There was a screensaver he had never seen before. King Kong growling. He liked it, but turned away. His ankles itched. As he scratched through his socks, his mind started rolling again in anticipation of the drive back to the Iwo Jima Motel and a long hot shower. Tape 2, side 1 in the series was one of his favorites: my boss appreciates me, I am fun to be with, I deserve what I’ve earned and now it’s time for a raise.


 

 

 

 

Chapter 9

 

 

The president and first lady stood in the center of the ballroom, greeting everyone around them as cameras flashed and photographers worked the festive scene.

They made a good-looking couple, Frank thought. In their late fifties but still energetic and youthful. The first lady wore a silvery blue evening dress that complimented her athletic figure. She was a blonde with hazel eyes and a witty sense of humor. And the president stood by her side in his tuxedo like he was glad to be there. He had played ball in college and there was a ruggedness about him that remained. Frank remembered the effect he had on people when he shook their hands at rallies during the campaign. It was always the same, the moment anyone looked at his face for the first time. Their knees would buckle slightly as if their bodies were melting. Then they’d smile and he’d laugh back, trying to make them feel at ease. The man looked like a president, even then. Like his victory, his place in time, was meant to be.

Frank and Senator Pryor were joined by Senators Barkley and Thomas, two of the boys, as they cut through the crowd heading to their seats at table 1 directly below the podium.

Senator Barkley laughed suspiciously. “We were looking for you two.”

Frank caught the glint in the senator’s eye and smiled. Then the crowd parted and he saw her. Linda had finished her edit, changed clothes and reached the table before them. But there was a man with her and they were holding hands.

“Isn’t that Jason Hardly?” Helen asked.

Frank nodded, taking the jolt, his eyes on their hands and body language. It was Hardly, someone he never would have expected.

Jason Hardly was one of the most powerful lobbyists on the Hill. He moved almost as much money here and there and back again as the Federal Reserve. He was shorter than Frank by five or six inches, older than Frank by fifteen years. His hair matched the color of his eyes, remaining brown except for a hint of gray at the temples. But he was still in good shape, and had that kind of over-groomed look only money can buy.

As Frank approached the table with Helen, Linda and Hardly turned toward them. They were anxious and had the look of being caught at something still not defined. Hardly instinctively grabbed Frank’s hand and gave it a hard squeeze.

“You look good, Frank. Real good considering it’s an election year.”

“You too, Jason.”

Frank turned to Linda, trying to hide his emotions. Her black dress hung from her shoulders by spaghetti straps.