Tristan's High School Life - 43. Chapter 43

Tristan's POV

Jackson was busily tending to TJ after he fainted and had applied a cold compress to his head.

"Is he going to be alright?" Hunter questioned.
"Yeah, he just fainted," I replied.
"That name is a trigger for him. They had such a good relationship until she went back to using," Jackson growled.
"She was not good for him, and I made sure she went away permanently," I said with disgust.

Grandpa's Jack and Tony arrived with Mack in tow.

"Sorry it took so long," Mack said. "Had to find my salts."
"He's been out for at least fifteen minutes," Jackson replied.
"Well, let's hope this works fast," Mack said while holding some concoction under TJ's nose.
"What's going on," TJ said groggily.
"That was fast," Hunter said and threw himself at TJ hugging him.
"You had a fainting spell," Jackson replied.
"Do you remember anything," I asked?
"Hunter asked who Emily was," TJ replied. "Where did you hear her name?"
"I found out who the bombers were, and before I took action, I listened in on their conversation, which I recorded, and they talked about her," Hunter said factually.
"They who," Grandpa Jack asked, his curiosity peaked.
"April Morrison, Eleanor, Larry, and Peter Hoffman," Hunter replied. "Ms. Morrison is also the daughter of some Senator Caruthers or something."
"Marshall Caruthers," Jack said and sat in the chair.
"Who's that," Grandpa Tracy asked.
"Marshall Caruthers tried to get his future son in law Harold to clerk for Justice Martinez during law school. She was not interested in having a Senator's son for a clerk, and she chose me over Harold. Caruthers blew a gasket and threatened to find a way to get her off the bench, and he failed as she went on to become the first Latina Cheif Justice," Jack said.
"So, you beat Caruthers son-in-law, and he made your life a living hell?" I asked
"For the most part, yes. Clerking for Justice Martinez opened many doors for me; she became a great adversary," Grandpa Jack said. "She got me interested in Human Rights cases and referred a lot of people to me over the years. When she passed away a few years ago, I was devastated."
"So how did they know Grandma Emily," Hunter questioned.
"I honestly don't know," TJ said, and you could tell he was racking his brain.
"They mentioned drugs and dealing," Hunter said.
"She hung out with the wrong crowd for a while, and when she met Tristan Sr, she turned her life around," Grandpa Jack said.
"The two of them were such a great couple, but your mother could be devious and manipulative. When your father died, we watched her fall back into her old ways rather quickly. It was such a shame to see her deteriorate," Grandpa Tracy said.
"I think our whole family situation is why Grayson was so hesitant to accept the position on the family court. Since CC wanted it to happen, I made sure to honor her last wish and appoint him," TJ said.
"Hunter, can we hear the recording?" Grandpa Jack asked.

We played the recording, and everyone listened to the conversation and what transpired. We also read through all the documentation that Hunter was able to bring back that outlined all the plans and those involved. Somehow we needed to get the Senator in jail and out of Congress.

"I have an idea," TJ stated. "Might be a bit weird, but it could potentially work."
"You have a weird idea?" Jackson laughed
"I'm known to have ideas now and then," TJ said, laughing.
"Well, let's hear your crackpot idea," I said.
"Caruthers is up for re-election, and I may know someone who could run against him, but it may be unpopular," TJ said.
"Who would that be?" Jackson questioned.
"Baron Trump," TJ said. "I know his dad was super unpopular, but he's different and registered as an independent. I think with my support and popularity and his work with the Shepard Center, we could make this work."
"It might be an uphill battle," Grandpa Jack replied.
"I agree; maybe he knows a candidate and could help up behind the scenes," Grandpa Tracy said.
"Why don't we just talk to him and gauge his interest," I said.
"I agree with Tristan," Mack replied.
"Well, let's set a meeting," TJ said.

I spent the next couple of days with Xander, and he was the only one who knew I was still getting headaches. He told me to tell TJ and Jackson, but I refused as I didn't need their meddling.

TJ's POV

I reached out to Barron's team, and we set a date for the meeting. The day came, I was so nervous asking him to enter the political arena, knowing that it would be an uphill battle. Jackson, Jack, and Tracy joined me at the Shepherd Center, and we prepared for our meeting. I was surprised by how fast I got on his schedule.

"Good morning TJ and Jackson," Barron greeted us cheerfully.
"Good morning Barron," I replied. "These are my father's in law, Jack and Tracy."
"Good morning, Dr. Craft and Dr. Woolery; I enjoyed reading about you in the paper over the years," Barron said, shaking their hands causing Jack to smile. "Dr. Woolery, your work on Human Rights has been a real game-changer for so many people."
"Please call me Jack, and thank you. I've enjoyed helping many people over the last couple of decades," Jack replied
"Dr. Craft, you've done so much for Julliard and the programs at the school. My sister-in-law went to school there under your leadership, and when I told her we had a meeting, I think she was going to have a stroke," Barron said with a chuckle.
"Please, it's Tracy," he replied
"I know why you have asked me here, TJ," Barron began. "I have to decline your request, but I do have a candidate that I believe can beat Caruthers."
"How did you know," I asked, mystified.
"I have ears all around, and I heard Caruthers has it out for Jack," Barron replied.
"You know what he's done and what's he capable of," I said.
"That I do, and I support you in getting rid of him," Barron replied.
"So, who is your mysterious candidate?" Jack asked
"Benjamin Morgan," Barron replied.
"The heir of the Morgan Estate," I said, shocked.
"Yes, and your distant cousin," Barron said firmly.
"I forgot that I am related to the social elite of the world," I said.
"It's easy to do sometimes," Barron chuckled. "Ben would make an excellent candidate as he is very involved in politics and philanthropy."
"I've never heard of him," Tracy said.
"I'm surprised since he and CC talked frequently, and he backed her in the election," Barron said.
"She did always have a war chest," I said.
"CC was a person who could command a room, and people listened to her. TJ, you are like her in so many ways, and in a few years, you could run for a higher office," Barron said.
"Thank you," I replied.
Barron looked over at the guard near the door and nodded. The guard brought in a man related to us; I could see it in his facial features.

"Gentlemen, meet Benjamin John Pierpont Morgan," Barron said.
"Good morning," Ben said.
"Pleasure to meet you," I replied, shaking his hand. I remembered seeing him around City Hall but never knew who he was.

My phone rang before we could begin, and I was tempted not to answer, but something told me otherwise.

"Hello," I said.
"Is this TJ Michaels?" the voice said.
"Yes, may I ask who this is," I replied?
"My name is Nurse Turner with New York Presbyterian Hospital, and I have your son Tristan here, and we need you or your husband to come here immediately," she said
"What's happened?" I replied in a panic.
"We can't discuss this over the phone; please come to the main entrance and ask to be directed to the ICU." Nurse Turner said.
"Thank you! We are on our way," I replied.