DOMES AND TEAPOTS
Jack Scribe
This is a work of fiction. Any reference to actual persons, living
or dead, is only to enhance the fictional nature of the story and does not
suggest a particular sexual orientation. Any fictional characters’ resemblance to
actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
__________________________
Chapter
18, Two Steps Forward – One Step Back
“I
guess this goes under the category of good news – bad news.” Jerry had asked
Dex to join him for a Friday afternoon review of the Stone situation. “While
your report concerning the successful relocation to Atlanta of the boy and
his mother is positive, the initial intervention with Congressman Stone was
a bust. He absolutely denied having any involvement with a boy…ever…and told
our man to ‘fuck off’ before storming out.”
“It
seems like Stone is wrapped up in a combination of denial and deceit. I’m
glad that the Brown family is out of his reach.”
“Nobody
will ever be able to follow their trail. That should piss off the good congressman
when he has his flunkies try to find them.”
“I
added the additional evidence to the files and sent copies of everything to
Phil by messenger late this morning…as you requested.” The Chicago AOI team
had obtained copies of the boy’s medical records from the private convalescence
home. Jon Brooks had told Dex that it was best not to discuss how the files
had been obtained. “So, um, what’s next?”
“Looks
like Mandy Burns and Phil Tortello are next up in the batting circle. I asked
Phil to bring her up to speed after our man briefed her. Phil called a little
while ago and said that Mandy was very upset and, to use her exact words,
‘would chop off his balls in a nano-second if Stone tries to play her for
a fool.’
“Kyle
said she could be feisty if pushed into a corner.”
“The
only person that will be in a corner will be Stone by the time this is over.
Mandy’s setting up a meeting with him for tomorrow morning at ten and will
use her persuasive powers to convince him that resignation from Congress is
not a choice. They’ll both be in town this weekend.”
“Stone
knows what the subject will be?” Dex asked.
“Not
directly…but I’m sure he can guess. However, when the minority leader beckons,
you respond. I want you to be available with your lawyer’s hat on. When ‘push
comes to shove’ – and it will – you should be available to join the meeting,
representing AOI, and verify all the facts. Kyle was officially brought into
the loop and is aware of Phil’s involvement. In fact, Kyle will accompany
you to the minority leader’s office suite before the meeting. The plan is
for Mandy to meet with Stone and have Phil in her office as a witness. You’ll
be in a holding pattern nearby and called in if Stone is insistent on continuing
his denial.”
“Looks
like I’ve got my evening planned for me. I really want to be prepared with
a presentation that will be convincing…that we mean business.”
“Plus
filling in the rest of the pieces with Kyle. I’m sure that there is probably
a message from him when you get back to your desk. Oh, yes...if Congresswoman
Burns needs you to help tidy up things, you should plan on helping her out.
It could be here in Washington or elsewhere. She may need assistance in Chicago
and I’m assigning you to her for as long as it takes. Ah, we’re finished unless
you have something more to add?”
“Naw,
I’m fine. I…oh, by the way, I did want to mention that Kyle and I have decided
to accept Geoff Timmons’ generous offer to use that apartment over on Q Street.
Having a new place and our growing, um, relationship is perfect timing.”
“Now
that’s great news. This will make the Timmons family very happy.”
“I
better also call Phil to coordinate the meeting. This will be a big weekend.”
“And
I’m sure a successful one. Good luck, Dex”
*****
Phil
was pacing back and forth in his office in an open shirt and sport jacket
ensemble he had put on for the Saturday meeting. Before him was a more casually
dressed Kyle while Dex was in a dark blue blazer and tie. He thought the guys
made great looking couple and was proud that they had all become close friends.
‘We should all get out for dinner after this mess is concluded,’ Phil decided.
“I’d
better get out front and greet the congressman when he arrives.” Phil glanced
at his desk clock and noticed it was 9:45 a.m. “After we are in the office,
I’d appreciate you being posted outside with your files,” he said to Dex.
“If you’re needed, timing may be important to get you in the office ASAP.”
‘You
need any extra copies? I’ve got more with me.” Dex pointed to his briefcase
and furrowed his brow.
“Thanks,
but Mandy and I thoroughly reviewed all the evidence and documents that you
sent over yesterday. We have those for reference.”
“You
want me to stay in here?” Kyle asked.
“No,
after Stone gets here, you can wait with Dex at one of the desks. I don’t
want him to be distracted by seeing you guys when he arrives.” Phil looked
at his two friends who nodded affirmatively. “Well, here goes.”
Phil
exited his office, went to the reception area and swung open the main door.
He stationed himself by sitting on the edge of the receptionist’s desk and
scanned the Post’s Saturday morning front page. As he turned to the Style
section, Phil heard footsteps echoing in the hallway: leather shoe soles clicking
on the granite floor. He carefully folded the paper back into a manageable
form and stood as Congressman Augustus Stone came into his sightline.
“Good
morning, Congressman.” Phil scanned the agitated expression on Stone’s face
and noted the puffy, red eyes. ‘Probably had an intense relationship with
Jim Beam or Johnny Walker last night,’ he thought.
“Harrumph,”
Stone growled as he walked by without acknowledgement.
“She’s
expecting you,” Phil replied just a little too upbeat as he followed the natty
congressman through the empty outer office area to Mandy’s corner suite.
“Gus,
please come in and sit down. There’s coffee on the side table if you wish.”
Mandy remained seated and offered no smile or hand.
“No,
um, I think that I know what the subject of this meeting will be. If this
is about the absurdity of this boy back in Chicago, we might as well end this
charade right now.” Stone stared at her and clinched his teeth.
“Sit
down and listen to me, Sir,” Mandy said with an authoritative edge.
Phil
pulled back an armchair and motioned for Stone to be seated. He knew the man
was wound very tightly and decided that he would take a chair near Mandy in
case there were any sudden physical movements on the part of the agitated
visitor.
“Mandy,
I’m going to tell you the same thing I told Barney a couple of days ago…what
has been suggested is sheer bullshit. I didn’t have anything to do with touching
that kid. I will also say ‘fuck you’ and end this meeting. As you know, I
get along just fine in my district and don’t need you or anyone else to tell
me how to manage my affairs.” Stone grabbed the arms of his chair and gripped
them tightly.
“Let’s
get one thing straight: you walk out of here and I call a press conference
with all the major papers and cable networks. The next thing you know, in
addition to being the lead story in tomorrow’s papers, is that you’ll be served
with an arrest warrant.
“You’re
bluffing, you miserable bitch,” Stone bellowed back. I don’t have…”
“Shut
up and contemplate what I’m saying. Phil, ask Mr. Tate to come in.”
Phil
nodded and moved to the door rapidly. He looked out and said in a loud voice,
“Congressman Burns is expecting you.”
“Yes,
Sir,” Dex replied. He stood, straightened his tie, grabbed the heavy briefcase
and followed Phil into the inner sanctum.
“Congressman
Stone, this is an associate with AOI. His firm, with which I’m sure you’re
familiar, has done all the investigative work. I think the term is ‘water-tight’
with regard the evidence concerning your crime.”
“Crime?
Fuck, the boy isn’t even in school or in Chicago,” Stone shot back with rage.
“Sir,
you’re referring to the boy who was the alleged victim?” Dex asked.
“Yes…he’s
vanished.”
“Congressman,
how do you know the boy has vanished? The boy’s name has never been disclosed
to you.” Dex continued to stand and used a corner of Mandy’s desk to set his
briefcase. He slowly opened the case and pulled out several files. “Here’s
what I know.” Dex proceeded to lay out in a legal manner all the evidence.
He carefully omitted any witness names when reviewing testimony.
Phil
had never seen Dex in a professional way. This was a good friend and partner
of Kyle’s who could boogie down with the best of them in full party-mode.
This was a good friend who was his charming, effusive self at dinner. This
was a good friend who had survived a serious, life-threatening situation this
past summer. And now…this was a good friend and Alpha brother who was expertly
cutting to shreds any remaining conceit and false bravado of the cowering
person sitting in front of them. He looked at Mandy and silently nodded. Mandy
smiled slightly and nodded back.
“And
so, Congressman Stone, I believe the decision is yours to make. My advice
is, if the offer to resign is still on the table, quietly take it and go.
The evidence has been thoroughly reviewed by our senior legal department and
AOI stands behind the documents. By the way, the boy is safe in another state.”
Dex paused for a moment before continuing, “If you do resign and avoid any
trial, there is still one more thing to discuss.”
“Um,
ah…and that is…” Stone said with a small voice.
“Billy
will need funds to continue his education through college. You will be expected
to deposit enough money into a special account so that his needs for education,
clothing and books will be covered for the next several years. In addition,
the boy needs counseling to deal with the psychological damage you inflicted.”
“How
much?”
“We’re
looking at a minimum $300,000, deposited Monday in a special account at the
Northern Trust. The account number is on the agreement.”
“You
can’t…”
“We
can, Sir.” Dex loudly enunciated the last word. “From what we can gather,
300 grand is ‘chump change’ for you. But we are prepared to back up Congressman
Burns’ allegations at her press conference later this afternoon…if that’s
the route you choose.”
“You
seem very confident, Mr. Tate.” Stone tried to muster one final offense but
couldn’t create any energy in his voice and body language. He slumped back
in his seat and sighed.
“Here
are the documents that you need to sign concerning your agreement to these
conditions in contributing to the fund for the boy. If you renege, on Monday
by noontime, Washington time, the F.B.I. will be involved. I also assume that
Ms. Burns’ plan to inform the press is not an empty promise.”
“Gus,
my advice is to sign the document and plan on submitting your resignation
today. You can put whatever spin you want on it but I want you to announce
this no later than 3:00 p.m. I expect to read about this in tomorrow’s Sunday
Trib.” Mandy leaned forward and clasped her hands.
“Alright,
alright. I’ll sign the fucking agreement.” Stone grabbed a pen from the desk
and rapidly scribbled his signature at the bottom on each of the three copies.
Mandy and Phil both signed as witnesses.
“I
will be calling the mayor to discuss your sudden resignation and review potential
candidates to run for your vacated seat. One final word of advice. I wouldn’t
get too cozy with your alderman and police gofers because I plan on letting
the mayor know about the few rotten apples involved in this disgrace. However,
everything will be very quiet and they will all go down. Probably a good time
for you to enjoy that beautiful home I understand you have in Puerto Vallarta.”
“Are
we through? I…I’ve got some things to do.” Stone slowly rose from his chair
and took a copy of the agreement.
“We’ll
issue a statement around 4:00 p.m. that will be polite and very vague,” Mandy
said while remaining in her seat. “You have the funds transferred into the
account by noon on Monday.”
Stone
glared at the three people in the office, turned about and walked out of the
office with his head down.
“That
was very difficult. But it was made easier by your skillful assistance, Mr.
Tate.” Mandy stood, turned on the Burns winning smile and extended her hand.
“Knowing
what that man did to the young boy was motivation enough.” Dex walked over
to the desk and took Mandy’s hand and added, “But, in the final analysis,
I was just doing my job.”
“And
a job well done.” Phil walked over and patted Dex on his back. “I suppose
that there’s no harm in adding that Dex Tate shares a special place with certain
people in this office. We are friends and…”
Just
then Kyle walked in and said, “That was one upset, defeated man who just left.”
Kyle grinned broadly. “Can I assume that the mission was accomplished?”
“Mission
definitely accomplished. But I am curious about Dex’s connection with my office.
Phil eluded to something in that order just as you came in, Kyle.”
“Well,
um…Dex is…ah, my boyfriend and partner.” A reddening complexion slowly flushed
Kyle’s smiling face. “The most important person in my life.”
“Dex,
I guess that ‘welcome to the family’ is definitely in order. Come over here
and give me a big hug.” Mandy opened her arms and Dex walked around the desk
for the ‘official’ embrace. “Thank you for the very thorough investigation
and presentation. After the elections, we will definitely have to enjoy a
dinner together…on me.”
“We
would like that very much.” Dex walked over to his partner and firmly grabbed
Kyle’s hand.
“But
first we still have some work to do on this situation. Would you be available
to meet with the mayor in Chicago on Monday? I need you to give me a thorough
review of the investigation you supervised.”
“Mr.
Sebastian made it very clear that I was to be in your service, M’am. It means
that I’ll probably need to travel tomorrow.”
“Kyle,
would you make arrangements for Dex. Book two seats – first class – to Chicago
tomorrow and a room at the Four Seasons. I’ve got discretionary funds to handle
that.”
“Two
seats? Kyle asked with a questioning frown.
“In
case he needs press liaison, I think that you should accompany him. Don’t
you agree, Phil?”
“It’s
a very wise decision. And I’d like for Dex and Kyle to meet a couple of friends
of mine…if they have time.”
“Oh,
I think that they should plan on returning sometime Tuesday or Wednesday.
That’ll give them a chance to meet with the mayor, give him a thorough rundown
and see a little of Chicago.”
“Congresswoman
Burns, I think I’m going to enjoy wrapping up the operation at this end,”
Dex said with a smile. “I’ve gotten pretty used to packing on short notice.”
“Very
well, then.” Mandy returned to her desk and picked up the phone. After consulting
with her Blackberry, she dialed a number on her desk phone. “Ah, good morning.
This is Mandy Burns. May I speak with the mayor?”
*****
While
Dex and Kyle waited at Reagan National to board the American Airlines shuttle
for Chicago, they read the Sunday papers. The Trib and Sun-Times treated the
sudden resignation of Congressman Augustus Stone as the lead story while others
used it as front-page ‘top of the fold’ news.
“It’s
not surprising that neither Chicago paper was very disappointed that Stone
was resigning. He was one of those political embarrassments who just kept
getting elected. I guess the bottom line is that he brought home the ‘bacon’
for his district and the constituents turned their head at his excesses,”
Dex said.
“The
asshole should feel fortunate that he’s not being frog-walked by the F.B.I.
in front of TV cameras. I loved the hypocrisy of his statement saying that
he wanted time to spend with his family. Ha…I’m sure enjoying a few boys for
hire in Puerto Vallarta is more like it. From what I understand, his wife
lives in Chicago and makes herself available for public outings.” Kyle just
shook his head.
“The
charade of the wife is just for the consumption of the local evangelical churches.
And then he had the gall to vote against gay issues. What a crock of bullshit.”
“From
what I keep hearing, there are other congressmen and a senator who live double
lives while they’re voting against any legislation that is supportive of the
gay community.”
“It’ll
catch up with them someday. There’s a guy with a blog who loves to ‘out’ guys
like this. He’s even after gay staffers who work for right wing congressmen.”
“I
just would have liked to see Stone prosecuted for raping that kid,” Kyle said
with just a little irritation in his voice.
“We’d
all like to see him fried. But a trial would’ve meant our witnesses – Billy
Brown and Dr. Bennett, among them – being dragged into an unwanted spotlight.
It would have been too long and messy. By the way, I’ll probably be spending
most of the morning and lunch with the mayor, tomorrow. What are you going
to do?”
“I’m
going to get together with a couple of buddies from college for lunch somewhere
in the Loop. Between meeting Phil’s contacts and sightseeing, you and I will
have plenty of time afterwards. I’ve also got a few press liaison things to
do over the next couple of days so we’re ‘stuck’ in Chicago until Wednesday.”
“Being
‘stuck’ is hardly the case. I’ve already given AOI my schedule and the boss
is fine with it. We’ve got to make room for the architectural cruise up the
Chicago River. And I definitely want to check out the Frank Lloyd Wright studio
and home in Oak Park. Is that okay?”
“They’re
both a must and the weather is supposed to be very warm this week. Funny…what
we called ‘Indian summer’ as a boy we now refer to as global warming,” Kyle
said with a laugh. “Seriously, if Mandy does become Speaker of the House after
the elections, maybe we can get the Kyoto Initiatives back on the table.”
“From
what I hear, it appears that a sea change in Congress is coming up with you
guys taking the driver’s seat. Your life is going to be very busy if this
comes about.”
“Our
polls show that the likely voters are really pissed about the Iraq war…and
the corruption issue is something that’s not going away. Mandy’s cautiously
positive that this could translate into a victory for us. But it’s only the
last week of September and they always talk about an ‘October surprise.’ I’m
sure the GOP has got something up their sleeves.”
“The
surprise can work both ways, buddy. I mean, um, I told you about a blog concerning
this guy Foley from Florida and these strange emails that he sent to an ex-congressional
page. What I read just bordered on being inappropriate for an adult – especially
a congressman – to be saying to someone underage.”
“I
guess it goes under the category of ‘stay tuned.’ When we get back home, I’ll
mention this blog to Phil and Mandy. Even though Foley is a Republican, Mandy
wouldn’t mind cleaning someone’s clock if behavior like this has gone unchecked.”
“She’s
going to be a big influence in Congress for a long time. I just wish I could
vote for her.”
“Babe,
I’ve got a few vacant lots with addresses if you want to register and vote
in Chicago.” Kyle winked and squeezed Dex’s arm.”
“Naw,
she doesn’t need any help from me. Plus I need to add my vote to the new guy
running for mayor in the District.”
“Oh,
by the way, Phil mentioned something unusual to me when I spoke with him this
morning. He wants me to have lunch with Mac and him next Friday. There’s a
guy from the Vice President’s office – um, a Toby something or other – that’ll
join us.”
“Ah,
yes…that would be Toby McGill. He heads up the legal staff.” Dex looked at
Kyle and shrugged in a non-committal manner.
Wonder what that’s all about?”
“Sounds
like Phil has something planned. Maybe it’s just some bridge building with
the administration? My advice is to go with the flow.”
“I
guess you’re right. If Mandy does become Speaker, having contacts with the
other side could be useful.”
“Very
useful,” Dex replied with a passive tone in his voice. He looked up when the
gate agent announced that they were ready to board first class passengers
and those needing special assistance. “Babe, looks like our Chicago adventure
is ready to get underway.”
As
promised, Phil arranged for Dex and Kyle to meet his friends, Jerry Franklin
and Bill Saunders. In turn, they arranged for a casual dinner on Monday night
that included Dr. Russ Bennett and Trev Winston. The ‘six degrees of separation’
had definitely provided new pals in the Windy City.
Dex
had an instructive and productive meeting and a working lunch with the Mayor
at City Hall. Afterwards, he sat in the Mayor’s office and listened with awe
as the wily politician barked orders to underlings on the telephone. By the
time he left the office to join Kyle, heads had rolled and patronage had been
snatched away. It was definitely a case of pigs flying or a cold day in hell
for one certain alderman’s pet projects and protected crony city jobs. In
the police department, sudden demotions and retirements were quietly executed.
As far as a casual observer could see, it was only ‘business as usual’ in
Chicago.
Tuesday
night they decided to have a simple dinner in their small suite at the Four
Seasons. One of Kyle’s fraternity brothers was now a manager at the hotel
and had been able to upgrade their reservations at no extra charge. Dessert
was consumed in a large Jacuzzi. While the warm water quietly pulsated a pleasurable
rhythm, the two men lay together – Dex with his back against the chest of
his partner – with glasses of French bubbly in their hands. A plate of chocolate-dipped
strawberries and macaroons sat on the ledge.
“Hon,
I guess this is as close to a honeymoon as we’re going to have,” Kyle said
in a whisper into Dex’s ear. His free hand casually stroked Dex’s stomach.
“Yeah,
our own mini-bridal suite.” Dex snickered and moved closer into Kyle’s chest.
“That was really nice of your friend. I enjoyed meeting him for cocktails
when we got back from Oak Park.”
“The
next time we get back here, we’ll meet more of my old friends and get to know
the new guys better.”
“Although
I think that any travels to Chicago should wait until springtime.”
“Brrrr,
I know what you mean,” Kyle replied. “Plus we’ve got a big project coming
up with the move. I’m really anxious to get settled in the new place.”
“I’m
planning on giving my 30-day notice when we return. I figure that we can use
the entire month of October schlepping stuff from our apartments. I can borrow
an AOI panel van for the big stuff.”
“It’s
great that we don’t have to rush. This election is going to keep me busy and
you’ll probably have a new project very soon.”
“Babe,
this is going to last for a long time. There’s no reason to rush.” Dex set
down his champagne flute and gently took Kyle’s away from his hand. He rotated
around so that he could kiss his partner while exploring the lower regions
of a vulnerable, willing body.
“Especially
what you’re doing down there,” Kyle said. He placed his hand on the back of
Dex’s head and pulled him closer. “But why don’t we dry off and continue our
‘discussion’ in the bedroom?”
“Um,
I think that I’m looking forward to this discussion.” Dex slowly rose and
helped Kyle stand up. Once steady, he took the two champagne flutes and offered
one to Kyle. “Here’s a toast to our future. Let’s face the challenges and
rewards of a relationship together.”
“Here’s
to the next chapter of our lives.” Kyle lifted his glass and lightly touched
Dex’s glass.
“I’ll
drink to that.”
____________________________
Two months later…
Dex
and Kyle were putting the final touches for Thanksgiving dinner at their new
apartment on Q Street. They had completed the move earlier in the month and
decided this was an ideal time to invite Phil and Mac: a combination housewarming
gathering and holiday feast.
By
the time the computers, books, museum poster art, photographs and other personal
possessions were in place, the Q Street dwelling had become the semblance
of a home. However, Geoff Timmons’ gift of a certificate to purchase original
art at the District Fine Arts gallery allowed the residence to become ‘their‘
home. Dex and Kyle carefully selected a variety of pieces, representing emerging
artists using oil, watercolor and mixed media, to hang on the mostly-bare
first floor walls.
“Great
smells in here, babe,” Dex said as he walked into the kitchen from the living
room. It was 4:00 p.m.; Phil and Mac were expected in an hour. He had been
stocking the wet bar and getting the fireplace ready.
“I’m
just following all the instructions from Whole Foods.” Kyle had convinced
Dex that they should take a foolproof route and order dinner from the nearby
specialty food store’s catering department. “Everything is ready to be re-heated
while the turkey finishes roasting around five. I figure that we’ll have a
cocktail and sit down around 5:30 p.m. You’re goin’ to carve…right?”
“Yep.
The Tate legacy of butchering the bird has been passed on from father to son.
Sharp knives, hopefully no finger cuts and definitely no jokes about ‘how
you like your meat’.” Dex smiled and kissed Kyle on the neck.
“I’ll
save that for later.”
“I’m
glad we made an emergency run over to Crate and Barrel for some larger serving
platters and dishes,” Dex added. They had previously made a serious dent into
their household budget by adding to and upgrading the existing basic china,
glassware and flatware inventory.
“We’ve
definitely gone beyond pizza and nuked dinners for one. Maybe we can plan
on an official housewarming party after the first of the year and invite all
of our friends?” Kyle removed the foil from the turkey and closed the oven
door.
“Probably
should make a date soon. With Mandy now the Speaker of the House, we’ve got
to get our bid in early.” Dex smiled and thought about Kyle’s excitement when
the Democrats creamed the GOP at the polls three weeks earlier. He was even
prouder when Kyle was officially appointed to the position of press secretary.
Phil was now the Director of Communications.
“I’d
say after the State of the Union address. Gotta make sure everyone’s going
to be in town.” Kyle put the sausage, apple and raisin stuffing in the warming
oven, along with the creamed spinach and the maple sweet potatoes. “These
will be ready when we sit down.”
When
the doorbell rang an hour later, Dex and Kyle were relaxing in the living
room with a glass of chardonnay, lazily watching the crackling fire in the
fireplace. They both went to the entry and opened the door.
“Welcome
to our home,” Dex said when Phil and Mac walked inside. The two couples exchanged
hugs and light kisses. “Let me take your coats.” It was typical late fall
weather and there was a moist chill in the air.
“Whoa,
this place is terrific,” Phil said when he walked further into the apartment.
“I guess I don’t have to tell you that you really found a fantastic home.”
“We’re
getting a consideration on the rent for managing the other apartment units.”
Kyle hung the coats in the entry closet and continued, “Come on in and order
your poison. The bar is pretty well stocked.”
“I’ll
make drinks and give you a tour, if you’d like,” Dex added. He observed that
Kyle’s casual, throwaway line about the rent consideration seemed to satisfy
their guests.
“A
tour…definitely…and a glass of white wine. This is a great neighborhood and
not too far from my place. Phil and I hope to find something in this area.”
“If
the two of us can find time. We’ve pretty much decided to wait until late
winter before we start looking.” Phil walked into the living room and smiled
when he saw the glowing fireplace. “Since we’re doing the bird thing, I’ll
have white wine for the evening.”
“Speaking
of birds…go ahead without me. I’ve got a few finishing things to do for dinner.
Check the joint out and I’ll see you guys in the living room.”
Dex
poured two glasses of wine for their guests and topped off Kyle’s and his
glasses. Kyle took his wine and went back to the kitchen while the others
walked upstairs to the second floor spaces.
“Okay,
who’d you have to blow to get a bathroom like that?” Mac asked when they all
had regrouped after the tour. Mac was sitting with Phil on the couch while
Dex occupied a large, overstuffed chair.
“Guess
the owner just has good taste in that area,” Kyle said with a laugh as he
entered the living room. “You two must stay over some night just to experience
the shower.” He sat down on the arm of Dex’s chair and placed his hand on
his partner’s shoulder.
“The
four of us in the shower? Rather hedonistic, don’t you think?” Phil replied.
“Or am I just being prudish?”
“In
your dreams, Mr. Tortello. I’ve got my hands full with your associate.” Dex
reached up and squeezed Kyle’s thigh. “And word on the street is that you’ve
got your hands all over a certain White House lawyer.”
“Who’ll
be definitely out of a job in a couple of years. By that time, maybe Phil
will be working at 1600. Mandy’s profile is pretty high.” Mac looked at his
hosts, raised his glass and took a sip.
“Between
Hillary, Barack Obama and Mandy…that’s pretty heavy-duty artillery,” Dex said.
“Unless, of course, the Dems don’t end up cannibalizing each other and eating
their first born.”
“We’ve
hopefully learned our lesson about broadening the tent and being more middle-of-the-road.”
Phil placed his arm around Mac and continued, “There’s a little thing called
Iraq that has to be dealt with…first. The neocons pushed Dubya into the war
and we’ve got to figure out how to get the hell outta there. Except for Mandy
and a few others, most of our leaders are too busy sticking their finger into
the wind to get a read on public reaction.”
“Seems
that everyone’s looking to the Baker-Hamilton committee for all the answers.
Just more C.Y.A. maneuvers from our esteemed Congress. Talk about a gutless
group…on both sides,” Mac said, shaking his head.
And ‘43’ is primarily concerned about salvaging
some sort of legacy.” Phil held Mac tighter. “It’s going to be a tough couple of years.”
“Wouldn’t
be surprised if he tries to blame the whole mess on Cheney.” Kyle stood and
walked across the room before continuing, “I’m going to retrieve the turkey
and all the trimmings. Give me five minutes and come into the dining room.”
“Five
minutes, it is. We don’t want to piss off the chef.” Dex looked at Kyle fondly
and quietly said, “Thanks, babe. I’ll light the candles just before we sit
down.”
Banter
continued about the events leading up to the election results with neither
Phil gloating nor Mac being remorseful. The consensus was that the Republicans
completely turned off the ‘swing’ independents and right wing party faithful
by the disgraceful performance of the past four years.
“Iraq
aside, Katrina was a wake-up call that all was not right,” Phil said. “Add
that to the corrupting influence of the lobbyists and the Foley fiasco…voila,
the voters revolt.”
“Then,
as a sideshow, we get the sanctimonious Reverend Ted and his troubles with
the male hooker spread over the news the weekend before the election.” Dex
shrugged and shook his head. “And the prostitute wasn’t even cute.”
“The
shame is that the lobbyists on K Street are still in business; they’re just
changing parties,” Mac added.
“Bill
Clinton said the other night that we – the Democrats – were not given a mandate;
we were given a chance. The question is: do we compromise with the president
to achieve something? Or lay out an agenda to run on in the 2008 campaign?”
Phil looked at Mac and shrugged.
“I
suspect it will be a little of both. The bigger question is whether my boss
will really compromise? The Vice President still has Dubya’s ear.” Mac winked
and took a sip of his wine.
Out
of the corner of his eye Dex saw Kyle bring out the turkey and nod. “Guys,
the man with the bird has given me the high sign…and it’s not ‘the bird’.”
He stood up and gestured for Phil and Mac to proceed to the dining room. While the guests found their seats, Dex lit
the votive candles and dimmed the overhead lighting.
Dex
looked around and smiled at the table laden with traditional, delectable Thanksgiving
fare, surrounded by his closest brothers. It was only fitting that Kyle and
he had their two best friends as the first to cross the threshold of their
home. ‘This is an evening that has moved our friendship to a new level,’ he
thought. What started as a casual – planned and unplanned – meeting at a local
bar last spring had grown into a lasting bond that would probably stand the
test of time…regardless of politics du jour.
He
extended his arms in a silent signal that everyone should hold hands until
the circle was complete. Before bowing his head to offer grace, he smiled
with satisfaction as he noted the sparkle of the gold, tiger’s eye stone rings
on each of the men at the table.
‘We’ve
come a long way…but we’ve got a long way to go,’ Dex thought as he closed
his eyes.
__________________________
THE
END
A
very special acknowledgement to Drew for encouraging me to tell a better story
through his edits and suggestions. And a big thanks to Brad for his patient
proofreading and editing. Finally, a shout-out to Emoe for the final tweaks
to get the story ‘just right.’