Southern Legacy Rising

By Russ L. Hein

Senator Elliot Reinhart arrives in Washington, DC, determined to make a positive impact on the United States. He is faced with numerous obstacles in the form of committee meetings with individuals who prioritize power and re-election over all else. While navigating these challenges, he encounters Representative Rebecca Sheldon, a captivating and

• Language: English
• Publisher: Russ L Hein
• Release date: Apr 5, 2023
• ISBN: 9781088126844

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

I’ve been thinking about it for a while, and I’m going to run for the Democratic position to the United States Senate, Elliot said.

Keith, an old friend on the other end of the phone, gasped. Are you crazy? You don’t have the most subtle or tactful personality. Are you trying to see how many people you can alienate and how thoroughly you can get crushed? Trying to set the record for fewest votes?

You know what I’ve always said about fate, if it’s meant to happen, it will. Besides, with Amanda and Terry grown and living their own lives and Hannah gone, maybe it’s time for an interesting challenge. I’m at a point where I need some sense of purpose, and if anything can provide that challenge, it would be a seat in the Senate. My background, having had so many different jobs, might make me appealing to more areas of the state. If I get hammered, so be it. I have enough of my own funds to start my campaign, and I’ll go from there. The biggest question is whether I’d even get your vote, Elliot challenged.

Elliot had grown up on the east side of Washington state on an original homestead. His longtime friends lived in Spokane and ironically were mostly Republicans. His path led from the farm to college, on to teaching (on the west side of the state), and then a successful financial advisor, which allowed him to work at home and raise his kids. Along this path, he had developed a decided liberal viewpoint, much different from the area where he grew up.

Well, at least I’d know you are an honest politician, which would put you in the vast minority. I’d have to think about it a little. I doubt it will come down to my vote, so I take the fifth.

I don’t care if you vote for me, but you better send me money. You rich Republican types have money to burn, don’t you? After Elliot made this comment, his phone buzzed as another call came in. Sorry, Keith, but I have to go. A client I’ve been trying to reach for three days is calling back. Talk to you soon. Elliot hung up the phone and answered the incoming call.

Over the next several months, Elliot travelled across the state trying to convince people to vote for him. He talked agriculture and environmental issues across the eastern half of the state, civil rights in the greater Seattle area, fishing and timber on the peninsula, and any other topic he thought would help sway a vote. One of the more successful efforts was going on political talk shows on the radio. Undeterred by either political viewpoint, he tried to argue his point that both parties needed to cooperate in Washington, DC. The best legislation is legislation supported by the center of both parties. Extremists were the real enemy of progress.

One evening in Spokane, after being called a socialist, Elliot asked the heckler a question, Do you count yourself as a socialist?

Of course not, are you crazy?

Then you oppose a national minimum wage, workday limitations, and limiting child labor?

No, I don’t oppose those things. What does that have to do with anything? the heckler replied.

Because all of those laws were part of the socialist party platform in 1920. At the time those were considered radical, socialist ideas that would destroy our country and economy if we passed them. How about full civil rights, including education, political, etc. for Negroes? What about the abolition of strike breaking agencies meant to stop unions? How do you feel about those?

The heckler no longer wanted to answer. He realized he was being boxed into a corner. He regretted opening his mouth at this point, but he had to try and save face. Those seem reasonable and logical to me.

You just aligned yourself with the socialist party again. These were also part of the socialist platform in 1920. Not wanting to totally embarrass the heckler, he continued, "There are plenty of parts of the socialist agenda we have never enacted and probably never will. One was the ownership of all banks by the federal government. That has never happened, but we have regulated banks and created the FDIC to protect people from poor banking decisions. You can research this and verify it if you wish.

"The bottom line is, as a nation we continue to progress forward. Things once considered extreme are normal now, and hopefully no one wants to return to the laws as they were. My entire political platform is based on taking baby steps when moving forward, whether it’s to the left or right. Extremism from either side destroys progress. Our government was designed to be difficult to change our laws. Dictators affect immediate change because no one can challenge what they say. Our system requires politicians to come to some form of consensus. When extremists take control of a party, the ability to find a consensus diminishes.

"It’s true I’m a Democrat, and my policies lean toward the more liberal side. My campaign is based on building a consensus so we can move forward. Congress has ceded too much power to the president because they don’t take responsibility for doing their job. Presidents should not have to issue hundreds of executive orders to implement new laws. They do so because Congress is so messed up. Checks and balances were put in place specifically so the president couldn’t become a dictator. Each branch was given certain responsibilities. Congress is failing theirs.

Be careful when you throw around a word like socialist. Trying to brand someone as something they aren’t is about the politics of fear not about policy. From there Elliot took more questions before wrapping up his town meeting.

In Spokane, a teacher attended Elliot’s speaking engagement. Suitably impressed after Elliot’s handling of the heckler, he contacted his son, who worked in Olympia for a state senator, and encouraged him to try and help Elliot. Juan Hernandez contacted Elliot and soon became his campaign manager, speech writer, and moral support. In the political world, if you didn’t try to hook up with a rising star, it’s hard to move forward. Juan saw this chance with Elliot. They made a formidable team and hammered on issues they felt were important to Washington. His staff consisted of a few dedicated volunteers. Spending was not on their side, so they had to rely on a strong message.

Sitting at home on the night of the election primary with a small select group, Elliot’s expectations were not too high. It had been a long, grueling campaign. Since part of his position revolved around the idea big money had too much control, his campaign fund never received any large donations. Money had trickled in slowly from individuals, but it wasn’t much to compete against those with wealthy financial backers.

In the primary it all came together. While money might not have poured into his campaign, at the ballot box his supporters voiced their opinion with their vote rather than money. When the votes were all cast and counted, Elliot carried the Democratic vote 35 percent to 32 percent over his nearest challenger. This meant, of course, he still had months until the general election to campaign and firm up his support. Washington consistently votes in Democrats to the Senate, so the first hurdle, winning the primary, was the hardest step. Continuing his vigorous campaigning throughout the state, Elliot wanted to win as many votes from the centrists as possible. Republicans would vote for Republicans, and Democrats would vote for Democrats. He wanted as many of the unaffiliated voters as he could persuade.

Elliot knew he couldn’t assume a win. He campaigned across the state, just as he had done to win the primary. He reached out to communities and listened to their concerns, promoted his plans, and established his platform to help move Congress forward. Everyone knew, and he made it very clear, he was only one vote in the Senate. He assured the people he would not stop trying if he was sent to Washington, DC, the other Washington to those in the state.

Election night, Elliot collected his campaign manager (now one of his closest friends), family, friends, campaign workers, loyal financial donors (which were few and far between), and a myriad of other people who helped him with the campaign. Sitting at tables in a hotel conference room, the group of supporters told stories, met new people, laughed at jokes, ate, and most importantly, held their breath, hoping Elliot would win. Elliot randomly roamed throughout the room talking to the people who had helped him. He wanted to let them know, no matter how the election turned out, he appreciated their efforts. Because of his background in education, many of the people either taught with him or had entrusted their retirement with his firm. He had specialized in putting together retirement programs for people in the education field. In turn, they had come out to support him.

Crossing over to one of the tables in the front row near the podium, he pulled up a vacant chair and sat down next to Keith. You never thought it would get this far, did you?

Not in a million years, Keith replied. It’s not over yet. I think a Republican may have actually won a senate seat sometime in the state’s history. However it turns out, I want you to know it isn’t my fault if you win. I didn’t vote for you. Both men laughed. If you do win, go back there and kick ass. I may not have voted for you, but I know you have the people’s best interest in mind. At least what you see as their best interest. If nothing else, you’re honest and hardworking, which counts for something. I’m proud of what you’ve accomplished. I doubt I’ll say that back home at my Republican rallies however.

"It isn’t your vote I wanted. We’ve been friends for a long time, and the type of support you give me far exceeds a vote. You’ve been with me through some tough times, and you were always there for me. I value your friendship far more than your bad taste in political parties. Thank you for coming over for the celebration. I need to mix with people throughout the room now. Don’t leave without saying goodbye."

I’ll be sure to find you before I leave, Keith assured Elliot. If you win, you will probably be floating up in the ceiling with the balloons. They shook hands, and Elliot moved away to circulate throughout the room some more.

As the results started to come in, the outcome seemed clear from the start. Elliot, the man of average height, stout build, piercing intelligence, and no political experience, had captured the attention and enthusiasm of the voters of the state of Washington. In the end, he cruised to an easy victory, receiving 65 percent of the vote. Starting as a virtually unknown candidate, he pulled off the long shot.

Elliot addressed the crowd late that evening. With his son, daughter, campaign manager, and a few select other people, he thanked his supporters for electing him to the United States Senate. In the end, he kept his speech short and sweet. He didn’t try to thank many individuals because he didn’t want to miss anyone and make them angry. As the event wound down, he expressed his appreciation for everyone’s diligent effort one more time and gave them leave to stay and party as late as they wanted. For him, it was time to retire to his home and start organizing the next phase of his life.

Later, sitting at home in his favorite recliner with his two dogs curled up on his feet and his gigantic orange cat in his lap, he reflected on what had just happened. His final thought was, What the hell have I gotten myself into? But in the end he couldn’t stop smiling.

CHAPTER 2

Leaving Washington seemed strange to Elliot. His whole life had been spent in Washington state. Over the last several years, his business had excelled, making him a wealthy man. His partners would manage the company in his absence. He needed to separate his political and financial interests. From this point on, he wouldn’t have anything to do with the decisions of his investment firm. His own portfolio would be managed by his firm as well. The return from those investments provided Elliot with a substantial income, so when he moved to DC, he was able to purchase a nice house out in the country.

Both his children lived in Washington within a two-hour drive. One of the biggest disappointments leaving was that he would miss the birth of his first grandchild. Terry and his wife informed Elliot the night of the election victory. They had kept it secret, just in case he lost, and then they would use it to raise his spirits. After he won, they added to the revelry with the announcement. The birth date was still seven months away, and Elliot would be busy in DC. If things were quite enough in DC, he planned to fly home for the occasion.

Amanda was married and busy with her career. She had chosen to become a teacher, just as her mother and father had. In addition, she coached two high school sports. Her husband worked in law enforcement and was based at the FBI office in Seattle. They had met at the wedding of one of Amanda’s close friends. Both having full-time jobs, they weren’t planning on a family in the near future. Elliot visited them whenever possible, but they rarely had extra time, so the visits were infrequent.

After the initial surprise when he told them he was running for a US Senate seat, both his children supported him 100 percent. Being a stay-at-home father, they were used to him always being available. They both encouraged him during his election campaign and helped locally in the election. The prospect of their father becoming a US senator was exciting. They both knew he needed a new challenge. They also hoped it would help him move on from the loss of their mother, who had been killed by a drunk driver. Since her loss, his focus drifted away from his investment firm. He seemed like that proverbial ship adrift at sea, not knowing where the tides would take it. Hopefully this gave him a port of call.

Elliot arranged for one of the younger employees in his firm to rent his house for a very reasonable rate. He was more interested in making sure it was taken care of than adding to his income. His house nestled into soaring cedars on several acres, and the abundant pets needed care. There was always room for another animal at his house. A young woman and her husband agreed to watch over things. He knew both well and felt confident they would take good care of the house and animals.

Leaving virtually everything behind, he packed his important belongings into his F-150 for the trip to DC. His family was there to help him load everything during the day. That evening was the goodbye dinner with all his family and friends. The next morning, he would depart for a road trip to DC. It was difficult leaving the people he loved and the only state he had lived in, but the support and enthusiasm from everyone helped to bolster his conviction he was on the right path. It was time for the next chapter in his life.

Using an old-fashioned driving atlas he purchased in the bookstore, Elliot headed out on his cross-country adventure. Winter wasn’t the best time to travel, but he had to reach DC by January. He didn’t push his pace much and frequently stopped to visit a variety of historical sites along the way. History was his passion, hence his first career as a history teacher. With a family and a career, he seldom had time to visit most of the US. Reading history constantly, he wanted to see the actual places. Washington state had mountains, rivers, lakes, rolling hills, and much more, but he had never visited the vastness of the open plains, crossed the mighty Mississippi River, or passed over the Blue Ridge Mountains. Once in DC, he hoped to spend what little free time he had exploring Revolutionary War and Civil War sites. The trip ended up as interesting as he had hoped.

Elliot arrived after the twelve-day trip across the US in mid-December. Driving through the Virginia countryside, he pulled into the driveway of his home set on five acres. It wasn’t a fancy home. The driveway had a weathered gate and a long, paved driveway winding back to a house that wasn’t large but more than adequately met his needs. The most important thing the property had was a four-car detached garage. Elliot loved to collect cars, and he hoped to purchase a few while living in DC.

Pressing the remote to open the gate, Elliot drove up to his new home. For the next six years, at the very least, this would be his home. He sat gazing at the house from the front seat of his pickup for a short time. It was a rambler with a basement underneath. He planned to complete some upgrades on it, but for now, he needed to settle into his new home and job. No sense dawdling, he thought. Backing the pickup into garage, he left plenty of room to unload his belongings.

The door in from the garage was just as he remembered it. The previous owners didn’t seem to care how much they abused the door. Scratches and scrapes decorated the entire door from shoulder height down. Despite the wear and tear, it stood straight and solid. It was made of solid walnut and still showed the character of the wood. The wood inside was equally durable. The builder had chosen walnut to finish the interior; cabinets, doors, trim, and anything else made of wood was constructed with the beautiful wood. He remembered walking into the house and taking a quick look around and within minutes had made up his mind to purchase this house. He loved the natural warmth of wood, a real fireplace, and character newer homes lacked. He didn’t even negotiate on the price.

Opening the door, he walked inside to look around. When he purchased the house, it had furniture, pictures, and all the things of the previous owner. Now it was vacant and empty. The recliner he moved was going to look a little lonely in the living room. It would be the only furniture in the house until he went on a shopping spree. The owner had a satellite dish that remained with the house, so Elliot transferred the service to his name and kept it in service even while he wasn’t there. He would be starting with a complete kitchen, his clothes, his bathroom necessities, a little food packed in a cooler, and a television. Tomorrow he would go purchase a refrigerator and washer/dryer set. After that he could furnish the house and begin putting up his favorite pictures. He imagined what it would look like when it was finished, smiling in anticipation.

For now, he returned to the pickup and raised the canopy door, dropped the tailgate, and pulled out the hand truck. It was amazing what one person could move with a hand truck. Putting a wedge under the door into the house, he moved his boxes of belongings, his clothes, his pictures, and finally, his cherished recliner. It wasn’t much, but he could make do.

And make do was exactly what he had to do. His plans to purchase the other furniture for his house ended up having to wait. A mid-December blizzard moved in the next day. Not knowing what to expect, Elliot drove to a grocery store to buy food for a week. He could use the outside as a cooler, considering it was snowing. With food, his TV, his recliner, and a warm fire to kick his feet up in front of, he could weather (pardon the pun) the storm. The landline was not in yet for his home phone and computer, but he had his cell phone to contact his chief of staff and party officials in DC. By the sounds of it, pretty much everything in DC had screeched to a halt. A little peace and quiet for a few days might be welcome.

Three days later after twelve inches of snow and cold, a warm southwestern breeze arrived and swept away the snow. Fortunately, there was very little rain, so no flooding made things worse. Waiting a day for the roads to clear, Elliot drove into furniture stores he located online. He purchased the necessary furniture for his house and arranged to have it delivered. On the way out of town, he stopped at a supermarket to purchase supplies. He wanted a full pantry just in case the snow returned. By the time he backed into his garage, it was 7:00 p.m. on a Thursday night. Pizza and a soda would finish off the day’s efforts.

On Friday he contacted his chief of staff and told him that he would be settled in by Monday and wanted to come into DC. It would take several trips to find the best route to the Capitol, but he liked exploring roads and finding routes that worked for him. Over the week he worked in the office every day to make sure everything was in order. He wanted Juan to take time off for Christmas, not work in the office. As Elliot’s chief of staff, he would spend plenty of late nights in the office. He and his wife needed to spend time together before business ramped up in January.

Elliot had a good sense of direction and quickly acclimated to both the drive into DC and finding his way around the Capitol. That week gave him confidence he could come in on January 3 for the swearing-in ceremony and be prepared to go to work immediately. From the beginning, he planned to keep quiet and work on the committees he was assigned to. By the time he spent the week in DC, he felt he was ready.

Snow bailed him out again over Christmas. He had many invitations to spend Christmas with different people. Juan, of course, invited him to spend Christmas at their house. Several different senators he met while working that week invited him as well. On the twenty-third, another snowstorm blew in, so Elliot graciously called each of the people who invited him for Christmas and told them he would prefer to stay home and not brave the roads. When conditions meant travelling would be dangerous, he only ventured out if necessary. He had his internet connection at this point, and he would spend time talking to his family and wish them a merry Christmas. The rest of the time would be spent watching sports or reading a history book in front of the fire.

A storm did not bail him out over the New Year holiday, however. He attended parties at the homes of several prominent Democratic leaders. It was important to start making those connections. These were the people he would be working with very closely for the next six years. Elliot didn’t socialize regularly when he lived in Washington, but he ran a business, and it required a certain amount of hand shaking and politeness. His first choice to entertain was the golf course, but that didn’t fit into the Christmas holiday nor was the weather conducive. Over time he would generate those connections, and this was a good start. He and his chief of staff used these parties to start the process.

January 2 arrived, the night before he was to be sworn in, and Elliot stood looking in the mirror at his home. In some ways, this seemed a little surreal. He reflected on his path to DC and still wondered if this was real or just a dream. It would be real enough tomorrow. Looking at himself, he said, You got yourself into this. You have no one to blame but yourself. All the prep is done. A new journey starts tomorrow.

Washington, DC challenged Elliot in a variety of ways. Having spent much of his time at home raising his children, the constant contact with people stressed him more than he thought it would. In addition, there was a constant schedule of meetings: committee, subcommittee, lobbyists, constituents, and on and on and on. And then of course, there was the politics. Not that it was surprising to Elliot, but it was a constant game. No one said what they really meant, and anything you said could be misquoted or twisted. Early on he adopted an old saying, There once was a wise old owl. The less he spoke, the more he heard. The more he heard, the less he spoke. Now wasn’t he a wise old bird? He kept his head down, his mouth shut, and his attention focused on the issues. He had no desire to be in the headlines or the one calling the shots; he just wanted to pass legislation helping the average American.

Considering his background, the Democratic leadership decided the best job for Elliot would be on the agriculture, education, and Veterans Affairs committees, all of which suited him just fine. His background gave him some insight into agriculture and education. Veterans Affairs would be something new, but he welcomed the challenge.

Over the next several months, Elliot worked to fit in and contribute to his assigned tasks. Juan was an excellent chief of staff, and the secretary assigned to his office fit in instantly. They created a tight-fit team that worked together smoothly. The secretary had worked for the previous Washington senator, so she knew the routine. If Elliot or Juan needed assistance or had a question, she had the answer. She was the glue holding the office together in the beginning. As time passed, Elliot formed a highly effective group of aids to handle the day-to-day operations of the demanding schedule.

Outside the office, Elliot commenced finding contractors capable of making the necessary changes to his house. He wanted one of the bedrooms on the main floor converted to an office with built-in bookshelves, an independent heat source, and its own half bath. The master bedroom was fine, but he converted the other two bedrooms into a second large bedroom with its own bathroom. With a few other updates in the kitchen and the master bath, Elliot had a comfortable living area.

The basement was relatively unfinished, so he wanted a large entertainment room finished. The previous owner had used it as a wood shop. Elliot wanted a nice bathroom built and a room a pool table would fit in. The other end would have room to set up a table for cards, along with some couches and a TV. He wanted a pellet stove in one corner to heat the room. This would be his entertainment room.

The trickiest change was cutting through one of the walls to create a hidden vault. A secret door would be placed in front of the vault on one of the walls along the pool table. A cabinet holding pool cues would front the door. The entire cabinet would swing out on special hinges to allow access to the vault door. The door would have the old-fashioned dial combo lock so no power was required to open it. In addition, it would have a door out the other side and a tunnel to an exit beside the detached garage. Eventually, Elliot planned to extend the garage over the exit so he came out in a building.

All this required some extensive digging and concrete work. He hoped to have it finished in the first six months living there. He didn’t have many valuables but enough he wanted a secure place to store them. The underground exit was just caution. The chances of ever using it would be slim, but while he was remodeling, he wanted it all completed at one time. Changes in the US and his position as a senator created a certain sense of vulnerability. Hopefully he would never need it, but this way he had it.

One of the advantages of being a senator meant you had access to information and people who could get things done. Through conversations with various people at the Capitol, Elliot found the right construction company for the vault and tunnel project. They would be discrete and efficient. Three months after hiring them, they had completed the project. From there, he hired the contractors to complete the interior work. By late July, the entire renovation was completed.

In the office, Elliot stuck to his Listen, don’t speak as much as possible. He asked pertinent questions when necessary and took advice and guidance from the leaders of his party. One thing Elliot excelled at was thinking outside the box. He often asked questions others didn’t think about. He took his position seriously and made sure he was well-informed on any legislation he worked on. He expected the same of others but was frequently disappointed. Far too many senators voted party line and didn’t bother to read or understand the legislation.

His keep-silent motto was finally tested to the limit one day in an Agriculture Committee hearing on legislation to protect farmland and water for farms in the Central Plains. During the hearing, a woman was called before the committee to answer questions about the proposed bill. She clearly understood the legislation and answered questions in detail. There was a saying that there is no such thing as a stupid question, but on this occasion, it was highly inaccurate. A senator kept asking questions explained in detail in the bill.

Finally, Elliot could stand it no longer. He looked down the desks the senators were seated at and asked, Have you even read the bill? If you had, you wouldn’t be wasting time with these ridiculous questions.

The committee chair looked at Elliot and stated, You’re out of order, Senator Reinhart. The senator from Alabama has the floor and is entitled to ask whatever questions he wishes.

Even if they make us look stupid? Elliot retorted. Without waiting for an answer, he continued, Senator, do you know anything about farming?

Irritated by Elliot’s question, he responded, Of course I do. Certainly as much as you do, he retorted arrogantly.

Really? Elliot replied. So you know a swather harvests the crops, a combine ties hay into bales, and a drill punches holes in the ground to seed the grain? Elliot glanced at the woman testifying and saw her suppress a smile.

Of course, anyone knows those things, he sniped back.

Unfortunately, only one of the statements is correct. Any idea which one? Elliot inquired.

Puzzled at first and then realizing he had been tricked, he looked at the chairman to finish this dispute. The chairman started to raise his gavel to call Elliot out of order again, so Elliot asked again, Which one of these things are true, Senator? Someone who knows farming would know the answer, so enlighten us.

Trying to salvage some dignity, he stated, Everyone knows a drill punches holes in the ground to place the seed.

Well, this was a trick question as well because none of those statements are true. A combine harvests crops, a swather rows crops for either harvesting or to be baled, and there are two kinds of drills, at least that I know of. One has two disks that open the ground and a packer behind them to seal off the seed, and an air drill, which shoots grain down behind a cultivator shaft. Chances are, there are other types of drills, but I’m not up on the latest farming methods. Am I correct, Ms. Johnston? he asked the witness sitting in front of them.

Yes, Senator, those were all correct, she affirmed.

Senator Dibbs, you also know food is produced on farms? Elliot mocked. Of course you do, he stated, waving his had to prevent a reply. Hopefully you understand the food in grocery stores comes from farms initially. This bill is meant to protect the farmlands and water resources needed for farmers to provide our nation and other nations around the world with food. I’m guessing you would prefer the water be used for the golf courses you spend so much time on. Maybe, just maybe, you should spend less time on the golf courses and use your time to read the legislation before you come to a committee meeting and ask ridiculous questions. If you’re just going to be a drone, someone following orders, learn to keep your mouth shut instead of trying to act like you know what you’re talking about.

You can’t impugn my character in this manner, Senator Reinhart, he hissed, half-rising in his chair. Where do you get off challenging my knowledge and right to be here asking questions? You have no right to embarrass me in front of the people in this committee chamber, he declared, his voice rising.

Senator, I haven’t embarrassed you. You did so all by yourself. What I question is why you were assigned to a committee in which you know so little, Elliot replied, making another dig at his intelligence.

Senator Dibbs stood up as if to yell at Elliot, but the committee chairman intervened. Pounding his gavel loudly on the sounding block in front of him, the chairman stated firmly, We will break for a thirty-minute recess. Then addressing the people at the table in front of them, he said, We would appreciate your return for further questions after the recess.

We would be happy to take a short break and return to answer more questions, Ms. Johnston replied.

This meeting is in recess for the next thirty minutes, he declared and hammered his gavel one more time.

Remaining in his seat for a couple of minutes, Elliot just stared at the desk in front of him, shaking his head. Then he stood up to exit. When he looked up, Ms. Johnston was standing in front of him. I thought I might intervene on your behalf. If I talk to you, maybe the chairman or Senator Dibbs might not accost you in the break room.

I suspect there’s going to be hell to pay, pardon my French. Sometimes I just can’t take stupidity any longer. Sorry, I shouldn’t demean one of my fellow senators. You didn’t hear that, did you? Elliot suggested.

Hear what? Someone made so much noise with their chair I missed what you said. Could you repeat it, please?

I was just thanking you for appearing before the committee. Are you in DC for long? he asked, changing the subject.

My staff and I are here for a couple of days to answer questions and lobby for this bill, she responded. We have a full day tomorrow talking to key senators, trying to shore up support. It doesn’t sound like we need to visit your office.

No, not tomorrow, he said. Then ignoring decorum, he asked, Maybe you’d like to sell your bill tonight over dinner.

Smiling, she responded, I’d be delighted. Are you sure you can spare the time?

In my world, I have the liberty to make time. We can meet at a restaurant of your choosing any time after seven.

She leaned forward so no one else could hear what she said and watched as Elliot wrote down her number on the pad in front of him. Call me with a good restaurant later this afternoon. I have no plans and would love to talk agriculture with you, she teased and winked.

Sounds great! Much better than the next few minutes are going to be. I need to face the music, as the saying goes. I look forward to dinner tonight. Chances are, I may not be here for the rest of the hearing, he apologized.

Good luck, Senator Reinhart, she said with sincerity.

Elliot gathered his pad and pen, then exited the chamber to the break room. There was little doubt he would face some consequences for his tirade, but it had been worth it. Insulting that pompous, ignorant senator gave him great satisfaction.

Senator Mills, the chairman of the Agriculture Committee, approached him and said, Your office has requested your return. There are some important matters for you to address. We’ll carry on without you for the rest of today. We can talk about this later, he warned and then dismissed him.

Exiting the committee break room, Elliot nearly ran into Senator Dibbs when he stepped around the door. Clearly, Dibbs was waiting to continue the confrontation. Pardon me, Senator. I have matters to attend to in my office, Elliot lied.

Dibbs shuffled in front of Elliot to block his path. You arrogant prick, Dibbs started, do you think you can insult me and make me look foolish in the committee meeting and then just walk away, or are you running away like the coward you are?

If you insist on a second truly stupid mistake, I can oblige you. Not only were you stupid enough to believe your knowledge was equal to mine concerning agriculture, apparently not aware I was raised on a farm, you’re about to find out the other advantage a farm boy has over a city slicker. I’ve confronted angry cattle, which weigh in excess of 1,500 pounds and probably have more brains than you do. Persist in impeding my work, and you may regret this day. Now move aside, Elliot ordered sternly.

Sputtering and bracing himself as if he planned to take a swing, he snarled, You’re about to get a beating, you insolent bastard.

Elliot didn’t flinch and said, You better make the first swing count. It will be the last one you take.

Fortunately for both senators, two of Dibbs’s associates grabbed him by the arms and escorted him from the scene. Elliot couldn’t tell what they said, but Dibbs didn’t resist or look back. Letting out a big sigh, Elliot gathered his thoughts. He tried to imprint what the two men looked like so he could find out who they were at a later date, then headed down the hall.

Walking back to his office, Elliot looked at his notepad with Angela Johnston’s phone number on it and muttered to himself, At least the hearing was not a total loss. Then tearing the number off the pad, he pocketed the number and strode to his office.

Back in the committee chamber, Ms. Johnston noticed Senator Reinhart didn’t return. But then again, neither did Senator Know Nothing. That might mean she’d be able to answer real questions. She also had dinner to look forward to.

As Elliot entered his office, Ashley Murray, his secretary, looked up from her work. Aren’t you supposed to be in a hearing, Senator?

Sorry to tarnish my image, but I was a baaaaad boy today. I told Senator Dibbs what a jackass he is. Not exactly in those words, but that was the general idea. The chairman sent me to my room without dinner, he informed her. You should probably be expecting a call from the leadership. Chances are, they’ll want to talk to me.

I’ll be ready to schedule your appointment. Any times you don’t have available?

Yes, as a matter of fact. I have an engagement tonight for dinner at seven thirty, so no meetings after, say… He thought for a moment. Let’s say six. Also, what restaurant would you recommend that is a little less in the public eye? Someplace maybe I wouldn’t be recognized.

This clearly intrigued Ashley, but she didn’t ask any questions. There’s a pleasant Mexican restaurant over on the east side. I don’t think many of the legislators frequent that place. It’s a bit out of your way, but the food is worth it.

Sounds perfect. Could you make reservations for two at seven thirty?

If you wish. Is that all you’re really going to tell me? she inquired.

A charming woman I met recently is willing to have dinner with me tonight. She’s attractive, smart, and charming. It’ll be a nice change from most of the people I have to dine with. Elliot was feeling a little perturbed at the whole political thing.

Consider it done. I know the owner. He’ll seat you at the most private table in the establishment, she assured him.

Now what’s the schedule for the rest of my day? Since I now have a chance to catch my breath.

Ashley filled him in on his schedule for the day.

Around two thirty, the call came in for the meeting with leadership. Everyone had a busy schedule, so the meeting was scheduled for the following evening at six thirty. Elliot looked forward to the dinner with Angela and didn’t want anything interfering. It turned out to be an excellent restaurant, and Angela was wonderful company. It was the best late night since he arrived in DC.

Despite a late evening the night before, Elliot woke up early and dressed for work. Thinking of the events of the day before, he was still agitated and frustrated. Over the past few months, he had been working with an officer from the Capitol Police at the shooting range. Firing off a few rounds was a good way to relieve stress, so Elliot decided to work with an officer to improve his shooting skills. He had fired various weapons throughout his life, and he had a substantial collection of guns, most of them collectors’ items. He wished to improve his skills with a 9mm in case he ever needed it.

Before walking out the door, he took his shoulder holster