One of a Kind

She’s good. Really good.

This is hard to admit even just to myself. It’s not like I’m some wide-eyed, impressionable maiden. I’ve seen more bullshit than most, I’ve met my share of crooks and assholes and like to think that I can spot them a mile off.

The way she talks though… Don’t get me wrong, I’ve never been too keen on politicians. A bunch of fakes, all of them. At least this is what I thought until this afternoon.

I’ve seen a few interviews with her before, read some of her articles. But it’s the first time I’m seeing her speak live at an in-person event. I have to say she ticks all the right boxes. She mentions topics other politicians shy away from. The economy, safety on the streets, education crisis. Immigration. No usual platitudes. Well, everyone knows the main issues this country is facing and every politician tries to capitalise on those same themes. Coming from her though, it sounds… genuine. And I don’t mean the slick I-can-manipulate-you-so-well-you-will-eat-crumbs-out-of-my-hand genuine of the other candidates. She doesn’t suck up to the crowd at all. There are no meaningful looks, no carefully gauged smiles, no practiced waving or measured pauses when the crowd is expected to start clapping and cheering. Her tone is calm and matter-of-fact, she is discussing every issue in the same logical, informed manner.

Unlike the other guys, she seems to actually have a plan. And not only that, she seems to know how to make it work. The more I listen, the more I believe that she actually knows what she is doing. An honest politician with good morals and a strong backbone? If you asked me yesterday, I would’ve told you that a candidate like this is as likely as a dinosaur sneaking up on me to snatch my lunch. Today… I’m not so sure.

This is why I’m still listening even though I should be on the move already. Work to do, places to go – you know what I mean. The car is ready in the parking lot and plane tickets sit safely in the breast pocket of my jacket. There is still time but my plan was to leave well before the end of the rally. Yet here I am, hanging on her every word.

The theatre is packed, people squeezed tight next to one another like sardines. All her rallies are like that apparently. I have found a good place though and can see above people’s heads even when they jump out of their seats for a standing ovation. I’m behind the horde, slightly to the side of the stage, but with a clear view of her and her surroundings. As she talks, I remain focused on her face. It’s small and shapely, framed by the immaculately groomed dark hair, her makeup discreet, blue eyes gazing evenly. No smile. Very fitting, there’s nothing to laugh about. This country is a mess and she knows it. We all know.

It’s no wonder she has made some powerful enemies. A lot of money is invested in keeping things exactly as they are. The cogs turn smoothly for the rich and powerful, and nobody cares about the mob. An independent candidate like her can have the effect of a meteorite slamming down right in the centre of the capital. Influential people would go to great lengths to shut her up. I’m actually surprised she has made it this far.

The speech is nearing the end when I open my bag. She finishes with thanks to those who came here today and it’s high time for me to go. As she steps away from the rostrum, I can see her stumble and reach towards her temple. I catch a glimpse of confusion on her face before the bodyguards hide her from my view. But I turn my back on the stage in the same moment and am on my way, closing my bag as I hurry towards the exit to be there before the throng. It wouldn't be convenient to get stuck in the crowd now. There is ample time for me to get to the airport but I don’t like to leave things until the last minute and I’m definitely not intending to be late. Fortunately, I know this place like the back of my hand. I turn towards a narrow side corridor where only a few people can be seen walking towards the exit. The crowd is increasingly restless behind me. Its noise raises like a rapid wave at the rear. What a contrast after the intense concentration with which people were listening to the speech. Voices are becoming louder, someone shouts something unintelligible. Other shouts follow but I’m already out of the door and the sun blinds me momentarily. I push the brim of my hat lower to shield the eyes, to conceal my face. The heat is like a blow when I step away from the air-conditioned interior and into the surprisingly crowded parking lot. I didn’t expect that many people here. I have to slow down on my high heels and be mindful of the uneven pavement. The yelling is louder now and the anxious crowd spills out of the door in the background. The commotion is clear now. Hurried steps. I can hear several people running. Nothing to do with me, no need to look back. I’m almost by my car, eager to leave the hubbub behind. Reaching into my bag for the keys, I’m thinking that, in an hour or so, I’ll be in the first class, high above the clouds, preferably with a glass of bubbly in hand. Peace and quiet, that’s all I need right now.

This is when someone slams into my back, sending me flying into the side of the car. The keys leave my hand but I cannot hear them fall. The shock of the split skin beneath my eyebrow registers almost as a side note. Automatic reflexes kick in immediately and I reach for the bag without thinking.

Someone yanks it out of my hand. My hat falls down and another hand pulls the wig off. Audible gasps come from all sides as a heavy bulk of someone’s body pins me to the ground.

‘Hey, it’s a man!’

‘I know that face! It’s him!’

‘The hitman!’

‘The killer!’

They take away the gun.

They tell me that I have the right to remain silent.

Eager hands search my body, reach under the dress, grab and yank the stockings down. Someone yells straight into my ear:

‘What have you done? Do you know what you’ve just done?’

There is no way I can answer with my face pressed against the asphalt. No answer is expected. The voice sounds like the man is swallowing tears.

I almost feel for him. Oh yes, believe me, I know. I’ve heard her speak after all.

She was really good.