foot residence over three floors, with 21 rooms, an outdoor pool, and a tennis court.
All the furnishings were freshly updated. The only thing left was to purchase daily necessities and arrange live-in help.
"If we decide to move in, we'll need to hire a housekeeper and maid."
"No rush moving in for now. Take note of everything. Next time, I'll have Amy come early to set things up. For now, we'll stay at the Willard. It's less than a ten-minute walk to the White House."
...
At 3 p.m., Linton headed to the Oval Office for a meeting with President Clinton.
Two items dominated the discussion.
The first was expected -- the forthcoming decision to launch the Iraq war, seeking Linton's stance.
Given his morning conversation with Hillary, Linton fully supported it.
The second issue was the division of labor for Linton's new duties.
However, Linton didn't want to get bogged down. "Bill, I won't take on specific tasks. My title is honorary advisor after all, and our communication has been very smooth."
"Alright, I'll leave it to you. But I suggest you get some staff started soon to establish your office's workflow and keep you up to date with Washington's latest developments."
"Alright."
*****
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