Could I be Enough? *Thomas Jefferson Fanfic*

Ch 40.) Cabinet Battle #1

"Ladies and gentlemen, you coulda been anywhere in the world tonight, but you're here with us in New York City. Are you ready for a cabinet meeting?" Washington called to the members

I stood by Alexander's side, my head held high and shoulders squared, That mark of a military lifestyle. I noticed Jefferson and Madison looking at me curiously every so often, but I chose to ignore it. Occasionally glaring when they gawked for too long.

"The issue on the table: Secretary Hamilton's plan to assume state debt and establish a national bank. Secretary Jefferson, you have the floor, sir" Washington said taking a seat

"Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.' We fought for these ideals; we shouldn't settle for less. These are wise words, enterprising men quote 'em. Don't act surprised, you guys, cuz I wrote 'em,"

I scoffed as he quoted himself, how vain and shallow could one get!

"But Hamilton forgets, His plan would have the government assume state's debts. Now, place your bets as to who that benefits: The very seat of government where Hamilton sits," Jefferson Smirked at the outrage it caused.

"Not true!" Alexander snapped.

My glare intensified.

"Ooh, if the shoe fits, wear it. If New York's in debt, Why should Virginia bear it? Uh! Our debts are paid, I'm afraid Don't tax the South cuz we got it made in the shade. In Virginia, we plant seeds in the ground We create. You just wanna move our money around. This financial plan is an outrageous demand And it's too many damn pages for any man to understand."

"Funny because a woman helped to write it! And I understand it perfectly." I snipped under my breath.

Jefferson sent me a look and continued. The heat of his gaze, albeit short, sent a strange feeling through my chest.

"Stand with me in the land of the free And pray to God we never see Hamilton's candidacy. Look, when Britain taxed our tea, we got frisky, Imagine what gon' happen when you try to tax our whisky,"

The crowd started to react negatively to that. I rolled my eyes, yet patiently awaited Alexander's turn to speak.

"Thank you, Secretary Jefferson," Washington called, quieting the crowd. "Secretary Hamilton, your response,"

"Thomas. That was a real nice declaration. Welcome to the present, we're running a real nation. Would you like to join us, or stay mellow, Doin' whatever the hell it is you do in Monticello?" I giggled as Alex Mocked Jefferson sauntering around the office.

"If we assume the debts, the union gets, A new line of credit, a financial diuretic. How do you not get it? If we're aggressive and competitive, The union gets a boost. You'd rather give it a sedative? A civics lesson from a slaver. Hey neighbor, Your debts are paid cuz you don't pay for labor. "We plant seeds in the South. We create." Yeah, keep ranting, We know who's really doing the planting," A grin came to my face, I knew Alex would bring that up.

He was even more against slavery since John died and so was I.

"And another thing, Mr. Age of Enlightenment, Don't lecture me about the war, you didn't fight in it. You think I'm frightened of you, man? We almost died in a trench While you were off getting high with the French. Thomas Jefferson, always hesitant with the President. Reticent—there isn't a plan he doesn't jettison, Madison, you're mad as a hatter, son, take your medicine. Damn, you're in worse shape than the national debt is in. Sitting' there useless as two shits, Hey, turn around, bend over, I'll show you Where my shoe fits." I couldn't hold my laughter anymore.

I nearly bent over giggling and I high fived my brother who was laughing at me. The crowd was shouting and arguing. Jefferson began to stride towards Alex, anger ablaze in his eyes. I stepped between them, narrowing my eyes. My posture daring him to make any sort of move against Alex.

"Excuse me? Madison, Jefferson, take a walk! Hamiltons, take a walk! We'll reconvene after a brief recess." Washington called. "Hamiltons!"

"Sir!" Alex responded, the soldier in him surfacing.

"A word," Washington growled.

I look of worry came across my face. Washington hardly yelled at us like that. The last time was when we got sent home for defending him in a duel with Lee.

"You don't have the votes," Maddison teased me.

"Excuse me?" I snapped, whirling around to face them.

"You don't have the votes! Aha-ha-ha ha!" Jefferson laughed.

Anger welled in my chest, red flush spreading up my neck. I stalked towards them and stood toe to toe with Jefferson.

"That mouth of yours is going to get you hurt," I threatened

"You're gonna need congressional approval and you don't have the votes." They said together, Jefferson slinging an arm around Madison's shoulders.

"Such a blunder sometimes it makes me wonder why I even bring the thunder," Jefferson laughed at me.

"Why he even brings the thunder..." Madison echoed.

"You're both pathetic. I won't take anything from a sickling or a wannabe Frenchmen in an ugly purple coat." I snapped angrily.

"Oh Ms. Hamilton. What are we gonna do with you, darlin'?" Jefferson laughed, his eyes looking me up and down.

"I would suggest you keep your eyes, strictly on mine sir, If you do not believe this to be a threat, talk to Charles Lee. And if you ever call me darlin again," I Hissed immitating his accent. "I will not hesitate to make you a eunuch,"

"GIOVANNA!" Washington snapped cutting my threat short.

I strode over to my commander and brother, anger radiating off me. Alex had his arms crossed over his chest a similar energy radiating off of him.

"You wanna pull yourselves together?" Washington asked, sternly.

"I'm sorry, these Virginians are birds of a feather," Alexander hissed.

"Alexander!" I snapped.

He knew very well, I loved living in Virginia, it was quiet compared to New York.

"Young man, I'm from Virginia, so watch your mouth," Washington warned.

Alex sent us an apologetic look, but continued.

"So we let Congress get held hostage by the South?" Alex asked his gesturing angrily with his hand, keeping his arms crossed.

"You need the votes." Washington said rubbing his forehead.

"No, we need bold strokes." Alex argued

"We need this plan" I defended.

"No, you need to convince more folks" Washington sighed.

"James Madison won't talk to me, that's a nonstarter!" Alex groaned.

"It doesn't help since we kinda insulted him," I said, thinking back.

"Ah, Winning was easy, young man. Governing's harder" Washington said with a fond smile.

"They're being intransigent!" I said angrily.

"You have to find a compromise!" Washington pleaded.

"But they don't have a plan, they just hate mine!!" Alex groaned, running a hand through his hair.

"Convince them otherwise," Washington said, as if it was so simple.

"And what happens if I don't get congressional approval?" Alex asked nervously.

"I imagine they'll call for your removal," Washington said, regretfully.

"Sir—"

"Figure it out, Alexander. That's an order from your commander!" Washington snapped, going from fatherly to authoritative in a matter of moments

I felt my back straighten almost immediately.

"Yes sir,"