CHAPTER 20
Washington, D.C.
Gideon glided through the bustling halls of the U.S. Capitol behind Senator Robert Kensington. He adjusted his posture to look meek, unimportant. In these halls, the unimportant were given less attention than the furniture.
Kensington, however, pulled attention to himself like a moth to a flame. He greeted the people who passed with a nod or smile. Tall with a large, open face, he was the perfect personification of the Washington politician: navy tailored suit, hair graying at the temples, a smile for every constituent, blue eyes that could convey sincerity, anger, or righteous indignation at the drop of a hat. The living embodiment of Machiavelli’s creed: Men in general judge more from appearances than reality. How foolish.
Kensington stopped to chat with another senator, an obnoxious woman from Georgia. Gideon settled himself against a wall to wait.
He peered up at the Capitol Dome and the Apotheosis of Washington, painted by Constantino Brumidi. People zipped passed him, but he paid them no heed now. Adorning the eye of the rotunda, the fresco depicted George Washington rising to heaven. George Washington was immortalized as if he were a god.
The fresco always caused a small burn in Gideon’s chest. A human as a god. There was no end to their arrogance.
But even Gideon had to admit he could feel the power of the building. Power that had been wielded by men since the birth of this country.
Kensington glanced back at him. With a haughty tilt of his head, he indicated that Gideon should follow.
Gideon imagined smashing him into Washington's face above. The image tamped down his anger at the man's imperious manner. He sighed. It was only a short while longer until this farce would be at an end.
“Robert.”
Gideon glanced behind him and saw Frederick Santolt, the chairman of Kensington’s party, walking towards them. Freddy, as he liked to be called, always portrayed a down-home charm that went over well with the media and constituents. Behind the scenes, however, Freddy was a shark who made all the other politicians look like guppies. And, Gideon knew, he was the man who held the keys to Kensington’s dream.
Kensington turned on his full watt smile. “Freddy, how’re you doing? Great speech on the union measure.”
Freddy grasped his hand in a firm handshake and placed his other hand on Kensington’s bicep, his “I’m your buddy” shake. Gideon noticed Kensington’s shoulders stiffen in response. And for good reason. Freddy only employed the buddy handshake when he was delivering bad news.
Well, this should be entertaining. Gideon glided closer to the pair.
“I’m glad I ran into you,” Freddy drawled, somehow pulling off a Texas accent even though he had been born and bred in Boston. “Just got off the phone with a few of our big sponsors. They’re very excited about the upcoming election. They think we have a real shot.”
“I’m glad. I think it’s our turn.”
“Indeed, indeed.” Freddy replied. Gideon barely avoided grimacing at the man’s conversational mainstay. “That’s, in fact, what I wanted to talk to you about. I know you have aspirations for the higher office.”
“Well, I think we all dream of that job one day. I just hope I’m worthy.” Kensington provided the expected diplomatic response. God, these exchanges were tedious.
Freddy beamed and nodded. “Absolutely. But we think that next time round, John Michaels is going to be the golden boy. He’s young, handsome, ambitious. The media just go nuts over him and he’s made quite a name for himself with his budget proposal. He’s really our rising star and we need to capitalize on that.”
Kensington’s face and voice gave nothing away. “John’s an incredible asset for our party. He’s done some great things.”
“Indeed, indeed,” Freddy said again. “We’re trying to get the whole party behind him and really put up a united front. Can we count on you?”
Kensington gave Freddy his most sincere look. “Whatever’s best for the party, you know that.”
Freddy clapped him on the shoulder. “Knew we could count on you. Let’s set up a round of golf sometime in the next month. Have your assistant call mine to arrange it.”
“Will do.” Kensington replied as Freddy turned and headed back down the hall.
Gideon could feel the anger flowing from Kensington as he watched Freddy leave.
He turned and glared at Gideon. “Follow me.”
Kensington led him through a series of hallways until they ended up in an empty conference room.
Gideon closed the door behind them, abandoning all pretense of submissiveness. “Problem, Robert?”
“Problem? Did you hear that prick? Michaels is a boy. He’s only in his second term as senator. He hasn’t paid his dues yet. It’s my turn.” He whirled around and paced the room. “You need to pick up the pace at the site. I need results sooner. I need something to show them.
“We’re already working the men through the night. They’ll pass away that much quicker if we pick up the pace.”
“I don’t give a damn,” he growled. “Work them all through the night for all I care. They can always be replaced. One thing America will never run out of is criminals. Make it happen, Gideon.” He stormed out of the room.
Gideon watched him go, his eyes narrowed. If Kensington didn’t have all the necessary connections, Gideon would crush him like a bug. But he was right about picking up the pace. This was taking way too long.
His phone rang. Speaking of which…
“Paul. I take it our little situation is now under control?”
“Not quite.”
“Not quite?” he echoed, disbelief coating his words. “Are you telling me she’s still alive?”
“She’s proven quite resourceful. But I’ll have her by the evening.”
“Well, make it quick. The longer she’s out there, the greater the risk.”
“I’ll handle it my way.” Paul’s words were covered in a layer of ice.
Gideon stared at the ceiling and blew out a breath. Paul’s ego was damaged. He would need to beat McPhearson in a satisfying way, which meant not quick. Damn.
“Where is she right now?”
“At the police station.”
Gideon glanced at his watch. “She’ll probably be there for a few hours. Keep her under surveillance. I have a plane waiting at the airport. I can be there in two hours. Don’t move on her until I get there.”
“There’s no need for that, brother. I can handle her.”
Gideon smiled. “I have no doubt of that. I just feel the need for a little fun.”