Reincarnation
Copyright© 2026 by A Well Traveled Man
Chapter 8
Wyatt went to the gym early Friday morning and practiced martial arts on the boxing bags. Returning to his room, he showered, dressed, and went to the kitchen. Mom and Maria were cooking breakfast, and when it was ready, they sat down to eat. Mom told him to bring a pair of slacks, two dress shirts, and a sports coat, too. You’ll need it for the meeting after the service with the Senate Majority Leader. Wyatt asked if he needed more underwear, too, or if he could go commando, and Mom and Maria laughed hard.
After breakfast, Wyatt went to the stables, saddled Smokey, and let Sandy out of her stall. They took off, went to the south fence, and checked it for intruders. The fence was fine, and they returned to the stables. Wyatt cared for the horses, then went to clean up and pack for their trip to Denver. When he finished, he carried his bags to the Lexus and put them in the back.
Lunch was ready when he returned, and while they ate, Wyatt said he overheard Smokey and Sandy planning to run away from home. So, he’ll stay, interrupt their escape, and meet her tomorrow morning in Denver. Mom and Maria laughed, and Mom said Good try, but you’re coming with me. Wyatt said Alright, but if they spoke to the press, it could be devastating, and Mom and Maria laughed hard. When they recovered, Mom said she would take that chance, still giggling.
On the way to Denver, Mom reminded Wyatt to keep his responses to condolences short and say thank you. Wyatt said he got it. If they say Dad was a good man or an asshole, I agree and say thank you. Mom didn’t respond and just laughed. When they arrived at the Four Seasons Hotel, they checked in, and Mom asked to speak to the manager. She told him that they were here to attend the funeral of her husband, Senator William Armstrong.
Mom asked that they not be disturbed, but by and gave him a list. His eyes got big, and he said he would take care of it. They settled in their suite, and Mom turned on the TV. The news was on, and Governor Jim White was holding a news conference. He said the funeral service for Senator William Armstrong was on Saturday and would be private. He said the requests were overwhelming to attend, and it was impossible to accommodate everyone. So, the funeral will be broadcast on Channel 7.
Mom said that son of bitch was using William’s funeral to promote his political career. Wyatt said not to worry, it will be forgotten when the investigation into Dad’s treatment and death is exposed. They turned off the TV and ordered room service for lunch. Wyatt said, unfortunately, it sets up your appointment to the Senate perfectly. It would be disastrous for someone to criticize Governor White for appointing you after such a noteworthy event. Mom agreed, saying he got one thing right.
Lunch arrived, and while they ate, Governor Jim White called. He asked Jenni if any meetings were scheduled with the Vice President or the Senate Majority Leader that he requested to be included. Mom lied and said no meetings were planned, but if one were made, she would inform him. Jim thanked Jenni, and we’ll see you tomorrow, and said goodbye. Mom said that asshole was trying to weasel his way into the power circle at our expense.
Wyatt told Mom to watch what happens at the funeral. I’ll bet the federal officials will avoid Jim White as if he had the plague. With an investigation underway of a state-funded facility responsible for Dad’s death, no one will want to be seen with him if they can avoid it. Mom said he was right, and we’ll see what other tricks Jim has up his sleeve.
After lunch, Mom went to her room, and Wyatt checked out the hotel gym, pool, and accommodations. The pool and gym were adequate for him to get some exercise. There were two restaurants and shops that they wouldn’t visit. They had to remain secluded, or at least Mom did. It wouldn’t be proper for her to be seen out before the funeral. Wyatt chuckled, visited several stores, bought a pair of swim trunks, and returned to the suite.
Mom asked Wyatt where he went, and he said he was checking out the gym and pool. Then, realizing I didn’t have any swimwear, I bought a pair at one of the shops. Mom said we weren’t supposed to go out. Wyatt said, That’s for you. I don’t know any better, and they laughed. For the rest of the afternoon, Mom had Wyatt search the internet for places to rent or buy near the capital. Arlington, VA, seemed the ideal spot to look first, as there were apartments, townhomes, and houses available.
They decided to go and check out the area after Governor White announced her appointment. Arlington was closer than their old home, and a new start wasn’t a bad idea. Mom ordered room service for dinner, and they watched the evening news. they warned people to expect road closures due to the funeral of Senator Armstrong. When dinner arrived, they ate while watching the rest of the newscast. When it was over, they said goodnight and went to bed.
Wyatt went to the pool early Saturday morning and swam laps for 30 minutes. He hadn’t swum in years, even before the reincarnation, and felt good. When he finished, Wyatt returned to the suite, showered, put on a robe, and ordered room service. He woke up Mom when breakfast arrived, and they ate while reading the complimentary newspaper. The funeral occupied the front page, and Mom said she would be glad when it was over, and Wyatt agreed.
Then they went to their rooms and got ready. Mom tied Wyatt’s tie when they met in the living room, then they went to the lobby, and the limo was waiting. Traffic around the church was a nightmare, and luckily, they entered through a private entrance. The Secret Service ran a metal detector wand over them and cleared them to enter. Governor White welcomed them and said to wait until everyone was seated before entering the chapel. He told Mom that the first row is reserved only for you and Wyatt.
When they entered, a half dozen people were standing in the aisle. Wyatt asked Mom if it was okay to invite the Vice President, the Majority and Minority Speakers, and their spouses to join them so everyone could have a seat. Mom told him to go ahead, and Wyatt went to the Vice President and made the offer. He asked if he was sure, and Wyatt said his father would approve. The Vice President passed the word on, and they moved to the front row so everyone could have a seat.
The service started, and the pastor gave the eulogy. Then several speakers gave their remembrance of William Armstrong in their lives. One was Governor Jim White, and no one was surprised. The service ended when the pastor asked everyone to pray and read a verse from the Bible. The Vice President gave his condolences to Mom and Wyatt. He told us that he had to leave but that we could expect an invitation to the White House next week when the president returns from Europe.
Mom and Wyatt went to the cemetery, and William Armstrong was buried with only them and the pastor present. Oh, the cemetery employees were there to lower the casket, and the limo driver stood beside the vehicle. Mom and Wyatt threw dirt on the casket, said a prayer, and returned to the limo. Then they went to the reception and only stayed for forty-five minutes, accepting condolences and saying thank you.
Upon arrival at their hotel suite, they both sighed in relief that it was over. Mom ordered room service, and they changed into comfortable clothes. While they ate, Governor Jim White called and asked Mom if she had decided to accept the Senate appointment yet. Mom told him that after discussing it with Wyatt, she would take it. Jim said Great and he would announce on Monday. But let’s wait until Wednesday to hold a news conference, and Mom agreed.
After they finished their late lunch, there was a knock on the door. It was Senate Majority Leader Roy Wilkens and Wyatt who welcomed him inside. Roy told Jenni to distance herself from Governor Jim White. The reports he received from the FBI show Jim White had ties to Gerald Black, the owner of Wesco Psychiatric Care. Mom told Roy the whole story about meeting a group of supporters at the Governor’s mansion to run for governor, and Jim’s offer to serve out William’s term in the Senate.
Roy said Oh my god, that man has no morals or decency. Then Mom told Roy that Jim just called, asking if she would accept the appointment. Mom said she did to keep Jim from appointing one of his co-conspirators. Roy said that’s great, and after formally accepting the appointment, distance yourself from him. Wyatt said that was our plan, and it was all he could do not to kick the son of a bitch in the balls today.
Everyone laughed, and Roy told Jenni to call him after the formal appointment so they could meet at the capital. Roy shook hands with them goodbye and left. Mom said it sounds like Jim’s going to be in serious trouble soon, and Wyatt agreed. Hopefully, nothing will happen until after the news conference, and Wyatt said the FBI won’t rush it. Once they have enough evidence, they will turn one or two co-conspirators. Then they will go after Governor Jim White and the rest. It had been a stressful day, and they were tired, so they said goodnight and went to bed early.
Wyatt went to the hotel pool early Sunday morning and swam laps for thirty minutes. Returning to the suite, he showered, dressed, packed, and ordered room service. When breakfast arrived, he banged on Mom’s door and told her to get her lazy ass up. Mom came out in a robe, giggling, and they sat and ate. After breakfast, Mom returned to her room, got ready, and packed.
An hour later, they checked out, grabbed a Sunday newspaper, and were on their way home. Upon arrival, they unpacked and got settled. Mom started a load of laundry, and they read the Sunday paper. The Funeral occupied the front page, and they couldn’t believe some of the reporting. One article tore into Governor White’s remembrance as bullshit. Another article critiqued the guest’s attire. Thank god they gave the pastor an excellent review on the eulogy.
After lunch, Wyatt went to the stables, saddled Smokey, and let Sandy out of her stall. They were happy to see him, and they took off for their ride. Wyatt took them on a long ride to stretch their legs and returned to the stables. After caring for the horses, he returned to the house, cleaned up, and went to the kitchen. Mom had dinner ready and asked how the horses were while they ate. Wyatt said they were upset, but don’t worry, I blamed it on you, and they laughed. They finished dinner, said goodnight, and went to bed.
Wyatt was attacking the boxing bags with his martial arts skills early Monday morning. He felt lighter on his feet and had more power in his punches and kicks. Returning to his room, Wyatt showered, dressed, and went to the kitchen. Mom and Maria were eating, so he joined them. Mom said this week will be fluid with the announcement and appointment. Also, there may be an invitation to the White House, so we could be traveling at a moment’s notice.
Mom told Wyatt to get his dry cleaning ready, and we’ll drop it off after breakfast. then you’ll get a haircut while I have my hair and nails done. Wyatt asked if they were getting a mani-pedi together, but he wouldn’t get a wax unless the technician were a cute female. Mom and Maria laughed hard ending breakfast. When they recovered, Mom told Wyatt all he was getting was a haircut.