Chapter One

“Pardon the interruption, Kellie, but we have some breaking news to bring you this evening,” Keith Newsman spoke in the middle of a sports segment. “Harold Penny has dropped out of the presidential race.”

Thomas Blair clutched his glass of brandy as he stared at the TV in his large home office. He had expected the news, but the reality of the situation began to dawn on him.

“You will remember that Mr Penny last week became embroiled in a scandal when he was caught on tape paying a Dominatrix for adult services in Las Vegas,” the newsreader reminded his audience.

“That’s right, Keith,” Cindy Anchor followed on from her partner. “The former Democratic Presidential nominee had run his campaign appealing to more conservative and religious independent voters, citing his healthy Christian marriage. That message appears to have crumbled this evening.”

Thomas chuckled. Harold Penny was the Democratic Governor of Nevada and extremely popular amongst Democrats and independents. He balanced his progressive policies with a family-first message that resonated in rural America. When Thomas discovered Penny’s vice for Dominant women, he informed his campaign manager to facilitate the Governor’s downfall, and it appeared she succeeded.

“With the Democratic National Convention just days away, California senator Carmen Lopez has been announced as the new Democratic nominee for President.” Keith Newsman reported.

Thomas took a sip from his glass and pondered the ramifications. Carmen Lopez was young and fiery. Although she narrowly lost out to Mr Penny in the Primaries, she was still seen as a rising star within the party.

If she were successful, in addition to becoming the first female President, Ms Lopez would also become the youngest president in history, at 39 years old. She would also be the first openly gay President and the first President of Latin heritage.

Thomas shook his head and switched the television off. The media loved lingering on ‘firsts,’ and his newest political rival had them in abundance. He knew the score, however. She would receive an initial bump in the polls before everything settled down, and they could focus on actual policy.

He knew the score because it had recently played out the same way for him. Marcus Cain was a brash, divisive Ohio Attorney General who won the hearts and minds of his most conservative base. Mr Cain was involved in a fatal helicopter crash in rural Ohio last month, and Thomas was declared as the newest nominee.

The announcement sent shockwaves throughout the political sphere. Mr Blair was a wealthy businessman without prior political experience and had not even run in the primary. He had charisma and charm, and his outspoken views were similar to those of the deceased Attorney General. The electors believed they were on to a winner.

Thomas Blair was tall and handsome. He took pride in his appearance, and his finely trimmed, full black beard was a staple on most American TV screens. He had slicked-back dark hair and an award-winning smile with a strong jawline. He had made his first billion dollars at just 29 years old and became one of the wealthiest men in the world just sixteen years later.

The businessman had hoped Harold Penny’s controversy had played out longer with just a few months until the election, but the Democrats acted quickly, much to Thomas’ chagrin.

There was a knock on his office door, and his campaign manager, Carly Bush, stepped in. Carly was incredibly attractive. She had perfectly maintained long, blond hair and big, doe-like blue eyes. Her firm, natural D-cup breasts contrasted against her wasp-like thin waist. She was the traditional All-American girl.

She was also fiercely intelligent, which was the primary reason Thomas installed her in the role. The fact that she was drop-dead gorgeous and was more than happy to sleep with him to get ahead was a bonus.

“Have you heard the news, Sir?” Carly approached the businessman. “It played out just as we drew it up.”

Thomas grinned, enjoying his campaign manager strutting in her 4” black stiletto heels, matching perfectly with the long curve-enhancing pencil skirt and cleavage-baring_ white blouse she wore. “You did well, Carly,” he applauded her. “Harold Penny was slowly tapping into our support, but we won’t have that issue with Ms Lopez.”

Carly chuckled, “No, Sir. She’s not the type of candidate that will win over evangelical supporters.” She said. “But you will do well not to underestimate her. She poses a new set of problems.”

The billionaire raised an eyebrow. “Ohh?” he asked. His campaign manager placed her hand on her hips, and Thomas softly bit his lower lip, enjoying the image before him.

“Even if she doesn’t lean into it, the media will be fawning over her gender,” the blond warned. “Carmen is a great debater and communicator. They will be portraying her gender as a strength,” Carly said. “Our job is to expose it as a weakness and color you as the definition of strength.”

Thomas ran a hand through his well-gelled hair. “I like how you think, Carly.” He praised her. “This is exactly why I hired you.” The businessman reached out and took his campaign manager’s hand. “Well, maybe not the only reason.” He grinned and pulled the blond onto his lap. The intelligent woman giggled like a little schoolgirl as Thomas kissed her neck. Why do their meetings always end this way?

❖

A patriotic song rang through the small California town hall as Carmen Lopez wrapped up her speech. She had just been announced as the presumptive Democratic nominee for President, a feat she would never have dreamed of growing up in a dangerous Los Angeles suburb.

She kissed her fiance, Kim Walsh, before accepting the congratulations from her most ardent supporters and donors. Wrapping an arm around her blue-haired partner, Carmen mingled with the crowd. They were definitely not your stereotypical Presidential family. Carmen had long, silky black locks of hair that loosely framed her exotic-tanned face. Her natural pouting lips were painted neutral, and her makeup was toned down. She had a shapely body but did her best to hide her C-cup assets.

Her partner had equally tried her best to hide her assets for the occasion. Kim had dropped out of high school and began dancing in gentleman’s clubs from an early age. Carmen had met the dropout at a drug rehabilitation center and helped the woman through her lowest point. They fell in love immediately, and Kim has supported the Senator’s career ever since.

“You’re an inspiration to so many of us,” one donor remarked. “Thank you for breaking down barriers,” another commented. “You’re my hero,” a young supporter shouted. Carmen took the congratulations in her stride and thanked the attendees for their support.

Worming through the crowd, Carmen and Kim are greeted by the Senator’s new Campaign Support Officer, Jared Kissinger. Kim didn’t like the idea of a man holding the manager title in such a progressive campaign, so she solicited her fiance to change the name. Jared wasn’t thrilled with the change but knew it was a losing battle.

“Fantastic speech, Carmen,” Jared congratulated her. “Now the hard work begins.”

Carmen nodded, “Thanks, Jared. How is the data looking?”

“Exactly as you’d expect,” he remarked. “Your support is high with college-educated women, and you carry 85% of the Latin vote.” His optimistic tone trailed off. “However, despite your popularity boost, you are still tied 50/50 in the national data, and those figures are particularly worrying in key battleground states.” He stared the Latina in the eye. “We have never had a female President before, not to mention a gay one. You will need to convince the American people that they can trust you.”

Carmen smiled at her long-time friend and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Don’t worry, Jared. We will.” She promised him. Her tall support officer returned her smile. They had known each other since college. Jared had always had a thing for Carmen despite being aware of her sexual orientation. He had never attempted anything inappropriate but always harbored hope that she would have a change of heart and run into his arms.

“Besides,” the blue-haired Kim interjected. “We may have never had a female president before, but Carmen is unlike any other.” She grinned and kissed her fiance.

Jared smiled. “Quite,” he responded. Well, let’s get to work and make some history, " he declared as the three mapped out their battle plan.

❖

“And I said to her, ‘If you want a seat at the table, you better put that pretty mouth to work.’” A chorus of masculine laughs and jeers filled the main hall of the private members club.

Thomas sat silently as the group of influential businessmen shared their misogynistic stories. The new presidential nominee didn’t share the same views as his wealthy donors. Still, he needed to save face if they were going to continue financing him. That meant he needed to act as though the casual chauvinism in the room was no big deal.

“We got this new broad installed as Head of HR,” a large man chimed in. “When you look at the size of those puppies on her chest, you know exactly how she earned her promotions.” The men continued to laugh through each degrading tale. “She’s as dumb as a bag of rocks, mind you. The big-titted ones always are.” Another chorus of disgusting laughs echoed around the room.

A woman wearing a traditional Playboy bunny bodysuit and white fluffy tale approached the group with several drinks on a tray. As the men took each drink, they stared leeringly at the waitress, with some even groping her ass as she stepped away. Thomas took his drink without so much as a passing glance. He enjoyed a bit of eye candy as much as the next guy, but being surrounded by so much blatant misogyny put him off.

One businessman noticed Thomas’ reaction. “Here, Thomas.” He called him out. “Do you realize if you lose, you will be the first man ever to lose a Presidential race against a woman?” He teased. “A gay Latina woman at that. It’s like the gods have teed up a home run for you.”

The circle of mostly older men laughed raucously again. “Can you imagine? Thomas would never recover from that.” Another man piled it on.

“Don’t worry, gentlemen. I don’t intend to lose,” Thomas reassured his donors.

“She’s a fine piece, though.” Another businessman pointed out. “I wouldn’t mind having a go on that. I might even turn her straight.” He joked. “That blue-haired freak could even watch if she wanted.” The audience continues to laugh inappropriately.

“Talking of a fine piece of ass,” one gray-haired billionaire spoke, nodding in the direction of the beautiful blond woman approaching the group. Her heels clicked distinctively on the hard, polished wooden floor.

Thomas turned his head. “Oh, Carly,” he said. “What are you doing here? Is everything alright?”

The blond campaign manager flashed a smile at the half dozen men in the room. “Hi, boys,” she flirtatiously remarked. Carly never enjoyed the belittling looks she received from men, but she knew the arena she was operating in and played to her strengths. “Mr Blair, the July 4 celebration planning is going smoothly. Our caterer canceled, but we’ve secured a great alternative, and the fireworks arrived yesterday.”

Thomas grinned. “Fantastic. We need to use this event to contrast our traditional family values to that of the other side.” The men collectively nodded in agreement. “This event will launch our campaign into the stratosphere.”

“Absolutely, Mr Blair,” Carly smiled. “I’ll keep you updated on further developments.”

Thomas nodded and ran a hand along his bearded chin. “Be sure to do that, Carly,” he added. “You’re doing a great job.”

Carly nodded her head and smiled coyly at the Republican nominee’s praise before turning on her high heels and making an exit. The men silently witnessed the blond bombshell leave the room.

The businessmen chuckle and grin slyly in Carly’s absence. “Wow, what a behind she has,” one of Thomas’ donors remarked. “Her front isn’t too bad, either,” commented another, eliciting a round of laughs.

“Thomas, tell me you haven’t tapped that yet,” a young billionaire asked the Presidential candidate. “There’s no way you can spend all day in her presence without asking the question.”

Thomas wasn’t sure how to answer that question. He had built his reputation on traditional family values, and used his wife and two adult daughters to cement that view. If word got out about his extramarital affair, his campaign would implode before it even got started.

However, his silence told a bigger story than his words ever could, and his donors soon caught on, laughing and playfully jabbing him in the arm. “You sly dog,” one remarked. “Mr family man sleeping with his sidepiece. You can’t get more traditional than that.” While Blair never confirmed their insinuations, he couldn’t refute them either.

“I’ll send your campaign another million just for that,” an older donor told Thomas. Many of his fellow donors agreed and threw extra money of their own in. This race was about to heat up.

❖

“Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my great honor to introduce the Democratic nominee and the next President of the United States, Carmen Lopez!” Kim Walsh declared to a raucous crowd on the final day of the Democratic National Convention. ‘Freedom’ by Beyonce rang throughout the arena as the sharply dressed black-haired Latina took the stage.

Carmen approached her fiance and gave her a long, loving hug and kiss before the former stripper left her partner alone on the stage. Carmen took in the applause and waited for the music to die down before addressing the crowd.

“Good evening everyone!” She greeted the diverse, excitable crowd filling the arena.

“First and foremost,” Carmen began her speech. “I want to thank all of you for being here tonight to support me and my journey. I am truly humbled and honored to be here, standing before you as the Democratic nominee for the president of the United States of America.” Another applause gave the Latina butterflies; this was really happening.

“As a gay Latina born and raised in California to Mexican parents, this moment means more to me than I can put into words. It is a testament to the progress we have made as a nation, but also a reminder of the work that still needs to be done.” Her unifying message clearly resonated with the crowd, and they ate it up.

“I may not have the traditional family or background of a typical politician,” she continued. “But I firmly believe that our differences are what make us stronger. For too long, people like me have been told that we are not fit to lead, that we do not fit the mold. But tonight, I stand before you to say that we will break that mold and create a new one. One that embraces diversity, inclusivity, and acceptance.” Men and women rose to their feet to applaud the beautiful candidate.

“My journey would not have been possible without the love and support of my partner,” Carmen looked over to the side of the stage and smiled at her fiance. “She has stood by my side every step of the way. I am also grateful for my family, who has always encouraged me to chase my dreams and never give up. Look where that led us.” She took a step back and allowed the crowd to applaud her again.

“I would like to thank the Democratic Party for giving me this opportunity and for believing in me. I promise to do everything in my power to earn the trust and support of the American people.” She began to wrap up. “In these uncertain times, we need a leader who will unite us, not divide us. A leader who will listen to all voices, not just the loudest ones. A leader who will fight for justice, equality, and progress for all. And I am ready to be that leader.”

Her tone became louder and more ambitious. “Together, we can build a better, fairer, and more inclusive America. And with your support, we will make history in November.” She had the crowd applauding wildly. Jared, her campaign support officer, gave her a thumbs up from the edge of the stage. “Thank you. God bless America, and let’s win this election!” She finished her message and bowed to the crowd. An interlude of a Patriotic song rang through the speakers as the new nominee took in her moment, eventually exiting the stage to the congratulations of her team.

“You’re gonna smash this election,” Jared told his beautiful boss before she greeted her supporters.

❖

Stunning fireworks lit the Dallas sky as Thomas and his family enjoyed the large, patriotic party laid out by his campaign. He wrapped his arm around his wife Kendra’s waist. He knew the cameras were watching closely, so he kept his childhood sweetheart close.

Standing nearby was his beautiful 20-year-old daughter, Flick, and her new husband, Jake. Jake came from generational wealth and was a policy advisor on his father-in-law’s campaign.

One notable absence was Thomas and Kendra’s other daughter, Jade. While Jade was Flick’s twin sister, the two couldn’t be more opposite. Flick took immense pride in her appearance and followed her father’s traditional family mantra. She married a successful man at 18 and has a beautiful one-year-old son of her own.

On the other hand, Jade was the rebel child of the family. She was a self-proclaimed feminist and saw issues in every decision her father made. Even this innocent patriotic party was a celebration of the patriarchy in Jade’s view. With short spiked hair, a septum piercing, and several tattoos her father disapproved of, the wild child actively decided to campaign for the other side this election cycle. Thomas tried his best to brush Jade’s antics under the carpet, but the mainstream media often ridiculed him for not even keeping his own family under control.

The Republican nominee kissed his beautiful raven-haired wife. She was a natural beauty in her twenties and thirties, although several recent procedures in the pursuit to retain her youth much of her natural appearance. Her lips had been blatantly plumped, and she received Botox around her eyes and forehead. She denied the rumors, but the results were noticeable.

Thomas shook his son-in-law’s hand and hugged his favorite daughter before exiting the large garden lawn and entering his study. As he closed the door and turned towards his desk, he was shocked to find his desk chair was already occupied.

A strange man wearing a formal satin purple suit grinned at the Republican nominee. “Well, hello there,” the strange man said. However, it wasn’t his outrageous choice of attire that made him so bizarre; it was the man’s striking green skin and red hair. Halloween was only a few months away, and it looked like this man had come dressed for the wrong holiday.

“Excuse me?” Thomas retorted. “How did you get in here? Get the hell out before I call security, you freak!” His deep baritone voice commanded.

The green-skinned being slid his feet from the desk and stood up, straightening out his suit. “Freak? Well, that’s hurtful,” he responded. “Perhaps this will make you feel more comfortable,” and the strange man clicked his fingers. In an instant, the man had disappeared and was replaced by the beautiful spitting image of Thomas’ campaign manager, Carly. The busty woman was scantily clad in an American flag-designed bikini and red stiletto heels. She approached the bemused candidate and ran her manicured finger along his lip. “Does this make you feel more comfortable, cutie?”

Thomas’ eyes widened. He was shell-shocked and had no idea what to believe at that moment. “Carly?” was all he could spit out.

Carly’s pretty lips contorted into a sly grin before she chuckled and clicked her fingers. Suddenly, the green man appeared directly before the Republican candidate, exactly where Carly had stood just seconds ago. “Sorry, I just couldn’t resist.”

“Who- What are you?” Thomas interrupted. He didn’t believe in the supernatural, but it was hard to deny the proof before his very eyes. The man might have been some sophisticated magician, working in sync with his campaign manager to pull an elaborate prank. Still, the uncomfortable atmosphere told Thomas this was more than that.

The green man lifts his purple top hat and bows before the wealthy businessman. “My name is Mr Purple. I work for the almighty powerful- Well, that doesn’t matter,” the man introduced himself. “It’s great to meet a fine specimen as yourself.”

Thomas raised an eyebrow. “Mr Purple? But you’re green,” he commented sarcastically. Was this man serious?

The green-skinned man placed his hand over his mouth in faux offense. “That’s not- That’s not important,” he interjected. “I have come to you with an enticing proposition. One that you surely can’t refuse.”

Thomas folded his arms. He had a sound mind to throw this lunatic out on the lawn, but another side of him wanted to hear the strange being out. “A proposition?”

Mr Purple smiled widely. “Absolutely.” He clicked his fingers, and a digital screen levitated in the air. The screen displayed the current Presidential polling data. “You see this here?” The green man pointed to the latest spike in the Democratic column. “You’re losing, and time is running out.”

Thomas parted his lips and readjusted his tie. The green-skinned man spoke bluntly but accurately. The latest polling data showed a spike in support for the new Latin nominee, and time wasn’t on his side.

“Unless something drastically changes, you’ll forever be known as the first man to lose a Presidential race to a woman,” the man pretended to barf as though it was the most horrendous thing he had ever contemplated. Thomas rolled his eyes at the man’s theatrics. “However, all is not lost,” Mr Purple paused. “If you sign this agreement with my boss, he will ensure you will be sitting in the Oval Office in January, and you’ll get to have some fun along the way.”

Thomas noticed a thick written document appear on his oak desk. “Is this a deal for my soul? What do you want in return?” he asked wearily.

Mr Purple laughed heartily. “No, no. My boss has more than enough souls to keep him happy.” He stepped over toward the hefty contract. “My boss will be owed a favor, and he will collect when the time is right.” He outstretched a hand, and a fountain pen appeared. “All you need to do is sign…”

❖

Carmen had her arm wrapped around her blue-haired fiance as the impressive fireworks display came to a satisfying conclusion. The Latin nominee had decided to celebrate July 4 at a local fairground in her hometown Los Angeles district of Boyle Heights. She thought the image of her out in her community would contrast with her opponent holding his own celebration in his Dallas home.

She kissed her fiance before excusing herself to the restroom. A single Secret Service member discreetly followed the candidate and waited outside the portable bathroom.

Carmen finished her business and washed her hands in the empty washroom sink. She lowered her head to splash herself with water, but when she peered back in the mirror, she was shocked to find the image of a green-skinned man wearing a loud purple suit standing behind her.

Carmen swiftly turned around and saw the strange man grinning at her. Instinctively, she parted her naturally plump lips and began to scream. Before her cry echoed too loudly, the unknown man clicked his fingers, and a large red ball gag filled the Presidential nominee’s mouth, with black straps wrapping around her head.

The tanned-skinned woman muffled a muted cry through the gag, and her hands immediately tugged behind her head, but she couldn’t find a buckle to release. The purple-suited man chuckled and approached her, his hands held in the air. “I come in peace. I’m not here to hurt you,” he said, although Carmen wasn’t so sure.

Mr Purple clicked his fingers, and a small mirror levitated before Carmen’s gagged face, forcing her to view her helpless state. “Now, I would like to ungag you, but you must promise not to make a sound. I have a proposition for you, and you need to hear me out. Do you understand?”

Carmen bit on the plastic ball, staring into the man’s unnatural red eyes. Eventually, she relented and nodded her dark-haired head in acceptance. The green man grinned and clicked his fingers, prompting the large ball to vanish into thin air.

“Good,” Mr Purple said. “I have come to you with a grave warning and a business opportunity.” He smiled disarmingly, clicking his fingers again, and a digital display levitated next to him, displaying every US election result since 1788.

“Take a look at this. How many female presidents have there been in history? How many gay politicians have taken the presidential oath? How many Latina’s have sat in the Oval Office as Head of State?” He asked her. “You’re going to lose, Carmen.”

Senator Lopez narrowed her eyes. “Records are there to be broken, and history won’t repeat itself,” she said fiercely. “Have you not seen the polls? There are just four months left, and I’m leading.”

Mr Purple nodded and began circling the California Senator. “Yes, you are ahead. But how often have the polls gotten it wrong?” he warned her. “Elections are not won or lost through polling data.” He paused in front of her. “Do you truly think this country is ready for a gay female President?” His words cut her deeply and started to make her doubt herself. Was it a fool’s errand?

“However, all is not lost,” Mr Purple remarked. He clicked his fingers, and a thick contract appeared in the nominee’s hand. “My boss is mighty and has the ability to push you over the edge. With his help, you can make history.”

“His help?” Carmen questioned. It sounded extremely shady, but his offer may be the only way to ensure her success. “What’s in it for him.”

Mr Purple laughed. “Great question,” he applauded. “Let’s just say that you will owe him a favor when the time comes. He is a reasonable man, and you will see out two terms, regardless of the favor.”

Carmen parted her full lips and stared down at the contract. It was written in some strange ancient language. Mr Purple reached out to her and offered her a fountain pen. “The only question left is how bad do you want to make history?” He grinned as the Latina Senator contemplated her options.

❖

In the fiery depths of hell, distant screams could be heard among the scolding echoes of red flames. A towering red throne made of bones and decorated with human skulls sat in the large great hall of the underworld. Perched on the red throne was an imposing 7-foot-tall figure with bright red skin and a pair of horns protruding from atop his head. A long, fork-tipped tail ran from the seat to the floor of the hall, whipping impatiently on the burning surface.

Lucifer tapped the armrests of the chair with his long, black, claw-like fingernails. He had sent his henchman away four hours ago, and the green man hadn’t returned yet. Lucifer began to question if the man would ever return or if he had used the opportunity to escape his Hellish fate.

The head of the underworld contemplated summoning his most notable bounty hunter, Ghostrider, until Mr Purple suddenly materialized before the intimidating devil. The purple-suited man bowed before his boss with an identical contract in each hand.

“So?” Lucifer asked in an intimidating growl. “Is it done? Did they sign?” He questioned his henchman.

Mr Purple looked up at his imposing boss. “Well, Sir,” he replied. “Only one of the candidates signed the contract. The other refused.”

The green-skinned henchman had expected to feel Lucifer’s wrath. He had been told to secure both signatures, after all. However, the red beast grinned widely. “Is that so?” he asked curiously. “We could have a lot of fun with that.” He tapped his long fingernails along the armrest of his throne. “And which candidate signed the document?”

Once Mr Purple knew Lucifer wasn’t mad at him, he matched the devil’s evil grin, staring at the signature on the contract in his right hand. “Well, Sir. That candidate is…”

End of Chapter One