Getting into places where you don’t belong isn't really that hard. More than half the battle is simply looking like you're supposed to be there. In the business suit she bought earlier, Alyssa looked more than professional enough for a Presidential campaign headquarters.
At the Hicks office, she rode an elevator up to the ninth floor. There, she was told by the receptionist that Tom Wheeler was unavailable at the moment.
Of course he is, she thought. He's on three different conference calls at once, trying to make sure none of what’s coming splatters on him.
"Well, my name is Alice Cobler. I'm a research assistant for Ben Richards," was what she said aloud.
Richards wrote one of the high-profile political opinion columns in the Post. Alyssa had met him once, courtesy of an invitation from Matt to an office party. Someone like Wheeler – who was a spin doctor at heart, whatever actual title he might use – always found time for reporters, especially well-known types like Richards. Alyssa knew she'd get in.
She took a chair in the lobby, waiting for Wheeler. Remaining calm was the hardest thing she had ever done.