#Chapter 73: A Smear Campaign Launched

Charles and I didn't make it into his office before Amy began to update us. "It's like you expected," she said, her face a mixture of anger, worry, and urgency. "The government, or someone, is starting a counternarrative campaign and it's turned personal." She looked at me. "I just want to warn you, Elena. They've come after you as well." Charles looked thunderous at this. "Show me," he said and leaned over Amy's desk as she pulled up footage on her screen. The only other major news outlet in town had a picture of Charles and myself at the rally, just a little while ago with the headline "Power Grab" in enormous font over the top. Other video reports were a mixture of footage both old and new of Charles walking, talking, waving, and even some of both of us getting out of the car at Matilda's party. The voice of the reporter over the top narrated about Charles using his media company to try to influence public opinion and ultimately take over the politics of the city.